Five Things Kashmiris Are Happy About

Sometimes it is the little things that bring the most happiness. Here are five things that most of the Kashmiris love and are happy about. (We are simply happy because of their existence)

1. Nun Chai. 

This tops our list. We cannot go a day without it. It is a tea specifically made in Kashmir. It is also called as Pink Tea. Noon chai or Nun chai takes a very long to prepare and is a most favorite beverage of the valley. It freshens up anyone who takes it. We prefer it in mornings and evenings and if possible at night too. We need it to function properly!

2. Kangri Josh and Pheran.

Well the most innovative method to keep warm for 8 months of cold, kashmiri's have devised centuries ago the very stuff that are ultimate to fight the biting cold in the valley.  A Kanger is a firepot in which coal is kindled to give warmth and a Pheran is a loose cloak worn by everyone.
The duo gets along very well.

Pic: Mudasir Rashid

3. Sheen

Snow. Like every one around the world, we too get eccentric at the sight of snow. Sheen mohnev(snow man) and sheen Jung ( snow fight) and sheen Kulfi (snow icecream) are must haves.

4. Wazwan

Got to have it once in a while. A big Meat feast. A treat for every thing. Whether you pass a class, visit relatives after a some time or any occasion, wazwan saal is must! No wazwan means you are not happy enough. And if happen to be a vegan, (which is rarest of the rare case) there is some problem with you!

Pic:Imgur

5. Harisa

Another most loved delicacy of Kashmir. I just realized we are soo food obsessed that most of the things that bring us joy are Foods, non -veg foods(In kgs). Harisa is yet another delicious mutton meal. It is mainly had in winter.

What brings you joy? What are the special things of your country? 

Comment below and share with us, Hobbiesinn would love to hear from you.

P.S. None of the above pictures are mine. I googled them and while i was searching for the perfect pictures of happy kashmiris, i did not find many! All I saw were sad and grieving people. The reality hit me hard and made me think. What an irony! I was lost in the long history of turmoil of my homeland. How we try to find joy in small things when our hearts are breaking! I hope we are free of misiries very soon. 

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. 

Comment your views.

Share it with your creative community.

Don’t forget to pin it.

Reference: Petals to Picots

P.S. Subscribe to our mailing list and never miss a post.

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.

P.S. Pin this post.