NEXT SESSION STARTS March 19, 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.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- This group DOES NOT include any knitting instruction
- This group is presently only held online
- Space is limited 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.
When
Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 to 11:30 am (eastern time) for SIX WEEKS (March 19, 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30)
Where
This is an online workshop and will be held over a secure 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 with yarn included (see below for details) OR $175 without yarn, for all six sessions. 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.
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).
Registration
Register by e-mailing Michelle. Payment will be made directly to Michelle Bloom (by ETF), who will issue an official receipt.
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 RiosTotal 200m100% merino wool (superwash)machine wash, lay flat to dry4.5mm/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):
- Baggy Hat
- Ribbed Watchman’s Hat (knit flat or in the round)
- Black Cat Basics Cowl (BEGINNER)
- Oats cowl (small size)
- Just Try it Cowl
- Darn Knit Cowl
- Straightforward Cowl
- Woven Cowl
What Clients Are Saying
“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.
“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.
“As someone who has practiced mindfulness meditation for a few years, I found the Knitsana group a fantastic way to extend that practice and to bring mindfulness and a greater sense of calm into other parts of my life.” ~ Linda B.
“Knitsana for me is a mindfulness knitting community right in my living room. It’s meditative, relaxing, and peaceful—my one hour of contentedness in a stressful world.” ~ Karen H
“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.