8 Reasons You Should Start Knitting

Knitting is no longer the extreme sport of only grandmothers. As DIY crafts have wriggled their way back into mainstream American households, knitting has gained popularity among those outside of nursing homes. If you've been thinking of picking up knitting but aren't so sure if you want to yet, here are a few reasons that might point you in the right direction.

1) Knitting is relaxing

Anyone who has ever picked up two needles and a ball of yarn knowns that knitting is one of the most calming things to do ... after you've fully mastered the basic knitting and purls, of course. It's easy to do while watching TV or perhaps your child's soccer game, basically any time you can find to wind down a little. I used to knit in class lectures and while it sounds like it was probably distracting, it actually kept me calm and focused on the lesson! Anyone with a high stress life can appreciate an activity that helps you unwind, and especially type A personalities will feel even calmer knowing they're producing something while regrouping!

2) By knitting, you can help many people easily

There are many charities that always appreciate knitted goods. One such group is Afghans for Angels, which collects small baby blankets for the families of stillborn babies to hold their "angels" in before they have to say goodbye forever to them. There are many other charitable organizations that love receiving donations of blankets and other knitted items, like hats for cancer patients who have lost their hair. With an activity you can do in your spare time, you can make a real difference in someone's life.

3) Knitting is an easy way to make gifts for others

Ask almost anyone and they will tell you they love presents, especially ones that come from the heart. There is no better way to give something from the heart than to knit your friend or loved one a scarf or bag in their favorite color. Each time they put on or use the piece of art, they will think of you, and know that you care just that much more!

4) Knitting is an easy way to make money

If you have an hour you can spare out of your day, you can whip up a few crafts that you can sell on the Internet or to friends. If winter is coming up, knit a few simple scarves in different colors and sell them online, or take special orders from friends and family when you have moved on to more complicated projects like hats, gloves, or purses. People are willing to buy your items because they know they have a one-of-a-kind garment!

5) Knitting is an easy way to feel accomplished

There is nothing more fulfilling than mastering a new skill. With knitting, most skills are easy and take only a little while to learn very interesting techniques that can make your work even more beautiful. Once you finish with your first knitted project, you'll know how proud of a moment it is to show off what YOU made to others who will be impressed with your resourcefulness.

6) Knitting is a good way to connect with others

There are many knitting groups everywhere around the US. Simply look online to find one near you and then head out with your needles to make some new friends! Since knitting doesn't consume mass amounts of brain activity, while you knit you can talk with others and get to know new, fun people with similar interests as you! You can even blog about your knitting experience and join the many others who do the same thing.

7) Knitting is a good boredom buster

If your project is small enough, you can carry it with you pretty much anywhere. Knitting, unless it is with a loom, is a relatively compact hobby to have, and if you keep a ball of yarn and your needles in your purse, you will be ready to knit anywhere boredom strikes, be it in the waiting room at the doctor's office, waiting for someone to show up, or while watching a really boring movie at the movie theater.

8) Knitting is easy to learn

Either go pick up a book on knitting, join a knitting class, or ask someone else who knows to teach you, and soon you'll be knitting with ease! Knitting is repetitive and therefore very simple to master. While it may be a little frustrating at first, once you get the hang of it, you won't know why you ever had doubts about doing it! The Stitch N' Bitch series is a great place to start learning to knit.

Knitting, overall, is a great hobby to pick up, and once started, a hard habit to break. There are many other reasons to pick up this activity, so find out for yourself! Get knitting!