KNITSANA Winter Sessions

Leave a reply

The winter session of Knitsana starts Jan 29 & Feb 1st!

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 best place to look is inward, and practicing mindfulness is an essential skill for 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. We’d love it if you can join us, every group is different and your experience is what makes it special. This new year 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: SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2023  

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
(January 29; Feb 5, 12, 19, 26; March 5) 

SEE BELOW FOR THE REST OF THE DETAILS

KNITSANA 2: Expanded Mindfulness Through Knitting

NEXT SESSION: WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 

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 (ie. perfectionism, burnout, etc.) and will help bridge into your daily living. 

When

Every WEDNESDAY evening for one hour from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for SIX weeks. (February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1, 8)

SEE BELOW FOR THE REST OF THE DETAILS

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. 

You will also have access to the Knitsana Facebook Group, a private forum exclusively for Knitsana members to share their mindfulness growth and experiences.

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. If you are a new knitter we recommend 10” straight bamboo or birch needles. If you are a crocheter that is also fine, you will need a 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook.

1 skein of Malabrigo Rios

  • Total 200m/100g
  • 100% merino wool (superwash)
  • machine wash, lay flat to dry
  • 4.5mm/US7 to 5mm/US8 needles required

Projects

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 (choose something that is simple for you):

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I’m relatively new to knitting, and I love it for the relaxation factor. Knitsana brought me together with a group of warm, creative people and helped inspire me to love the journey, not just the outcome. “  ~ J.F.

“I joined the Knitsana group last winter – we met Sunday mornings for a few weeks.  It was lovely – so relaxing, so interesting.  I love knitting & being able to incorporate mindfulness to knitting is joyous.  Knitting can be so relaxing & so loving – especially if you are creating things for loved ones.  I realized I put so much love into what I create.” ~ Lisa H

“Knitsana has been a “moment” of peace and growth over the past few months.  I’ve taken the opportunity to reflect, find some balance and focus on ‘now’ not ‘then’.  I look forward to the group hour as my time to learn and grow.  Of course, the growth continues as the learning continues … I appreciate change is wonderful and necessary as long as we are alive …” ~ F.D.

Leave a Reply