Saturday Stitchin'

It’s a hobby that many people will associate with their granny and her friends – having a right good gossip while they knit woolly jumpers that their grandkids will never wear. However, you may be surprised to know that knitting is fast becoming a trendy pastime and is the ‘in-thing’ with many celebrities. It’s also very beneficial for your health!

Culture Perth & Kinross has teamed up with local knitwear designer, Eva Christie, to host an event this Saturday on World Wide Knit in Public Day. It’s open to all knitters, crocheters, spinners and weavers, and also to those who just want to give it a try! Experienced folks are asked to bring their own materials, but if you are looking to give it a bash for the first time there will be sample materials available to you.

The event takes place at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery between 11am and 3pm, and it’s the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people and share all of your knitting experience!

If you’re wondering whether this event or knitting is really for you, I’ve managed to uncover some very interesting facts on its benefits. Dr Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind body medicine from none other than Harvard Medical School, has produced studies that show just some of the medical reasons why you should try knitting.

The repetitive action of the needlework is said to induce a relaxed state that is associated with meditation and yoga, ideal to unwind after a hard day at work. It’s also believed that once you’ve mastered the skill and got beyond the initial learning curve, knitting can lower your heart rate and blood pressure and even reduce the harmful blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol – all that from a needle and some thread!

It’s also said to be very helpful to anyone trying to quit smoking, as it keeps your hands and mind occupied reducing your cravings for cigarettes. Likewise it can be helpful for those trying to lose weight as it keeps your mind firmly focused on knitting that cardigan and off the fridge. It’s also been known to be therapeutic when it comes to dealing with major health diagnoses like cancer, and can even improve people’s social skills when they get involved in knitting groups.

As if all of these great benefits weren’t enough, it turns out that many celebrities are getting in on the act. Pulp Fiction actress Uma Thurman, Pretty Woman’s Julia Roberts and even Sarah Jessica-Parker are avid knitters! For those who love the Royals – you might be interested to know that the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton, is handy with the needle and thread too!

With Perth’s Festival of Yarn coming up in a few months, it’s a great chance to get into knitting ahead of the big event on 10^th September at Dewars Centre. Eva Christie is the Festival Director, and she will be on-hand on Saturday sharing all of her fantastic needle knowledge! If it’s good enough for the Royals and celebrities, then why not head to Perth Museum and Art Gallery this weekend and give it a go?

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No booking is required for Saturday's event - simply drop in between 11am and 3pm to Perth Museum and Art Gallery!

For more information on Perth's Festival of Yarn or to find out how you can buy tickets, visit their website here >>>.