Knitting and Chronic Illness

Of all the stories in this book, Loia Feuchter's Knotty Knitters really resonates with me. I have been involved in several knitting groups that work with hospitals and clinics, and I know that we help ourselves as much as we do the people who receive the hats, afghans, and other items we make. Knitting is really a healing art. Just the repetitive motion of moving your hands tends to turn your mind away from stressors in your life. And for more complicated patterns, knitting requires real concentration (and math!) that helps focus your mind. When I look ahead to the progression of my disease, one of my greatest fears is that I might not be able to knit someday. But knitting groups are great way to banish worry and the sense of dread that comes with illness. it is a real blessing and one definitely worth reading about.