Yarn Crafter and Author Betty Hechtman Shares 4 Unexpected Benefits The idea of “DIY” is definitely in vogue, bringing an upswing in popularity of knitting and crocheting, and there’s no sign interest will wane anytime soon, says lifelong craftswoman Betty Hechtman. “Pinterest and Etsy are two of the hottest websites online today, and they’re brimming with hand-knitted items, from socks and scarves to purses and pretty much anything that can be made from yarn,” says Hechtman, author of “Yarn to Go,” (www.BettyHechtman.com), the first in a new cozy mystery series scheduled for publication in July by Berkley Prime Crime Books. “The hand-knitted caps and sweaters that might have embarrassed us as kids are now a hip expression of artistry,” she says. “Young adults appreciate originality and craftsmanship, and they’re an innovative bunch. They’re doing amazing things with yarn!” Surprisingly, she notes, crocheting is even more popular than knitting. It’s No. 3 on the top 10 U.S. crafts list compiled by the Craft and Hobby Association, with 17.4 million devotees. Knitting comes in at No. 9 with 13 million needle fans. “What’s interesting is people say they’re drawn to yarn crafts because of the creativity,” Hechtman says, citing a Craft Yarn Council survey of more than 5,000 knitters. “But once they get into it, they say they realize it also helps with stress.” That’s just one of the unexpected benefits of time spent knitting and crocheting. Hechtman cites four more: • Knitting (and crochet) actually produce beneficial physical changes! Spend enough time with your needles or a hook and yarn, and you can strengthen your immune system, lower your blood pressure, and change your brain chemistry to reduce stress hormones and increase the natural “happy” neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine. These findings were reported last year at an “academic study day” in England on the therapeutic benefits of knitting. • It won’t leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Having trouble sleeping? Instead of reaching for a pill, pick up a yarn project an hour or so before bedtime. The calming repetition of knitting or crocheting slows restless, racing thoughts and helps us transition from busy day to quiet, restful night. • Keep your hands out of trouble. Are you trying to quit smoking and don’t know what to do with yourself? How about biting your nails? Have you become obsessed with checking your social media? Crocheting or knitting keeps hands busy – and out of trouble – while you’re traveling, waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting at your kid’s soccer game. And, unlike smoking, nail-biting and wasting time on Facebook, the result of knitting and crocheting is a positive one. • Make new friends. An internet survey of 3,500 knitters found 90 percent made new friends through the craft. One of the beautiful aspects of yarn work is that you can do it alone or in a group. In fact, the opportunities to socialize seem to be driving the strong interest from young adults, who meet at bars, Starbucks and office lunchrooms for a good stitch session, according to the yarn council. People who are alone much of the time are more prone to depression and other mental health issues, getting together for a knit with friends is good for you! About Betty Hechtman Betty Hechtman is the author of “Yarn to Go,” the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet mystery series. The eighth book, “For Better or Worsted,” comes out in November. She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children’s culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago. I'd like to thank Betty for letting me share her article with you, and Ginny at News and Experts for getting in touch with me and sending an advance copy of Betty's new book. There are a few titles ahead of it on my ever growing list, but I'll get to it before too long! Look for the review in next month or so. In the mean time, get your hooks and needles going and enjoy that blissful feeling that comes from creating beautiful things with yarn (or creating things with beautiful yarn!) Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. Until next time friends, Be Blessed and Stitch & Read with Love!
1 Comment
I'll show you how I did it without spending any money |
It's an age old question, and in crochet (as in many other hobbies - wink, wink) the answer is YES! How much it matters (I'm talking about crochet now) is quite surprising. I don't make a lot of things that have to fit - so for most of my work I get by without making a gauge swatch. Should I do it more often? - probably, but when you're making things like shawls, hats and mitts there's really no need. There have been times, where in order to have something come out the way the pattern says it will, I've taken the time to swatch. Certainly it can save anguish in the long run, as nothing is more aggravating than spending countless hours on a garment only to find it doesn't fit (you, the person you're making it for, or anyone you'd even consider giving it to). Plus it helps you get to know the pattern you're going to be using. Let's face it, some patterns look good on paper, but when you spend some time with them you find out that you don't like them nearly as much as you thought you would. If you're a swatcher (occasionally or otherwise), you've experienced the impact that hook size has. It's generally not dramatic, but when worked over a number of rows you can see how much a difference it makes. So what happens when you change hook size and yarn thickness? Well obviously you're going to get pieces that are different sizes. What's surprising is how significantly different the sizes are. Take a look at these squares. I'm making a throw with this pattern and was trying to decide what kind of yarn to use. It calls for dk/sport acrylic, but I was leaning toward worsted cotton. I made one of each. I liked the way the cotton felt, but the baby soft acrylic had more stitch definition. If I used the cotton, I wouldn't have to make as many squares, but in the end I decided on the dk/sport. |
1. Single Crochet around the motif using crochet thread that matches your "plain" item. 4. Spritz the motif with plain water to wet, then pin it to open up the stitches and straighten the edges. 7. Fold up the edge a bit and take a small stitch under it to anchor the thread and hide the knot. | 2. For square designs, work 3 SC stitches in each corner for a smooth border. 5. Once the motif is dry, pin it in place. Where and how many is all up to you! 8. Now using small stitches, sew into the back loop of each SC stitch around the item. | 3. Finish the round using the invisible join. Not sure how? Click here! 6. Using plain thread in the same color as your border, thread the needle and tie a knot. 9. Finish off by tying a knot close to the fabric and then passing the needle under the motif and out the back to hide the knot. |
That's it! That's all it takes to turn something plain and ordinary into something unique and extraordinary! If you think it's too hard, please don't be intimidated! The first time I tried it I was so worried that my stitches would be uneven and the motif would fall off! Believe me it's so much easier than it looks. And, it's a great way to put your thread creations to work. I don't know about you, but I have plenty of flowers and motifs that are just looking for a place to show off! I turned these simple fingerless mitts into something special by adding flowers to the outside of the wrist. |
Greetings! Are you here for the giveaway? I'm so glad! You can enter at the end of this post - or click here and go to the original post to read the review and see all the prizes. So, I was thinking about how to promote this little contest. I want to let as many people in on it as I can, but it gets kind of boring if I just keep posting the same pictures on Facebook and Pinterest. After flipping through the book (100 Colorful Granny Squares) that's the heart of the prize package, I decided to grab my thread stash and get to work. Because what would be better than showing you some of the squares you can make? There are so many pretty and interesting patterns to choose from! I wanted to stay close to the colors that Leonie used. Thankfully my thread supply is brimming with options. The squares in the book are made with wool - Cascade 220 to be precise. I knew that I wouldn't match them exactly, but I was able to come pretty close. |
As much as I love making granny squares, I have a whole bunch of them that don't have a purpose. That is to say, they served the purpose: of teaching me a new technique; experimenting with colors for The Granny Square Project; trying out a new pattern for a book review; and having something to photograph to promotea giveaway. In the end, that's left me with a basket full of squares that have little hope of ever being anything else. Late on Saturday night, as I was finishing up I had an epiphany. If I put a white border around the square I could attach it to one of the wash clothes that I bought FOR JUST THIS PURPOSE!! Hah! It was so easy! It took no time at all, and look how nice it looks! It's a face cloth worthy of the fanciest powder room! |
Would you like me to include the washcloth in the prize package? I think that's an excellent idea! And guess what? I added a new option. You can leave a comment on today's blog post and get 5 points. (It's the last option on the widget.) You can do this once a day if you want! It's a great way to increase your chances to win. But, you do have to work for it a little. Please give some thought to your comment(s). Tell me about your favorite thing to crochet. Or why you want to learn to make granny squares. Or about who taught you to crochet. You get the idea. "Nice Blog" is nice and all, but you can do better than that - right? Right! So take a minute, click on the widget and enter to win! Good Luck!! |
I'm Robin and this is
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