Forget FOMO and join the crafty fightback of JOMO with knitting

A study by Knit for Peace has found that the hobby has a number of positive health benefits.
One of the knits featured in the book  JOMO knittingOne of the knits featured in the book  JOMO knitting
One of the knits featured in the book JOMO knitting

Evidence based research shows that it can lower blood pressure, reduce depression and anxiety and is as relaxing as yoga.

Christine Boggis hopes her new book ‘JOMO Knits’ will give people the inspiration they need to get started.

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It has 21 projects separated into three sections: nest which is full of items to help you chill at home, explore with its chunky cardigans to embrace the outdoors and share which features pieces for you to give as gifts.

Some knits from the bookSome knits from the book
Some knits from the book

She said: “The projects are interesting enough for someone who has been knitting for years, but I also have a section at the back for beginners to learn about the techniques they can use.”

As editor of Knitting magazine Christine sees the book as like a band’s album.

“I put the magazine together and it features different people but my book is more coherent whole collection of ideas.”

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Growing up both of Christine’s grans were knitters but it took a conversational German class in the early 90s to ignite her passion.

Author and knitter ChristineAuthor and knitter Christine
Author and knitter Christine

“My teacher would knit while we talked and I just thought ‘I could do that’.

“It was the grunge era so everything had holes in and was shapeless, so ideal really.

“I made a cardigan and usually you start with the back but I thought that is too much knitting so I started with a sleeve. I didn’t get my tension right to start with.

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“It is like riding a bike once you get it that’s it you have your tension so I carried on knitting but one sleeve was really long and it just hung there.”

JOMO KnitsJOMO Knits
JOMO Knits

The book features patterns for scarves, cushions, and jumpers.

The book’s title comes from JOMO - the joy of missing out - which is a fightback to FOMO - the fear of missing out - something that Christine struggled with in her teens and early 20s.

“I did things because I was worried about missing out. So I would go to these parties, drag myself out the house when I was ill as I didn’t want to miss anything.

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“But this is a fightback. You don’t have to conform to these marketing ideals of FOMO, you don’t have to go out if all you want to do is sit at home on your sofa and knit.

“I also like the idea that it is about making clothes to fit you rather than changing yourself to fit into clothes.”

Brighton also has a buzzing knitting scene, including Erika Knight who designed for pop royalty in the 1980s and has her own yarn company championing British wool, and Hove’s Janette Sloan.

Knitting, Christine feels, is having a bit of a resurgence.

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A survey carried out on Knitter magazine’s Facebook page found that 92 per cent of people on the poll said they think that knitting is coming back into fashion.

“I met the designer Zandra Rhodes recently she told me she loved knitting but only does a bit.

“She has always designed knitwear but they use machines and she said she was keen to knit more.”

One reason for this rise in popularity could be people wanting a break from their screens.

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“So much of what we do is in the virtual sphere that many people want to hold something in their hands.

“Some people don’t want the projects to end as the wool is lovely and soft.”

For a hobby where you can see it coming together in front of your eyes, knitting is for you.

‘JOMO Knits’ is out in March, and is available through Amazon.

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For more information on Knit for Peace, www.knitforpeace.org.uk

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