Category: Blog

Last month, it was National Recycle Week. This has prompted me to write about how, as crafters, we can be environmentally friendly, while still enjoying our hobbies to the full.

Why choose natural fibres?

All the yarn I use and sell within Yarny Bees, is made from natural fibres. I have consciously made the decision not to use man-made fibres within my business. This is because almost all of them are made from plastics, which, when washed, release microfibres into the water system. My feeling is that there is enough of this going on around the world, without me adding to it! 

The brand I have chosen to stock, Drops, have a great reputation for being sustainable and fair. I also love that their pricing makes them accessible to most people, allowing good quality, natural yarns a place in the market, to compete against the cheaper acrylic and polyester blends.

What are the other benefits of choosing natural fibres and skin-friendly dyes?   

Although sustainability and concern for the environment are important factors in yarn choice, there are other reason to choose natural fibres too. It’s important that our clothing is comfortable. Man-made fibres can cause irritation or friction for people suffering with skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis.

‘Polyester, acrylics, rayon and nylon are common fibers that can have a negative impact on people with skin conditions. These fibers are hydrophobic and tend to trap moisture which can irritate your skin……. The interaction between textiles and skin has led many brands to improve their sustainability standards by designing garments that are healthy for your skin microbiome.’  (today.com)

Another consideration is to avoid the use of toxic dyes, which can also be harmful to the skin. Companies like my supplier, Drops, make it their priority to use suppliers who have OEKO-TEX standard 100 certification, which confirms that ecological practices are in place for the safety of textile products.

More about my supplier

I buy the yarns I use and sell, from Drops Designs, as they have a strict code of conduct, which fits with my values, beliefs and principles. They are a company who seek to support sustainability, protect the environment and respect animal and human rights. They are meticulous about their choices, examples of which can be found on their website, including:

‘We focus on wool from South America where it is guaranteed that the sheep are not subject to mulesing. We have chosen not to source our wool from Australia because we know mulesing occurs there and we avoid controversial fibres, such as angora, because of the way the animals are treated. (Drops Designs)

Recycling hand-knitted and crocheted items   

Recycling isn’t just aboutbottle banks, green bins and charity shops. One of the things Ilove aboutknitting and crocheting items, is the ability to re-use the wool, when my children grow out of their knitted jumpers, or if I change my mind mid-project or later!

Creating a style of my own

With fashions ever-changing, the waste created and the impact that has on the environment is immense. I love creating my own patterns and clothes, which I will treasure for years and which will never be out of fashion; pieces which reflect my personality and colour choices and coordinate with my staple bought items. Through Yarny Bees, I provide high quality, natural and sustainable yarn and patterns, to help others to do the same. Here is the link: https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/make-yourself/

Craft Hive

If you’d like a bit of company while you are crafting, I also run Craft Hive in-person groups in Lichfield and an on-line Craft Hive group too, as I love to meet like-minded crafters. Here are the links, for more information and to join: https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/craft-hive/

Check out my next blog post, for last-minute craft-based ideas for Christmas gifts and decorations.    

References

‘Sustainability’ Drops Design

https://www.garnstudio.com/sustainability.php?cid=19#:~:text=Our%20assortments%20are%20for%20the,are%20not%20subject%20to%20mulesing.

Article from today.com by Jannely Espinal, December 2021 https://www.today.com/shop/best-fabrics-fibers-sensitive-skin-t242078

There has been a recent increase in the popularity of knitting and crocheting, since the start of the pandemic and lockdowns. I’m enjoying watching this upward trend, as I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits that they can bring. This is because knitting and crocheting are not just fun hobbies, they can also have a positive effect on your mental and physical health too, at all stages of your life.

Needlecraft has been scientifically proven to help to manage a variety of mental and physical health conditions and getting together with others while you craft, can be even more beneficial.

‘Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to wellbeing and quality of life,’ (The British Journal of Occupational Therapy)

‘data suggests that crochet offers positive benefits for personal wellbeing with many respondents actively using crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain.’ (Perspectives in Public Health)

How does crafting help with mindfulness and stress release?

Mindfulness involves being fully immersed in the present and switching off from external pressures. Both knitting and crocheting require attention and focus, keeping your hands and your mind occupied at the same time and enabling you to achieve flow. Mindfulness occurs as a natural side-effect of knitting and crocheting and many people find needlecraft more accessible and easier to practise, than more conventional forms of meditation, such as yoga.

Crafting is great for relieving stress, as it helps you to wind down, subconsciously process your day and focus on something you enjoy doing.

It was great for me, when I was a teacher in a special school, as it allowed me to fully switch off after work. It’s also a great way for me to unwind now too, after my boys have gone to bed.

What are the benefits of crafting for menopausal women?

The following symptoms are commonly experienced by women going through the menopause or perimenopause:

Hot flushes; sleep problems; mood swings; digestive problems; weight gain

All of these symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, as it can put pressure on the nervous system, keep us awake and cause us to crave unhealthy foods.

Crafting, especially crafting with others, can reduce stress and boost the natural production of serotonin. This is a hormone that helps to regulate our mood and sleep patterns and reduces cravings and it is beneficial to both men and women.

How can knitting help with memory loss and retrieval?

The increased attention to detail when following complex knitting patterns, can help to build up more neural pathways, reducing the risk of dementia.

‘Knitting has been found to have a positive impact on cognitive function and memory retention. The intricate patterns, counting stitches, and following instructions require concentration and mental agility. These activities help exercise and strengthen neural pathways, potentially slowing down cognitive decline.’ (Alzheimer’s Lab)

‘Knitting can help delay memory loss. A Mayo Clinic Study has shown that activities such as knitting, reading and quilting along with other social activities in midlife can help cut the risk that people would develop memory loss in their 70s or 80s by more than one-third.’  (Canadian Living)

I knit and crochet because I love it, but knowing that I’m helping my future self too, is a big bonus.

Have you been to one of our Craft Hive sessions yet?

Crafting together, either online or in-person, is a great way to meet like-minded people, share tips and patterns and enjoy a chat, while crocheting or knitting. I set up Craft Hive to facilitate this, both online and in my local area of Lichfield. I really enjoy the sessions myself too, as I’ve always found that crocheting calms my mind and I love the social element as well. If you’d like to know more about Craft Hive and the sessions available, please see https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/craft-hive/

So, next time you find yourself wondering whether you should be spending time knitting or crocheting, have a re-read of this, to remind yourself that it’s an investment in your health and time well spent.

References

‘The Benefits of Knitting for Personal and Social Wellbeing in Adulthood: Findings from an International Survey’ British Journal of Occupational Therapy

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077

‘Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing,’ P. Burns and R. Van Der Meer

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1757913920911961

‘Knitting and Dementia: A Therapeutic Thread of Hope’

by Ryan Wilson, July 1, 2023, Alzheimer’s Lab

https://www.alzheimerslab.com/knitting-and-dementia/

‘Can Knitting Delay Memory Loss and Help You Manage Anxiety?’ Canadian Living

https://www.canadianliving.com/health/article/can-knitting-delay-memory-loss-and-help-you-manage-anxiety

Once a year, in June, we celebrate Worldwide Knit In Public Day! I love it, as it’s an excuse for me to get my craft on and show more people.

Here’s some photos of me, and others, enjoying our crafts out in public!

Have you ever celebrated Wordwide Knit In Public Day?

Trigger warning: talk of mental health struggles, including self-harm.

Throughout my life I have always been creative and crafty. Along with reading, craft has been an escape for me, going back to my childhood.

During my university life, I used knitting as a way of forgetting about the looming deadlines and switching off my brain from the mathematical proofs I was working on. (Did you know I have a Masters in mathematics!?) And often I would find that focusing on something else for a while would allow me to have the breakthroughs I needed to continue with the maths.

Following my degree, I launched myself into teacher training and found that I needed craft in my life more than ever. It became a respite, and a way to wind down before bed. Without my daily crafting I would be unable to get to sleep, which resulted in a tired and grumpy Becci – not conducive to a great teacher!

I continued to knit, and crochet my way through my teaching career, using it to help my mind switch off and subconsciously process the challenges of the days. Working in a special school, every day was different and it was essential to almost wipe the slate clean at the end of the day.

After several years of teaching, we decided to start a family. Becoming a mum was something I had dreamed about for years. When I got pregnant, I felt like I was fulfilling my purpose in life and I was so excited to start a new chapter of my story.

It became very clear though, just a couple of weeks after having my first son, that I was not well. I was spiralling in intrusive thoughts, self-harming and feeling like I was struggling to bond with my child. Fortunately for me, I had my fantastic husband, mum and friends around me, who helped me to reach out for the help I so clearly needed. As part of my treatment, I attended CBT counselling and this enabled me to remember how much crafting had helped me in the past. I went back to my yarn with determination, and found that, when I was crocheting, my mind was quiet. I wasn’t hearing the horrid voice telling me I was worthless or a failure. Instead, I was focussing on my stitches, on what I was creating. I have no doubt that without the crochet, I would have continued on my downward spiral, and wouldn’t have been able to accept the other support I needed to battle my demons.

I also found the community behind the 60 million trebles movement – who were creating blankets for Syrian refugees – and gave myself something concrete to make. I must have made at least 15 blankets over those few months – although for me the crochet was as much, if not more, about the process and the healing than the product.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me through the first couple of years of my mothering journey, and helped me overcome the obstacles that I encountered. I can now look back and see how different my experience of motherhood is now.

Craft is still firmly in my life (obviously!) as a daily practice. And this, for me, is about self-care. It’s about mindfulness. It’s about allowing myself time to switch off and quiet my mind. It’s about the sub-conscious processing of the positive and negative events from the day.

I am proud of the journey I have been, and am still, on. I am always open, honest and willing to chat about it, or to listen to anyone who wants to talk about their experience. I am also happy to help anyone find out if crafting can be as helpful to them as it has been for me.

If you would like to find out if crafting could be a tool for you and your well-being, why not come along to one of my workshops? Or, if you know it is helpful for you, but perhaps you aren’t making as much time for it as you could, head over to join one of the Craft Hive sessions, either online or in-person. That way you’ve scheduled it in!

Having been knitting for over 15 years and crocheting (or hooking!) for more than 10, I’ve squished my fair share of yarn, used a variety of different hooks and needles, and made up patterns from a wide range of designers!

So I thought I’d share with you a few of my favourites. Of course, these are just my preferences and may not suit you! But if you’re looking for something new, then why not try one or two of my suggestions…

YARNS

One of my utmost favourite (more luxurious) brands for yarn is Juniper Moon Farm, particularly their Findlay Dappled, which is a gorgeous silk and merino wool blend. As a finer yarn, its perfect for lacy shawls. And some of the colourways are just awesome!

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can’t go wrong with Drops yarn in my opinion. They have a range of different fibres and colours and are all easy on the purse!

In terms of fibre, I absolutely love alpaca yarns, either solely alpaca or blended with wool. I think part of this stems from my obsession with the animals, and their ability to decide whether or not they get pregnant! But also, the alpaca fibres are much softer than wool, and warmer too! They are also hypoallergenic and resist pilling, so win-win. Some great alpaca yarns are Drops Alpaca or West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious.

HOOKS/NEEDLES

My personal preference is for wooden knitting needles – and I’m a sucker for anything pretty and rainbow colours. (If you know me, this won’t surprise you!) So my needles of choice are KnitPro Symfonie – just look at those stripes! They are also just fabulous to knit with, a soft click and the stitches move easily around on them.

As for crochet hooks, I have to admit that I’ve not yet delved into the world of luxury hooks. You can find lots of beautiful hooks on Etsy, made from polymer clay, but having found the hooks that I use now, I am hesitant to move away from something that feels so nice to work with! I pretty much exclusively use the Drops Pro Circus hooks now, as they have a soft silicone coating and are the right length for my hands.

DESIGNERS

The knitting and crochet world is full of amazing designers who create the most stunning patterns! I have tried to pick a few out who I love for different reasons.

Stephen West does some really amazing work with colour and texture in his patterns. He is known for his mystery knit a long shawls, which have all been just stunning!

Joji Locatelli takes classic shapes and patterns and adds her unique style to them. I particularly love her “Like a cloud” cardigan.

Woolly Wormhead hats are really lovely to knit and look stunning. I love how they include waves in the patterns.

Jacki Badger has some incredible lacework in her designs, and isn’t shy of a subtle rainbow! She gets a massive tick from me.

I also create my own patterns – which are mostly accessible to beginners. You can find them here.

What are your favourites from the yarny world? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

I have always marvelled at knitters. I haven’t always been the Yarny Bees knitter and designer I am now! Since I was a very young child it’s a skill I have been aware of, and indeed my family is (perhaps unsurprisingly) full of people who can knit well! Throughout my childhood both my Grandma and my Nanna had tried, with varying success, to teach me when I asked. But somehow it never stuck!

The way the needles moved in their hands, even without them watching what they were doing, the sound as the needles gently clicked together, the surprising speed something new appeared from the ball of yarn at their feet. It’s forever been something I associated with family. Memories of time spent with them are intertwined with memories of crafting. I vividly remember Grandma and Nan (my great grandmother) tag team knitting. They would both work on the same garment, taking turns. Their tensions matched perfectly. I’d love to have this sort of craft relationship with someone! Especially if they loved different parts of the process to me!

Finally, age 19, I had a project in mind. A friend of mine was newly pregnant and I was determined to knit her a baby blanket. I spent the summer down in Cornwall, where my ever loving, ever patient Grandma finally taught me to knit. The blanket I made was the first proper knitting I ever did. It was made with love and determination, but VERY UGLY! I still this friend a couple of times a year, and was surprised to hear that she has kept the dodgy blanket. Perhaps more out of sentimentality for her son as a baby, and knowing it was made with love!

From there I had the bug, and I would knit whenever I had the chance. Smaller projects for myself and others, including a black hat with cat ears, requested by my now husband. We still have it in a drawer, a piece of our history, despite not being worn anymore. I view all my makes as part of my crafter history, telling the story of my learning, my development and my mental health.

Knitting has remained with me ever since. I have knitted items for my own children now, and my niece. It isn’t often I spend an evening “yarn-free”, but my husband doesn’t seem to mind. At least now I can finally knit without constantly looking! I find that the clicking of my needles (or the movement of my hook, but more on the crochet another time!) takes me to a place away from the constant noise of my mind, away from the never-ending jobs list. This is part of the reason I started The Craft Hive, to allow others to feel that sense of calm and peace that crafting can bring.

I lost my Grandma over a year ago, but I like to think that I have kept a piece of her with me in my knitting. Every item I make has some of her knitted into it. She was excited to hear about the advent of Yarny Bees, and I know that she would be proud of what I am building. I’m also passing little pieces of her on to all those who come to one of my workshops, sharing the love and passion that both she and I have for knitting.