Knitting and wellbeing, reflections on 2025 (Why I Knit bonus episode)

You can listen to the full episode of the Why I Knit podcast via the audio player below, or on your usual podcast app.

Bonus episode – Knitting and Creative Restoration in 2025 – Why I Knit

For our last episode of 2025, Paula and Mia reflect on their own knitting and craft projects over the past year, and the ways in which they have used knitting as part of their self-care.They also look back at the new developments in Creative Restoration over the past year, and share their thoughts on the TV show Game of Wool.They share their plans for their own knitting and for Creative Restoration for the coming year including news on the next season of the Why I Knit Podcast which returns in January, and they announce their next webinar on knitting for focus and attention.Thanks to everyone for listening and supporting the podcast this year.————-🧶Join us at our next webinar Knitting for Attention and Focus. We will explore how knitting and crochet can support concentration, attention and mindful awareness, particularly for people who struggle with restlessness, distractibility or overwhelm.🧶 If you'd like to learn more about how to use knitting for your self-care, check out our course Self-Care One Stitch at a Time.🧶Catch up on our on-demand webinars: The Healing Power of Knitting where we take a deep dive into the mental health benefits of knittingUnravelling Burnout where we look at how we can use knitting as a tool to prevent burnoutHere's how to stay in touch:💌 Sign up to the Creative Restoration newsletter📲 Follow us on Instagram at @knittingistherapeutic and @drpaularedmond

Knitting and wellbeing have been central themes for us throughout 2025. In this final episode of the Why I Knit podcast for the year, we pause to reflect on how knitting, craft, and Creative Restoration have supported our wellbeing over the past twelve months.

This episode is a reflective conversation rather than a how-to guide. We look back on personal making, shared projects, and the wider developments within Creative Restoration, before turning our attention to what lies ahead in 2026.

Knitting and wellbeing through personal making

We begin by reflecting on our own knitting and craft projects from the year. This includes personal reflections on what we made, what challenged us, and what sustained us along the way.

Alongside this, we talk about the role knitting has played in our wellbeing and how making has supported us during a busy and often demanding year.

Playful projects and creative growth

The conversation also touches on playful and experimental knitting projects from 2025. From jumpsuits to stockings, we reflect on creativity as something that can be light, exploratory, and imperfect.

We also discuss sketchbook circles, conceptual knitting, and broader artistic growth. These practices have supported a more open and curious relationship with creativity, which is closely linked to wellbeing.

Connection and community through craft

Knitting and wellbeing are not only personal experiences, they are also shaped by connection. In this episode, we reflect on building community through Knit Nights, yarn bombing, and shared creative spaces.

These moments highlight how craft can support belonging and connection, especially when making is done together or shared with others.

Learning, research and wider reflections

We also look back on learning and development within Creative Restoration this year. This includes journal clubs, webinars, and reflections on research, alongside broader conversations sparked by programmes such as Game of Wool.

These reflections invite us to think about how knitting and wellbeing are represented culturally, and how research and lived experience can sit alongside one another. We’re excited to see and support the growth of a scientific approach to this field.

Knitting and wellbeing as we look ahead

Towards the end of the episode, we turn towards the future. We share reflections on stash busting, openness, and our knitting hopes for 2026.We also share news about the return of the Why I Knit podcast in January, along with details of our upcoming webinar on knitting for focus and attention. Finally, we want to thank everyone who has listened to and supported the podcast throughout 2025.