Psychotherapist Roisin Whelan on why crafting can benefit your mental health
The Knitting & Stitching show, Ireland’s largest and longest-running textile event, has announced mindfulness as this year’s theme. To promote the benefits of crafting for mental wellbeing, The Knitting and Stitching Show has partnered with Psychotherapist Roisin Whelan.
Roisin offers a fresh, approachable way to having a healthy mind and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get creative as an easy way to practice mindfulness. Creative activities help us relax and unwind, focus on producing something and can even offer the chance to spend more time with loved ones being creative together.
The Knitting & Stitching Show, which welcomed over 12,000 visitors last year, will take place this autumn from the 8th – 11th November 2018. There will be 150 must-see exhibitors selling specialist supplies, along with demonstrations, interactive workshops and galleries curated by internationally acclaimed textile artists. Over 150 specialist stalls, most of whom are small independent retailers, will sell essential supplies for knitting, sewing, embroidery and lots more.
There will be a host of hands-on activities with workshops on offer taught by leading textile tutors. There really is something for everyone, whatever their ability, covering an exciting mix of crafts from dress making, creative machine sewing, and classic and contemporary embroidery to creative paper crafting, fabric printing and dyeing. Whether you’re a keen advocate of crafting as a relaxing hobby or looking for something new to boost your well-being, there’s something for you.
This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to brush up on their skills and inspire calm for those seeking to practise mindfulness through creativity. Crafters can book their tickets in advance of the show to benefit from the best rates. Ticket prices are €14.50. Guests can also treat themselves to an upgraded experience by purchasing a VIP ticket for €27, which includes priority entry, use of the VIP area, discounts on workshops, discounts with selected exhibitors, use of the VIP cloakroom, a show map and K&S Bag
To view the full list of exhibitors taking part in the 2018 show and browse what’s on offer, visit: https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/dublin/
Speaking about her partnership with the Knitting & Stitching show, psychotherapist Roisin Whelan said:
“I am delighted to partner with The Knitting & Stitching Show to promote the benefits of crafting. Crafting is a great way to practice mindfulness while also being creative. We are all living increasingly busy lives so taking time out to enjoy some crafting is a great way to be mindful. It can help reduce stress, it’s a great way to connect with people and have a positive impact on our brains as it forces us to slow down and be present in the moment which is what being mindful is all about. At the Knitting & Stitching Show visitors can explore a range of different crafts – from embroidery and sewing to dress making and traditional knitting, there’s lots to see and some great workshops aimed at those looking to learn a new crafting skill. From dedicated knitters to curious beginners it’s a great weekend to explore crafting as part of mindfulness.’’