While I was walking & knitting
Lessons to share from my walk+knit sessions, CraftDoodling Design News, Other updates etc.
Whenever I mention walking and knitting, I get mixed reactions from knitters and non-knitters. If you have been following my work for a while (Thank you!♥️) you might have noticed that I am very enthusiastic about the process of learning, in general.
I believe that walking & knitting, 🚶🏻♀️➡️🧶 like many other pursuits, is an enjoyable activity that can be learned and practiced depending on our circumstances.
Why walk & knit?
For me, this is not about speed, efficiency or getting more done. It is just about combining two pleasurable activities because, why not?
I've never stopped admiring the Jolabokaflod tradition in Iceland ever since I heard about it. On Christmas Eve, you get to read books and enjoy festive treats like hot chocolate and traditional Icelandic chocolates. 🍫📚
Books & Chocolates !! Genius!!
Also worth getting inspired from, don't you think? 🤔
Walking & Knitting is not the weirdest thing to do on the streets
I initially struggled a bit with the idea of taking my knitting to the streets. Would people think I am weird? Will I become the crazy yarn lady in the area? No, really!
Most people are busy with their phones anyway. 📲 The rest are walking dogs, biking, running, skateboarding - basically doing their thing.
The few who noticed my knitting mostly nodded and smiled, and some even complimented what I was doing.
People have been doing it for a long time anyway
My aunt, who grew up in the colder parts of North India, once described how the women in her neighborhood would walk together to the vegetable market, knitting and chatting all the way.
Abby Franquemont describes in her book "Respect the Spindle" how girls herded sheep 🐑 while spinning on their spindles.
The ergonomics of walking and knitting
It was when my kids were very young and I had stepped down from my corporate career, that I had started taking knitting a bit more seriously in my life. I had talked about it in an earlier post here. Since I was knitting around small kids, I had to grab odd moments to knit, even if I had to stand up and knit. Eventually I was knitting during park play times 🛝 and also pacing in my backyard.
I had completely forgotten about it until a few months ago when it occurred to me that I could actually take it during my walks, just for fun. 🚶🏻♀️➡️
If you are pondering the idea, Carson Demers's book “Knitting Comfortably: The Ergonomics of Handknitting", might be great reading material. He is a knitter and physical therapist who advocates walking and knitting and has great advice for all of us in his book.
A small snapshot of my walk+knit session, for you! 💖
What I have learnt about my own knitting through the exercise
In his book "Atomic Habits", James Clear advocates 'habit stacking' as a way to build new habits.
It means, to pair a new habit with an already existing strong habit. It lets us take maximum advantage of the neuron connections that are already built in our brains for the sake of our older strong habits. I got encouraged by this and decided to add small amounts of knitting to my regular walks and see how it goes.
I was a bit worried about sloppy stitching or making mistakes and having to redo all the work. Surprisingly, the act of walking and knitting helps me focus really well. We often hear advice about how incorporating a little bit of movement during our desk jobs 💁🏻♀️can help us bring back attention. I think it is the same phenomenon that comes into play while knitting and walking.
What type of projects are suitable for walk & knit
In general, small single color projects with almost mindless stitch repeats would work: hats, socks, mitts, small cowls.
In my almost 6 months of walking and knitting, I've knit 4 pairs of socks, 1 scarf, and a few swatches. And I've only had to undo an hour's worth of knitting, which is huge for me! 😱
Have you tried walking and knitting or are you planning to? I'd love to hear all about it. If you have any questions about the topics, please feel free to drop a comment too. 💝
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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
My new sample for the original Nasha Shawl pattern is done and the updates are almost written up. 🤞
Nasha Shawl - New Sample (1 skein fingering) I have been working on a design proposal last week and another design of mine. More on those later. 🤞🤞
FEATURED PATTERN
Tuberose Mitts - DK weight ribbed fingerless mitts featuring a delightful twisted stitch pattern on the back of the hand and also knits up quickly.
Tuberose Mitts
Tuberose Mitts is available for download from Ravelry and Payhip.
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
Currently Reading 📖
Show your work - Austin Kleon
The hate U give - Angie Thomas
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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I’ve walked and crocheted but not knit… yet😉. I’ve knit or crocheted while reading since I was small. My grandsons used to tell their friends that Nanny could knit, red and watch telly. They were very impressed that I did that. I would add not full on watching just occasional glances if it was a program I liked.
This is brilliant. I have only recently started reading and knitting (I find this much easier on a kindle) and it’s been a revelation for me. The thought of knitting and walking whilst listening to an audiobook is making me very excited to try it out!