Throwaway whatever negative, old-grandma ideas you have about knitting because this relaxing hobby is here to save your sanity in the midst of finals, Collegiettes! If you have no artistic talent, don’t worry because this inexpensive hobby doesn’t require any! With just two needles and a ball of yarn, you can make headbands, scarves, hats, sweaters, knit bowties—the possibilities are endless!
There are hundreds of YouTube tutorials explaining the basics and more, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get some needles and get started! Here are a few of the major reasons why you should consider giving knitting a shot:
1. It is easy to learn!
In no more than ten minutes, you will have mastered casting on, which will get your yarn on the needles. There are only two stitches, knit and purl, so once you’ve got those down, it’s up to you what you will make next! If YouTube videos aren’t your thing, ask around! There are knitters everywhere, but if you can’t find them, you can stop by a UMass Crocheting and Knitting Club meeting and they will be happy to provide you needles and yarn to learn with.
2. You will have the perfect scarf to complete a perfect outfit.
Scarves are one of the best beginner creations and, as most of you UMass ladies know, Amherst can be a very cold and windy place. What better way to fight the cold then a nice, warm scarf! You can pick out exactly what yarn you want and decide the perfect width and length to keep you snuggly on your walk to class.
3. It is an easy, stylish way to keep your brain and body healthy!
Multiple studies show that knitting has a therapeutic effect similar to meditation, easing anxiety and stress, as well as serving as a natural antidepressant. The repetitive movements are known to bring down blood pressure and heart rate. The constructive habit can replace ones such as smoking or binge eating.
And even though it probably wouldn’t be categorized as physical exercise, an hour of knitting burns about 55 calories—not too bad for a therapeutic activity easily done while binge-watching your favorite TV show.
Knitting is a rewarding, stress-reducing hobby, so why not try it? With a few more weeks left of school, there’s no reason not to start feeling healthier, keeping warmer, and looking better, Collegiettes!