It was Thanksgiving here in Canada this last weekend, I hope you enjoyed the extra day off … I just wanted to remind everyone that there is still time to sign up for the upcoming fall Knitsama Mindfulness workshops. Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist and author Thich Nhat Hanh believed mindfulness was the secret not just to happiness but to being authentically alive. If you want more from your life, the place you have to look is inward, and practicing mindfulness is an essential skill for clearing out the clutter and making space in there. In our Knitsana workshops we adopt knitting as a point of entry into learning and nurturing a mindfulness practice, in addition to the essentials of self-acceptance, self-love, and letting go of perfectionism (or what I call life’s biggest fallacy). We’d love it if you can join us, every group is different and your experience is what makes it special. Give yourself the gift of positive change – I promise you that you are worth it!
With much love,
Haley
KNITSANA 1: Introduction to Mindfulness Through Knitting
NEXT SESSION STARTS OCT 16, 2022
Mindfulness is the basic ability to be fully present and aware. The practice can help us when we feel overwhelmed, and help us manage how we react to stress. Luckily, mindfulness is a quality that every person already possesses, you don’t need to conjure it up, you just have to learn how to access it and practice using it. In this workshop, we will use knitting as an entry into the practice of mindfulness, with the intention to help you learn how to both improve and maintain your well-being. The craft of knitting with its repetitive and rhythmic motions is well known for its calming and healing properties. Mindfulness practice has been used for years to help people focus themselves in the present moment. Together, we hope to provide you with the needed tools to decrease stress and support your daily well-being.
The only prerequisite is that you already know how to cast on, knit and purl. You do not need any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation, you just need to show up and be present.
When
Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 am to 11:30 am for SIX WEEKS
(Oct. 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20)
KNITSANA 2: Expanded Mindfulness Through Knitting
NEXT SESSION STARTS OCT 17, 2022
Welcome to Knitsana 2 – if you are looking for a way to expand your mindfulness skills then this is the group for you! We will continue to use knitting in your practice with mindfulness. Knitting with its repetitive motion, illuminating colours and textures offers so much in the way of healing properties. This group will ‘go deeper’ into concepts explored in the first Knitsana group and will help bridge into your daily living.
When
Every Monday evening for one hour from 7:00-8:00 pm for SIX weeks. (Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21)
Details that Apply to Both Workshops
Important Notes
- These groups DO NOT include any knitting instruction
- Groups are presently only held online
- Space is limited to 20 participants per group, so please don’t wait to register
Who
This group is facilitated by Michelle Bloom, a registered Social Worker who has a love for knitting and a passion for healing. Haley Waxberg, owner of Knit-O-Matic will be co-hosting.
Where
These online groups and will be held over a secure zoom channel.
Skills Required
You must already know how to cast on, knit and purl. For knitting tutorials please see our Knitting Skills Page.
Cost
The cost of the group is $200.00 for all six sessions (yarn is included, see the yarn options below for details) . Payment and registration will NOT be going through us at the store – because Michelle is a Registered Social Worker it is more cost-effective to offer this workshop directly through her.
Registration
Register by e-mailing Michelle. Payment will be made directly to Michelle Bloom (by ETF), who will issue an official receipt upon completion of all 6 sessions.
Insurance Benefits
Because this group is considered to be ‘therapeutic’, any participant residing in Ontario that has insurance coverage for social work can apply for benefits. You may otherwise be able to write off the cost of this group on your taxes (talk to your accountant to see).
Materials
We will all be using the same, specially selected yarn for our mindful journey. You have two options, both are enough to make a scarf or cowl. If you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles.
Option A. (no extra cost)
- 2 balls of Estelle Colour Flow
- total 250m of yarn
- hand wash
- 80% merino wool, 20% nylon
- blown type of yarn (the merino is fluffy and blown right into the nylon core)
- 6mm needles required (not included)
Option B. (costs an extra $10)
- 1 ball of Berroco Wizard
- total 240m of yarn
- machine washable
- 85% merino wool, 15% nylon (binding thread)
- chainette type yarn (it’s made of a thinner strand that is itself knitted into a cord, making it very light and airy)
- 6mm to 6.5mm needles required (not included)
Project Ideas
This is not a knitting skills course, so we won’t be taking on a specific project, but here’s a list of simple project options that are well suited to mindfulness knitting with either of our selecetd yarns (choose something that is simple for you):
- Tensfied or Langfield Hat
- Knit-O-Matic Bulky Ribbed Cowl
- Double Wrap Cowl
- Brûlée Scarf
- Diagonal Striped Garter Stitch Loo
- Ariosa Broken Rib Cowl
- Cosy Colourblock Shawl (be sure to purchase twice as much yarn to make a shawl)
- Sasha Wrap (be sure to purchase extra yarn)
- Boom Shawl/Wrap/Scarf (be sure to purchase twice as much yarn to make a shawl)