KNIT YOUR STRESS AWAY | Knitting for beginners, Knitting for stress relief, Phone boundaries, Doomscrolling solutions, Self-care for moms, Mindful hobbies, Calm nervous system

Ever find yourself sitting on the couch at 9:30 PM - technically “resting” - but still feeling completely wired? It’s not a willpower problem. It’s your nervous system. In this episode, I break down what’s actually happening inside your body when stress never really gets to turn off. I explain the two modes your nervous system lives in, why modern life keeps so many of us mamas stuck in the wrong one, and why the thing you’re doing to wind down at night might actually be keeping you activated. Plus - why knitting isn’t just a cute hobby, but a real cue your body can use to finally soften. In this episode: What your nervous system is actually doing when you feel “wired but tired” Why 900 small stressors hit differently than one big one What your phone is doing to your body at night (no shame, just science) How knitting works as a pattern interrupt for your nervous system What to start noticing in your own body this week Mentioned in this episode: Free guide → Swap Scrolling for Stitching at theknittingmamas.com

Ever notice how quickly your hand reaches for your phone the second you have a free minute? Waiting in the car. Sitting at practice. Standing in line. It’s automatic. But what if those little pockets of time could actually help you feel calmer instead of more overwhelmed? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I bring my knitting everywhere — and how it’s completely changed the way I move through my day. From dance practices to waiting rooms, I’ve turned those “in-between moments” into something that actually helps me reset… and unexpectedly, it’s also led to the sweetest conversations with other moms along the way. If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t have time for knitting,” this episode might completely shift that for you. 🧶 In This Episode, We Talk About: Why we automatically reach for our phones (and why it leaves us feeling worse) How knitting fits into real, busy mom life (yes, even in small pockets of time) Where I actually knit in my everyday routine What happens when you start knitting in public (this might surprise you) How to set up a simple “travel knitting” system so you’ll actually use it ✨ Your Challenge This Week: Bring your knitting somewhere with you — just once. Try it in a waiting room, at practice, or even in your car. Then notice the difference in how you feel compared to scrolling. 🧵 Ready to Start Knitting (the simple way)? Grab my beginner-friendly guide: “Swap scrolling for stitching” → www.theknittingmamas.com 💬 Let’s Connect: Come tell me where you took your knitting this week! Instagram: @theknittingmanas_ 🎧 Loved This Episode? If this helped you rethink your “no time” problem, share it with a friend who needs more calm in her day

Once you know the basics of knitting, the next question is: what do I actually knit when I’m stressed? And the answer is something mindless—not boring, but automatic. The kind of knitting where your hands know what to do without your brain micromanaging every stitch. When you’re stressed, your prefrontal cortex is already fried from planning and decision-making. Complicated patterns that require counting to 47 aren’t relaxing—they’re just a different kind of homework. What calms your nervous system is rhythmic, repetitive movement that becomes automatic. In this episode, I’m sharing five projects designed to get you to that calming rhythm as fast as possible: garter stitch dishcloths, seed stitch washcloths, chunky ribbed headbands, stockinette cowls, and never-ending scarves. Plus, a quick guide to help you pick which one is right for where you are right now. What You’ll Learn: Why “mindless” knitting is actually the point (and what makes it different from boring) How rhythmic, repetitive movement calms your nervous system better than complex patterns 5 specific projects that hit the sweet spot of simple + satisfying How to choose the right project based on your skill level and stress level Why the “right” project is just the one you’ll actually do Pattern Links Mentioned: Garter Stitch Dishcloth/Coaster: https://www.etsy.com/listing/808635711/shoreline-coaster-duo-knitting-pattern Seed Stitch Washcloth: https://www.etsy.com/listing/956701174/needle-knit-seed-stitch-washcloth-4-in1 Chunky Ribbed Headband: https://www.etsy.com/listing/179012109/knitting-pattern-chunky-knit-turban Stockinette Cowl: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1511688624/easy-cowl-knitting-pattern-worsted Never-Ending Scarf: https://www.etsy.com/listing/198666092/knitting-pattern-long-hand-knit-scarf Other Links: Free Guide: “Swap Scrolling for Stitching” - theknittingmamas.com Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ Episode #109: Your Very First Knitting Project Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you find your next stress-relief project, subscribe to Knit Your Stress Away so you never miss a Wednesday episode. And if you’re loving these practical knitting tips, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. It helps other stressed moms discover that knitting doesn’t have to be complicated to be calming.

In this episode, I break down exactly what to knit first, why that choice matters more than you think, what supplies you actually need (spoiler: not much), and what to expect in those first few days before it starts to feel natural. Because there IS a moment when it clicks. And it's worth the clunky beginning to get there. What You'll Learn Why your first project isn't about making something beautiful — it's about making something repeatable The three best beginner projects (and what to skip entirely) Exactly what supplies you need to start today — and why the $5 craft store yarn is perfectly fine What to realistically expect in your first two weeks of knitting The moment knitting stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a tool Links Mentioned Free Guide — "Swap Scrolling for Stitching" Includes a beginner cheat sheet, knitting glossary, and curated YouTube starter videos. Download at theknittingmamas.com Find me on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ Beginner Knitting Video Playlist Favorite beginner tools Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode gave you the push you needed to finally start, subscribe to Knit Your Stress Away so you never miss a Wednesday episode — new episodes drop every week with practical, real-talk advice for stressed moms who want to swap scrolling for something that actually helps. And if you have a minute, leaving a review means the world. It helps other overwhelmed moms find this show and gives them permission to take a little time for themselves.

“This sounds great, but I don’t have TIME to knit.” I hear this constantly—and I get it. I’m a homeschool mom running a business with approximately zero free hours in my day. But I still knit almost every day. Here’s the secret: you don’t need an hour to knit. You don’t even need 30 minutes. You need 5-10 minutes. And you already have that time—you’re just spending it on your phone. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I built a knitting habit with zero free time using habit stacking—attaching knitting to things I already do every day. What You’ll Learn: Why you don’t need to “find” time—you need to replace phone time with knitting time 5 specific habit stacks you can use starting today (morning coffee, TV time, car waiting, bedtime routine, podcast listening) How to make knitting stupidly easy so you’ll actually stick with it Why starting with 5 minutes (not 30) is the key to building lasting habits The #1 mistake people make when trying to build a new habit (and how to avoid it) Links Mentioned: Free Guide: “Swap Scrolling for Stitching” (includes 3-day time reset + beginner resources) - theknittingmamas.com Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you realize you DO have time to knit, subscribe to Knit Your Stress Away so you never miss a Wednesday episode. And if you’re building your knitting habit thanks to these tips, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. It helps other busy moms find this show and gives them permission to take 5 minutes for themselves.

You're three rows into your first knitting project when you notice it: a dropped stitch, uneven tension, wonky edges. So you rip it all out and start over. Then you make another mistake. You rip it out again. After a few rounds of this, you get frustrated and quit. Sound familiar? Here's the truth: the biggest mistake new knitters make isn't about technique—it's about mindset. When you think the goal is perfection, you completely miss the point of knitting for stress relief. In this episode, I'm breaking down why perfectionism kills the calm, and sharing three powerful mindset shifts that will help you actually stick with knitting instead of giving up after a week. Because the calm doesn't come from having a flawless finished project—it comes from the rhythm of your hands moving and your nervous system settling. What You'll Learn: Why thinking the goal is perfection keeps you stuck in stress mode How to shift from "making a project" to "practicing knitting" Three mindset reframes that make knitting actually calming (not stressful) What to do when you make a mistake (and why you should probably just keep going) Why your messy first projects are proof you showed up, not proof you failed Links Mentioned: Free Guide: "Swap Scrolling for Stitching" (includes beginner YouTube videos) Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ Episode #105: Why knitting works when meditation doesn’t Beginner Knitting Videos on YouTube Subscribe & Review: New episodes of Knit Your Stress Away drop every Wednesday. Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode on how to build a knitting habit when you have zero free time. If this episode gave you permission to be imperfect, I'd love it if you'd leave a review. It helps other stressed moms find this show and reminds them that messy stitches are perfectly okay.

You know you should put your phone down. You know scrolling makes you feel worse. But what are you supposed to DO instead? In this episode, I’m giving you five practical alternatives to scrolling that you can try tonight - real solutions for when you’re tired and your brain defaults to doomscrolling. These aren’t complicated routines or perfect evening rituals. They’re simple 15-minute swaps that actually work. Because here’s the thing: you can’t just STOP scrolling. Your brain needs something else to do. So let’s give it better options. What You’ll Learn: Why your brain craves scrolling (and why willpower alone won’t work) Five specific alternatives you can try tonight in 15 minutes or less How to make the swap without feeling deprived or overwhelmed A simple experiment to see how different activities make you feel The #1 mistake people make when trying to reduce screen time Links Mentioned: Free Guide: “Swap Scrolling for Stitching” Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ Episode #105: The Science of Why Knitting Calms Your Nervous System Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Knit Your Stress Away so you never miss an episode. New episodes drop every Wednesday. And if you’re loving the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a review. It helps other stressed moms find this show and gives them permission to put down their phones and pick up their needles.

Ever tried meditation and felt like you were doing it wrong? Your brain won’t shut up, sitting still feels impossible, or you get 2 minutes in and reach for your phone? I’ve been there. That’s why knitting is different. In this episode, I’m breaking down the actual neuroscience of why knitting calms your nervous system—and why it works even when meditation doesn’t. You’ll learn: How repetitive motion activates your “rest and digest” mode Why scrolling keeps you stressed (even when you think you’re relaxing) What’s actually happening in your brain when you knit The physical benefits: lower cortisol, better sleep, reduced anxiety This isn’t just a hobby. It’s a tool. And once you understand the science, you’ll never look at knitting the same way. LINKS MENTIONED: Free guide: “Swap Scrolling for Stitching” Follow on Instagram Episode 1: “I’m Back—And I Finally Know What This Podcast Is About” RESEARCH CITED: Riley, J., Corkhill, B., & Morris, C. (2013). The benefits of knitting for personal and social wellbeing in adulthood: Findings from an international survey. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077 Benson, H., & Klipper, M. Z. (2000). The Relaxation Response. Harper Torch. (Research on the relaxation response and its connection to repetitive activities like knitting from Harvard Medical School.) SUBSCRIBE: New episodes every Wednesday. Don’t miss the next one! LEAVE A REVIEW: If this episode helped you, leave a quick review—it helps other stressed moms find the show.

I took a 6-month break from the podcast… and today I’m sharing the real reason why. In this comeback episode, I’m walking you through what life looked like behind the scenes, what I learned during that pause, and the new clear focus for Knit Your Stress Away moving forward. If you’ve been overwhelmed, overstimulated, and stuck in that “scrolling at 10pm but feeling worse” cycle… you’re in the right place. In This Episode, We Talk About: Why I stepped away for six months (and why I have zero guilt about it) What it looked like supporting my oldest through college prep + homeschooling The clarity I gained about what this podcast is really about Who this show is for (and who it’s not for) Why knitting isn’t “just a hobby”… it’s a real stress-relief tool What to expect going forward (new schedule + episode style) The question that’s guiding every episode from here on out:“How does this help you knit instead of scroll?” What’s Different Now This podcast is officially laser-focused on helping busy moms: ✅ calm their nervous system ✅ put their phone down without relying on willpower ✅ build a knitting habit that actually fits real life ✅ create small pockets of peace (even if it’s just 20 minutes) Whether you’re brand new to knitting or coming back to it after years… I’ve got you. 🎁 Free Guide: Swap Scrolling for Stitching (It’ll walk you through what to buy, how to start, and how to build the habit even if you’re starting from zero.) Link: [ADD YOUR LINK HERE — keep as plain text] Connect With Me Come hang out on Instagram: @theknittingmamas (I share beginner tips, simple teaching Reels, and real talk about stress + motherhood.)

Welcome to our last Summer Throwback episode of Knit Your Stress Away— it’s been a cozy revisit to some of our most-loved episodes from the archives. Today we’re going back to a personal favorite where I share what it was like to pick up my knitting needles again after two decades away. Spoiler: it wasn’t as easy as riding a bike. 😅 If you’re a beginner—or someone returning to knitting after a long break—this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest mistakes I made, the lessons I learned the hard way, and all the things I wish someone had told me when I started again. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why perfection isn’t the goal—and what to focus on instead ✔️ The best beginner-friendly yarn and needle recs ✔️ How to decode those confusing abbreviations and pattern lingo ✔️ What to do when you make a mistake (because you will, and that’s okay!) ✔️ How learning alongside others makes the process way more fun and way less overwhelming ✨ Whether you’re brand new or simply need a confidence boost, this episode is here to remind you: you can do this, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Resources & Links: 🧶 Grab my free “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet → https://www.theknittingmamas.com 🧶 Learn step-by-step inside the 90-min Headband Workshop—perfect if you want to knit something calming and simple with full support → https://www.theknittingmamas.com 🧶 Explore my go-to tools, favorite yarns, and knitting must-haves → https://www.theknittingmamas.com

Welcome back to Knit Your Stress Away, where knitting meets relaxation! In this special installment of our Summer Throwback Series, we revisit the first-ever interview on the podcast with the remarkable Alexi Tavel from Two of Wands. Join us as Alexi shares her unique journey from studying fashion design to becoming a renowned knitwear designer. Discover how her creative path has evolved, the inspiration behind her designs, and the intricate art of balancing creativity with business. Get ready to be inspired by her story and gain insight into the world of knitwear design! Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com: → Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com → Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com → My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns & tools I truly love 👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com 💛 Let’s Connect: → Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ → Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community

Want a beautiful, ready-to-go knitting journal? I finally got my hands on the one from Twice Sheared Sheep and it’s GORGEOUS. Thoughtfully designed, spiral-bound, and perfect for tracking every cozy project. Take a peek here →https://twice-sheared-sheep.myshopify.com/twwcpa (affiliate) Welcome back to the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—your weekly cozy reset with a round up of our best episodes of the last year and a half. This week, we’re revisiting one of your favorite episodes all about how to actually stay motivated and celebrate your growth as a knitter—with a simple but powerful tool: your own knitting journal. Whether you’re a paper-and-pen type or prefer something digital and fuss-free, this episode is packed with inspiration for tracking your projects, capturing your creative milestones, and building a keepsake of everything your hands have made. 🧶 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why a knitting journal is a game-changer for busy moms • What to track (think: yarn, needles, modifications, emotions!) • Ideas for using your journal to celebrate small wins and keep momentum • My favorite digital option: the Knit & Note app for organizing on the go ✨ “Seeing all the projects you’ve completed can be such a confidence booster—especially when you’re working on something new or challenging.” 🧰 Mentioned in the Episode: → Grab your FREE cheatsheet: “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” → Download my 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch → See all my favorite tools, books, apps & more at www.theknittingmamas.com → Check out the Knit & Note App – the perfect way to log projects from your phone 💛 Want to keep the calm going? Start your first stress-soothing project with the Headband Workshop—a 90-minute guided knit you can finish in a weekend. You’ll find it (and everything else I offer) right at www.theknittingmamas.com. 📲 Let’s connect! • Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ • Facebook: The Knitting Mamas Community Group 💌 If this episode gave you a little spark of creative joy, share it with a friend or leave a review—it means so much!

Welcome to another episode in the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—designed to keep you inspired with the most downloaded episodes during the summer months. If you’re new to knitting (or just overwhelmed by all the tools out there), this one is for you. We’re cutting through the clutter and getting back to basics. You don’t need to buy everything to get started—you just need a few essentials, and the confidence to cast on. 🧶 Inside This Episode: ✔️ The 3 must-haves for any beginner ✔️ What’s nice to have (but totally skippable at the start) ✔️ Common things you can ignore for now (hello, simplicity) ✔️ Why keeping it minimal actually helps you finish your first project ✨ “You don’t need a giant kit or every needle size—just the right tools for your first project.” 🧰 Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com: → Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com → Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step. 👉 www.theknittingmamas.com → My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns, books & tools I truly love 👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com 💛 Let’s Connect: → Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_ → Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community 📸 Found this episode helpful? Screenshot it and share to your stories—I’d love to see your current WIP and cheer you on! 💬 And don’t forget to subscribe + leave a quick review to help more knitters find us!

Grab your beginners guide to knitting:www.theknittingmamas.com Download the “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet www.theknittingmamas.com Join the free Facebook community: www.theknittingmamas.com Ever wished you had one single place to keep all your knitting patterns, projects, and yarn stash? In this summer throwback episode, I’m chatting with Anne Emilie Fosse, the founder of the Knit & Note app — a brilliant tool for knitters who want to stay organized, inspired, and totally stress-free. We dive into how the app was created, why it’s become a favorite in the knitting community, and what exciting updates are coming soon. Whether you’re brand new to knitting or have been stitching for years, this app is going to change the way you manage your projects (and maybe even make your knitting time feel even more relaxing!). Here’s what we cover in this episode: How Anne Emilie came up with the idea for Knit & Note on maternity leave What makes the app so beginner-friendly The challenges (and wins!) of building a knitting-focused tech product Sneak peek at upcoming features (hello, yarn database!) Why knitting is still her go-to form of stress relief Want to try the app?Download Knit & Note at: https://www.knitandnote.comFollow them on Instagram: @knitandnote

Summer Throwback Series In this episode of Knit Your Stress Away, we explore the incredible mental benefits of knitting and how it can help busy moms reduce stress and anxiety. From providing mindful focus to boosting your mood and creating a calming routine, knitting is more than just a creative outlet - it’s a tool for self-care and mental well-being. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to prioritize peace in your life, this episode will inspire you to pick up your needles. What You’ll Learn Today: How the repetitive motions of knitting create mindful focus, quieting your mind and reducing stress Why knitting releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, lifting your mood and easing anxiety How incorporating knitting into your daily routine creates a grounding, calming ritual you can rely on. Resources and Links Mentioned: Want to start knitting? Download the free cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting —>> www.theknittingmamas.com Curious about keeping a knitting journal? Check out Episode #69 for tips on how journaling can elevate your knitting journey. Join our community of knitting enthusiasts on Facebook to connect, share projects, and find support along your knitting journey. Visit thenittingmamas.com to join the conversation. Don't miss out on making knitting your new favorite way to unwind and create!

July Summer Throwback Series Why knitting is more than yarn: stress relief, creativity, flow, screen detox, and connection. Real stories and examples of how it helped busy moms reclaim time. Grab your starter cheat sheet (3 Things You Need to Start Knitting) Ready to knit in 90 minutes? Headband Workshop is designed for you, link at www.theknittingmamas.com

July Summer Throwback Series The Ultimate mindset shift: Make time for yourself without the guilt Reminder: You’re not broken if you never finish a project—you’re overwhelmed. Key mindset shift to make space for calm knitting, even for 15 minutes. Freebie: Make Time to Stitch: 3‑Day Reset Next step: Check out my Headband Workshop ($37) for a peaceful, finished project. Learn more at www.theknittingmamas.com

Hey friend—this week’s episode is such a treat! I’m sitting down with the brilliant and bold Chantal Miyagishima from Knitatude, and we’re talking all about her journey from beginner knitter to full-time knitwear designer, author, and creative business owner. ✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a knitting biz… ✨ Wondered what goes into designing beginner-friendly patterns that actually fit… ✨ Or just need a dose of encouragement to carve out time for creativity—you’ll love this one. We also chat about: 🧶 Her upcoming book Sweater Success (and who it’s perfect for!) 🧶 How to knit more consistently—even when you’re short on time 🧶 A few go-to project ideas when you just want a cozy win 🧶 Why making your own clothes can be a powerful act of self-love Come find me on Instagram @theknittingmamas_ and let me know your favorite takeaway! 🔗 Links + Resources: 📚 Pre-order ‘Sweater Success: From Cast-On to Closet’ → Amazon Link 🧶 Shop Chantal’s Sweater Scarves → Sweater Scarf Patterns 🧶 Check out her Easy Eyelet Yoke Sweater → Sweater Pattern 🌟 Connect with Chantal: Instagram: @knitatude TikTok: @knitatude Facebook: Knitatude on Facebook Website: www.knitatude.ca And if you’re ready to start your own cozy journey—or get back into the groove—don’t forget to grab your free resources and beginner-friendly workshops at www.theknittingmamas.com.

Feeling overwhelmed with all the things you could make this summer—but not sure where to start? In today’s episode of Knit Your Stress Away, I’m sharing 5 simple, satisfying knitting projects that are perfect for summer stitching… even if you’re brand new or just easing back into your knitting rhythm. These beginner-friendly picks are calm, confidence-building, and totally portable—so you can knit on the patio, at pickup, or just 15 minutes at a time after a long day. Inside this episode: 🧶 Why starting simple leads to more finished projects 🧶 The 5 peaceful patterns I’m loving for summer 🧶 My favorite ways to sneak in screen-free calm 🧶 Where to grab your free cheatsheet or join my cozy headband workshop Projects Mentioned: Jazz Bandana – Hobbii Anya Summer Top – Hobbii Confidence Crop – Knitatude (currently 25% off until 06/20/25) Deco Mug Rug – Free on Ravelry Sunset Breeze Cape – Cozy Nooks Designs ✨ Helpful Resources: → Grab the free “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet → Join the Headband Workshop – a cozy, confidence-boosting project with step-by-step video support 📲 DM me on Instagram @theknittingmamas and let me know which project you’re casting on first—I’d love to cheer you on.

If you’ve ever lost your place mid-row, miscounted a repeat, or thought, “Wait—did I already increase here?”… today’s episode is going to be a game-changer. In this Knit & Tell mini episode, I’m sharing the tiniest (but mightiest!) tool that makes knitting smoother, calmer, and way more fun: stitch markers. We’ll chat about why they’re not just “nice to have,” the ones I swear by from Twice Sheared Sheep, and one creative little way I use them that might surprise you. 💡 Inside this episode: 🧶 Why stitch markers = less mental load while you knit 🧶 How to use them for pattern repeats, shaping, and peace of mind 🧶 My go-to stitch markers that never snag (plus the ones that make me smile every time I pick them up) 🧶 One outside-the-box trick for using markers to stay organized in your knitting sessions 🛍️ Featured: - Cat Clips from Twice Sheared Sheep – functional and ridiculously cute - 3 things you need to start knitting - Cheatsheet (free) 📲 Want to see how I use mine? Come hang out on Instagram @theknittingmamas—I’ll be showing off my favorite WIPs (and stitch markers!) all week.