Experience the happiness of knitting
Kelley Hobart/Alpaca Direct. | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 3 months AGO
As summer winds down, we find ourselves planning our fall projects and preparing for the holidays just around the corner. For many, this is a challenging time of the year as the days grow shorter and the thermometer heads south. If you are feeling a bit of the blues or just looking for a way to reduce your stress, consider picking up a set of knitting needles instead of reaching for the remote and a night of Netflix.
The good news is that knitting can pick up your spirits and foster the creative side within you. A 2013 survey of over 3,500 knitters published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy showed improved moods and overall feelings of happiness even after as little as 10-15 minutes of knitting. The study asked participants to rate their moods before and after knitting. The numbers were quite compelling: 34 percent reported feelings of being "happy," while 23 percent reported being "sad." After knitting, 81 percent moved to the "happy" category, while less than one percent remained sad. I'm sure we've all seen the drug commercials on TV that have 3-4 minutes of adverse reaction disclaimers...seems like they do more harm than good.
Why not try knitting instead?
Some people say they used to enjoy knitting or crochet, but now they struggle with arthritis. This challenge can be overcome by simply soaking your hands in warm water for 30-45 seconds to warm up your joints prior to knitting. Once you start knitting, the rhythmic motion adds movement to the joints and forces fluid into them. This movement hydrates the cartilage and prevents arthritis. We also have new ergonomic crochet hooks and square knitting needles to help. The same, of course, goes for your knees. Don't move them, and they get stiff, but go for a walk and your joints will loosen up and feel better.
Whether you want to learn how to knit or crochet, or it has been a while and you want to get a refresher, we're here to help. We offer beginning and intermediate knitting and crochet classes every month. You'll get to spend time with other knitters and create special gifts for the holidays, all while keeping your spirits high. When you're feeling down, say "no" to the TV remote and the drug companies. Pick up a set of needles and start experiencing the bliss of knitting!
In case you have not heard about us, Alpaca Direct is a direct merchant of high-quality yarn, apparel, gifts and socks. We carry a full line of fiber art accessories, including hundreds of needles and thousands of yarns. Our unique selection of products also includes Peruvian alpaca sweaters, hand-loomed lace scarves, performance alpaca socks, cuddly alpaca teddy bears & unique international jewelry.
Our building is handicap accessible and easy to find, with ample parking. We are just two blocks west of Highway 95 on Hayden Avenue in Hayden. Our Alpaca fiber experts are on call 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Visit us at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. or online at www.AlpacaDirect.com - your local destination for luxury yarn, apparel and gifts. "Like" us on Facebook and Yelp for exclusive coupons, product spotlights and news!
Kelley Hobart is the owner of Alpaca Direct.
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