NEXT SESSION STARTS March 26, 2023

Extra Treat! When you sign up with a friend (or more) you will both receive $20 off the cost of registration!

New Content For Spring!

In addition to working on growing our mindfulness, in this spring session we will be exploring topics such as savouring the moment, how to create sacred spaces both at home and at work, craftism (crafting +activism), boundaries, and we will also be adding more meditations. 

A Note from Haley

Michelle and I have been offering this workshop for about a year now and since I came to mindfulness as a bit of a newbie, I thought I would share a bit about my experience and what I’ve gotten out of it. When we started Knitsana I had an established meditation practice, but I wasn’t especially experienced with mindfulness outside of that silent, sitting-still time. I can’t say that I’m anywhere close to being a master at this stuff, but by practicing being in the now I’ve gotten a lot better at recognizing when I am NOT in it, and guiding myself back. I’m a work in progress, and I’m getting better at accepting that and being gentler, kinder, and more loving with myself. I’ve opened up a bit, I’m less afraid of being seen and being vulnerable, and I’ve even been able to feel comfortable enough to start sharing my knowledge on a larger canvas and am making instructional videos! I’m more aware of my emotions than I ever have been before, which is sometimes a scary thing, but it is also very freeing. My relationships are improving, but most importantly, my relationship with MYSELF is improving.

This isn’t really surprising, the science is there, and according to Hugh Van Cuylenburg of The Resilience Project, mindfulness is one of the three skills that leads to a happier, more fulfilling life {he has a book, The Resilience Project, but the fastest way to take in the information is by watching his special on Amazon Prime, which was very good}. I know I’m not the only person who’s benefitted, I’ve seen our clients who’ve taken the course grow, both over the duration of the group and beyond. Even our instructor Michelle is benefitting, her knitting is getting more creative, she’s taking her projects in new directions. In general, I think developing this practice is improving our overall sense of well-being. As I look back, I can see that yes, this skill is indeed making my life and the lives of others appreciably better.

Workshop Description

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. 

When

Every Sunday morning for one hour from 10:30 to 11:30 am (eastern time) for SIX WEEKS (March 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7)

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. 

Insurance Benefits

This course is considered to be therapeutic, and 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). You’ll receive an official receipt at the end of the course for your taxes and insurance.

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.

Cost & Registration

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, and she will issue an official receipt for insurance and tax purposes at the end of the course. When you sign up with a friend (or more) you will both receive $20 off the cost of registration!

Register by e-mailing Michelle. Payment will be made directly to Michelle Bloom (by ETF), who will issue an official receipt at the end of the course. 

Skills Required

The only prerequisite is that you already know how to cast on and knit. You do not need any prior experience with mindfulness or meditation, you just need to show up and be present. For knitting tutorials please see our Knitting Skills Page.

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

Materials

Getting yarn is optional, but for the kind of mindful knitting we are doing we make our recommendation available and it is discounted by paying through the course registration. 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):

• Tensfied or Langfield Hat
• Seafarer’s Watch Cap
• Salut Cheri Beret

• 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

• Arched Gusset Mittens
• Log Cabin Mitts
• Black Cat Basics Mitts

• Quaker Yarn Stretcher
• Miss Marple Scarf
• Easy Peasy Socks for First Timers

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.