Health Issues Caused By Knitting and Crocheting and How to Fix Them.

We have probably heard and read enough about the health benefits of crocheting and knitting. It is indeed considered as one of the best therapies for treating anxiety, depression etc. Despite being Beneficial and fun at the same time, Crocheting and knitting can cause some health concerns that need to be looked into. No work comes easy and every time we work we put a part of ourselves into it. It is hence, important to be healthy enough to cherish the work we love a little while longer.

The health hazards caused by these two most loved hobbies include:

1.       Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

2.       Back Ache

3.       Neck Pain

4.       Strained eyes.

5.       Weight gain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Crocheting and knitting is basically the work of your hands and wrists. So they are going to be affected the most. If you are a regular crocheter or knitter you may have complained about pain, numbness, dull aching of fingers and wrists. It is caused by those regular hand movements and in some the condition persists and may cause carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive strain injury. If you are in a crochet business, it is important for you to take care of your selves and those skillful hands so as to be in business.

What to do? 

Take regular breaks while crocheting or knitting. Put down those needle or hooks. Relax your hands and arms. There are many Stretching Exercises for Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hand Exercises for Crocheters. Click on these links to view them.

Neck Pain:

Working on some crocheted or knitted projects require you to look down or bend your neck for long periods of time. As a result a sore neck is developed. A stiff, painful and discomfort is not liked by anyone.

Back ache:

Another issue related to working as a crocheter or knitter is the back ache. Sitting for prolonged periods of time and in a bad posture can lead to a bad back pain. If not prevented and treated at the right time and properly, it can cause more serious issue to a persons health.

How to deal with neck and back pain?

1.       Practice a good posture.

2.       Make sure you are seated on a comfortable chair with a good back support.

3.       Make sure your knees are placed slightly higher than your hips. (your legs should be hanging off the chair) use a foot stool if necessary.

4.       Do not slouch while you sit.

5.       If you feel some stiffness in your bones, move around a bit. Stretch and relieve tension in your body.

6.       Roll your shoulders to loosen them.

7.       As a precaution or health measure, incorporate some light stretching exercises in your schedule.

8.       Make a point to move around and do something else after every hour or so.

Strain in Eyes:

Keeping your eyes focused on some point for a long time may tire them or may cause headache. A beautiful crochet product will definitely require a great deal of hard work and focus, but not at the cost of your eyes.

Make sure you use a good lighting in your craft room. Again, shift your focus in a while to something else.  Close your eyes for few seconds at intervals.

Weight Gain:

Crocheting and knitting are sedentary activities. You put your favorite music on, take a good place on a couch with a delicious snack by you side; an ideal way to work? Well, no! Sitting for a long time and no exercise will surely help build more fat under your skin, thus, leading to weight gain. The more energetic you are, the more better. Also moving your limbs will surely help in letting those creative juices flow.

If you can’t bring yourself to exercise, try to walk briskly for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid the junk and unhealthy food.

I hope that this article about Health Issues Caused by Knitting and Crocheting and How to Fix Them was good enough to spread the awareness. Keep yourselves strong and healthy and enjoy a lifetime of crocheting and knitting. 

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Share it with your creative community.

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Reference: Petals to Picots

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Beginners Guide To Crochet a Fingerless Gloves. DIY Tutorial.

Hi guys, i'm sharing a basic fingerless gloves tutorial for my reader community. It is a beginners guide as so many people are new to crocheting I decided to post a simple tutorial first before moving on to some tricky ones.  You can watch a step by step tutorial on my youtube channel, don't forget to subscribe for the weekly fun craft tutorials.

Below you can find the written pattern for this gloves.

Enjoy.

Materials: 

1. Medium Yarn

2. 2mm aluminium crochet hook

Steps:

1. chain 35.

2. Round 1: Double crochet on the chain below. (33 stitches) Join the ends.

3. Round 2: Double crochet on each stitch.

4. Round 3. Change yarn color. Double crochet on each stitch.(33 stitches)

5. Round 4 - 5: Double crochet on each stitch.

6. Round 6: Double crochet on 29 stitches. leave 4 stitches. Make a chain 5. Join with other end.

7. Round 7 - 9: Double crochet on each stitch (34 stitches).

8. Round 10: Double crochet on each stitch. Decrease one. (33 stitches).

9. Round 11: Double crochet on each stitch. Decrease one. (32 stitches).

10. Round 12: Double crochet on each stitch. Decrease one. (31 stitches).

11. Round 13 - 15: Double crochet on each stitch. (31 stitches)

12. Round 16: Single crochet on each stitch. Secure firmly.

Decorate it as you wish.

The pattern is unisex, just don't decorate and use more manly colors.

Note: The number of stitches depend upon the size of yarn used and the size of hand. Increase or decrease the stitches accordingly. 

Happy crocheting.

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7 Ways To Boost Your Immune System During Winter!

We are a week into chillai Kalan (the harsh winter period) and the weather is terribly cold. We’re are all coughing and sniffing and add the regular power cuts to the winter woes. No one would like to fall sick and have common cold at any cost. To avoid the horribly stuffy nose we need to boost our Immune system. So, instead of staying away from sick friends, boot your immune system and brace up the odds. We cannot entirely avoid it, but hey, we can follow some super easy routines and find how best we can keep away from it.

1.       Avoid Stress.

Enjoy life. Relax, laugh and avoid negativity. Stress and depression can weaken your immune system and make you susceptible to infections. We can’t control the factors that bring in stress in our lives but can control how we react to them! Let go of the things that are bothering you and pay attention to the ones that bring you joy. Take everything positively. This is easier said than done but with great motivation we achieve do anything.

2.       Eat balanced Diet.

Take care of what you eat and how healthy it is. You need vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Focus on eating whole foods such as animal proteins( not to mention that to a Kashmiri, our meals are incomplete without them) legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds as well as fresh fruits and salads.

Avoid processed foods and foods with artificial sweeteners. Such foods suppress immune system.

3.       Take antioxidants.

Apart from taking balanced diet, take sufficient amount of vitamin C. Find out foods rich in vitamin C and include them in daily routine. Do not just cram them in when you have hand not any since few months. That will surely give you a bout of cold. This one must be planned ahead but even if you have not planned it, you got to take them.

You can find these vitamins in foods like Broccoli, Almond Nuts, and any Citrus foods.

4.       Get enough sleep.

Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day. Make sure you do not waste your precious time on social media and watching Netflix, a good amount of sleep is highly recommended for healthy body and mind. Again it doesn’t mean you sleep at odd times. Rest your biological clock (natural cycle). It can get hard first but you will get this routine in few days. Listening to your body is important.

5.       Move those limbs!

A regular exercise routine keeps the sickness away. Workout will keep the flu away and help your Immune system to get strong. It relaxes the body and mind.

I do not mean you to do heavy cardio and overdo it, just simple and easy exercises, that will let you move your body enough to keep it healthy. If you can do even that, than take a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes everyday!

6.       Soak up some sunlight.

Winter is no reason to stay indoors (wearing Pheran and hugging Kangri) instead, go out and soak up some sunshine. Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, it not only helps your immune system but also helps your nails and hair grow.

Try to go out few times a week into the sun and get a vitamin D recharge.

7.       Drink plenty of clean water.

Winter or not, staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your health. It helps in production of lymph which carried white blood cells throughout our body. And hence, fights bacteria and infection causing germs.

You can add some lemon to it and boost it a bit more.

You can also take Lassi (made from curd and water). It keeps your body hydrated too.

How do you avoid the dreaded common cold? Let us know in the comments section below… 

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I will see you in the nest post.

Bye!

How To Make Your Own Yarn Pom-Pom

Hi Guys, Salaam.

It's Thursday evening and after a full day at work after that I had to scrap through through all the house work. Now am I sitting in my studio wondering what must I post today and share with you all.

So, today I am sharing a little pom pom tutorial with ya'all. While I was making these li'l Yarn fluffs I realized how much yarn does 1 ball take and how difficult it is. I have tried my best to show you how I did it and have broken the step wise tutorial for my readers.

In this project the size and the type of yarn matters. The perfect pom-pom depends upon how many rounds of yarn you will wind and of course the size of the ball.

Tools needed:

 You will require some yarn, scissor and a typically anything for measurement. I use my scissor handle. It worked fine.
You can use a fork for small balls.
or toilet paper rolls for larger balls.

This is what you have to do:

1. wrap the yarn over fork, scissor handle in my case or toilet paper rolls.

2. If your size of ball is small make lesser wraps and if it larger than more the number of times you wrap the more better your pom pom will be.

3. Pull out and tie with a strand of yarn in the middle. Tie it firmly.

4. Trim the two ends and open them up.

5. Using your fingers spread out all the strands of yarn.

6. Give it a shape with the help of scissor.

7. Ta-Da! That done.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and this comes handy in your craft projects, decorations, or any other projects. Feel free to show us your pictures of colorful pom-poms.

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How To Get Stuff Done?

Hi guys!

I hope you enjoy reading my blog posts as much a s I love posting them. The topic that I chose for today is "HOW TO GET STUFF DONE?" Well, it is the most coldest time of the year so many of you like me, prefer to stay indoors with "Pheran" and "Kangri". Moreover the days too are very short which means very little time to get all the things done. I have found that most of the days I am not able to complete with all the tasks that I have to do and makes me wonder all the time if it is me who is getting lazy or is it the time, that is running short. Basically it is both and add the intense below zero temperature to it.

However, I have listed some good key points that might help me and you to get through this winter and the stuff that needs to be done.

Read along.

1. Motivation

Why? Obviously!

The first and foremost step to get anything done is the right motivation. Find it! And it is present everywhere; internet, blogs, books, magazines, friends, family, anywhere, everywhere. 

Let the power of this motivation drive you with full energy to get your stuff done.

2. List-it

I know right! There is a huge bunch of things that need to be sorted out and you don't know how and where to start. Well, Grab a notebook or a diary and make a list of all the tasks that you have to do. Make lists of all the things and of all sorts that are feasible to you. Start with the task that has the highest priority. Mark the ones that you have done. Make sub-lists of the tasks that are composed of many sub tasks. For example: If one of the larger tasks you want to conquer is cleaning your room, make another list of specific tasks. This would include vacuuming, re-organizing your makeup, and getting rid of junk.

3. Do it

To get anything done, you got to do it. Come out of your warm and cozy cocoon and grab the tools that are required to get the stuff done. How else are you going to do it, it you are not doing it? Does that make sense? 

Okay, start with the smallest tasks that require the least amount of your time. This will make your list a lot little and will make you feel accomplished. Your motivation will also surge. Use this motivation to tackle the bigger tasks that require greater efforts.

4. Finish it off!

Once you have finished everything on the TO-DO list, check them all and share with your friends and family. That is you moment of accomplishment! 

Take your time, enjoy and make more lists. 

Well, work is a never ending thing. 

Was this article helpful? Share with us your ways of how to get stuff done. what do you do to keep yourself motivated? How do you feel when you are done with your Stuff?

Bye friends!

P.S. Don't forget to pin and share. 

Knitting For Kids - Little DIY Bunny

A li'l projects for lovely creative and crafty kids. A sweet yellow yarny bunny. Its very easy and doesn't require any great expertise. The pattern too is easy to follow. So all kids there, grab a ball of yarn of your favorite color and two knitting needles. 

Our yarny bunny knitted using a garter stitch.

Steps:

1. Using your knitting needles and your favorite yarn make 25 stitches.
2. Continue making purl stitches until 30 rows are made.
3. Mark and Make a triangular area on one side, stitch along the marked area and pull the thread. As in picture.
4. Pull the ends of this thread. Fill it in with the cotton. This part is the head and the two ears.
5. Stuff the other part and close with a yarn needle and yarn.
6. Affix a pom pom as a tail.
7. Make eyes and mouth with the help of paints.
And then you are done.

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DIY Easy Crochet Headband Pattern - Free

Hi guys! Its the time of the year where you are too much eager and excited to make new things for yourself. I will start by saying that this is the easiest pattern that I am going to share. It is a beginner level project but anyone wiyh a likeness for headbands and ear warmens can do it.

Pic: Rescuedpawdes

MATERIALS:

1. Crochet hook. The size will depend on the weight of yarn you are using.

2. Any worst weighted yarn.

3. Scissor.

STEPS:

Row 1: Chain 56. Slip stitch with the first stitch. 

You will have a round of chain with no end.

Row 2 to 8:  Make double crochet stitch in each chain stitch below. Join with the first of the row.

Thats it. Now if you wish you can clinch it at one place to add twist to it.

You  can always add or reduce size by adding or reducing stitches in the first row. Its very easy and quick. Its defintly something that you can make yourself. Want a more snug fit?  Reduce the number of stitches in first row. If you want it loose? Increase the stitches.

Try it in various types of yarns and colors.

If you are not sure of it being fit to you, simply chain and measure it around your head.

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Have questions? Comment below.

Share the pictures of your headbands with us. Tag us in your pictures. 

9 Reasons everyone wants a crocheted gift in winter

I have always struggled as to what should I give my special people as a present that will show my love for them and be as special for them as it is for me. If I could, I would give them the piece of my heart. But hey, wait, I can! And so can you! 

A perfect sweet little handmade crochet item.

 Here are the reasons why a crocheted gift will be top of everyone's wish list this year – and I'm sure you'll be more than happy to oblige!

1. IT’LL BE TRULY SPECIAL

You've made it especially for them,  With your own hands, using your precious time and putting in your best efforts. It’ll mean more than all their other gifts put together.

2. AMIGURUMI IS JUST SO CUTE

A cheerful, chubby little stuff toy wont hurt anyone. look at all the beautiful things over the internet that are made with simple crocheting. A little toy will surely touch the heart.

3. THEY WANT A PIECE OF THE MAGIC

Well, you do have magic in your hands and non crafting people always want to hold the piece of that sorcery. After all you dont get such stuff in Malls. 

4. HANDMADE ROCKS

The beauty of handmade gift is beyond all that a money can get. moreover, more and more people are appreciating the beauty of a handmade gift. All they want is a piece of magic from someone as special as you. Show them that you care.

  

5. THAT CRAFTY LOOK IS SO ON TREND

crafty is a new trend and crocheted accessories are trendsetters this season. It will simply be a welcome present for your fashionista friends. They will simply adore it.

6. EVERYONE LOVES A GRANNY SQUARE!

A classic granny square boots, blanket, mitts are everyone's fave... All that brings instant happiness and coziness to anyone. after all that is what a gift is for. 

7. THEY’LL BE ABLE TO SHOW IT OFF TO THEIR FRIENDS

your handmade will be flaunted widely and happily because it is not something everyone can ge and it is definitely one of a kind thing. you are getting famous and appreciated for being wonderfully talented. What are you waiting for?

8. IT’S PERSONAL

You know the one you are gifting to. you know them personally and the gift that you are making is customized according to them. you know their likes and dislikes hence, color combos, size, style , all matter. It will tell your recipient how much you know and care about them.

 9. LET’S FACE IT, WHO WOULDN’T?

The crochet items are appealing. If you have happened to make one such item ever, you would tell how much everyone wants some of it too. Who wouldn't like a pretty gift like that.

If you are new to crocheting or are looking for inspirations, do check our blog for more.

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