Knitting as a form of therapy, especially during the summer, can be a wonderful way to relax, focus, and create something beautiful while benefiting your mental health. Many people find knitting therapeutic because it encourages mindfulness, calms the mind, and provides a tangible sense of accomplishment. Summer knitting, with its focus on lighter yarns and airy patterns, can be especially soothing.
Simple, Repetitive Patterns
Scarves or Wraps: Choose an easy, repetitive stitch pattern like garter, stocking, or a basic lace pattern. The meditative rhythm of simple stitches can help reduce anxiety.
Washcloths: Small, quick projects using cotton yarn. These are great for practicing mindfulness and staying in the moment without the pressure of a larger project.
Light and Airy Projects
Lace Shawls or Wraps: Lighter lace patterns made from breathable yarns (like cotton or linen) can feel more refreshing and add a delicate, almost weightless feel to the knitting process.
Summer Tops: Knitting simple tank tops or loose-fitting tees can help you feel connected to the season and provide a fulfilling, yet manageable, challenge.
Mindful Colour Choices
Experiment with soft pastel or nature-inspired colour palettes to enhance the therapeutic aspect of your knitting. Warm tones like yellows, greens, and blues evoke feelings of calm and serenity.
Knitting Outdoors
Knitting outside in a garden, park, or by the beach can amplify the therapeutic benefits. The combination of fresh air, nature, and knitting can help ease stress and improve focus.
Small, Portable Projects
Summer knitting is perfect for small, portable projects like socks, headbands, or lightweight accessories. These can be taken anywhere, making it easier to find quiet moments to knit and relax.
Here are some of my summer projects and those of @memily.makes who is inspirational..................
This is the Dotty Cardigan by All About Ami - Emilys WIP
This is the cosy Sophie Shawl by Petite Knit - Emilys WIP
This is the Starfall Cowl by Michele Lee Bernstein knitted in Emilys hand dyed yarn Apex Yarn
This is one of my WIP projects, it's going to be a summer bag. I found this pattern in a July 2024 Prima magazine. It's crotched in shiny wood paper - Wool and the Gang Ra-Ra Raffia. Slightly challenging for my crotchet skills!
This is my current WIP, the Color Spell shawl by Joji Locatelli using super squishy 4ply Kremke Soul Wool Edelweiss Alpaka yarn from All About the Yarn.
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