Does Knitting Hurt? Try Yoga

Apparently the heady days of knitting all-nighters are over for at least some of the newer wave of knitters, who are turning to yoga to ease the aches and pains caused by too much knitting. That’s the news according to the Guardian, which reports that yoga can not only help with the aches and pains associated with turning too many cables, but the two are complimentary disciplines because they’re both meditative.

The rhythmic, repetitive motions of both knitting and yoga are relaxing but at the same time help the brain to be more creative and solve problems more effectively. It’s really personal, though, if you find both relaxing or if as a beginner at one or the other you find it stressful.

If you are doing yoga because of physical problems brought about by knitting, check out this post on yoga for carpal tunnel. And remember to be gentle with yourself!

[Photo from Wool and the Gang via the Guardian.]

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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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