Creativity and Health

I have been interested in craftwork ever since at the age of nine I watched my grandmother crocheting squares and asked her to teach me and so I was interested to read in an Ideas magazine that repetitive crafts such as crochet and knitting are good for your health.

The magic is in the rhythmic repetitiveness of the movements, which is a lot like yoga and meditation.

Scientific studies have shown that knitting has a calming effect and can even help to manage pain. The action of knitting it seems can alter brain chemistry and decrease the release of stress hormones.
This is nothing new to the residents of the Zululand Homes who belong to the generation that were taught that one's hands should never be idle. These women have always knitted not only for themselves and their families but also for the troops in World War 2 and now in their senior years they are knitting for orphaned children and to raise funds for the Home they live in.

The funds raised by the Craft Group at the Homes were used in January to purchase a pergola and new garden furniture. These have been well used already and residents now spend many happy hours outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather and garden, and of course knitting!

We have been working towards the Easter Fair and there are always cards and handwork on offer on Thursday mornings and the Knick Knack Shop still has lots of interesting old things to sell.

We are also making attractive shopping bags and aprons with an African theme which are proving very popular.

We are looking for volunteers to join our group on Monday mornings or to sew in their own time at home. Contact us at 0354742636/2402

Until next time then, Happy Knitting!!