Welcome to the Why I Knit podcast! My name is Dr Mia Hobbs and I am a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about the mental health benefits of knitting.
Each episode of the podcast I interview a different knitter about why they knit and the (k)nitty gritty of how it impacts their mental wellbeing.  I have had the pleasure of speaking to an inspiring and diverse range of knitters who have generously shared their stories with me.
We also have a series of bonus episodes where my colleague and fellow Clinical Psychologist Dr Paula Redmond joins me to discuss the research into knitting and mental health.

Why I Knit Episodes...

Have you ever stressed yourself our by overcommitting to gift knitting? Do you end up being exhausted by the festive season? Then we have a bonus episode for you! Subscribe to the Creative Restoration newletter here to receive our bonus episode as soon as it is released on 14th November to help you keep your...
Carole Wyatt is a cancer doctor who has been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She speaks about using knitting to cope with the difficult days, and also to create a handknitted legacy to pass down to her future grandchildren. -------------🧶 If you'd like to learn more about how to use knitting for your self-care, check...
Tamanna is a nurse practioner and multi-crafter who works in the field of mental health. Tamanna joins me to speak about her own journey to knitting, sewing and embroidery, how this connects her to family traditions and her values of sustainability and ethical production of clothing. She also speaks about she uses fibre arts to...
Whitney is a plus size knitter and YouTuber who is passionate about taking back the power to create clothes she loves in colours she enjoys. She speaks about how knitting has helped her to love the body she has, rather than feel that she to change her body to fit the clothes she can buy....
Elena Lo Presti is the founder and director of Craft Forward, which is a not-for-profit organisation that provides accessible, creative, experiences suitable for everyone, regardless of their skills and background. Their aim is to disrupt the current elitism within the arts and crafts world and open creativity to all through workshops with a clear social...
Christina Socorro Yovovich is a writer, knitter and multi-crafter. Christina speaks about how since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she had struggled to access joy without worrying about whether this was a sign that she was becoming unwell. She explains how returning to knitting has allowed her to access a safe and more grounded form...
Victoria Marchant is an inclusive knitwear designer who puts size inclusivity at the heart of all her designs. Her latest design, the Padstow Cardigan will be released on October 18th. Victoria Marchant Website: www.victoriamarchantknits.com Instagram: @victoriamarchantknits -------------🧶 If you'd like to learn more about how to use knitting for your self-care, check out our course...
Samantha Moore is a filmmaker and animator who directed the BAFTA nominated animated film ‘Visible Mending’ which is about the ways we repair ourselves through knitting. If you haven’t seen Sam’s brilliant film, you can watch the film at Sam’s Vimeo channel here: Visible Mending Follow Sam on Instagram: @sammooreanimate -------------🧶 If you'd like to...
In this bonus episode Dr Claire Plumbly, Clinical Psychologist and EMDR specialist joins me to discuss what the theory behind EMDR can tell us about why we find the hand movements of knitting so therapeutic. Claire Plumbly Buy her book: https://www.drclaireplumbly.com/burnout-book www.drclaireplumbly.com Instagram: @drclaireplumbly -------------🧶 If you'd like to learn more about how to use...
Thanks so much for your questions for the Q&A episode, it has been so interesting to be asked such great questions. -------------🧶 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.Here's how to stay in touch:💌 Sign up to the...