Knit for Health & Wellness: How to knit a flexible mind & more...

by Betsan Corkhill

Betsan Corkhill’s book will transform the way you think about your health, wellness and knitting. It rises above other self-help books by providing an accessible tool which gets you actively involved in your health and wellbeing and shows you how to do this any time, anywhere. It quite literally puts the power in your hands. Discover – * What knitting has in common with the leading edge of neuroscience * The secret power of your hand movements and their influence on your brain * How knitting naturally brings about a state of mind that doctors the world over are eager to encourage * How knitting can be used as a tool to help anyone, including those with complex health conditions * How knitting helps to erase social concerns to build strong support networks and communities * How knitting can help you beat loneliness to feel belonged, enjoy fun and laughter and easy banter * How Therapeutic Knitting can kick start a healing process. Learn how to – * Knit therapeutically * Choose the needles and yarn to maximise the benefits to you * Recognise the power and value of different types of project and when to best use them * Use Therapeutic Knitting to improve your wellbeing –any time, anywhere. Betsan shares her knowledge of using Therapeutic Knitting clinically and integrates this with recent research, her medical knowledge, data from a survey of over 3,500 knitters from 31 countries, and many stories sent to her from knitters around the globe. Her writing style makes this an easy, enjoyable read whilst at the same time conveying valuable neuroscience, research and knowledge to improve your life. Betsan is the recognised world expert on the use of Therapeutic Knitting for improving wellness and managing illness. She has pioneered this research since 2005. “Betsan.… has led the field in supporting the use of knitting and other crafts in therapeutic clinical practice.” Professor Trisha Greenhalgh OBE. You will discover that what actually goes on behind the ‘K’ word is complex and exciting in many ways. The information shared opens up an exciting accessible new way of approaching health, wellness and ‘being well’. “Under Betsan’s guidance, the Stitchlinks group of patients with serious lifelong pain conditions who could have sunk in the misery and isolation brought about by chronic pain, contradicted all expectations. Needles clickety-clacking away, relentless banter and laughter, pain banished – at least for now.” Paul Harvard-Evans, multiple award-winning radio producer. Producer of Airing Pain for the charity Pain Concern “Betsan has squeezed her formidable experience and startling journey into a book. On reading it, you will be reminded of the unexampled magnificence of your brain and the splendid simplicity of knitting it to good health. On one level it is seductively simple - there is no doubt that without a brain, one could neither knit, nor hurt and it really does seem that doing the former reduces the latter. But Betsan’s book is about so much more than knitting and pain. It is about embracing the complexity of how and why our brain produces experiences. It is about making things, giving things, sharing things, while you make your own journey to recovery. I suspect you will have a rewarding trip.” Professor Lorimer Moseley, Professor of Clinical Neurosciences and Chair of Physiotherapy at The University of South Australia Congratulations, what a wonderful book! I started browsing and found myself wanting to read on and on.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction, Health, Crafts

190 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2014

Reviews

[Sophy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst Betsan makes a good case for knitting for health and wellness, and her background as a physio brings a slightly new perspective to the fore, this book underwhelmed me in that it could have been a short article, a blog or a pamphlet. There are no real revelatory nuggets of advice here, it's mostly common sense.

I was expecting a few patterns for mindfulness or similar but no. The book feels like a bit of a "swizz" if I'm honest.

Disappointing.

[Tina Ambury · Rating 5 out of 5]

How prophetic can buying a book be?
I bought this as a study aid to help others, little knowing it would help me in my darkest hour.
An excellent resource for anyone remotely interested in knitting as a mindful process.
I'm just emerging from a work stress related dark place; aka, breakdown.
I've managed to keep knitting throughout but mainly for Charity.
For the first time in my adult knitting journey, thanks to this book, I'm seeing multiple WIPs as a positive rather than a feature of start-itis.
Thanks @betsanwellbeing

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Exceedingly disappointing. 😕

I had this book in my kindle for at least a couple of years and I wanted to read it for longer.

I have knitted intermittently most of my life since my grandma taught me when I was about 5 or 6. Sometimes avidly for years at a time, making garment after garment for myself and as presents for a small selected group of people that I love. The knitting is enjoyable and the wearing confers a sense of accomplishment and pride in my industriousness. I simply cannot just watch telly without something that I’m making in my hands.

Other times, due to illness or too busy a life, I would only manage to make a sweater every couple of years. But I, and anyone else who knits already knows what this author has as her “main message”: that knitting is therapeutic. And definitely good for you.

I can give her credit for the Stichlinks website and for her pivotal role in the University of Cardiff research study into knitting, well done on that, it could be covered in the book in half a page. Unfortunately the rest of the book is insufferably repetitive and patronising.

What a waste of my time and money.

[Emily B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wellness isn't about positive thinking or being positive all the time. It is about having the flexibility of mind to deal with any change and challenge life throws your way"

"Life is a collection of moments and if you focus too much on the end goal, you can miss those moments - miss those moments and you will miss out on life"

A truly wonderful, practical and uplifting book. I've always known that knitting (or any sort of crafting) is good for health and wellbeing, but I never knew just how therapeutic it can really be! This book is not just about how to knit well, it's about how to live well, and how to use knitting as a tool to help you in dark periods of your life when physically and/or mentally, your body feels rubbish. There's plenty of sensible and sympathetic advice, along with lots of motivating and inspiring words which makes me want to knit every day! Highly recommend.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to do a lot of knitting at one time and I'm thinking of taking it up again so I thought this book would be an interesting read. It will be of interest for anyone who has any sort of illness - whether mental or physical. Knitting is relaxing partly because it includes lots of repetitive actions and it keeps your conscious mind active and so stops you worrying about other things in your life.

The author has worked with people with all sorts of health problems and has found that knitting can help people in most cases. If you have mobility problems with your hands then short spells of knitting will keep your joints mobile. Depression can often be improved if people take up knitting. It can help people who get anxious in social situations and when travelling on public transport.

If you join a knitting group then the craft helps you meet other people in a 'safe' situation where you can join in or not with the conversation just as it suits you and in a way that feels comfortable. Knitting is an ice breaker and a conversation started when you're with strangers. Planning your knitting products keeps you focussed and gives you something to look forward to.

The author quotes from research which shows how beneficial knitting can be to anyone whether they are well or ill and it can be a life saver for people suffering from long term illness or disability and can actually help them to improve their health and reduce their medication. Whether you are well or ill knitting can help you and give you a hobby which can last a lifetime.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a positive reinforcement of how knitting (or crocheting) is beneficial to your health and well being. A lot of what she wrote was common sense, but it was a nice reminder of how the craft is more than just a craft. Some of the chapters were a tad redundant, but I think that was the point of it being a sort of self help book. It was a quick read.

[Lauren Rossato · Rating 1 out of 5]

While there are some interesting notes, there is very little little that hasn't been said elsewhere. In addition, the writing is repetitive - to the point of repeating the exact wording - and just bad.

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish it. The writing is very repetitive.And It's not saying anything I didn't already know.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book in the well being of knitting. Evidence based a very interesting read.

[Lara Void · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a psychologist who’s addicted to knitting but I don’t know much about the mental benefits of knitting so I was hoping to find answers on what’s happening in the brain and why exactly knitting might be so beneficial. This book is based on a study but there is too little background information on the neurological mechanisms whatsoever. It’s a good book for people with chronic illnesses, mental health issues and the like but don’t expect it to be scientifically appealing.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Connecting to Yourself and to the Community

When I first heard about Knit for Health and Wellness by Betsan Corkhill, I was so excited to dive into it. As someone passionate about crocheting and with a background in healthcare, I was fascinated to learn how a hobby I enjoy might be therapeutic and integrated into my professional practice. However, reading the book left me disappointed.

The book is concise and accessible, and the language Corkhill uses is easy to understand. I appreciate her efforts in developing a community for those interested in improving their well-being. The book also includes step-by-step guidelines to get started, along with reflective prompts at the end of each chapter. Whether knitting alone or with others, the structure makes it easy to follow. I particularly appreciated Corkhill’s definition of well-being, which is mentioned throughout the book:

‘’Wellness isn’t about positive thinking or being positive all the time. It is about having the flexibility of mind to deal with any change and challenge life throws your way…’’

However, the content itself is repetitive and stays on the surface. The core message of the book seems to be that knitting is therapeutic and should be embraced by everyone, especially those with chronic illness, but this message is repeated in every chapter without deeper development or nuance. Given Corkhill’s background as a physiotherapist, I expected her to explore the science behind knitting’s therapeutic power, particularly drawing from her own research at the University of Cardiff. Unfortunately, the lack of neurological explanation left me wondering whether any creative and safe hobby might have the same benefits as knitting, which undermines the uniqueness the book seems to suggest.

In conclusion, I would not recommend this book to those seeking scientific insight or who have already been knitting for some time. However, if you are new to knitting or simply curious, it could serve as a gentle introduction to the practice.

[Liz Martini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attended lecture by Betsan Corkhill at the Ballard Knit Fit over a year ago, and have since wanted to read her book. Good information about knitting and neuroplasticity.
My favorite part of her lecture and book, was her breakdown of different kinds of knitting projects that one could have at hand with different affects on our mind. Types are intricate, novelty, automatic, group, big, quick-fix, bag and free-knitting (think of free styling it, making it up as you go along!) This was life changing for me as I now purposefully have at least 3 projects going at one time, and make sure I have an easy project on hand for social situations.
The downside of this book is the very odd formatting. There is only this large print version and I found reading it cumbersome.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great inspiration, and I’m more excited than usual to plan my next projects. I’ve learned from my 60 years of knitting that it’s the process, not the end product, that matters. This book explains why that is and how it can be a therapeutic tool. I love the idea having several different types of projects going at the same time to fit your various situations and moods.

It goes on a little too long, but I give it five stars anyway because it has changed my life for the better.

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked my local library to order this book after seeing an articular about it. I am so glad that I did. The book is wonderful and so informative. I shared it with my knitting group and many of us are purchasing the book for ourselves. The book and study are on the benefits of knitting but I can see it being applied to many handcrafts.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I mostly enjoyed this book, especially since I'm a knitter, but there were points at which it felt slightly repetitive. Still, the repetitive nature was minimal, in my opinion, and I would most definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to better understand the physiological benefits of knitting, many of which I have experienced personally.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I finally read this book at a time in my life when its message of trying to live well despite illness could really resonate with me, but the somewhat disorganized and repetitive writing style reveals why it was self published. I wish it had included more actual examples from the author's research, instead of just telling the reader that knitting is beneficial.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me to understand why I love knitting so much. My family is going through a major health crisis and knitting has been a huge comfort to me in a difficult time. But I love to knit during the good times, too!

[Rae Lewis-Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for knitters or anyone considering knitting. Corkhill explains the mind body connections and gives insight on how to use knitting to help you heal... loved it

[Henriette Schoemaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five stars for the gist, but it's awfully repetitive.

[Tula or KathyPotter]

But, I’m keeping it , right here in my knitting basket. Seriously, I’ve been a needle woman long enough to have found it is good for my mind and soul. This woman’s words help me reorient t9 my own true north, to “get my head on straight. And at the end I have the work in my hands as a talisman.