My mum taught me to knit when I was about five and until I was in my early twenties, I enjoyed knitting, from toys to tea cosies to jumpers. Then it became seriously untrendy (not that it was ever a hobby of the in-crowd!) and I stopped, until a couple of years ago when celebrities like Catharine Zeta-Jones made it popular again. But now that knitted items are mass-produced overseas, are there any benefits to knitting at home? I think so. Knitting can be:
Stress-busting
There is something very therapeutic about knitting, from the gentle click of the needles to their ever-growing product. Knitting can ease the thoughts that contribute to the mood swings of those suffering from depression. It can also give those who are trying to quit smoking or drinking something to do with their fingers, enabling them to forget their addiction for that little bit longer.
An excuse to socialise
Knitting doesn't have to be a solitary exercise. Most towns and even villages have a knitting club, which gives knitters an opportunity to meet fellow knitting addicts of all ages. My local club has members whose ages range from ten to seventy-four - and they are not all women.
Satisfying
It is deeply satisfying to finishing a product, whether it is for use or ornament, and knowing that your own hard work went into making it. I particularly like to knit gifts for friends and family because I don't have much money, but they can then appreciate that I spent the time thinking about and then knitting them something that they couldn't buy elsewhere.
Money-saving
It does, of course, depend on the type of wool that you choose, but it is still possible to knit goods that work out cheaper than those in the shops. Last year, I knitted a full-length coat/cardigan, which cost a fraction of what it would have been in the shops and it was much better quality. Small gifts, such as rag dolls and knitted cakes, can often be made from scraps of wool collected from other knitters and charity shops, saving on the cost of expensive birthday presents.
Money-making
Knitted goods can sell like hot cakes on auction sites such as Ebay, thus earning the knitter some extra cash. They also go down well at local fetes and sales.
Environmentally-friendly
Many knitted goods available in high street stores are imported from overseas. By knitting yourself, you are saving all the energy that it takes to transport those goods from source to site. This may not seem like much, but when compounded with everyone's efforts, it can really make a difference.
Individualistic
High street stores do have a massive range of goods to chose from. However, if you want to stand out from the crowd, then knitting your own clothes is one way to do that. And you can ensure that the end-product fits perfectly - no more sleeves that are too short or cardigans that don't do up - and then personalize by adding beads or embroidery.
