By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Knitting is no longer just for grandmas rocking in their chairs.
Both knitting and crocheting have gone mainstream and become popular cultural pastimes for all ages.
Knitting’s resurgence is due to a combination of factors, including the search for hobbies during the pandemic, a strong pushback against fast fashion toward sustainable, slow living, and the mental health benefits, mindfulness, and stress relief.
The power of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram is making them trendy, accessible, and community-driven for younger generations seeking unique, personalized styles.
Needlework, including cross-stitch, petit point, and crewel work, is also making a comeback.
Fluvanna County boasts at least three groups devoted to knitting and crocheting.
Hugs began meeting at Cuppa Joe’s several years ago on Monday afternoons, starting with a few women from the Palmyra Methodist Church. After the pandemic, it grew to include other local knitters, including some men.
All of them meet at Cuppa Joe’s, where they have coffee and socialize while knitting, crocheting, or doing needlework.
Hannah Reed, owner of Cuppa Joe’s, an avid knitter herself, often chats with them about their latest creations.
Reed is frequently seen working on everything from sweaters, hats, scarves, socks, even mittens. There is nothing she can’t knit–or, at least, nothing she won’t try to knit.
During some breaks at the coffee shop when things quiet down, and Reed feels less rushed, she will knit.
“This is the most peaceful moment all day,” she says as her fingers rapidly and effortlessly make stitches. “It’s cathartic and helps to practice patience. It is the epitome of slow fashion.”
Ginny McLaughlin, a member of all three knitting groups at Cuppa Joe’s, is lightning-fast with a crochet hook.
“I crochet because it’s a creative outlet and I love making things, especially gifts. My Mom taught me to crochet when I was around seven years old. It was something I could do with her, and lots of female relatives usually did when we gathered for holidays. Crocheting and other handicrafts like embroidery are nostalgic and a way to keep in touch with fond memories,” she said. “The repetitive motion is meditative, doesn’t calm my mind completely, but it helps.”
Linda Mayhew learned to crochet later in life but learned crewelwork in her twenties.
“I like the design, the texture. It gives my brain something to do, and it’s relaxing and addictive.”
Research supports the benefits of knitting and other needle arts, offering significant mental, emotional, and cognitive benefits.
They act as a meditative practice that lowers stress, anxiety, and depression by engaging the hands in rhythmic, repetitive motions that calm the nervous system and build new neural pathways. These crafts boost mood, improve focus, enhance hand-eye coordination, provide a sense of accomplishment, and may even help reduce chronic pain and slow cognitive decline, making them powerful tools for well-being.
It also has social and creative benefits. For groups that meet regularly, friendships have formed, fostering belonging and connection. Some are beginners and have come to learn, becoming productive and accomplishing projects. Finishing projects provides tangible results, fosters pride and self-esteem, offers an outlet for self-expression, and creates meaningful gifts for others.
For anyone interested in the groups, Hugs meets every Monday afternoon from 3-5 pm; the Tuesday group meets 1-3 pm; and the evening group meets every Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm, except on the third Wednesday.
They are hard to miss: large groups of neighbors chatting and knitting.
