It's the new trendy attitude of fashionistas: knitting! That's good, this manual gesture of yesteryear is both relaxing and eco-responsible . To your knitting needles, girls!
We don't know if home-made knitting was born from the latest lockdowns or from the planet of young, hyper-cut designers. But one thing is certain: in 2021, knitting your own cocoon is trendy. Fashionistas, Instagram icons, swear by their knitting needles. The proof? The huge success of We are Knitters , which offers needle-in-hand kits (even for complete beginners) to create trendy knitted pieces. Not to mention the wave of "Arm Knitting" (knitting with your arms without needles), in an XXL version, ideal for blankets, hats or scarves.
What is Medknitation?
This play on words (a mix of meditation and knitting) turns this hobby, long passed down to grandmothers by the fire, into a new form of meditation. Knitting is a fun way to put your brain on pause , focus on the present moment (one purl stitch, one knit stitch) and let go of everything else.
Knitting as strong as meditation ? In any case, that's what the Anglo-Saxons think, who consider the art of knitting as a new form of yoga for the mind (and fingers, knitting is excellent against the risks of osteoarthritis!). This highly soothing manual activity could also be a surefire way to stop snacking, give up your e-cigarette or bite your nails! Not to mention that relaxing knitting can be practiced almost anywhere, even on the subway or in a waiting room! And no need to knit for hours to benefit from the relaxing effects of this activity. The regular rhythm of the needles for a few rows makes you more zen and relaxed very quickly!
Knitting, how to get started?
By ordering a minimum of materials (needles, balls of wool), you can easily follow the tutorials on YouTube. Our favorites: the channel " Tutos Tricot Françoise ", " Joueuse de pelotes " or " Les Triconautes ". On Instagram, the hashtags to follow to find a ton of ideas: #maille, #tricotaddict, #tricoteuse. At the beginning, don't complicate your life. Start with simple pieces, with a single type of stitch. Knitting is like cooking , as you go along, you will let your creativity speak!
As for needles, choose wooden or bamboo models (4 to 6 mm), slightly more expensive than plastic ones, but just as non-slip. Tip: you can get needles from an old aunt, it's the kind of material you don't throw away.
As for wool, for vegans, avoid alpaca wool (from the llama), mohair (Angora goat), cashmere (Indian goat) and Merino wool (sheep). Prefer vegetable fibers from cotton or linen. Otherwise, know that there are also many producers of ethical wool, respectful of animals and the environment (See for example De rerum natura, Lily Neige, Rosy Green Wool, Bergère de France or Fonty). Last tip: choose natural wool, without added acrylic (a petroleum derivative).
A responsible alternative
Knitting your own winter sweater or spring cardigan also means rethinking fashion in an eco-responsible way. In addition to the satisfaction of creating (the famous "I made it"), taking up knitting means positioning yourself against the grain of fast fashion . By creating your own fashion and investing in sustainable pieces that you never get tired of.
