Antidote Yarns and Designs – Yarn is the Remedy!
I spent 25 years working in the high stress Financial Services sector, where I used knitting and crocheting as a means to cope with that stress. In a bid to help others access the therapeutic powers of knit and crochet, I have started a business called Antidote Yarns and Designs.
It is a business selling luxury hand dyed yarns and original knitting and crochet pattern designs with a focus on mental wellbeing. Highest quality, ethically and sustainably sourced yarns are dyed in uplifting and soothing cheerful colours, whilst patterns are designed to create a ‘flow state’ – a sense of fluidity between body and mind.
Patterns range from very complicated where counting is necessary, unusual and unfamiliar stitches are included (requiring tutorials which I provide in both written and video form) and frequent changes in stitch happen, meaning that total concentration is demanded and the mind is kept fully occupied, easing depression by blocking negative or over thinking. On the other end of the spectrum, I have designed patterns using simple, easily memorable repeats with basic common stitches which create a meditative, peaceful mind space, allowing for relaxation and clarity of thought.
My aim is to encourage knitters and crocheters to understand and enjoy the benefits of the process of knitting and crocheting, not just the satisfaction of achieving the finished article.