Knit yourself to good health !!

Who would have thought knitting would get so much good press and be so good for you? Interestingly I just stumbled across not one but two articles published by the BBC about how knitting is good for your health.

The first article claims knitting can delay memory loss, and reduce the risk of memory impairment by 40%. While the second article talks about how knitting relieves the stresses of modern life and how the repetitive action can create a trance like state which creates general relaxation and helps to reduce stress. So all this knitting not only makes me happy and relaxed, but also is stopping me from losing my marbles. Fantastic!

It is actually really interesting to read this because I cannot agree more with the second article and just hope the first one is correct. I would say knitting is like meditation but for someone who has a little ADHD. I couldn't possible sit still, meditating and humming to myself - I have too many things whirling around in my head - but with knitting, if I am counting stitches and repeating patterns I do get into a relaxed state and can empty my head of all the whirlyness !!! (not sure thats a word - but you know what I mean !!). Furthermore the joy of having made something from nothing is so delighting, that I'm sure the happy hormones are in over drive. So what are you waiting for - grab your needles and a delicious ball of scrummy wool and knit yourself to good health !!!

Move over Martha!

Having religiously watched Project Runway over the past few months I was inspired to spread my craft wings and learn how to sew. Luckily for me I got an amazing sewing machine for my birthday, so I got right on the band wagon and blindly jumped in. As someone who isn't proficient with using a sewing machine I fortunately stumbled across a great website - sew mama sew - and found my first project - rice therapy bags. As a Physiotherapist I use heat and cold therapy a lot - so these were the perfect thing for me, and as someone who suffers with frozen feet 95% of the time - I now use the heat bag an abnormally large amount of time - I even stick it in my bed at night to keep my toes nice and toasty !!! Not so great for Chris as he isn't a massive fan of the smell - but if my feet are warm - life is good !!! I used lemongrass essential oil for the heat bag and peppermint for the 'boo boo' bag. These are going to make great Christmas pressies too. Now all I've got to do is decide what my second sewing project will be.......................?? Move over Martha - here I come..........