I love the segment on the Psychology of Crafts. I have a yarn store in California, and just last week a customer told me that his employer offers a ‘wellness reimbursement” program - those are typically thought of reimbursing for Gym memberships and the like. But, my customer submitted a request, detailing information from his therapist that knitting relieves stress, reduces his blood pressure and depression and many other benefits. They agreed to let him use is wellness reimbursement budget for yarn and/or needles! They thanked him for the detailed explanation and said they were glad he found something that was good for his mental and physical health!
Madeline, I’m a retired occupational therapist. Occupational therapy began with crafts taught to soldiers recovering from their injuries in WWI. Crafts were used for all the reasons Dr.Kirketerp identifies, and for strengthening and coordination training as well. Weaving was particularly common as the beaters and heddles could be weighted to grade the tasks for muscle strengthening. Occupational therapists have been using crafts for more than a century to help people with their physical and mental health issues. To earn my degree in OT, I had to minor in psychology and also study human anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, as well as therapeutic crafts, a semester of weaving and a semester of woodworking. Unfortunately, in the realm of physical rehabilitation, insurers don’t understand the importance of craft and won’t pay for the use of crafts in therapy. So OTs in physical disability rehab have had to move away from crafts. We focus instead on other aspects of human occupation, primarily functional abilities to perform activities of daily living. Crafts are still an important modality used by Occupational Therapists in psychiatric settings and with pediatric populations.
Hey there fellow OT! So glad you chimed in here. I put my comment in before I saw yours. I get so disheartened every time I read or watch something extolling the therapeutic benefits of crafting like it’s a New Thing.
It’s also kind of disturbing and disappointing that the author researched over 300 papers that explored crafting’s therapeutic benefits and didn’t refer to any of the professional backgrounds of those researchers. Many of these papers were written by OT’s yet she makes no mention of this.
Thank you for sharing your frustrating time with your knits. I have just had the same experience with the Clothide Cardigan which took me far longer to knit than it should have. I had to take over the kitchen table to keep track of all the charts etc to enable me to finish this cardigan. I struggled so much with this pattern I thought my knitting days might be over. I was planning a simple knit for my next project, but oh no I like a challenge and so now I am knitting the Flex tee. Everyone who has knit this pattern says to relax and keep knitting, it will all come together when you get closer to the end of the project.
I am retired. I have many crafts. I knit, crochet, tat, bead, cricut, make parrots toys, sew, zentangle and more. I love to bake and am deeply into sourdough at the moment. My sister says I remind her of a Down’s syndrome person because I am always happy and living my best life. I looked at her and said “they don’t have a monopoly on happiness”. Being up and smiling and laughing is so much easier than crying as finding things to be miserable. I live way below the poverty line. And make ends meet. She married a rich man and he left her well off when he passed. But I am happy. Maybe because my eight parrots make me laugh. Or I’m just lazy and my birds, my starter, my many crafts make me smile. She’s not a crafter but she is an artist but doesn’t do it anymore. I’ve tried to get her into beading and she is interested but not enough to do it. She has her family and grandchildren close. I never was blessed with children. My hubby passed when I was 52 and I don’t want another man in my life. I love my life.
This whole episode nails all of us knitters! Such a delightful and jolly podcast! As I’ve only started knitting after 50 years, I find I’ll agonize over a mistake. I’ll look at it and I’ll put it down and I’ll fuss and fume over it. IT becomes the IT of my whole day! It is like a stain on my living room carpet! And even on a galloping horse it would be neon glowing THING. 😂😂😂💨. What treasure Dr. Kirketerp is to bring to us the value of crafting! And she is 💯 percent correct about how crafting can be a source of soulagement for the anxious , the scrupulous, the depressive sides of our being. I have found that as I knit I put on podcasts or videos of topics that stretch my mind and my soul to no end and this increases my Faith, my Hope and my Love in and for my family and friends. On the funny side, once I got the knack for socks I realized that this is a highly addictive drug! I’ve fallen in love with socks! 🧦 Thank you Andrea and Madelaine for sharing this really encouraging podcast! Of all the wonderful podcasts you’ve made this one is right up near number 1 ❤❤❤❤
I always enjoy your episodes a lot, but this one was just amazing. I found the interview with Dr. Kirketerp fascinating and I am SO glad to be a Patreon and able to read a bit of her book! It is always somehow nice to see that other people also struggle with mistakes and correcting/ not correcting them. I didn't spot the mistake on the last episode, and found it very beautiful as it was. But once you see it... 😅 Anyway, thank you for another high quality video! Looking forward to the next one.
Good morning, ladies! What a nice start to my day to find a new episode. After watching "under construction," I have to add my story. Recently, I made three pairs of socks and a lovely sweater for my seven year old grandson. I flew from Alaska to DC to see him, only to discover that he had grown so much since Christmas that nothing fit! I spent a day un-knitting socks and sweater. Will re-knit soon!
First of all I think this has been one of your best episodes. The humility in making mistakes in knitting and it's repairs are life lessons. Second I am an American art therapist and our research has demonstrated the relationship between changes in mood, brain functioning, physical symptoms and creative activities. I appreciate the focus on knitting with psychological research and loved the interview!
What a wonderful interview (bravo Madeleine!) with an amazing guest and a very interesting subject. In my long life, I have practiced many crafts (drawing, clay, sewing, embroidery...) but I am still wandering why knitting is the most addictive! If you know why, please let us know 😀!
Thank you for another fabulous episode, lovely ladies. Madeleine’s interview with Dr Anne was fascinating. No wonder I’m more passionate than ever about my knitting! Ann from Australia.
5 of us friends were knitting a shawl from Ravelry. Each of us had trouble with one particular pattern band . One of us unpicked many times. I seemed to be getting on ok, until I finished it and half way up, I managed to shunt the pattern by one stitch. Did I unpick? Nope. I’ll wrap it round myself and keep moving. I figure that nobody will notice. 🥴
I had the video paused and was about to type with a very heavy heart that you had grafted the wrong row, but decided to hit play for a few more seconds while I worked up the nerve to do so - and I'm so glad I did. The sound effects, music, and graphics you added to interrupt your happy voice-over after having caught your own mistake gave me such a good laugh! What a great segment. Thank you for the humor, motivation, information, and inspiration 🙏🏼
Same here... I thought "oh no...who's going to tell her...", hoping someone in the comments might have already done so. And here we are. I feel her pain, having been through this myself in the past.
Love how you both - especially you Angela - so freely own up to the mistakes we all make! Yes, we're committed crafters, even if sometimes our crafts make us want to commit ourselves to an institution. I learn the most from fixing my mistakes.
Thank you for sharing your mistakes and frustrations - as well as all of your gorgeous successes! I'm a novice knitter, so this episode is encouraging for me. I'm currently working on my very first cardigan that has several "unique" aspects to it hahahaha! I am not confident enough to rip back so I am plugging forward and plan to wear it no matter what!
Wonderful episode! I'm full of admiration for you both - thank you for sharing your knitting experiences with us. That lace jumper getting divided and unpicked😮🤯blew my mind😂 I really appreciated the craft psychology interview and felt validated in my requiring my pupils to allow one another to sew (or knit or crochet or draw or paint) in quietness for at least sections of our time together. Now I understand why they do better work and feel more satisfied after a chance to work quietly than when there is a continual flow of chat. I always describe it to them as 'quieting' the talking part of the brain to allow the creative part to take charge😅 I didn't know what 'flow' really was - so, thank you for all this great information. I'll definitely be looking out for that lady's book!
Thank you so much for your very interesting videos 🙏 I work as an occupational therapist and have very often observed the benefits of crafting in patients, it does so much good for them. I always tried to convince them to keep on with the activity in their home or in likeminded groups. Very interesting subject and I am looking forward to reading the book. All the best for you and many greetings from Cologne 🤗
Beautiful content in the show as usual, and confirming all that i know about knitting and how extremely helpful and necessary it is on all levels of today's society..as it has always been..very special show
the interview with dr kirteterp was very interesting! i have had chronic nerve pain in my neck and back for about 12 years now. i am so used to having a sensation of pain that I actually don't remember what it feels like to not be in pain. i re-discovered knitting and other fibre crafts about 2 years ago. whilst I wouldn't say it has reduced my pain levels, it has definitely helped my ability to live with my pain because I am better at choosing to focus on other things, rather than always focussing on my pain, which in turn makes me feel depressed and agitated, which then further increases my sensation of pain. not to sound dramatic but it has really changed my life.
It was so helpful when talking with Dr Anne to add the diagrams up on the screen for us to follow along. I look forward to reading the first 2 chapters of her book for free included as a new Patreon ❤
Thank you for the quality of your program! The filming, sound, lighting, editing and music selections are professional and the overall message of your program is educational, entertaining and captivating! Thank you! Andrea, your solution to fix the sweater with its pattern error was genius! Every knitter occasionally finds a pattern error and needs to know what are their options to correct the mistake or whether to live with it! Andrea, thank you for the educational interview. I recently embarked upon my first knitted garment and my friends chastised me for attempting a pattern I deliberately selected for its challenging features. I sought a pattern that would challenge my brain to try new skills - and the psychology interview validated my intentions! Thank you!
What a great episode! I applauded Andrea's success in fixing he sweater, then felt her disappointment of not getting it correct after all that work. I'm sure after putting it down for a bit, she will be able to go back and get it right (the hard mental work has already been done). Yes, sometimes knitting can be very frustrating, but the benefits so outweigh the moments of frustration.
I love hearing about the mistakes! First, because I’m comforted in the fact that “I’m not alone.” Second, because I learn so much from your mistakes and how you fix them, Andrea! I recently started a podcast and have a section called “needles and the damage done” 😂 …mistakes are just part of knitting. Thanks for the great episode! ❤
Thanks so much for discussing your knitting errors and your thought processes to correct them. You are both such perfect role models for all novice and experienced knitters! And Madeleine, you are such a gifted speaker! I really appreciated your review of Dr. Kirketerp’s very interesting work and your subsequent interview. The program you both put together was so good and appreciated!
That was so nice hearing "Hunky Dory", love it. Such a good topic, I am sharing this with a few people. I do admire the work you did Andrea to fix the mistakes with your knitting project, such a big mental job, a real challenge.
Audrey Berrego’s designs and knowledgeable use of lace, twisted stitches and lace was so interesting. I am amazed with her determination to work with an element that is something she isn’t quite enamoured with, like bobbles. She must have quite a mathematical brain as well as her interest in literature to find inspiration for her designs. I appreciate all the background work you both do to prepare your guests’ interviews so they are focused and so very interesting. You deserve Patreon support. This is like a well written magazine with specific articles of interest to all crafts enthusiasts. I am so looking forward to seeing you in person in PEI. I have my tickets!❤❤
This interview with Dr. Anne Kirketerp was fascinating, validating, and will, no doubt, be the topic of discussion at our next knit group meeting. WOW! Thank you!!
So interesting and inspiring to hear about your under construction projects and the snafu’s you encounter and how you patiently go about correcting the errors. It gives intermediate knitters like myself the nerve to do some take a parts and put together myself. Can’t wait for the upcoming yarn festival!
Great episode. Thank you. Wonderful information - I love being witness to all your problem solving dilemmas. A delight to see the knitters of the world again. I’m a happy soul to see your good oldie segments again.
Good morning! Your solution for correcting this error (pattern) is absolutely brilliant, thank you. This has helped me rescue a summer tank I’ve put away last summer with no hopes of being able to fix…
This is the first episode that I'm watching from you, and I'm not a knitter (yet), but a crocheter and potter, and I must say I am beyond amazing at the quality of your show. Thank you for great work and I hope the best for Fruity Knitting!
Another great épisode where I could feel connectedness thanks to your mistakes 😭 (oh my… I feel the pain), gain knowledge and feel proud of my choices by watching this podcast instead of another (plus being a proud patreon because you deserve it). I got my eyes wet in the end 🥹 and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one. Take care and keep your needles or hooks on a good flow ❤.
Thank you so much for yet another fabulous episode, and special thanks for giving us a moment of respite from everything. Cannot wait to see the next episode on the Swiss Yarn Festival...
I really enjoyed the interview with Dr Kirkterp, it reaonated very much with me as someone with a chronic condition. Thank you very much for another lovely episode.
Definitely knitting helps I was widowed at 31 with two small boys aged two and ten months and when I couldn’t sleep I knitted every mr men Disney and intricate pattern for them and sure it relaxed me then and now 70 the other day still knit but for grandchildren now x
I actually burst out laughing at the grafting “tragi-comedy”… part of the joy of watching your channel is how you are able to laugh at yourself. Self-deprecating humor seems to have become a thing of the past here in the States, and I so, so appreciate yours. 😊😊
The segment at the end where Dr. Kirketerp mentioned the stage 4 cancer patient who left behind her knitting nearly brought me to tears. I can tell it seemed to connect on a deeply personal level for Madeline and probably Andrea as well. Speaking of connection being so powerful. This episode was really wonderful. I don’t normally comment but I so enjoyed this. Sending love to both of you and the blouse is coming along great!
Oh my goodness, I’ve been knitting for at least 60 years and I just finished a bolero and found the most stupid mistake, adding the short row fullness in the center not the edges! I was using a fuzzy mohair like yarn. Not enough leftover to just make another one. I unknit the WHOLE thing and am now reknittng it . I can so identify with you both! Knitting IS good for you. It teaches patience, perseverance and humility! And pure pleasure.😉
For as long as I can remember, craft classes of all kinds, have been an important part of mental health treatments, particularly in psychiatric & aged care facilities.
I wanted to share my Dad's version of your saying regarding not noticing mistakes. Although not a knitter, he had a version of the saying, which was 'anybody riding by on a mule at a high lope would never notice'. That's the Missouri Ozark version of the saying. 😊 I'm pleased to hear you'll be at the Swiss yarn festival this year. I'm also planning to be there; hope to meet you there!
Just in awe of this episode, Shakespearian adventures in knitting, I burst out laughing. The psychology discussion brought so many aspects of my crafting life to my thoughts, and the discussion at the end made me very mindful of Andrew and how your family circumstances have left you with wonderful pieces to treasure and crafting a life that is so extraordinary for you both. I truly hope today is a joyful day for you ❤
I just came upon this channel for the first time and am so impressed with your presentation, knowledge and content. As a long time knitter and crafter it is so interesting to hear what I always felt about the mental health benefits of knitting put into words. Gardening is another passion that creates "flow". Well done ladies. I'll be tuning in regularly
Great interview. Dr. Kirketerp's words about the stress-reducing and therapeutic effects of knitting reminded me of a scene from Laura Esquivel's novel and the film based on it, in which the main character stops talking for several months after a traumatic event and instead focuses 100% on making a huge blanket. After recovering, she metaphorically explains that she needed that blanket because she felt terribly cold. I think that many of us actually intuitively realize the therapeutic aspect of practicing crafts and use them in our lives. Quite shocking that psychologists haven't noticed this before. Congratulations to the Author. I hope that the book will also be translated into my native language (Polish). I'm sure many people would be interested in this.
Ten years ago Betsan Corkhill wrote 'Knit for Wellness: How to knit a flexible mind and more' . Betsan covers a lot of the same topics but if anything is leaning more towards the neuroscience side of psychology. I think these two approaches to the benefits of knitting work very well together and I will certainly be buying Dr. Kirketerp's book
WOW with the lace blue jumper, I understand the concept you were explaining Andrea, however to be honest I would have just left the mistake, Bravo to you.
Thank you for this interview with Dr. Kirketerp! It was as though she was putting into words something I've always experienced, and now I can understand it more deeply.. I love to be deeply involved in my knitting and other craft work. I feel justified, somehow, not that I really need to justify it, but somehow it feels important to acknowledge the actual physical and emotional benefits and importance of being in the flow, being quiet, stretching myself to try new things, allowing failures to occur and then rising back up from them, and loving the work all the while. It's so interesting to see how, over the years, I've taken on things that were not pleasing, then dropped them, simply because they were not pleasing. Also to see how things that seemed way beyond my reach, over time, became everyday with enough practice. I can't wait to read her book! And again, thank you, Fruity Knitting, for such a thoughtful program. I love all your programs, but this one in particular really touched an important topic for me.
Good morning! I too have gained so much confidence and inspiration for fixing my knitting mistakes from you sharing yours, and I pass that on to my knitting friends. We're all "knitting while living" and mistakes happen, even to skilled knitters, so no despair. Dr. Marketer's research is so validating and interesting, thank you for interviewing her. Marketing's introduction was very helpful in focusing our attention and the interview itself was masterful. I was happy to hear Madeleine say that she loves her work on Fruity Knitting as I hope to see many more episodes to come.
Excellent video! I hope I am able to get Anne's book in the United States. Ten years ago, I suffered a permanently disabling concussion. Knitting brought me back. Every day I think of my knitting as exercising my brain.
I loved the good Doctor ! Even a simple project can reap wonderful benefits. I will make it a mission to encourage my friends and family to engage in a craft . I am knitting a blanket and learning new techniques with each square and have reached the “flow” . Thank you for this episode!
Thank you so much for your interview regarding the Psychology of Crafting! I can't wait to get my book to read it. 🙂 It explains a lot about my personality and need to craft, as long as I can remember, many types of crafts.
Absolutely loved the interview. I’m a new to crotchet, started painting and calligraphy during the pandemic, and have played viola since childhood. Especially with my music, I get into a deep flow state quite easily and feel much more relaxed and happy after a practice session. Crotchet is nice as it’s more portable than my other craft hobbies, and I can do it when producing sound is not an option.
That grafting project!!! When I was a young girl, in 4-H sewing class...whenever I made a mistake on my sewn garment (which was often!) her solution was to put a bow there on the mistake. I had a lot of bows on those projects! The bow distracted from the mistake. She was patient like you. I love your sweater!!!
Another outstanding episode in every way, but especially the craft psychology segment with Dr. Kirketerp. Speaking of flow, I don't know if intently watching with great interest qualifies as flow, but in a way, it could. I feel inspired, energized and of course justified (even though I may not need it) to keep doing the craft from which I get so much pleasure. Thank you!
5 years ago I had a stroke. It happened, silently, it sneaked upon my brain when I wasn’t looking, it took my speech, my swallow and some movement. I knew who I was and who all my family were and I could ‘sort of’ write. So I I had my note book and pen and I
Sehr geehrte Damen, tolles Video! Wunderbar zu sehen, welche phantasievollen Strickwerke in aller Welt kreiert werden. Habt vielen Dank - es hat Spaß gemacht ❤❤️!
i,ve found this episode very interesting. As a pshychologist and knitter that i am , i practice the therapeuthic knitting , it has helped me over some very hard illness and deaths in my familly , many hospital hours, and i was able to sustain all that tension using knitting as my own privide meditation. Thanks a lot
I almost died with anxiety watching this - you are amazing you are, you are the knitting Buddha honestly.... :D I totally second the comment below on the Academy Award (and if there was a Nobel or some such thing for crafting!)
My favourite comment by Dr. Kirketerp was the issue of knitters in a group feeling they must talk all the time. I have always had the frustrating problem of convincing my fellow knitters that we can be quiet and just knit together silently for a period of time. Unfortunately I end up bringing something boring to work on because the noise and distractions are too great to be able to concentrate on something I’d rather knit. Lots of visiting gets done but not much knitting. 😳
I can knit in silence at home. I go to knitting group to socialize, laugh, share. And in my occupational therapy training I was taught that repetitive, tactile tasks like knitting can relax the mind and body so that people can share their feelings and work through their emotions. So I don’t personally agree that knitting groups should be quiet. I’ve had so much joy sharing with my very boisterous knitting group. I save intricate patterns that need focus and concentration for home.
Thank you ladies for sharing your mistakes. It gives me the umph to get my mistakes fixed. I love your podcast, you are both amazing demonstrators/teachers.
What a great community knitters and other crafters are. Thank you for the interesting interview; thank you, too, for sharing your knitting errors! Oh, how much I can identify! But perseverance carries the day. 😊
Excellent content, as usual. I really enjoyed the interview and can speak from personal experience that knitting has saved me from some very challenging and dark moments in my life from loss of loved ones to my own cancer journey to knitting a shawl for a friend as she was going through end stage cancer. These moments of craft in many forms are so healing and bring all of the benefits that Dr Kirketerp spoke so beautifully about. I am looking forward to reading her book once the translation to English is complete. I'm off to read the bonus chapter on Patreon right now! Thanks again for all you do in your beautiful offerings!
Thank you for this episode!!! Lately I have been making mistakes that required painful corrections and tons of picking back. One project I kept messing up so many times, I just gave up. You are both such an inspiration and support. I just love the two of you together.
I haven't even finished this episode yet and needed to make a comment right away. I can't tell you how many times I have made mistakes in knitting and had to go back to fix it. And the frustration I have felt in fixing things! To hear you, Andrea, speak of what you went through actually made me feel better as in "I am not the only one who goes through stuff like this!" And how agonizing it is to "think everything is done correctly" only to find out it is not. I wonder what psychology is involved in this kind of thinking? I had an epiphany not too long ago, when I ripped back, yet again, the same sweater. I keep thinking "Someday I will be an accomplished knitter to the point I won't make any more mistakes." But the truth is I will never get to that point, and there will always be mistakes." And as long as I keep knitting I better embrace that for myself. Because that is how I continually improve and keep on knitting. Thank you both for your inspiration for me as a knitter.
Oh I had also a problem with the increases in the Barbroe blouse sleeves pattern.... I just unravel now my first integrating 8 stitches, and I was wondering how to execute it correctly 😮 . 😅 The mistakes are a good challange in the state of mental health 😂. Thanks a lot for your advices and your so fresh presence. (Excuse my poor english and my struggle with my french corrector who wants to take the power on my writting!!)
I love the segment on the Psychology of Crafts. I have a yarn store in California, and just last week a customer told me that his employer offers a ‘wellness reimbursement” program - those are typically thought of reimbursing for Gym memberships and the like. But, my customer submitted a request, detailing information from his therapist that knitting relieves stress, reduces his blood pressure and depression and many other benefits. They agreed to let him use is wellness reimbursement budget for yarn and/or needles! They thanked him for the detailed explanation and said they were glad he found something that was good for his mental and physical health!
Thats wonderful!
This channel is worthy of the equivalent of an Academy Award. So well done in every aspect.
I agree, it’s the best !
Madeline, I’m a retired occupational therapist. Occupational therapy began with crafts taught to soldiers recovering from their injuries in WWI. Crafts were used for all the reasons Dr.Kirketerp identifies, and for strengthening and coordination training as well. Weaving was particularly common as the beaters and heddles could be weighted to grade the tasks for muscle strengthening.
Occupational therapists have been using crafts for more than a century to help people with their physical and mental health issues. To earn my degree in OT, I had to minor in psychology and also study human anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, as well as therapeutic crafts, a semester of weaving and a semester of woodworking.
Unfortunately, in the realm of physical rehabilitation, insurers don’t understand the importance of craft and won’t pay for the use of crafts in therapy. So OTs in physical disability rehab have had to move away from crafts. We focus instead on other aspects of human occupation, primarily functional abilities to perform activities of daily living.
Crafts are still an important modality used by Occupational Therapists in psychiatric settings and with pediatric populations.
thank you...new information for me and very interesting
Hey there fellow OT! So glad you chimed in here. I put my comment in before I saw yours. I get so disheartened every time I read or watch something extolling the therapeutic benefits of crafting like it’s a New Thing.
It’s also kind of disturbing and disappointing that the author researched over 300 papers that explored crafting’s therapeutic benefits and didn’t refer to any of the professional backgrounds of those researchers. Many of these papers were written by OT’s yet she makes no mention of this.
Thank you for sharing your frustrating time with your knits. I have just had the same experience with the Clothide Cardigan which took me far longer to knit than it should have. I had to take over the kitchen table to keep track of all the charts etc to enable me to finish this cardigan. I struggled so much with this pattern I thought my knitting days might be over. I was planning a simple knit for my next project, but oh no I like a challenge and so now I am knitting the Flex tee. Everyone who has knit this pattern says to relax and keep knitting, it will all come together when you get closer to the end of the project.
I am retired. I have many crafts. I knit, crochet, tat, bead, cricut, make parrots toys, sew, zentangle and more. I love to bake and am deeply into sourdough at the moment. My sister says I remind her of a Down’s syndrome person because I am always happy and living my best life. I looked at her and said “they don’t have a monopoly on happiness”. Being up and smiling and laughing is so much easier than crying as finding things to be miserable. I live way below the poverty line. And make ends meet. She married a rich man and he left her well off when he passed. But I am happy. Maybe because my eight parrots make me laugh. Or I’m just lazy and my birds, my starter, my many crafts make me smile. She’s not a crafter but she is an artist but doesn’t do it anymore. I’ve tried to get her into beading and she is interested but not enough to do it. She has her family and grandchildren close. I never was blessed with children. My hubby passed when I was 52 and I don’t want another man in my life. I love my life.
This whole episode nails all of us knitters! Such a delightful and jolly podcast! As I’ve only started knitting after 50 years, I find I’ll agonize over a mistake. I’ll look at it and I’ll put it down and I’ll fuss and fume over it. IT becomes the IT of my whole day! It is like a stain on my living room carpet! And even on a galloping horse it would be neon glowing THING. 😂😂😂💨. What treasure Dr. Kirketerp is to bring to us the value of crafting! And she is 💯 percent correct about how crafting can be a source of soulagement for the anxious , the scrupulous, the depressive sides of our being.
I have found that as I knit I put on podcasts or videos of topics that stretch my mind and my soul to no end and this increases my Faith, my Hope and my Love in and for my family and friends.
On the funny side, once I got the knack for socks I realized that this is a highly addictive drug! I’ve fallen in love with socks! 🧦
Thank you Andrea and Madelaine for sharing this really encouraging podcast! Of all the wonderful podcasts you’ve made this one is right up near number 1 ❤❤❤❤
I always enjoy your episodes a lot, but this one was just amazing. I found the interview with Dr. Kirketerp fascinating and I am SO glad to be a Patreon and able to read a bit of her book!
It is always somehow nice to see that other people also struggle with mistakes and correcting/ not correcting them. I didn't spot the mistake on the last episode, and found it very beautiful as it was. But once you see it... 😅
Anyway, thank you for another high quality video! Looking forward to the next one.
Good morning, ladies! What a nice start to my day to find a new episode. After watching "under construction," I have to add my story. Recently, I made three pairs of socks and a lovely sweater for my seven year old grandson. I flew from Alaska to DC to see him, only to discover that he had grown so much since Christmas that nothing fit! I spent a day un-knitting socks and sweater. Will re-knit soon!
:( I guess youll be knitting a year above from now on.
First of all I think this has been one of your best episodes. The humility in making mistakes in knitting and it's repairs are life lessons. Second I am an American art therapist and our research has demonstrated the relationship between changes in mood, brain functioning, physical symptoms and creative activities. I appreciate the focus on knitting with psychological research and loved the interview!
This episode is pretty terrific. I’m honoured to be one of your Patrons.
What a wonderful interview (bravo Madeleine!) with an amazing guest and a very interesting subject. In my long life, I have practiced many crafts (drawing, clay, sewing, embroidery...) but I am still wandering why knitting is the most addictive! If you know why, please let us know 😀!
Thank you for another fabulous episode, lovely ladies. Madeleine’s interview with Dr Anne was fascinating. No wonder I’m more passionate than ever about my knitting!
Ann from Australia.
5 of us friends were knitting a shawl from Ravelry. Each of us had trouble with one particular pattern band . One of us unpicked many times. I seemed to be getting on ok, until I finished it and half way up, I managed to shunt the pattern by one stitch. Did I unpick? Nope. I’ll wrap it round myself and keep moving. I figure that nobody will notice. 🥴
❤ Dr Anne Kirketerp is so smart and lovely. I cannot wait to read her book when it is available in english in Canada. All the best, Joyce
Baking or sewing while listening to the radio gives me the best buzz. Sometimes knitting but it was better when I was younger.
I had the video paused and was about to type with a very heavy heart that you had grafted the wrong row, but decided to hit play for a few more seconds while I worked up the nerve to do so - and I'm so glad I did. The sound effects, music, and graphics you added to interrupt your happy voice-over after having caught your own mistake gave me such a good laugh! What a great segment. Thank you for the humor, motivation, information, and inspiration 🙏🏼
Same! I was thinking, "is anyone in the comments going to tell her?" And then I kept watching and realized the same thing you did.
Same here... I thought "oh no...who's going to tell her...", hoping someone in the comments might have already done so. And here we are. I feel her pain, having been through this myself in the past.
Me too.
Love how you both - especially you Angela - so freely own up to the mistakes we all make! Yes, we're committed crafters, even if sometimes our crafts make us want to commit ourselves to an institution. I learn the most from fixing my mistakes.
Thank you for sharing your mistakes and frustrations - as well as all of your gorgeous successes! I'm a novice knitter, so this episode is encouraging for me. I'm currently working on my very first cardigan that has several "unique" aspects to it hahahaha! I am not confident enough to rip back so I am plugging forward and plan to wear it no matter what!
Wonderful episode! I'm full of admiration for you both - thank you for sharing your knitting experiences with us. That lace jumper getting divided and unpicked😮🤯blew my mind😂
I really appreciated the craft psychology interview and felt validated in my requiring my pupils to allow one another to sew (or knit or crochet or draw or paint) in quietness for at least sections of our time together. Now I understand why they do better work and feel more satisfied after a chance to work quietly than when there is a continual flow of chat. I always describe it to them as 'quieting' the talking part of the brain to allow the creative part to take charge😅 I didn't know what 'flow' really was - so, thank you for all this great information. I'll definitely be looking out for that lady's book!
Wonderful wonderful episode! I love when you cut up your knitting 😂 your determination to get it right. EXCELLENT interview with Anne 💕 🌸 💕
This episode is amazing! Educational and uplifting. Proud to be a patron! Thank you, ladies.
Just a brilliant episode dear Andrea and madeleine - just what I needed ❤
Thank you so much for your very interesting videos 🙏 I work as an occupational therapist and have very often observed the benefits of crafting in patients, it does so much good for them. I always tried to convince them to keep on with the activity in their home or in likeminded groups. Very interesting subject and I am looking forward to reading the book. All the best for you and many greetings from Cologne 🤗
Beautiful content in the show as usual, and confirming all that i know about knitting and how extremely helpful and necessary it is on all levels of today's society..as it has always been..very special show
the interview with dr kirteterp was very interesting! i have had chronic nerve pain in my neck and back for about 12 years now. i am so used to having a sensation of pain that I actually don't remember what it feels like to not be in pain. i re-discovered knitting and other fibre crafts about 2 years ago. whilst I wouldn't say it has reduced my pain levels, it has definitely helped my ability to live with my pain because I am better at choosing to focus on other things, rather than always focussing on my pain, which in turn makes me feel depressed and agitated, which then further increases my sensation of pain. not to sound dramatic but it has really changed my life.
Andrea - your sweater surgery was truly amazing !!
Your psychology segment is great and very timely! I just heard an interview on NPR about flow and it ties in directly with your interview.
It was so helpful when talking with Dr Anne to add the diagrams up on the screen for us to follow along. I look forward to reading the first 2 chapters of her book for free included as a new Patreon ❤
I look forward to every post. The integration of psychology and craft is very 8nteresting. 🎉
Excellent interview with the psychology doctor. Not to leave what you love to do until you're exhausted ❤
Thank you for the quality of your program! The filming, sound, lighting, editing and music selections are professional and the overall message of your program is educational, entertaining and captivating! Thank you!
Andrea, your solution to fix the sweater with its pattern error was genius! Every knitter occasionally finds a pattern error and needs to know what are their options to correct the mistake or whether to live with it!
Andrea, thank you for the educational interview. I recently embarked upon my first knitted garment and my friends chastised me for attempting a pattern I deliberately selected for its challenging features. I sought a pattern that would challenge my brain to try new skills - and the psychology interview validated my intentions! Thank you!
A sense of accomplishment gives me my mojo of therapy. Finish a garment, a gift or craft always feels great.
What a great episode! I applauded Andrea's success in fixing he sweater, then felt her disappointment of not getting it correct after all that work. I'm sure after putting it down for a bit, she will be able to go back and get it right (the hard mental work has already been done). Yes, sometimes knitting can be very frustrating, but the benefits so outweigh the moments of frustration.
This episode was a balm for my brain. Sometimes I feel a need to justify my knitting time.Thanks for this interesting interview.
I love hearing about the mistakes! First, because I’m comforted in the fact that “I’m not alone.” Second, because I learn so much from your mistakes and how you fix them, Andrea! I recently started a podcast and have a section called “needles and the damage done” 😂 …mistakes are just part of knitting. Thanks for the great episode! ❤
Thanks so much for discussing your knitting errors and your thought processes to correct them. You are both such perfect role models for all novice and experienced knitters! And Madeleine, you are such a gifted speaker! I really appreciated your review of Dr. Kirketerp’s very interesting work and your subsequent interview. The program you both put together was so good and appreciated!
That was so nice hearing "Hunky Dory", love it. Such a good topic, I am sharing this with a few people. I do admire the work you did Andrea to fix the mistakes with your knitting project, such a big mental job, a real challenge.
Audrey Berrego’s designs and knowledgeable use of lace, twisted stitches and lace was so interesting. I am amazed with her determination to work with an element that is something she isn’t quite enamoured with, like bobbles. She must have quite a mathematical brain as well as her interest in literature to find inspiration for her designs. I appreciate all the background work you both do to prepare your guests’ interviews so they are focused and so very interesting. You deserve Patreon support. This is like a well written magazine with specific articles of interest to all crafts enthusiasts. I am so looking forward to seeing you in person in PEI. I have my tickets!❤❤
I enjoyed listening to you come up with every reason not to do the fix.
Thnaks for this great episode. I especially enjoyed the interview with Dr. Anne Kirketerp.
Hi!
Such an incredible interview regarding craft psychology! I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Thank you 😊
This was such a fun and interesting episode. I learn so much from you!
This is the most EPIC knitting story I have EVER heard. Brava. However it ends, “a garment with a story” IS something.
This interview with Dr. Anne Kirketerp was fascinating, validating, and will, no doubt, be the topic of discussion at our next knit group meeting. WOW! Thank you!!
So interesting and inspiring to hear about your under construction projects and the snafu’s you encounter and how you patiently go about correcting the errors. It gives intermediate knitters like myself the nerve to do some take a parts and put together myself. Can’t wait for the upcoming yarn festival!
Thankyou. Loved every minute 🤩. Knitting and watching. Just like I was in the room with you.
Happy Easter Girls. 💜💙💜
Great episode. Thank you. Wonderful information - I love being witness to all your problem solving dilemmas. A delight to see the knitters of the world again. I’m a happy soul to see your good oldie segments again.
Good morning! Your solution for correcting this error (pattern) is absolutely brilliant, thank you.
This has helped me rescue a summer tank I’ve put away last summer with no hopes of being able to fix…
I never want the show to end!
Loved your madness with the blue sweater. Loved Madeleine’s interview with Dr Anne. Excellent
This is the first episode that I'm watching from you, and I'm not a knitter (yet), but a crocheter and potter, and I must say I am beyond amazing at the quality of your show. Thank you for great work and I hope the best for Fruity Knitting!
Another great épisode where I could feel connectedness thanks to your mistakes 😭 (oh my… I feel the pain), gain knowledge and feel proud of my choices by watching this podcast instead of another (plus being a proud patreon because you deserve it).
I got my eyes wet in the end 🥹 and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.
Take care and keep your needles or hooks on a good flow ❤.
Thank you so much for yet another fabulous episode, and special thanks for giving us a moment of respite from everything. Cannot wait to see the next episode on the Swiss Yarn Festival...
The interview with Dr. Kirketerp was fascinating. I am looking forward to the release of the English version of her book.
I really enjoyed the interview with Dr Kirkterp, it reaonated very much with me as someone with a chronic condition. Thank you very much for another lovely episode.
Andrea you are a knitting scientist.
Definitely knitting helps I was widowed at 31 with two small boys aged two and ten months and when I couldn’t sleep I knitted every mr men Disney and intricate pattern for them and sure it relaxed me then and now 70 the other day still knit but for grandchildren now x
I actually burst out laughing at the grafting “tragi-comedy”… part of the joy of watching your channel is how you are able to laugh at yourself. Self-deprecating humor seems to have become a thing of the past here in the States, and I so, so appreciate yours. 😊😊
The segment at the end where Dr. Kirketerp mentioned the stage 4 cancer patient who left behind her knitting nearly brought me to tears. I can tell it seemed to connect on a deeply personal level for Madeline and probably Andrea as well. Speaking of connection being so powerful. This episode was really wonderful. I don’t normally comment but I so enjoyed this. Sending love to both of you and the blouse is coming along great!
Oh my goodness, I’ve been knitting for at least 60 years and I just finished a bolero and found the most stupid mistake, adding the short row fullness in the center not the edges! I was using a fuzzy mohair like yarn. Not enough leftover to just make another one. I unknit the WHOLE thing and am now reknittng it . I can so identify with you both! Knitting IS good for you. It teaches patience, perseverance and humility! And pure pleasure.😉
A photo always reveals my knitting mistakes. It’s a good idea to take a picture along the progress, as you can attest! Love you and Madeline.
For as long as I can remember, craft classes of all kinds, have been an important part of mental health treatments, particularly in psychiatric & aged care facilities.
This is occupational therapy and OTs have been using crafts as a therapy modality for a very long time. It’s not a new idea.
I wanted to share my Dad's version of your saying regarding not noticing mistakes. Although not a knitter, he had a version of the saying, which was 'anybody riding by on a mule at a high lope would never notice'. That's the Missouri Ozark version of the saying. 😊 I'm pleased to hear you'll be at the Swiss yarn festival this year. I'm also planning to be there; hope to meet you there!
Just in awe of this episode, Shakespearian adventures in knitting, I burst out laughing. The psychology discussion brought so many aspects of my crafting life to my thoughts, and the discussion at the end made me very mindful of Andrew and how your family circumstances have left you with wonderful pieces to treasure and crafting a life that is so extraordinary for you both. I truly hope today is a joyful day for you ❤
As a recreation therapist, I know and teach the benifts of crafts on a daily basis!! Nothing new to me! Lol!
I just came upon this channel for the first time and am so impressed with your presentation, knowledge and content. As a long time knitter and crafter it is so interesting to hear what I always felt about the mental health benefits of knitting put into words. Gardening is another passion that creates "flow". Well done ladies. I'll be tuning in regularly
I would leave the mistake Andrea but I know you won't💕 Your work is always so beautiful.
Great interview. Dr. Kirketerp's words about the stress-reducing and therapeutic effects of knitting reminded me of a scene from Laura Esquivel's novel and the film based on it, in which the main character stops talking for several months after a traumatic event and instead focuses 100% on making a huge blanket. After recovering, she metaphorically explains that she needed that blanket because she felt terribly cold. I think that many of us actually intuitively realize the therapeutic aspect of practicing crafts and use them in our lives. Quite shocking that psychologists haven't noticed this before. Congratulations to the Author. I hope that the book will also be translated into my native language (Polish). I'm sure many people would be interested in this.
Ten years ago Betsan Corkhill wrote 'Knit for Wellness: How to knit a flexible mind and more' . Betsan covers a lot of the same topics but if anything is leaning more towards the neuroscience side of psychology. I think these two approaches to the benefits of knitting work very well together and I will certainly be buying Dr. Kirketerp's book
WOW with the lace blue jumper, I understand the concept you were explaining Andrea, however to be honest I would have just left the mistake, Bravo to you.
Loved this episode thank you both for all your hard work
Watching Fruity Knitting while knitting ... I hope that has health benefits too 😊
Thank you for this interview with Dr. Kirketerp! It was as though she was putting into words something I've always experienced, and now I can understand it more deeply.. I love to be deeply involved in my knitting and other craft work. I feel justified, somehow, not that I really need to justify it, but somehow it feels important to acknowledge the actual physical and emotional benefits and importance of being in the flow, being quiet, stretching myself to try new things, allowing failures to occur and then rising back up from them, and loving the work all the while. It's so interesting to see how, over the years, I've taken on things that were not pleasing, then dropped them, simply because they were not pleasing. Also to see how things that seemed way beyond my reach, over time, became everyday with enough practice. I can't wait to read her book! And again, thank you, Fruity Knitting, for such a thoughtful program. I love all your programs, but this one in particular really touched an important topic for me.
Good morning! I too have gained so much confidence and inspiration for fixing my knitting mistakes from you sharing yours, and I pass that on to my knitting friends. We're all "knitting while living" and mistakes happen, even to skilled knitters, so no despair. Dr. Marketer's research is so validating and interesting, thank you for interviewing her. Marketing's introduction was very helpful in focusing our attention and the interview itself was masterful. I was happy to hear Madeleine say that she loves her work on Fruity Knitting as I hope to see many more episodes to come.
Excellent video! I hope I am able to get Anne's book in the United States. Ten years ago, I suffered a permanently disabling concussion. Knitting brought me back. Every day I think of my knitting as exercising my brain.
I loved the good Doctor ! Even a simple project can reap wonderful benefits. I will make it a mission to encourage my friends and family to engage in a craft . I am knitting a blanket and learning new techniques with each square and have reached the “flow” . Thank you for this episode!
Awesome episode as always! Thank you so much for all your hard work putting this show together! I truly appreciate you ❤️
Thank you so much for your interview regarding the Psychology of Crafting! I can't wait to get my book to read it. 🙂 It explains a lot about my personality and need to craft, as long as I can remember, many types of crafts.
Absolutely loved the interview. I’m a new to crotchet, started painting and calligraphy during the pandemic, and have played viola since childhood. Especially with my music, I get into a deep flow state quite easily and feel much more relaxed and happy after a practice session. Crotchet is nice as it’s more portable than my other craft hobbies, and I can do it when producing sound is not an option.
I just discovered Yarnflakes. Her design are really pretty 😍 thank you!🙏🏼
That grafting project!!! When I was a young girl, in 4-H sewing class...whenever I made a mistake on my sewn garment (which was often!) her solution was to put a bow there on the mistake. I had a lot of bows on those projects! The bow distracted from the mistake. She was patient like you. I love your sweater!!!
Another outstanding episode in every way, but especially the craft psychology segment with Dr. Kirketerp. Speaking of flow, I don't know if intently watching with great interest qualifies as flow, but in a way, it could. I feel inspired, energized and of course justified (even though I may not need it) to keep doing the craft from which I get so much pleasure. Thank you!
Social connection is inclusion with the common interest. I love the psychology of knitting ❤
Fantastic interview! Thank you so much.
5 years ago I had a stroke. It happened, silently, it sneaked upon my brain when I wasn’t looking, it took my speech, my swallow and some movement. I knew who I was and who all my family were and I could ‘sort of’ write. So I I had my note book and pen and I
Sehr geehrte Damen, tolles Video! Wunderbar zu sehen, welche phantasievollen Strickwerke in aller Welt kreiert werden. Habt vielen Dank - es hat Spaß gemacht ❤❤️!
i,ve found this episode very interesting. As a pshychologist and knitter that i am , i practice the therapeuthic knitting , it has helped me over some very hard illness and deaths in my familly , many hospital hours, and i was able to sustain all that tension using knitting as my own privide meditation. Thanks a lot
I almost died with anxiety watching this - you are amazing you are, you are the knitting Buddha honestly.... :D I totally second the comment below on the Academy Award (and if there was a Nobel or some such thing for crafting!)
My favourite comment by Dr. Kirketerp was the issue of knitters in a group feeling they must talk all the time. I have always had the frustrating problem of convincing my fellow knitters that we can be quiet and just knit together silently for a period of time. Unfortunately I end up bringing something boring to work on because the noise and distractions are too great to be able to concentrate on something I’d rather knit. Lots of visiting gets done but not much knitting. 😳
I can knit in silence at home. I go to knitting group to socialize, laugh, share. And in my occupational therapy training I was taught that repetitive, tactile tasks like knitting can relax the mind and body so that people can share their feelings and work through their emotions. So I don’t personally agree that knitting groups should be quiet. I’ve had so much joy sharing with my very boisterous knitting group. I save intricate patterns that need focus and concentration for home.
Yay so excited to see this! Love your program!
Thank you ladies for sharing your mistakes. It gives me the umph to get my mistakes fixed. I love your podcast, you are both amazing demonstrators/teachers.
What a fabulous episode! I think all your episodes are great, but the latest segment with Dr Kirketerp was really enlightening.
As a knitting teacher I’ve often used the phase “Never be seen on a galloping horse!”❤❤
This is very kindly meant 😘 perhaps we need an “Under Deconstruction” segment sometimes … my love to you both 💐💐🏴🥃🥃🥃
What a great community knitters and other crafters are. Thank you for the interesting interview; thank you, too, for sharing your knitting errors! Oh, how much I can identify! But perseverance carries the day. 😊
Excellent content, as usual. I really enjoyed the interview and can speak from personal experience that knitting has saved me from some very challenging and dark moments in my life from loss of loved ones to my own cancer journey to knitting a shawl for a friend as she was going through end stage cancer. These moments of craft in many forms are so healing and bring all of the benefits that Dr Kirketerp spoke so beautifully about. I am looking forward to reading her book once the translation to English is complete. I'm off to read the bonus chapter on Patreon right now! Thanks again for all you do in your beautiful offerings!
Thank you for this episode!!! Lately I have been making mistakes that required painful corrections and tons of picking back. One project I kept messing up so many times, I just gave up. You are both such an inspiration and support. I just love the two of you together.
I haven't even finished this episode yet and needed to make a comment right away. I can't tell you how many times I have made mistakes in knitting and had to go back to fix it. And the frustration I have felt in fixing things! To hear you, Andrea, speak of what you went through actually made me feel better as in "I am not the only one who goes through stuff like this!" And how agonizing it is to "think everything is done correctly" only to find out it is not. I wonder what psychology is involved in this kind of thinking? I had an epiphany not too long ago, when I ripped back, yet again, the same sweater. I keep thinking "Someday I will be an accomplished knitter to the point I won't make any more mistakes." But the truth is I will never get to that point, and there will always be mistakes." And as long as I keep knitting I better embrace that for myself. Because that is how I continually improve and keep on knitting. Thank you both for your inspiration for me as a knitter.
the only people not making any mistakes are those not making anything at all ...
@@ingeleonora-denouden6222 Exactly! And aren't continuing to learn in the process.
Yay! A new fruity knitting video!!
Thanks, from the bush behind Byron. 😊❤
Oh I had also a problem with the increases in the Barbroe blouse sleeves pattern.... I just unravel now my first integrating 8 stitches, and I was wondering how to execute it correctly 😮 .
😅 The mistakes are a good challange in the state of mental health 😂. Thanks a lot for your advices and your so fresh presence. (Excuse my poor english and my struggle with my french corrector who wants to take the power on my writting!!)
Amazing learning experience.