E-Print © BLOOMSBURY
Knitting34 Betsan Corkhill, and Jessica Hemmings, AngelaWell-being Maddock, and Jill Riley
PLC
E-print
BLOOMSBURY © Abstract
ore encompassing than have felt or intuited—established Mjust the facts and figures by Betsan Corkhill and Jill Riley of physical health, well-being in their joint contribution on the is often used to acknowledge therapeutic benefits of knitting. how we feel. The World Health Angela Maddock then follows, not Organization has defined well- with the stuff of scientific reason, being as “an ability to realize but with its exact opposite: the personal potential, cope with symbolic contribution which daily stresses, and contribute knitting that is disrupted or productively to society.” This troubled can signal in a narrative. article explores the varied ways My interest in the difficult identity knitting can contribute to our of solitary knitting in literature, well-being. It brings together the and the need to take stock of authors’ individual presentations the current infatuationPLC academic from the well-being panel at the research holds for collaboration, 2012 conference “In the Loop now acts as the final contribution Betsan Corkhill, Jessica 3: The Voices of Knitting,” now to this dialogue. The outcome is Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and reconfigured and reordered as a eclectic, the voices varied; but so Jill Riley coauthored paper. Opening the too are the many ways to consider Founder of Stitchlinks, Betsan Corkhill has a background in physiotherapy and pain paper are facts and figures—the the contribution knitting can make management. Since 2005 she has been very evidence of what many of us to our well-being today. researching the therapeutic benefits of knitting and developing therapeutic knitting as a tool to improve well-being and to manage long-term Keywords: knitting, well-being, therapeutic knitting, Wool 100%, medical conditions in mainstream healthcare. Her mothering, red, solitary production, introversion work highlights the importance of creativity for well-being, psychological flexibility, and the ability to self-manage.
Professor Jessica Hemmings is Head of the Faculty E-print of Visual Culture at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin. Research interests include contemporary textile practice, fiction about craft, and postcolonial theory. Recent publications include In the Loop: Knitting Now (Black Dog, 2010), The Textile Reader (Berg, 2012) and Warp & Weft: Woven Textiles in Fashion, Art and Interiors (Bloomsbury, 2012).
Angela Maddock is a part-time Senior Lecturer at Swansea Metropolitan University, where she teaches contextual studies and manages MA Contemporary Dialogues: Textiles. She is a research student in materials at the Royal College of Art and is interested in the negotiation of meaning in and through craft practice. BLOOMSBURY Jill Riley lectures in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Healthcare Studies at Cardiff University. Her Ph.D. studies and recent publications have concentrated© on handcrafted Textile, Volume 12, Issue 1, pp. 34–57 textiles and the relationship between textile doi: 10.2752/175183514x13916051793433 making, quality of life, and well-being. Her recent Reprints available directly from the Publishers. research with colleagues from Cardiff University Photocopying permitted by licence only. and Stitchlinks UK focuses on the impact of knitting © 2014 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. on personal and social well-being. Printed in the United Kingdom Knitting and Well-being
Knitting for Well-being: The qualities (Katz‑Freiman 2010). The Psychological and Social knitting process generally leads to Benefits of Hand Knitting the creation of an end product, a knitted object as either the result Betsan Corkhill and Jill Riley of following a defined pattern or an As a creative art and craft, hand outcome designed by an individual. knitting has the advantage of Whereas knitting is often a being both versatile and portable. solitary activity, it is also a vehicle Knitting’s apparent simplicity, for making social connections needing only a length of yarn both virtually, through the rise of and needles, and the fact it can Internet knitting sites,PLC and in real be done almost anywhere at any time through local knitting groups time, makes it a widely accessible (Minahan and Wolfram Cox 2007). craft that has enjoyed a recent Indeed, knitting as a social activity resurgence (Turney 2009; Stanley is not new. Black (2012) documents 2002; Gillow and Sentance 1999; the historical importance of social Harris 2004). knitting in rural communities where Knitting is both process groups of knitters gathered to knit and product oriented (Blanche and talk after a day’s work. The 2007). As a process, knitting inherent psychological and social encompasses repetitive tasks that benefits that are known to come require physical and cognitive from knitting practice, together with skills (Hosegood 2009). These are the satisfaction that comes from relativelyE-print easy to learn in the first creating an end product (Hosegood instance but can be developed 2009), are an indication of its incrementally, initially within a potential to contribute to personal safe structure, but as skills and and social well-being. confidence improve include more Well-being is defined as “a creative experimentation. In terms combination of feeling good and of skills, knitting can be fairly functioning effectively” (Huppert simple, the continuous looping of 2009: 137). It arises from an ability yarn over a needle to make a stitch, to realize personal potential, cope or incredibly complex, through with daily stresses and contribute the use of multiple needles, productively to society (World stitch combinations, and different Health Organization 2009). The BLOOMSBURYyarns to create intricate patterns relationship between engaging in (Turney 2009, Gillow and Sentance creative activities and well-being 1999). The process of knitting has been explored in general also has psychological benefits. terms and there is a growing body © Turney (2009) refers to knitting’s of evidence to suggest that such rhythmic and sensory nature, which engagement or participation can can be calming, with potential positively impact on both health meditative and therapeutic and well-being (Department of Knitting and Well-being 37
Health and Arts Council for England set at 5,000 and a total response five years. A total of 72% reported 2007; Staricoff 2004; Leckey 2011). of 3,545 (of which 3,514 were valid) knitting more than three times per However, the literature referring was received within two weeks. week. to creative activity and well-being Quantitative data was analyzed Respondents were asked to list tends to concentrate more on the for descriptive statistics and their four main reasons for knitting. visual and performing arts (Staricoff correlations and to establish Among the most common reasons 2004) rather than on specific differences among variables. were the perceived psychological craft activities such as knitting. In Qualitative data was analyzed to benefits that came from the process this article we concentrate on the establish patterns and themes of knitting, such as relaxation, psychological and social benefits of through coding and developing stress relief, and its therapeutic knitting for well-being specifically. categories. The key findings and meditative qualities. In First we outline the key findings relating to demographics, reasons addition, respondents found from an international online survey for knitting, knitting and mood, that knitting helped them feel of knitters conducted in 2010. the impact of color and texture, productive at times when they were Second, by drawing on Betsan cognitive ability, the social aspects engaged in passive activities such Corkhill’s experience of using of knitting, transferable skills, as watching television,PLC listening to knitting as a therapeutic medium, and knitting as a coping strategy music, waiting for appointments, we consider the components of are summarized in the following or traveling. Knitting was described therapeutic knitting, its practical sections. Further detail on the as an outlet for creativity offering application, and benefits for people analysis and findings can be found a sense of accomplishment and a with long-term medical conditions. in Riley et al. (2013). connection to tradition. Knitting Respondents were was also considered a social The Survey predominantly female (98.8%) and activity, a vehicle for connecting The purpose of the survey was to classified themselves as “white” with others both virtually and in identify the impact of engaging (31.0% as “white British” and real time. in knitting on individuals’ 59.3% “other white”). In terms A cross-tabulation of the results perceptions of their mental and of age, over half (54%) reported from the survey revealed a strong social well-being as a prerequisite being between 21 and 40 (2% relationship between knitting for further research into knitting’s wereE-print under 20, 18% were 41–50, frequency and other variables such therapeutic potential. The 15% between 51 and 60, 8% were as mood. Further statistical analysis survey was conducted using over 60). Thirty-one countries showed that knitting more than an online questionnaire, which worldwide were represented in the three times per week significantly was piloted with a group of 40 survey, although the majority of increased respondents’ perception knitters to improve its reliability respondents lived in the Western of feeling calm after knitting. The and validity and then launched hemisphere (59% in the USA and process of knitting was described on an Internet knitting site in July Canada, and 31% in the UK). Of by respondents as “soothing,” 2010. The questionnaire included the respondents, 33% reported “restful,” or “spiritual,” with the a mix of multiple choice and having a medical condition. “rhythm of the repetitive motion” free-text questions relating to These consisted of a wide range being “hypnotic” and “calming.” demographics, mood, cognition, of physical, psychological, and Of those respondents who and the social aspects of knitting.BLOOMSBURY neurological problems such as suffered from depression, 81% Questions were designed to yield anxiety, depression, arthritis, or perceived that knitting made them quantitative and qualitative data fibromyalgia, some of which were feel happier, with 54% claiming and were based on information chronic, long-term problems. to feel happy or very happy after gathered over time© from the Respondents reported a wide range knitting. While the majority of Stitchlinks website and from of knitting experience, lasting from respondents felt that knitting our background knowledge. The a few weeks to over 35 years, with helped improve their mood, others maximum number of responses was the majority having knitted for over felt it depended on circumstances 38 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
and time. As one respondent put focus on what is being said or it, “As I knit often, I find that I have discussed and keeps me from no one particular mood prior to having wandering thoughts.” knitting; knitting is many different Indeed, 73% of respondents who things to me at many different knitted three times a week or more times, from a mood raiser to a felt that knitting helped them forget mood calmer to a mood enhancer.” their problems and improved their However, for the few respondents memory compared to 19% who who reported having very low knitted less than three times per mood, this was perceived to impact week. Similar results were found for on their ability to engage in knitting the other categories (see Table 1). in the first place: “I think the only Half of the respondents said time when I really don’t feel like they belonged to a knitting group knitting is when I am very sad.” and 90% of this group said that The extent to which mood they had made several or more improved after knitting was also friends through knitting.PLC Knitting associated by some with the in a group was also reported to complexity of the project and improve social confidence and difficulties encountered. Comments feelings of belonging. For the included: “It depends on how people with depression, there hard the project is. Sometimes I’m was a significant association sad that it’s over, other times I’m between membership of a knitting really happy it’s over!” and “If I am group and feeling happier and designing a pattern and it all goes better about themselves: “I feel horribly wrong—angry!” more calm in social situations if I Color and texture were also have my knitting. I don’t need to found to impact on mood. Whereas feel paranoid about not having 24% of respondents felt that color something to say”; “When I usuallyE-print or definitely affected their knit during situations where I mood, more (46%) felt that texture would normally feel incredibly did. The majority of respondents uncomfortable and anxious, I feel also felt that knitting improved less so. I’m able to enjoy the fact their clarity of thinking. There was that I am around people and it is also a significant relationship always a nice icebreaker.” Knitting between more frequent knitting was also perceived as encouraging and perceived improvements in further skill acquisition, cognitive ability, specifically in both knitting skills and other relation to organizing and clarifying transferable skills. thoughts, forgetting problems, Over half of the respondents memory, and concentration. As one (57%) said that knitting “usually” BLOOMSBURYrespondent put it, “I knit because or “definitely” encouraged them it helps me to think more clearly. I to learn new skills. These included feel like it connects both sides of practical skills such as other my brain and suddenly my mind crafts, DIY, cooking, gardening, © is clearer.” Another respondent or computer skills. Typically, described how knitting helped respondents reported feeling her to concentrate: “In meetings, more confident about trying new for example, knitting helps me activities, for example: “I find in Knitting and Well-being 39
Table 1: The Relationship between Knitting Frequency and Cognitive Ability
Knitting frequency N Mean
Organize thoughts 3 or more times per week 2,540 (72%)* 3.43 Less than 3 times per week 656 (18%) 3.17
Forget problems 3 or more times per week 2,562 (73%) 3.33 Less than 3 times per week 666 (19%) 3.16
Memory 3 or more times per week 2,548 (73%) 3.89 Less than 3 times per week 659 (19%) 3.37
Concentration 3 times per week or more 2,531 (72%) 3.87 Less than 3 times per week 658 (19%) 3.57 *Percentages are rounded to nearest % PLC general I am more apt to try things I well.” Of those respondents who Therapeutic Knitting wouldn’t have before, like make my said they suffered chronic pain, Knitting creates strong, resilient, own beer, retile my kitchen myself, 88% felt that knitting gave them flexible fabric. Therapeutic knitting build outdoor furniture, redecorate. a sense of accomplishment and a seeks to create strong, resilient, I am more eager to try do-it-yourself means of coping with their pain. flexible minds in the process. projects with confidence.” Others described how knitting Therapeutic knitting takes the The constructive nature of helped them cope with emotional benefits of knitting and enhances knitting and its symbolic patterns, stress, for example when caring for them to improve well-being or to together with the calculations a seriously ill relative. treat certain medical conditions. required led to a perception of The findings from the survey The psychological benefits of improved mathematical and design highlightE-print the gendered nature of knitting alone or within a group skills. The ability to plan and knitting and its identity as a widely range from distraction, refocusing organize a knitting project also accessible art and craft. The survey of attention, and enabling feelings enabled respondents to organize concentrated on committed and of control to providing rewarding other aspects of everyday life, for motivated knitters who belonged to occupation and enabling relaxation example household budgeting. an online community. Nevertheless, and contribution. It enables people Additionally, interacting with others it evidences the psychological and to feel and “be” successful at a in virtual or real-time groups also social benefits of hand knitting for task from their armchair. This acts improved respondents’ social and those who choose to engage in it. as a springboard to involvement in communication skills in terms of By enhancing mood, providing a other activities. Being successful is everyday conversation and Internet means of distraction from chronic pivotal to motivation and a lack of skills. problems such as pain, inducing motivation to self-manage long- Knitting was also felt to BLOOMSBURYbe an feelings of calmness, relaxation, term medical conditions is a big effective means of coping with and a sense of belonging through problem faced by clinicians. difficult situations and problems. social engagement, knitting Through knitting, lost emotions For example strong emotions: contributes to perceptions of associated with anticipation, pride, one respondent described© how well-being. The following section excitement, and happiness are “‘Knitting angry’ usually just makes considers the practical applications reawakened. The survey identified things worse, so I am less likely of these benefits through an that the majority of respondents to approach other tasks angrily as analysis of therapeutic knitting. who suffered from depression said 40 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
knitting helped them to feel happier movements engage more brain and over half of this group said capacity than unilateral ones and they felt happy or very happy after appear to facilitate a meditative-like knitting. This has many practical state more readily than unilateral applications in the treatment of movements. Anecdotal evidence long-term medical conditions that from patients suggests that knitting have a tendency to dull positive may also contribute to spatial feelings and emotions, and lower awareness, the awareness of the mood and motivation. space their body occupies. The transferable life skills such There is evidence that repetitive as patience, perseverance, pacing, movements in animals enhance the and planning that knitters report release of serotonin (Jacobs and can aid a “self-management plus Fornal 1999, Jacobs et al. 2002). support” approach to healthcare. Serotonin is calming, an analgesic Success in managing ill-health and and a mood enhancer. Our work maximizing well-being requires with knitters suggestsPLC that it is these attributes. Knitters also tell the rhythm of these repetitive of how they learn that mistakes movements that is important. can be undone, that they are not Knitters control the rhythm of catastrophic and of how the end their craft and may change it goal is not only attainable but can according to their mood. This be richer because of the detours rhythm is instantaneously calming. made along the way and the It facilitates a meditative-like lessons learned. These are valuable state, which enables the benefits life skills. of meditation to be experienced Life circumstances such by a much wider population. as illness, retirement, or When combined with knitting’s redundancy can change identity portability, this deep sense of andE-print perceptions of self. Knitting relaxation and instantaneous calm can enable the knitter to build gives people an effective tool to a new positive identity through, manage pain spasms, panic, and for example, knitting for charity. anxiety at any time, anywhere. Knitting for those who are more The benefits of meditation for vulnerable and in more need than health and well-being are widely oneself can change a knitter’s recognized but clinicians report perspective on the world. Wrapping that it is difficult to teach to those someone else up in something who need it the most: the highly warm and cozy is symbolic of caring stressed, depressed, or those in for others. pain. The concept of meditation The main issues which raise needs a level of cognitive BLOOMSBURYhand knitting above other crafts engagement and understanding center on the nature of movements, that may also be beyond certain the development of creative ability, groups of people such as the and its portability and the way it very young, elderly, or those with © enables group participation. The learning disabilities. A meditative- movements involved in knitting are like state appears to happen as bilateral, rhythmic, repetitive, and a natural side effect of knitting automatic. Bilateral, coordinated and requires no conventional Knitting and Well-being 41 understanding or learning of the (Staricoff 2004). There is also a stimulation. Our survey showed meditative process. potential link between creative that texture is significantly more Automatic patterns of movement ability and psychological flexibility important than color for raising could play a significant role in and the ability to self-manage. mood. Practically, we have found encouraging movement without There is something important about that touching something comforting triggering the pain system. We have being actively creative as opposed tends to make people feel good and also observed that when the brain to being a passive recipient of a many knitters reported stroking is occupied with a background destructive force such as an illness their yarn in periods of low mood automatic task, conversations or traumatic event. Creative thought or depression. This highlights the become easier, deeper, and more may also be an effective, ongoing importance of the hands and the intimate. It is as if self-monitoring means of distraction. tactile information received from is switched off. The automatic Many of the patients we them. nature of knitting often means encounter have low feelings of Knitting’s easy portability is the pattern of movements is self-worth and low self-confidence. significant in its success as a remembered by those suffering Knitting is a curious mix of creativity health and social tool. A small from dementia who were previously and structure. Structure and “bag kit” can be carriedPLC around to able to knit. Automatic movement creativity are opposing statements, deal with problems out and about. may also facilitate access to so it is difficult to introduce and Being deliverable in kit form to the subconscious and could aid develop creativity within those who the armchair or bed encourages treatments such as cognitive need “structure” to feel “safe.” early intervention and involvement behavioral therapy, for example. Knitting, however, is a creative in an activity that can maintain Performing a repetitive visual- activity that is executed within and enhance social involvement spatial task during or shortly after the “safe” structure of a pattern. in people who may be at risk of a traumatic event significantly cuts Although constructed according to becoming isolated. In a sense, down the incidence of flashbacks given patterns, participants are free the knitting group could also be (Holmes et al. 2004; Holmes et al. to choose the style of pattern, type considered “portable.” It can fit 2009). Narratives collected from and texture of yarn, colors, length easily into the busy life of a hospital knitters, and experiences of some of time spent knitting, and the or doctor’s office. It is easy to set up patients, suggest that symptoms levelE-print of challenge or complexity of and has no time-consuming mess to of post-traumatic stress disorder the project. Knitters can choose to clear. From a financial perspective, (PTSD) can subside significantly follow established knitting patterns the learning process involves no with knitting, even several years until they feel safe to progress. By wasted materials—mistakes can be after the original trauma. We know, beginning with easy, structured undone and yarn can be reused. for example, that soldiers suffering projects, where the reward is Knitting “works” as an shell shock after the First World attainable with a little effort, individual activity that is enhanced War were treated with knitting, followed by gradual encouragement by attending a group. The benefits suggesting a potential to use of exploration and experimentation, of attending supportive social knitting with those suffering from knitters can often learn to enjoy groups are well documented PTSD. There may also be a link with designing their own projects. (Staricoff 2004, Arai and Pedlar the mechanism by which EMDR Knitting promotes purpose, 2003). These include enabling (eye movement desensitizationBLOOMSBURY and creativity, success, reward, and communication, mutual learning, reprocessing therapy) functions. enjoyment that is particularly exploration, and discovery. The National Institute for Clinical important in groups who have However they can also have Excellence (NICE) recommends no experience of these in other drawbacks. Introverts and those EMDR for the treatment© of PTSD. aspects of life. Knitting requires with low social confidence may Research has highlighted the no innate artistic ability, making find them intimidating and difficult importance of creative ability the reward attainable by all. It to join. The relationship between and engagement for well-being also provides visual and tactile knitting and the group appears 42 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
to be synergistic. Knitting makes those disadvantaged in life may the group work. The introduction become teachers in the knitting of a self-soothing activity such as group, so often roles are reversed. knitting appears to enable knitters A noticeable effect of coming to manage their emotions, which in together to knit is the amount turn enables group participation. and volume of laughter and easy, In addition, the position of the relaxed banter. This could also be knitter’s hands increases personal a result of the calming movements space, which acts as a buffer to that quickly put people at ease. the outside world, enabling the Laughter and conversation with knitter to go to places she or he supportive friends in a safe social would normally feel unable to environment is the opposite of the attend. A common purpose makes stress “fight or flight” response. it easier for participants to attend The more people can engage in alone, thus providing a means these sorts of social contact, the of safely expanding their social more the body’s naturalPLC healing network, building social capital system is stimulated. and discovering new, supportive Touch and personal contact is friendships. missing from the lives of many. This sense of ease is enhanced The knitting group encourages by the personal control group acceptable touch and close members have over the level of contact between individuals. their participation in the group. There is encouragement from Knitting is one of the few activities group members to learn new skills which enables eye contact during with the support of others, so conversation … or not. It is introducing regular novelty and completely acceptable for a group skill acquisition is not a problem. member to sit and knit quietly Within the setting of a health withinE-print the group. This puts her clinic, the knitting group run by a in control. The knowledge that clinician enables patients to absorb she can come to a group and sit information and ask questions and knit quietly and not have to about their medical conditions. fully participate all of the time is From the clinician’s viewpoint it extremely important. It encourages enables her to monitor, motivate, her to come to the group even on and support patients over the days when she doesn’t feel great. longer term at low cost, in an It is important for people to spend unintrusive way which doesn’t time in the company of others necessitate focus on negative without feeling pressurized to issues or problems. It also provides contribute. As Jessica Hemmings an excellent opportunity for BLOOMSBURYdiscusses in the final section of education or group therapy and can this article, knitting enables the be an important aspect of a “self- introvert to feel more comfortable in management + support,” in other a group setting. words, a “helping people to help © The knitting group provides themselves” approach to long-term a level playing field where the health problems. disadvantaged and advantaged in In terms of enabling life can meet as equals. Indeed, socialization, knitting opens Knitting and Well-being 43 up the world and encourages a services around the world could suggesting what might lie beneath sense of belonging to a knitting save large amounts of money by the presence of red yarn in so much community. If the knitter attends encouraging and supporting people contemporary textile practice. a community group, this can to remain socially and mentally The Japanese film Wool 100% extend to belonging to their local active. Knitting groups provide the (director Mai Tominaga, 2006) is community once more. Importantly, potential to do this at low cost. a fantastical tale driven by three knitting introduces an element The findings from our women: Ume Sam, Kame Sam, of fun, play, and laughter. These international survey of knitters and Knit Again. The sisters Ume are often missing from the lives of confirmed the significant and Kame—older women with those living with stress and other contribution that knitting, as both silver bobbed heads, who in their long-term illnesses but they are a creative process and product, can slender silveriness look just like vital aspects of a healthy lifestyle. make to individuals’ perceptions knitting needles—live in a house Loneliness and social isolation are of their personal and social well- that amplifies the secret chaos growing problems that are hugely being. Current and ongoing work of the hidden and sometimes detrimental to health and well- using knitting as a therapeutic shameful spaces of our homes: the being. Our work has identified the medium shows that as part of a accumulated trash PLCof under-stair importance of the “right type” of holistic approach, knitting can cupboards, the teenage “under the social contact in order to benefit complement medical treatments bed dishwasher waiting room,” and health and well-being. Issues of and enable us to treat body, the kitchen drawer archive. Sited social and emotional loneliness mind, and spirit. It can change the on the borderlands of childhood need to be addressed. The knitting context within which ill-health is play, a dream space on the edge group fulfills these requirements. experienced, provide a means of of the world, their home exists Therapeutic knitting groups are making safe, supportive social as a remarkable and endearing nurturing, healing places that contact and can offer a positive patchwork of all that society has enable people to “just be” in the reinforcement within the home discarded. Each day brings more: relaxed company of others. environment. As a consequence, like rhyming knitting needles, However, our work has also therapeutic knitting and they loop through the suburbs identified the importance of therapeutic knitting groups have accumulating spoils, gathering knitting alone; taking time out to theE-print potential to improve general discarded treasures and returning switch off from the pressures of well-being and enhance medical home. Two nesting magpies, they everyday living, worrying thoughts, treatments at low cost. are content in their isolation, their and symptoms of illness. Having gatherings neither hidden nor kept a “take-home” tool linked to the from sight. Re(a)d Knit: Body/Mother/ group continues the positive Ume Sam and Kame Sam’s Home reinforcement within the home strange mansion “nest house” is environment and provides an Angela Maddock an odd place, but as strange as it activity that can be developed Therapeutic knitting, as Corkhill is—and it is strange—it is homely. in anticipation of recognition and Reilly establish, offers a In all its layers and depths it seems at the next group meeting. multitude of ways in which knitting that what is normally worn on the This encourages continued can contribute to real world well- inside is also worn on the outside group attendance, inclusion,BLOOMSBURY being. Turning to the fictional “on the surface”: unfolded folds participation, and creative worlds of film and literature, we and multiple gatherings, turning experimentation. Research has are shown alternative functions for the inside out. identified that those who are knitting in life. Here, using the film Yet in all these folds there is still mentally active and© socially Wool 100% as allegory, I explore order: a calculated arrangement engaged are 40% less likely to conspicuously troubled knitting, of stuff that is sorted, categorized, develop symptoms of dementia offering insights into the well- and negotiated—communities of (Valenzuala et al. 2012). Health being of fictional characters and clocks, books, telephones and 44 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
shoes. They have not outgrown conduct a dance that resonates their home because it has no with all the complex qualities of the end, like the minor architecture space/place that exists between described by Jill Stoner (Stoner mother and child. In what follows, 2012), an architecture celebrating it becomes clear that knitting and the small and the evolving over the the knitted garment, like mothering monumental, it is fluid, always in itself, have the potential to comfort the act of becoming—uncontained and nurture, but also to stifle and and uncontainable—a troubling smother—neither role is without state for some. Certainly, the tension. late Mary Douglas, empress of It is painful to watch the torment the domain of liminalities and Knit Again inflicts upon these domestic disorder, would have gentle creatures in her compulsive been intrigued by this, as there knitting, ripping out and reknitting is so much matter “out of place” of the perfect sweater and how they and simultaneously “in place.” struggle to ease her PLCpain, but what Two women share rituals and struck me initially was the necessity habits of their own making—silent of the red yarn in this film. Could breakfasts, the tea that follows it have been any other color? This their collecting and archiving. resonated with me personally Lives lived according to a certain as I was knitting with my mum, rhythm—the gentle rhythm of the knitting a line of perfect blood red, contented. a work that I have come to name as This peaceful existence is Bloodline; an ongoing document disturbed by the chance discovery that testifies to our closeness, of a basket crammed with carefully our physical distance, and the balled red yarn by the river. It is enduring connection/tension hard, here, to escape associations between mother and daughter and, withE-print the biblical tale of Moses, a I suspect, the tension between all trail that leads Knit Again into their mothers and daughters. Does this lives. The sisters’ ankles, caught red spin a similar story? in the looping red yarn that draws What is clear is that red is so them to the basket, reminds us universally understood as the most that they are gatherers gathered, a loaded of colors: it marks us. In her duplication of sorts, and a sign that work, the late Louise Bourgeois they too have been chosen—that claimed red as the color of violence, the yarn has its own life. As the of grudges, of shame and blame. sisters weave their way home, a We recognize the power of red telltale trail snakes behind them … in her drawings, paintings, and creeping along pavements, turning installations, such as the tightly BLOOMSBURYcorners … our foundling is drawn to wound cones of red thread in The the nest and bliss is undone. Red Room Child. Anyone who Here, Donald Winnicott’s ideas has watched the film Don’t Look on the transitional phenomena are Now, with its spill of red ink and © relevant. Our wool gatherers—and the spectral presence/absence of Winnicott talks of the emergent the red raincoat, cannot fail to be child subject as a wool gatherer haunted. Remember also, the red (Winnicott 1953: 90)—seem to coat of the film Schindler’s List. Knitting and Well-being 45
Quite simply, would any other color surface and threat of exposure, it a resistance to boundaries and do? has the power to repulse. In Knit walls that limit. This particular Red is the color of fairy tales, Again we have a young woman in disruption of the feminine is the seductive apple of Snow White, a perpetual state of “in between,” available to us in Tatiana Blass’s the prophetic cape of Little Red whose arrival tips order on its head Penelope (2012), a giant installation Riding Hood. Perhaps our Knit and whose growling stomach is of tangled and woven red threads. Again, clothed in red and seduced a signal of the monster within. In Here, the tension is not of the by the snaking red yarn to the nest her red yarn we have a constant spill of the feminine and the house, serves as a contemporary reminder of the connection with the desire to resist constructions, Red Riding Hood. That red is of us body—a tense and worried thread but a suggestion of its monstrous is indisputable, just under the skin, that reaches back to the site of possibilities. This yarn is no gentle held in place, hidden. We know that anxiety. thing, it does not leak through its revelation is mostly unwelcome. This visceral connection is skin or shell. Instead, Blass’s Women still menstruate blue on important wherever red yarn Penelope seems to possess a our television screens. Blood spills. It also matters in our voracious appetite to draw all into remains abject, particularly that of understanding of the presence the weave of her cloth,PLC to bring menstruation. Most especially, red is of red yarn that practices like everything to her core, at which the color of wounded flesh, of pain. knitting are constructed as point all is consumed, digested, Julia Kristeva suggests that a domestic and gendered feminine. and spewed out—transformed lack of fixed state is fearful and That the domestic continues to into some other thing. Here is the gives rise to feelings of abjection be conflated with women is no other red, an innocent-seeming within us (Kristeva 1984: 4)—an easy cohabitation, politically or loom as all-consuming Arachne, encounter with something beyond personally. Again, if we look to a transformation made possible meaning that is instinctively Bourgeois, we see signposts to through the breach of boundaries, repulsive and the reason certain this tension in her many iterations the smothering mother at the reds become blue. This is the not of Femme Maison. The chimerical center of all things. knowing and the not understanding woman/house reveals an A similar maternal ambivalence of that which is beyond language, ambivalent housewife/mother; is is evident in Wool 100%, where we that which Lacan claims as the sheE-print waving or drowning? witness nurturing and frustration Real. Somehow, red fits here. In its In all these matters there is a in equal measure. The sisters “bodiliness,” hidden beneath the sense of disrupted order or turmoil, bathe, feed, and soothe Knit
Figure 1 Angela Maddock, Bloodline, 2006. Photo: Edith Maybin. BLOOMSBURY © 46 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
Again and yet their lives are brings the body into play. This soft changed forever. No more shared red knitted yarn, so at odds with gathering, no gentle-mannered the materiality of its host, snakes a eating. One journeys alone, the trail and that word “intervention,” other remains at home; this reveals an interruption. What is intervening the love, the compromise, and here? I’m reminded of James ultimately the truth of parenting. Elkins’s idea that: “Every work of And yet despite—or maybe in visual art is a representation of the spite of—all this care, Knit Again body” (Elkins 1999: 1). Horton’s reaps destruction. In a painful signposting simplifies our search rejection of their mothering, the for ourselves. Her boundary dining room, the “hearth of their of blood red yarn and its soft, home,” is destroyed. Echoing the undulating presence marks us. This bewilderment of so many wronged resonates with Winnicott’s “wool parents, Ume Sam cries: “How gathering,” a nurturing claim to cruel! How could you?” Again, space. This signpostPLC to care in the Bourgeois’s red works come to public arena is problematic. It is mind. Particularly the giant red difficult for us to negotiate because breast of The Feeding, its huge it seems so “out of place.” Uncanny red nipple hovering above the and marginalized, it references two prone and mewling child, poised interiors: the home and the body. to overwhelm, reminding us of the Lise Bjørne Linnert’s remarkable power of the breast and the tautly Fences project of delicately drawn red thread of mothering, a executed red thread wrappings reminder of how difficult it is to be look, on closer investigation, like the “good” mother. the tidying/finishing/protecting The red of Sophie Horton’s edge of blanket stitch. These intervention Cordon marks a small-scale interventions appear particularE-print boundary, but it also on more than 110 sites worldwide.
Figure 2 Sophie Horton, Cordon, 2004. Wool, acrylic, and Lurex; 25 cm × 450 m. Site: Cove Park, Scotland. Photo: Ruth Clarke. BLOOMSBURY © Knitting and Well-being 47
They mark border territory, This incompleteness fascinates. I Again’s pain might be beyond wastelands; proper in-between doubt I’m alone in having several sublimation, that knitting enabled spaces, no man’s land and certainly half-finished projects stashed away her to give voice to her pain. “no woman’s.” Linnert’s tender at the back of wardrobes. What This made sense. I have never wrappings signify a profound shift is at play here is an engagement witnessed such furious knitting, in the materiality of the transitional, with the process of knitting, not never considered this kind of the tactile softness of yarn in a the garment itself. As Corkhill and therapeutic process. In all this, she space usually characterized by the Riley have shown in the previous is a screaming and temperamental hard edge of concrete and steel. section, here too we see that to knit banshee, never the quiet heroine of These considered marks, so like without creating anything is often nineteenth-century literature, the dressings, are signifiers of the enough; it soothes. I use knitting “Angel in the House.” Knit Again home and slowness at a site that as a transitional object or process: is much less polite in her practice. denies both. Like Horton’s Cordon, it enables me to work things out— Not for her the Victorian drawing they are threads “out of place” and thoughts/ideas/worries—and to room technique described by the because of this, we notice and find be “at home” when I am anything priest and knitting historian Richard them odd, difficult, perplexing. In but. To adopt Winnicott’s words, Rutt—knitting that sawPLC needles her winding, Linnert reveals what is knitting has become my “defence held like pens (Rutt 1987: 17); not there, what is missing: “filling against anxiety” (Winnicott 1953: instead, hers are the metal pricks in” is the task or reward of whoever 91). Somehow, this ought to be of Elizabethan knitting. Held like is lucky enough to stumble across Knit Again’s place. But where my spears, she wields them furiously them. knitting soothes, Knit Again’s does and uses them to gouge the eyes of Linnert’s tracing suggests a not. the toy known as “tilting doll.” drive toward completeness, a I discussed Knit Again’s It is useful here to see the desire to fix things. In contrast, compulsion with a friend. Recalling sweater as metaphor for Knit Knit Again’s never-ending task how creative practice might be Again’s transition toward reflects her incompleteness. Over viewed psychoanalytically as individuation. As neither subject and over again she knits, rips out sublimation, I wondered if Knit nor object, the sweater exists at and reknits the thick red sweater. Again’s furious knitting might be the margins of her body and in its Her constant mantra is “Damn: evidenceE-print of failed sublimation. constant undoing and redoing, is I have to knit it all over again!” More wisely, she suggested Knit forever in transition. Judith Rugg
Figure 3 Lise Bjørne Linnert, Fences No. 64, South Korean Embassy in Oslo, Norway. April 2011. BLOOMSBURY © 48 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
Figure 4 Lise Bjørne Linnert, Fences No. 21, The Barracks, Dresden, Germany. August 2009.
PLC
E-print
reminds us that clothing exists separation. If Knit Again’s sweater “as both a fragment of the body is a reflection of herself, a self- and a container for the fragmented portrait of sorts, then in its making/ self” (Rugg 2005: 121), suggesting unmaking/remaking it is possible a complex, liminal role that that she too is in an in-between or BLOOMSBURYsimultaneously holds her and yet transitional state, a state Douglas is her undoing. Following this, it characterized as dangerous is possible to think of the garment (Douglas 1999: 96). as concomitant with the ego. That What is it that holds Knit Again? © Knit Again constantly undergoes That ties her to this endless work? deconstruction/reconstruction It would be unfair to reveal all the testifies to a particularly painful film’s secrets, but I think it is safe to process of individuation, of say that there is a mother—indeed Knitting and Well-being 49 a lost mother—at the very heart of We know that there are no considers the lone figure of Knit this matter. A shift occurs after Knit innocent choices in our making, but Again, a character engrossed in Again’s final act of frantic knitting, red should be chosen particularly production who is far from content. which leads to an unraveling of carefully. It speaks of a complicated Drawing on the recently published stories and an illumination of the set of relational values that remind Quiet: The Power of Introverts in sisters’ past. The nest house is us that red “stuff” is of us, of the a World that Can’t Stop Talking tidied, their obsessive gathering people and places that matter to us by Susan Cain (2012), I want to comes to an end and Knit Again and, that like knitting, red is never suggest that such stereotypes are seems subdued. Cutting her hair without tension. the by-product of attitudes that symbolically shifts Knit Again from devalue the creative potential of the position of returning mother (I elected individual activity. Introversion and Knitting: am trying to resist here my earlier Cain argues that it is more often Rethinking Solitary Production interpretation of Knit Again as individual, rather than group, lost child, for we have witnessed Jessica Hemmings endeavor that results in new ideas the sisters tidying their room As seen in the previous two (Cain 2012: 74–5). Borrowing from under Knit Again’s gaze), a shift sections of this article, knitting this thinking, I wantPLC to revisit that fully enacts the sisters’ own is often celebrated for its social the identity and well-being of mothering. In all this, the narrative potential. Knitting can provide the lone knitter. Psychologist slips between past and present significant therapeutic benefits, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in his and between film and animation. as well as commanding a powerful classic book on the importance of What I take from this is the magical, symbolic role in contemporary satisfying work, observes: transformative quality of both red art practice. Perhaps because we Despite the fact that we are yarn and the practice of knitting as can sense intuitively knitting’s now healthier and grow to be mutative process. That it should contribution to our well-being, older, despite the fact that end with the completion of the red failed knitting, tangled yarns, and even the least affluent among sweater by the sisters, and not Knit conspicuous acts of mending are all us are surrounded by material Again, who together pull it over her evidence of well-being out of kilter luxuries undreamed of even head and naked body, is especially and narratives in need of repair. a few decades ago … and poignant. A familiar contemporary image E-print regardless of all the stupendous This act of tenderness of knitting is that of individuals scientific knowledge we can emphasizes the connective quality gathering together to share time summon at will, people often of red yarn, its restorative character. and conversation. This portrayal of end up feeling that their lives Lindsay Obermeyer invokes the knitting is accurate and, as Corkhill have been wasted, that instead Chinese proverb of the red thread in and Riley have shown, can bring of being filled with happiness her collaborative work—especially with it benefits far beyond the their years were spent in anxiety her ongoing Attachment Project. production of familiar objects. But I and boredom. (Csikszentmihalyi Here the yarn speaks of a nurturing want, for a moment, to move away 1992:1) red, the red of bonding. This from this association to instead bonding seems “without edge” and explore the usefulness of knitting in A resurgence of interest in crafts yet we know that all bonds have the formation of meaningful solitary such as knitting can, at least in their dark side, that “touching”BLOOMSBURY and activity. part, be understood as a reaction being “in touch” is never without Depictions of knitting as to the anxiety and boredom risk. Nevertheless, this optimistic a solitary pastime are often Csikszentmihalyi cites as a common position appeals to the part of us presented in negative terms: reality of modern life. that recognizes the© need to be loneliness, isolation—even The antidote to this connected with another. For some, madness—appear in literature dissatisfaction is a type of even the suggestion of this is depicting the lone knitter. concentration and satisfaction that troubling. Maddock, in the previous section, often appears in the production of 50 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
craft, in particular hand knitting. My best tip for a successful In fact, as Corkhill and Riley knitting circle is to always go isolate, knitting’s demand for somewhere public. If you stay manual dexterity combined with in people’s houses it becomes the opportunity to add technical clingy and competitive, whereas complexity provides us with an the whole point is to attract new ideal task for Csikszentmihalyi’s people in. You will be surprised definition of optimal experience: at how much interest you get. Knitting in public brings People describe the common strangers together from all characteristics of optimal walks of life. Everyone has their experience: a sense that one’s own knitting story and they are skills are adequate to cope always happy and nostalgic. with the challenges at hand, (Matthews 1997: 194–95). in a goal-directed, rule-bound action system that provides The contribution thatPLC group clear clues as to how well one is knitting makes to our well-being performing. Concentration is so is not under question here, but it intense that there is no attention is striking to note that among all left over to think about anything the positive cheer surrounding irrelevant, or to worry about knitting groups, the lone knitter is problems. Self-consciousness often absent. In literature and film, disappears, and the sense of representations of the lone knitter time becomes distorted. An are often connected to negative activity that produces such attributes—even madness. In the experiences is so gratifying that previous section of this article, people are willing to do it for its Maddock analyzes the lone figure own sake, with little concern for of Knit Again from the Japanese whatE-print they will get out of it, even film Wool 100%—hardly the when it is difficult, or dangerous. embodiment of peace or happiness. (Csikszentmihalyi 1992: 71) Knit Again’s production is alone and it is production that is troubled Knitting, perhaps more so than rather than fulfilling. Maddock other types of textile production, shows us that Knit Again’s inability tends to be associated with social, to reach the completion of her group activity. The public image project to her satisfaction signals that knitting has regained in recent a conspicuous absence in the years, in part through the rise of character’s life. knitting clubs, has helped to renew Similarly, the late Zimbabwean a positive image of the hobby of author, Yvonne Vera, describes BLOOMSBURYknitting. But it is an image that the humiliation one of her female places considerable emphasis on characters endures, first by the importance of group activity. establishing a scene of poverty and Rachel Matthews, the owner of the abuse: © yarn shop and textile collective Prick Your Finger, and founding Zandile turned left into member of the Cast Off Knitting Thandanani Street and walked Club for Boys and Girls, explains: quickly past No. 62 Thandanani Knitting and Well-being 51
where she knew a woman of Madame Defarge” (Dickens Introverts prefer to work whose husband had sold her to 1993 [1859]: 147). Defarge exploits independently, and solitude another man for the value of a the underestimated value of can be a catalyst to innovation bicycle wheel but she refused to knitting, using it to communicate … but the way we organize leave and instead, stood on that information that goes largely many of our most important asbestos roof with no clothes unseen by the world around her: institutions—our schools and at all to cover her own body our workplaces—tells a different and announced loud and clear He always remembered with story … The New Groupthink that she preferred two bicycle fear and trembling, that terrible elevates teamwork above all wheels to one, and if anyone woman had knitted when he else. It insists that creativity and had two bicycle wheels to give talked with her, and had looked intellectual achievement come her husband then she would ominously at him as her fingers from a gregarious place. (Cain leave not only the roof top but moved. He had since seen her, in 2012: 74–75) the house and foolishness of her the Section of Saint Antoine, over Interestingly, Cain even goes husband. (Vera 1998: 78) and over again to produce her so far as to dismiss the creative knitted registers, and denounce PLC productivity of the group, Vera then confirms her character’s people whose lives the guillotine suggesting that many of us now pain through the excessive then surely swallowed up. inhabit our physical lives based on output of her hobby. “This No. 62 (Dickens 1993 [1859]: 258–9) virtual, online values: Thandanani woman could be seen outside her house any time of the Madame Defarge’s knitting is Collaboration became the scared day, knitting whatever she could, a curiosity not only of literary concept—the key multiplier a full candle burning beside her scholars, but from the perspective for success. But then we took whether it was morning or night” of healthcare as well. Corkhill things a step further than the (Vera 1998: 78). The waste apparent and Riley note that research facts called for. We came to in burning a candle during daylight has questioned if the character value transparency and to knock is one indication that this character, of Madame Defarge exhibits down walls—not only online under considerable duress, is no symptoms of post-traumatic stress but also in person. We failed to longer making rational decisions. (HolmesE-print et al. 2009). Ironically, the realize that what makes sense This identity is sealed by her very actions necessary to create her for the asynchronous, relatively knitted production: compulsive, register of names for the guillotine autonomous interactions of excessive, beyond material need have deemed her a candidate for the Internet might not work as but necessary for mental, if not post-traumatic stress. well inside the face-to-face, physical, survival. In among all this unhappy, politically charged, acoustically Jumping back in time, Charles solitary knitting, I have to ask noisy confines of an open-plan Dickens provides us with another where our understanding of office. Even multitasking, that example of a now iconic unhappy productive solitary production prized feat of modern-day office knitter: Madame Defarge. The fits into the identity of knitting. worker warriors, turns out to character of Defarge is far more Contemporary culture teaches us be a myth. Scientists now know sinister than Knit Again or No. 62 that group activity is productive, that the brain is incapable of Thandanani woman, but hereBLOOMSBURY too creative, and efficient, not to paying attention to two things at her knitting is not for good. As mention the social norm. The the same time. What looks like the narrator of A Tale of Two Cities American author Susan Cain has multitasking is really switching explains, “It would be easier for recently challenged this attitude, back and forth between the weakest poltroon© that lives, to pointing out that many more of us multiple tasks, which reduces erase himself from existence, than may be introverts by nature than productivity and increases to erase one letter of his name or exterior appearances may suggest. mistakes by up to 50 per cent. crimes from the knitted register Cain explains: (Cain 2012: 85) 52 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
Taking Cain’s warning to heart, The American artist Mark examples of solitary activity Newport also works to a large scale, that do exist may deserve to be using knitting to create full-body acknowledged in a more productive costumes of superheroes. The light. content looks to be the stuff of There are, of course, examples extreme extroversion, the “bam- of artists who clearly elect to work whap” of printed cartoons and the alone. Interestingly, this decision special-effect-filled animations seems far less driven by the of their recent reincarnations. nature of a particular project or But Newport’s working methods the scale of an undertaking, than belie his chosen content. He by a self-awareness of working acknowledges that the location patterns that are most productive of his studio, and the opportunity for certain individuals. For example, to work alone, allow for a more Shauna Richardson hand-crocheted productive practice: three giant lions as part of the PLC Lionheart Project for London’s 2012 Weaving, knotting, Cultural Olympiad. Reflecting on embellishment, knitting—I have her decision to work alone, she used for their social connotations explains: in relation to gender, but more personally they provide the space Undertaking a project like this as that I prefer—quiet, controlled, a lone artist with no experience, primarily alone to think in a way contacts or guidance, was plain that I feel is non-linear, slower, bonkers. But perhaps working and at times more long-term than alone is the reason the project short-term problem-solving. The has been so successful to date; I costumes and prints also provide feel responsible for every aspect. a great parallel and contradiction WhenE-print problems do arise I don to the hero; knitting’s small, another hat, find more hours quiet action versus the large, and fix it.(Richardson quoted in dynamic actions of a superhero Hoggard 2012: 35) as the contrast. The solitary nature of the way I prefer to knit Richardson describes her working is similar to the lone vigilante pattern with much the same superhero protecting the world. language as Csikszentmihalyi (Newport: 2012) uses to describe optimal experience: “To complete a crochet Newport’s and Richardson’s project of this length it is necessary styles of work are not discernible to zone everything out, and sustain from their finished creations. In BLOOMSBURYa state of mind driven by rhythm fact, quite the opposite: their and process” (Hoggard 2012: respective choices of content and 36). She is also honest enough scale would suggest a small army to confess to a “daily source of of group activity, wielding knitting © wonder” that an undertaking of needles and crochet hooks in the this scale was producible by one studio. I should also make clear maker’s set of hands (Hoggard that these examples in no way 2012: 36). avoid public reception as part of Knitting and Well-being 53
Figure 5 Shauna Richardson, Lionheart Project, Britain, 2012.
PLC
E-print
their solitary production methods. processes, and I have knit with One final example of the Newport makes clear that he often other folks as a way of doing potential of productive solitary works productively in public,BLOOMSBURY events at museums for openings activity is captured poignantly but that he sees this activity as … I knit in public when I travel— in the collaborative work of ultimately solitary, even when on the plane or in the lobby or on American artists Dutes Miller and occurring in a crowd: a bus, but I do not think of that Stan Shellabarger. The couple’s © as working with a group. I really ongoing co-crochet of soft pink yarn I am intrigued by the social prefer to be alone when I knit or maps their marriage in a manner large-scale group projects do most anything in the studio. similar to Maddock’s co-knitting, with knitting and other textile (Newport 2012) Bloodline, with her mother. In the 54 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
first stages of the project, Miller many who knit may have long and Shellabarger were forced to felt. Knitting is, for many lives, far work in awkwardly close proximity. more than an innocent pastime. With time, the crochet has grown The physical and mental actions and more recent performances, of knitting can contribute to our during which the two create in well-being in significant ways. As public, often include considerable Corkhill explains: space between their bodies. Miller and Shellabarger are hardly the Therapeutic knitting is being image of the solitary knitter that I used to manage the experience first observed in literature, nor do of pain, mental health, dementia they represent the social conformity and addiction. Therapeutic of the gregarious craft club. What knitting groups promote they do epitomize is the potential of purpose, creativity, success, constructing complex objects from reward and enjoyment, which a simple, single yarn. The flexible is particularly importantPLC in nature of the craft’s production individuals who have no means that the contribution experience of these in other knitting, or in this case crochet, can aspects of their lives. They make to our lives and our well- are easily tailored to meet the being is equally varied. specific needs and challenges of these different specialties at low Conclusion cost. (Corkhill 2012: 8) Knitting makes contributions both big and small to our daily Crucially, knitting is also well-being. Research undertaken beginning to enjoy a welcome Figure 6 by Betsan Corkhill and Jill Riley revival brought about by our lean Mark Newport, Flamer, 2008. has been able to confirm what economic times. While the image Hand knit, acrylic, and buttons; E-print 203 × 58 × 15 cm.
Figure 7 Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger at Western Exhibitions in Chicago, Illinois, 2007. BLOOMSBURY © Knitting and Well-being 55 of the knitting club at the local creates strong, resilient fabric. of Pollution and Taboo. London: coffee shop is often an image of Therapeutic knitting seeks to create Routledge & Paul. the time-poor setting a diary date strong, resilient, flexible minds Elkins, J. 1999. Pictures of the Body: to be time-rich, even if only for an in the process.” As our diverse Pain and Metamorphosis. New York: hour, there are additional changes approaches here have shown, the Stanford University Press. that have recently altered the contribution knitting can make to image of knitting. Corkhill explains well-being is both varied and real. Gillow, J. and Sentence, B. 1999. that, in Britain, “The current model World Textiles: A Visual Guide to of healthcare is unsustainable, References Traditional Techniques. London: particularly for long-term conditions Arai, S. and Pedlar, A. 2003. Thames and Hudson. … more research is needed to find “Moving Beyond Individualism in Harris, J. 2004. “Knitting.” In ways of tapping into the body’s Leisure Theory: A Critical Analysis of J. Harris (ed.), 5000 Years of own healing mechanisms” (Corkhill Concepts of Community and Social Textiles, pp. 46–48. London: British 2012: 5). The restrictions of our Engagement.” Leisure Studies 22: Museum Press. current economy may be providing 185–202. just that chink in the medical Hoggard, L. 2012. “PridePLC of Britain.” Black, S. 2012. Knitting, Fashion, establishment’s armor to allow Crafts May/June 2012. Industry, Craft. London: V&A activities previously acknowledged Publishing. Holmes, E., Brewin, C. and as no more than a hobby to be Hennessy, R. 2004. “Trauma understood more fully. Blanche, E. I. 2007. “The Expression Films, Information Processing, and From an attention to the of Creativity through Occupation.” Intrusive Memory Development.” therapeutic potential of knitting, Journal of Occupational Science Journal of Experimental Psychology Maddock then takes us into the 14(1): 21–29. 133(1): 3–22. realm of fiction, where a character Cain, S. 2012. “When Collaborating unable to find satisfaction in her Kills Creativity.” In Susan Cain, Holmes, E. James, Coode-Bate, knitting is clearly a character Quiet: The Power of Introverts in T. E. and Deeprose, C. 2009. “Can struggling to find balance in her a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Playing the Computer Game ‘Tetris’ life. Acts of mending and tangled London: Viking. Reduce the Build-up of Flashbacks textile production in contemporary for Trauma? A Proposal from Corkhill,E-print B. 2012. Therapeutic practice all provide signals that all Cognitive Science.” PloS ONE 4(1): Knitting Report. Bath: Stitchlinks. is not well, that self-healing is both e4153. necessary and at times dauntingly Csikszentmihalyi, M. 1992. Flow: Hosegood, B. 2009. “Whip Your complex. I pick up on this line of The Classic Work on How to Achieve Hobby into Shape: Knitting, thinking with my own observations Happiness. London: Random Feminism, and Construction of that the lone knitter in literature is House. Gender.” Textile: The Journal of often an indication of unhappiness. Department of Health and Arts Cloth and Culture 7(2): 148–63. Borrowing from recent writing by Council England. 2007. A Prospectus Susan Cain about the power of for Arts and Health. Available Huppert, F. A. 2009. “Psychological introverted personalities, I question online: http://www.artscoucil.org. Well-being: Evidence Regarding depictions of the lone knitter as uk/publication_archive-for-arts- its Causes and Consequences.” troubled. Examples of large-scaleBLOOMSBURY and-health (accessed August 27, Applied Psychology 1(2): 137–64. knitting and crochet work created 2010). Jacobs, B. and Fornal, C. 1999. alone suggest that, for some at “Activity of Serotonergic least, working alone is a source of Dickens, C. 1993 [1859]. A Tale of Neurons in Behaving Animals.” inspiration rather ©than detriment Two Cities. London: Wordsworth Neuropsychopharmacology 21(2). to creative practice. Borrowing Editions. again from Corkhill, I am reminded Douglas, M. 1999. Purity and Jacobs, B., Fornal, C. and Martin- of her observations that: “Knitting Danger: An Analysis of the Concepts Cora, F. 2002. “Activity of Medullary 56 Betsan Corkhill, Jessica Hemmings, Angela Maddock, and Jill Riley
Serotonergic Neurons in Freely Rutt, R. 1987. A History of Hand Moving Animals.” Brain Research Knitting. London: Batsford. Reviews 40: 45–52. Stanley, M. 2002. “Jumpers that Katz-Freiman, T. 2010. “Craftsmen Drive You Quite Insane: Colour, in the Factory of Images.” In G. Structure and Form in Knitted Adamson (ed.), The Craft Reader, Objects.” In M. Schoeser and pp. 596–605. Oxford: Berg. C. Boydell (eds.), Disentangling Kristeva, J. 1984. Powers of Horror: Textiles: Techniques for the Study An Essay on Abjection. New York: of Designed Objects, pp. 23–32. Columbia University Press. London: Middlesex University Press. Leckey, J. 2011. “The Therapeutic Effectiveness of Creative Activities Staricoff, R. L. 2004. “Arts in on Mental Well-being: A Systematic Health: A Review of the Medical Review of the Literature.” Journal Literature.” ResearchPLC report 36. of Psychiatric and Mental Health Available online: www.artscoucil. Nursing 18: 501–9. org.uk/publication_archive-for-arts- in-health-a-review-of-the-medical- Matthews, R. 1997. Quoted in T. literature/(accessed August 27, Blanchard, Green Is the New Black: 2010). How to Change the World with Style. London: Hodder & Stoughton. Stoner, J. 2012. Towards a Minor Minahan, S. and Wolfram Architecture. Cambridge, MA: MIT Cox, J. 2007. “Stitch ’n’ Bitch: Press. Cyberfeminism, a Third Place and Turney, J. 2009. The Culture of the New Materiality.” Journal of Knitting. Oxford: Berg. Material Culture 12(5): 5–21. Valenzuala, M., F. Matthews, and Newport, M. 2012. Telephone C. Brayne et al. 2012. “Multiple interviewE-print with J. Hemmings, Biological Pathways Link Cognitive Bloomfield, MI–Edinburgh, July 24, Lifestyle to Protection from 2012. Dementia.” Biological Psychiatry Richardson, S. 2012. Quoted in L. 71(9): 783–91. Hoggard, “Pride of Britain,” Crafts May/June 2012: 35–36. Vera, Y. 1998. Butterfly Burning. Harare: Baobab Books. Riley J., Corkhill, B. and Morris, C. 2013. “The Benefits of Knitting for Winnicott, D. W. 1953. “Transitional Personal and Social Well-being Objects and Transitional in Adulthood: Findings from an Phenomena: A Study of the First International Survey.” British Not Me Possession.” International BLOOMSBURYJournal of Occupational Therapy Journal of Psychoanalysis 34: 76(2): 50–57. 89–97 Rugg, J. 2005. “Maternal Loss, World Health Organization. 2009. © Transitional Space and the Uncanny “Mental Health: A State of Well- in Alison Merchant’s Kingsland being.” Available online: www. Road, London-East.” Textile 3 (June): who.int/features/factfiles/mental_ 118–29. health/en/(accessed May 23, 2011). PLC
E-print
BLOOMSBURY ©