We love getting cosy with a good book and geeking out about knitting, craft, creativity and psychology. And it’s especially fun when we can chat and geek out together. This is why we introduced occasional bonus Book Club episodes to the Why I Knit podcast. In these episodes we each read a book connected to knitting, creativity, craft, wellbeing or the arts and then get together to discuss our thoughts.
While our regular podcast episodes focus on conversations with knitters and makers, our Book Club episodes allow us to dive deeper into some of the ideas that sit behind knitting: what creativity does for our wellbeing, how craft supports us through difficult times and what research can tell us about the benefits of making.
We’ve gathered all of our Book Club episodes together here so they’re easy to find in one place.
Episode 1: The Psychology of Craft
Books discussed:
- Craftfulness by Arzu Tahsin and Rosemary Davidson
- Craft Psychology by Dr Anne Kirketerp
In our first Book Club episode, we each read a different book exploring the psychology of craft. We discuss what the research tells us about making, creativity and why craft activities can have such a powerful impact on our wellbeing.
Bonus episode- Book club 1 – The psychology of craft – Why I Knit
Episode 2: Wintering and Burnout
Book discussed:
- Wintering by Katherine May
In this bonus episode we discuss Katherine May’s bestselling book Wintering and explore its relevance to burnout, recovery and the role knitting can play during life’s personal and seasonal winters.
Book Club Episode – Wintering by Katherine May – Why I Knit
Episode 3: Arts, Health and Wellbeing
Books discussed:
- Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
- Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt
In this episode we discuss two fascinating books that explore the growing evidence linking creativity, health and wellbeing. We reflect on what the research tells us about the links between art and health, and how knitting relates to this.
Book Club – Art Cure and Your Brain on Art – Why I Knit
Looking for more ways to learn about knitting and mental health?
If you enjoy learning about the research evidence in this field you might also be interested in our Journal Club episodes where we discuss published research studies about in detail. You can find all of these Journal Club episodes here.
And if you’d like to read more about knitting and mental heatlh yourself here is our curated collection of books about knitting and mental health.
