5 Reasons to Learn to Knit or Crochet in 2012

If you’ve been thinking about learning to knit or crochet, now is the perfect time! With the New Year upon us, now is the time to think what you’d like to learn or accomplish in this year. Whether you’d like to learn your first stitch, make your first scarf, or learn a new craft having mastered another (knitters learning to crochet, weavers learning to knit, etc.) now is the time to begin.

Here are 5 great reasons to learn to knit or crochet in 2012. Use them to get yourself started, or share them with friends and family members who are interested in getting into yarncrafting.

	Yarncrafting makes a perfect New Year’s resolution. Taking up a craft is a great way to add creativity to your new year. Many resolutions involve giving up habits, but learning a new art is both a wonderful resolution that will keep your mind engaged and your fingers nimble.
	Crafting with your hands can help you relax. Repetitive, calm motion coupled with the texture of a beautiful yarn can lend meditative qualities to your spare time. With so much stress in all our lives, it can be restful and soothing to spend even just a little time in a creative, calming  way.
	Connect with old friends and meet new ones. Yarn lovers always seem to find each other in any crowd, so take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends and connect with people you know. Try joining a crafting group or starting your own with crafty friends. Meeting with yarncrafters is also a great way to pick up new skills. There’s a good reason they call close friends ‘tight knit’ groups!
	Crafting for charity is a great way to give to your community. If you can spare a few moments to knit or crochet, you can make a world of difference to someone in need. Whatever you love to make, there’s probably a charity collecting that very item. Try our Charity Connection for details if you’re interested in finding a group to donate to.
	Be your own designer in the new year. If you’ve been scouring stores for just the right hat or scarf, learning to make your own might be the answer! Making your own garments and accessories gives you the freedom to combine your favorite colors and textures and create new and exciting looks.

With long, chilly winter nights ahead, curl up with some yarn and get started with one of the most enjoyable resolutions you can make for the new year. Happy yarncrafting!

If you’re interested in learning how to knit or crochet, check out these resources:

• Learn to Knit (Video series)
• Learn to Crochet (Video series)