Why I Knit

An exciting announcement...

Series 10 is on the way, and with it a new and exciting development! We have created a Patreon Community and we'd love you to join us there - the perks for supporting the

Knitting for addiction recovery - Journal club

In this Journal Club episode Dr Paula Redmond joins me to discuss a journal article about using knitting in a center for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This is a narrat

Knitting for depression and low mood - a bonus relisten

This week Dr Paula Redmond joins me to discuss how knitting can help with depression and low mood. We've chosen three episodes of the podcast in which my guests have disc

Journal Club - Knitting and Eating Disorders

This week Paula and I discuss the journal article investigating whether knitting can reduce anxious thoughts in people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Find the article

Book Club - Art Cure and Your Brain on Art

In this bonus book club episode Paula joins me to discuss two great books about art, health and well-being. Both books take a deep dive into the research into how the art

Journal Club - Can knitting reduce blood pressure?

For this journal club episode we discuss the commonly made claim that knitting can reduce blood pressure. We discuss the origins of this claim in the research and look at

Bonus Episode - Knitting and ADHD

This is our first bonus relisten episode where Paula and I choose 3 episodes on a theme and relisten to them and give our reflections. This month we are listening to 3 e

Journal Club - Can knitting improve attention?

This week Paula and I discuss a research paper about knitting and attention in children. Sonnier F, Lussiana E and Gueraud S (2023) Boosting inhibition control process b

Knitting to focus on the present moment with Simon of Veteran Knitter

For the final episode of series 9 I am joined by Simon, also known as Veteran Knitter and one of the contestants from Game of Wool, the knitting and crochet based TV show

Knitting to feel like myself again with Annah of Needle and Feather

This week I am delighted to be joined by Annah of Needle and Feather. Annah is a designer of colourwork knitting designs often inspired by nature and if you follow me on

Knitting for Self-Reflection with Nicole Nehrig

Clinical Psychologist and author Nicole Nehrig joins me this week to discuss her own relationship with knitting and how this lead to writing the book 'With Her Own Hands:

ADHD, dopamine and flow with Theodora Burrow

Joining me this week on the podcast is designer Theodora Burrow. Theodora is a knit and crochet designer who taught herself to knit and crochet from books, way before th

Knitting to find pause with Maya from Knit With Attitude

Maya is the owner of Knit With Attitude, one of the longest running yarn shops in London. She speaks about using knitting as a strategy to manage her own health difficult

Knitting to channel anxiety with Lauren Aston

Series 9 kicks of with a conversation with Lauren Aston, the founder of Lauren Aston Designs. I first came across Lauren when looking up some of Claudia Winkleman's excel

Bonus episode - Knitting and Creative Restoration in 2025

For our last episode of 2025, Paula and Mia reflect on their own knitting and craft projects over the past year, and the ways in which they have used knitting as part of

Book Club Episode - Wintering by Katherine May

For this bonus book club episode we have read the brilliant bestselling book 'Wintering' by Katherine May and speak about how it links to burnout. Wintering takes us thro

Bonus episode - Knitting for burnout prevention with Dr Paula Redmond

For this bonus episode I am joined by Dr Paula Redmond who specialises in working with health professionals experiencing burnout. Paula speaks about her own journey into

Journal Club - Knitting for anxiety and compassion fatigue in nurses

Join Clinical Psychologists Dr Mia Hobbs and Dr Paula Redmond as we discuss two research papers about knitting and mental health. These papers both relate to nurses and

Healing and soothing through knitting with Dr Katya Miles

For the final episode of series 8 I am delighted to be joined by Dr Katya Miles of The Working Well Doctor. Katya works as a Coach and Trainer for health professionals an

Neurodivergence and knitting with Una

I was delighted to be joined by Una, also known as @TheNeurodivergentCraftClub on Instagram. Una speaks about how knitting has been helpful in recovering from burnout, bu