To find out how knitting has transformed in recent years and to learn more about its therapeutic qualities, for issue 18 Flying Start spoke to Dorret Conway, knitting guru and leader of a knitting network that has taken the country by storm.


Why is knitting good for relaxation and stress relief?

Knitting is a relaxing and therapeutic past time. Like any activity, being absorbed in something that you enjoy is excellent for taking your mind off all the stresses and worries of everyday life. Tests show that your pulse rate lowers and your heart beat slows down when you knit. At Cardiff University, a team of researchers are currently busy investigating the benefits and effects of knitting to see whether your doctor could actually prescribe it.

Why would you recommend Stitch n Bitch meetings for pregnant women?

Knitting is a great way for anyone to socialise and have a bit of time out. This is true for pregnant women too who may be on maternity leave or moved to a new area and feeling a bit isolated. It’s not physically or mentally demanding, the meetings are informal and run on a drop-in basis so it’s perfect, particularly towards the later stages. Groups usually meet for a couple of hours in accessible, welcoming places that are smoke free. There are always people there who will help you to get started if you are new and, like any network, there’s a lot more going on that just knitting – you might even be able to recruit a new babysitter…

Are there any known health benefits for pregnant women?

Because knitting is calming and relaxing this can be beneficial during pregnancy particularly when high blood pressure can be a problem for some women. Making time to relax is very important during pregnancy and can avoid problems like swelling and oedema. Research also suggests that you baby picks up your stress during pregnancy. So your knitting is a perfect excuse to sit down and put your feet up especially if you are one of those women who feels guilty sitting down and doing nothing.

How would you recommend a beginner to learn knitting?

The best way to learn to knot is for someone to show you who understands knitting and knows how to teach. Not everyone is lucky enough to have someone like that close to hand so the next best thing is Knit Knack CD ROM knitting tutorial. It is a structured tutorial covering all the skills with video demonstrations for you to watch and copy.

Some would say that knitting is just for older people. What would you say to contradict this?

I think you will find that people have stopped saying that knitting is for grannies now. With all the recent publicity, celebrity interest and developments in the hand-knitting sector, it is generally recognised that knitting for pleasure is a hobby with an appeal, suitable for all and enjoyed by all ages.

Where can you buy trendy wool in contemporary shades?

There are a number of places where you can buy contemporary yarns, as you would guess the internet is an obvious place to start looking. For a beginner it can be a bit overwhelming until you know what you are shopping for, so it is better if you can find a nearby shop and get some hands on help from the staff. Knit Knack CD has a comprehensive section on understanding and buying yarn/wool. There is also a directory of yarn outlets on the Stitch n Bitch website where you might be able to find a shop near you. Visit the website and look for the directory in the café.

How can wannabe knitters join a network?


The best place to find a network is to visit the Stitch n Bitch website where you will find a directory of groups across the UK and abroad, or messages from other wannabes who might be in your area. If you can’t find a group, there is also an easy 4-step guide on how to start one. You only need two people to start. Or if you have met other mums-to-be at your ante-natal classes and are getting on very well, you can agree to meet at each others houses and make it a private network.

How important do you think it is that knitting lives on as an essential craft, skill and hobby?

Personally I think that it is important that we retain the old craft skills. Hand knitting has gone through the same cycle as many of the craft skills caused by industrialisation and modernisation. It is only recently that knitting has become to be regarded seriously as a hobby – with no ulterior motive other than creativity and enjoyment. Anybody can learn to knit and you can get surprising results with just basic skill. It used to take six years to train as a master craftsman in the days when there were knitting guides. The internet will defiantly continue to be a key influence in re-instating some of this wider sharing and ensuring that knitting lives on.  For more information on networks, useful links, events, directories and community forum visit www.stitchnbitch.co.uk