KnitWell: exploring the transformative power of creative knitting as a new model of craft therapy
Lead Research Organisation:
Nottingham Trent University
Department Name: Graduate School
Abstract
This project aims to critically and creatively explore knitting outside the realms of mindfulness, encompassing creativity to create a visual journey to our innermost thoughts, creating a non-verbal tool for self-expression and reflection, through both the process and the product. Focussing upon how we can embrace the creative aspect of knitting as a therapeutic outlet, subsequent areas of investigation include the value held within colour, stitch and texture choice and the method by which knitting can be made accessible as a creative outlet within the NHS. Developing Hood's (2018) concept of knitting as a sacred space, this project explores how the continuity of knitting a singular item can be used as a tool for constant self-reflection. Knitting holds a rich textured layering of information that can only be accurately decoded by the maker. This takes the form of not only the tools given i.e. the colour and texture of the yarn, but also other physical markers embedded within the material. For example, stress may cause a loss of concentration and therefore dropped stitches, while tension in the body may translate to tension in the fabric. This offers knitting as a form of daily and long term reflection across a vast palette of personal representation. This practice-led research represents an ongoing ethnographic process, as proven within my Masters research, utilising qualitative data collection, as an ever-evolving loop of knitted reflection. My professional and academic background are uniquely suited to a practice-led research approach. After graduating with First Class BA (Hons) Fashion Design, I won support from the Prince's Trust to open my own knitting business, Ewe Knit 20 in 2013. Ewe Knit 20 created the opportunity to build a thriving community of crafters. Whilst engaging with this community, it was brought to my attention that for a number of people, knitting was a form of release.
Recognising Myzelev's (2016) notion of the slow, repetitious actions that enable a knitter to release the pressures they carry around, I built this idea into my interactions within the shop. With the knowledge and insight gained from Ewe Knit 20, I completed my Masters with Distinction in 2018. I presented my research at In the Loop knitting conference (Winchester 2018), delivering a paper entitled 'Co-Design and Collaboration in the KnitWell project: using colour and emotion to enhance wellbeing through a knitting collective.' This research is currently being developed as an article for Craft Journal. The majority of current research focuses on 'art therapy' as an umbrella group, not considering the uniqueness of knit. A major factor in craft for wellbeing is the social connectivity you can achieve through crafting rather than individual reflection. In this respect, my research builds upon the work of Myzelev (2016), and the creation of a sanctuary from our frantic day-to-day lives, where we are able to come together within social knitting situations, whilst still having opportunity to reflect on oneself simultaneously. Wide-ranging literature discusses knitting for wellbeing. However, what this project aims to do is exploit the tactility of knit as a material process and visual tool. My project is different from previous research through embracing knitting as a creative outlet, not simply focussing on developing a meditative mind state (Corkhill:2014). Considering aspects already identified in previous art therapy research that considers the craft in terms of material and space (Cruwys, 2016, Desmarais, 2016, Renehan, 2015, Mayne, 2016, Townsend & Niedderer, 2016), I aim to evolve the position that the only therapeutic benefit that knit holds is in its physicality. Taking on board Wilson's (2014) research, considering the unique qualities of knit and exploring all creative factors, and the ability to embrace non-verbal communication this project aims to endow its participants with a creative lifeline through knit.
Recognising Myzelev's (2016) notion of the slow, repetitious actions that enable a knitter to release the pressures they carry around, I built this idea into my interactions within the shop. With the knowledge and insight gained from Ewe Knit 20, I completed my Masters with Distinction in 2018. I presented my research at In the Loop knitting conference (Winchester 2018), delivering a paper entitled 'Co-Design and Collaboration in the KnitWell project: using colour and emotion to enhance wellbeing through a knitting collective.' This research is currently being developed as an article for Craft Journal. The majority of current research focuses on 'art therapy' as an umbrella group, not considering the uniqueness of knit. A major factor in craft for wellbeing is the social connectivity you can achieve through crafting rather than individual reflection. In this respect, my research builds upon the work of Myzelev (2016), and the creation of a sanctuary from our frantic day-to-day lives, where we are able to come together within social knitting situations, whilst still having opportunity to reflect on oneself simultaneously. Wide-ranging literature discusses knitting for wellbeing. However, what this project aims to do is exploit the tactility of knit as a material process and visual tool. My project is different from previous research through embracing knitting as a creative outlet, not simply focussing on developing a meditative mind state (Corkhill:2014). Considering aspects already identified in previous art therapy research that considers the craft in terms of material and space (Cruwys, 2016, Desmarais, 2016, Renehan, 2015, Mayne, 2016, Townsend & Niedderer, 2016), I aim to evolve the position that the only therapeutic benefit that knit holds is in its physicality. Taking on board Wilson's (2014) research, considering the unique qualities of knit and exploring all creative factors, and the ability to embrace non-verbal communication this project aims to endow its participants with a creative lifeline through knit.
