Knitting saved my life

For many, crafting is a beloved hobby that brings joy and creative fulfilment, but for some, it can be a lifeline – a way to find solace, community, and purpose when they’re in a dark place. In this blog, former Changing Futures Comms Manager, Sarah-Jane Freni, shares how crafting took her on a mental health healing journey. 

From experience, crafting does wonders for your mental health. In my case, it literally saved my life.  

A dark time

About 15 years ago, I was in a very dark place. I’d gone through a wedding, a house move and a drastic career change, all in the space of a year. I was deeply unhappy at work and felt like I’d lost all control over my life. I had a breakdown.  

With time on my hands, I picked up a set of knitting needles and a book for beginners and I tried to teach myself to knit. I quickly figured out how to cast on and do a simple knit stitch but then I got stuck. This was in the days when Youtube wasn’t the treasure trove it is now, so I had two choices: give up or seek help. 

Regaining control

I chose option two and joined a small knitting class and within my first lesson I’d learnt to purl. A world of possibilities opened up. I got a tad ambitious (cocky?) and decided I was going to knit socks. Socks are knitted on four double pointed needles and require some dexterity to turn the heel and graft the toes. I struggled to understand the pattern (being a very beginner knitter still!) and I bravely went to my local knitting shop to join their ‘Stitch & Bitch’ group. These are groups where people get together to knit their projects and generally share their knowledge and support each other. Oh, and have a good natter over a cup of tea.  

The satisfaction of finishing a project gave me a sense of control again. And bit by bit, knitting got me out of the house. There is something strangely reassuring about being among a group of people, all doing something similar, but not having to make conversation if that doesn’t feel right at the time.  

After knitting, I ventured into crochet. Then a couple of years later, I took a weekend job as an assistant in a craft studio. I learnt to sew, screen-print, make jewellery and decorate cakes.  

Building a crafty community

Then I moved to Bristol and found myself lonely again. So this time I took the initiative and posted a letter in every letterbox on my street asking if anyone fancied joining me for a monthly crafty meet up. Five of my neighbours responded, and through them I got to know other people on the street and together we built a lovely little community.  

I’ve moved away since but 11 years on, the craft group still exists. Some people have left and new people have joined but there is a core membership that I consider my friends. We’ve affectionately called ourselves a crafty coven because we are a group of women who get together and support each other while creating things. This group has seen us through the challenges that life throws at us. Sometimes I am there in name only, unable to engage socially. There is never any judgement, and being among creative people almost always sparks something in me and makes me feel better.  

So many crafts to explore

I’ve added even more crafts to my list. I taught myself macrame during the pandemic. The repetitiveness of the knots was really soothing when my mind was on fire with everything that was happening around us.  

I’ve recently started junk journaling/scrapbooking. As a comms person, I do a lot of writing as part of my work, but I’ve never been able to stick to writing a journal. Being able to journal in a visual and creative way has been great low-pressure way to help me make sense of my life and my feelings.  

I can honestly say knitting saved my life and crafting keeps me sane. I’d recommend it to anyone.