'It is impractical for people to carry around emergency knitting at all times'

The Yarn Harlot is way too funny. In an event sponsored by Nana’s Knitting Shop, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee gave a talk and book signing at the Oaklawn Hilton. In listening to the antidotes of the Harlot, a hundred or so of us knitters joined in on throw your hands up in the air, belly laughs.

Although I don’t necessary agree with Stephanie’s stereotypes of knitters. I never felt stupid (because I am a knitter, that is), or have people look at me like I have too much time on my hands. Nor has my partner ever complained about my stash or yarn purchases. Nor has anyone told me to go to Wal-Mart to buy socks instead of knitting them. So I was not able to relate to those stories, funny as they were.


I did find her conversation for about theta brainwaves and the knitter very interesting. The Harlot confirmed the many benefits of knitting as found in some Cambridge University medical study.

• It has a calming effect – helps relieve stress!
  
• It is a social activity to share with friends and family, and to make new acquaintances


• Knitting is a creative outlet


• Knitting increases tranquility in your live


• A knitter’s heart rate can drop 11 beats a minute while knitting


• A knitter’s blood pressure drops as well while knitting


• Knitting helps prevent dementia


• Knitting helps increase math and reading skills, as well as levels of concentration, control, follow-through, and sense of mastery


• The more you knit, the more you improve hand/eye coordination and small motor skills

Despite the positive findings in the study, the study concluded, 'It is impractical for people to carry around emergency knitting at all times.' What a shame. All those health benefits and there is no way we can take advantage of it. DOH !!!

Rating: Four of Five Stars
On the needles: Soo Cute Baby Hat