Adaptive Knitwear Designs

Inclusive Knitwear for Every Body

Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting

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Knitting and Crocheting are so widely popular and not just with the over 65 crowd. It’s actually cool now! A lot of us knit or crochet (or both) because we have a family or personal connection. Mothers and Grandmothers worldwide pass down crafts of all kinds to new generations. The tide is changing to now to include more men! How awesome is that! In fact, crafting of all kinds is seeing a huge surge in popularity in the past decade. From home DIY to jewelry making to fiber arts, people are holding up their creations and yelling “I made this!” Knitting and Crocheting are no exception. But did you know that there are mental and physical benefits of knitting and crocheting that go beyond Instagram likes and Pinterest fame.

Lets be honest, though, knitting and crocheting aren’t always easy hobbies to get the hang of and master. You have to understand hook/needle size, yarn choice, tension, and so much more to make sure you garment looks great. Knitters and crocheters are in it for the long-game. It’s a practice makes perfect world!

So why do so many people people stick with it?

I think a lot of people would say they just love it. Totally valid! Seriously though, there may be more behind that statement than just a love of the craft. Why do we love it? Whether you are only thinking about taking up a fiber craft or skilled enough to make Martha Stewart jealous there’s a lot of reasons to pick up some yarn. Lets dig into the mental and physical benefits of knitting and crocheting.

Physical dexterity

Both knitting and crochet require manipulation of the needles/hooks and the yarn. If you are a newbie you may not even realize there are different ways to hold yarn and needles. Yeah, it’s a thing. I won’t get into the different styles here but it’s all about handedness and how you feel comfortable looping the yarn to make a new stitch.

The most dexterity work that most people get day to day is probably typing on a keyboard. The muscles in your hands can benefit just as much from a good workout as your quads or biceps. The movements in knit and crochet are essentially a workout for your fingers and forearms. Even after years of knitting my fingers still sometimes get sore after a marathon knitting day! The real benefit here comes from the motion of your fingers gripping and moving the needles and the manipulation of the yarn to create stitches.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone looking to improve or retain dexterity. In our grandmother’s time smaller needles and hooks were most prevalent. The breakout star of the recent knitting resurgence is chunky knits. This is really large needles and hooks and super fat, squishy yarn. Arm knitting is also a great option. Yep, use your arms and needles! If you are interested in knitting as a way to improve dexterity, try starting here and see where you can go!!

Check out Lauren Aston Designs if you want some amazing chunky knit inspiration!

Disclaimer: Information in this post should not be used as a substitute for medical or professional advice. Always seek a doctor’s advice before determining if a new activity is beneficial for you.

Relaxation

Now I know repetitive motions have gotten a bad rep, but stay with me. Many people find knitting and crocheting to be relaxing. For me personally, the repetitive stitches help me zone out. Focusing on a task can help lower stress levels and keep our minds positive and productive.

Let’s check out some of the different ways you might find some relaxing benefits from knit and crochet.

  • Are you a multitasker or someone that can’t sit still while watching TV? Try a pattern that has repetitive stitches or rows. An easily remembered pattern will allow you to do other things at the same time and keep your hands (and mind) occupied.
  • Do you like to get totally immersed in projects? Try a more complicated pattern to keep yourself engaged. Color work, cables, and lace work are great for those that concentrate deeply on what they are doing.
  • Where are my worriers and anxious people? I know all about this one. When you feel those nagging feelings start to build up, pick up a project. Give your brain something else to focus on.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone!! Just give it a try! My advice if you are new to this, pick an easy pattern with only one stitch type (knit stitch or single crochet are great beginner options). Let yourself learn at your own pace you’ll find your yarn zen soon!

Then try different types of patterns and see what works best for you! And hey, who says you can’t have more than one project going at a time!! Have a few WIPs (work in progress) so you’ve got options!

Need some inspiration? I love Ravelry and Pinterest to help me find different patterns and ideas.

There are even some test groups out there that have studied knitting as a way to help people stop smoking or deal with eating disorders. Talk to your doctor if you think knitting or crocheting could help with a diagnosed condition.

Mental Sharpness

Okay, so I know this sounds like the opposite of Relaxation. Let’s think of it this way, learning new things increases cognitive function and brain activity. Bonus! A new skill and a bigger brain! Each new stitch you learn and new pattern you try increases your mental sharpness. Smart is the new sexy! There is even evidence that knitting and crocheting can help keep our brains sharp as we age.

One of the huge benefits of knitting and crocheting is pattern and stitch recognition. As you become more comfortable with the basic stitches and reading patterns you will start to understand how different stitches work together to create a specific design. This is completely different way to use your brain, concrete vs abstract thinking skills.

Reading a pattern and executing the stitches is Concrete Thinking, focused on what you can touch and see. It’s a physical and literal way of thinking. Recognition of the stitch types and how to use those stitches to get the look you want is Abstract Thinking. This means being able to think about and visualize what’s not physically there. It’s understanding how a pattern will turn out even before you create any stitches.

Over time, you might even be able to visualize and create your own patterns!

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone!! No matter what you skill level is, just learn something new. Learn a new stitch. Start a pattern that you find challenging. Try those tiny needles you thought would be intimidating. How about adding some color work into your repertoire?

Our Marilue Cowl incorporates both knit and crochet techniques. Perfect for someone that is new to both or if you know one technique and not the other.

Memory

You got this one, right? All those new stitches and patterns help improve your memory, too. As you become more comfortable with patterns it becomes easier to commit the patterns to memory. The brain is a muscle, the more we exercise the better it performs.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone!! Same advice as improving your mental sharpness… keep challenging yourself. If you’re new, just the act of learning a new skill will improve your memory. After that, keep learning new things and practicing new patterns!

Marilue Cowls shown rolled up and stacked

Burns calories

Knitting burns, on average, 100-150 calories an hour. Not exactly a high intensity spin class, but also beats sitting on the couch watching TV! In certain cases, working with your hands can help curb mindless eating as well.

Who Can Benefit?

Well, this one’s a no-brainer.

Remember, every person is different and has a different version of what Healthy means to them. Always pay attention to your own body. Eat and exercise according to what is best for you.

Do It Anywhere

This may not sound like a benefit at first but portability is one of the keys to making knitting and crocheting accessible and easy for lots of people to do. Most projects are small enough to throw into a bag or backpack. That means the benefits of knitting and crocheting can go just about anywhere you do. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed on airplanes. I used to feel self-conscious knitting in public but the growing popularity means more crafters in coffee shops, on public transit, an other public places. So grab your needles and hooks and head out there!

Who Can Benefit?

It’s true that knitting and crocheting are sometimes seen as solitary activities. It’s a great option when you’ would normally be sedentary like when watching TV. Add in some knitting to burn some extra calories! If you like to get out more, check out local knitting groups or head to a coffee shop and see if you meet a fellow knitter!

Have knits, will travel? Not without some way to transport yarn and needles. Yeah, you could stuff them into your purse, backpack or a plastic bag. However, if you want something more stylish, check out Jimmy Beans Namaste collection.

Pride in accomplishment

There is nothing like finally weaving in that last end on a project and calling it DONE! Large or small, finishing a project can feel amazing! As your skill grows a bit your projects can get more and more impressive. There’s nothing like wearing something you’ve made and having someone notice and compliment you!

People love getting handmade gifts. Seriously. Long gone are the ugly gifted grandma sweaters. There are tons of beautiful (+ simple and easy) gift ideas out there. Admiration and thanks from grateful friends and family feels so amazing.

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone! Remember, if you are new , start small. Don’t expect to take on a color-work sweater on size 3 needles if you aren’t comfortable with that yet! Start with something you can accomplish and let your skill set grow from there. The only rule here is to wear your new creation with pride!

The key here is to allow yourself to feel proud. No self-deprecation allowed!! Never undermine how long something took. Own the accomplishment. When someone compliments you, smile and say “Thanks, I made it myself.” They’ll be impressed.

Feeling of giving

Okay, if you’ve been crafting for a while you know this one. Eventually you don’t need any more hats or sweaters. And you start giving pieces to friends and family. This is an amazing way to let someone know you care enough to take time to to make them a handmade gift!

Who Can Benefit?

Once you’ve got the basics down, start creating pieces and gifting them! Just do it! It makes holiday shopping less stressful, too. You can even branch out from gifting to family and friends and look into gifting for charity. There are groups that create shawls and blankets to donate to hospitals. Make hats for cancer patients, nests for orphaned baby birds, or an octopus for a premie.

Interested in making something for other people? Check out Hat not Hate, a Lion Brand Yarn initiative to stop bullying.

coffee and knitting

So there you have it. There are tons of benefits of knitting and crocheting. I’m sure there a lot more not even listed here. What’s your favorite thing about fiber crafts? Got any additional benefits? Let us know in the comments!

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How to Style the JT Necktie

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About the JT Necktie

The JT Necktie is an adaptive product designed to look like a traditional knitted necktie. The difference is that the JT Necktie simply slides on over your head. No tying a knot every time you wear it! Simply adjust the tie length one time and it fits perfectly.

Man stands in front of a white wall wearing a black jacket. He has on a white shirt with the collar flipped up to show the elastic neck of the black necktie he’s wearing.

How to Size Adjust your JT NEcktie

The JT Necktie is designed to look exactly like a traditional necktie. Wear it the same way you would wear a regular tie. Our ties are made with a single yarn color with subtle herringbone detail. The design is timeless and easy to style.

First Step – How to adjust the length

When you first get your JT Necktie (or make one from a DIY Kit or Pattern) you will want to make sure the tie is the correct length. Your tie should hit at the middle of your waistband or belt buckle. This is regardless of height, posture, or whether you use any kind of assistive device like a wheelchair or braces.

Since the JT Necktie has a faux knot, you don’t have to tie and adjust it like a regular tie. The length of the tie can be pulled through the knot. To make the tie longer, draw more of the front length of tie through the knot. To make the tie shorter, draw more of the back length through the knot. This adjustment can be done once (use caregiver assistance if needed) and then your tie will stay the same length without additional adjustment. The JT necktie can be adjusted from approximately 15 inches to 22 inches from top of the knot to the bottom of the tie.

Man show in close up of his chest. A woman’s hands are shown adjusting the knitted necktie he’s wearing

Check out this comprehensive tie length guide from Bespoke Unit.

Second Step – Adjust Neck Sizing

The JT Necktie can be slipped on over your head by use of an elastic band that sits discretely under a shirt collar. The elastic band can be adjusted to suit your neck size. During tie construction the elastic band length should be slightly shorter than desired neck size. This allows for the tie to sit snuggly against the neck without sagging. Once neck size is adjusted appropriately, slide it on over your head and tuck the elastic band under your shirt collar.

A woman helps a man put on a knitted necktie. The tie has an elastic band so it just slips on over his head and doesn’t need to be tied.

Now your JT Necktie is ready wear!

How to style the JT Necktie

Our ties are a single color with a subtle herringbone pattern to give them the most versatility. We offer a variety of colors to suit different tastes and styles.

Pair our ties with either solid or patterned shirts.

When wearing a solid shirt, you can chose a monochromatic look by pairing a shirt in a similar color as the tie. The herringbone pattern will really pop with this look!

If you like a contrast, try styling a lighter color tie with a darker shirt or visa versa. Not sure how to pair colors? Try a black shirt with one of the lighter ties. Or a white shirt with a darker colored tie.

Lots of patterned shirts can be worn with our ties. Simply pair them the same way you would a traditional tie. Get creative and try some experimental combinations with neutral suit or jeans!

Found a fun color combo and want to share? Contact us here.

How to Style the Marilue Cowl

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Our Product – The Marilue Cowl

A woman sits in a coffee shop and smiles up at the ceiling. She is wearing a purple leather jacket and a Marilue Cowl in navy.

The Marilue Cowl is an adaptive scarf alternative. It eliminates the need to wrap or tie a traditional scarf. Without any bulky scarf ends to deal with the entire look is sleek and modern. We’ve provided a decorative scallop edging to make it easy for individuals or caregivers to get the piece on and off. To get the cowl on, just hook a finger into a scallop and pull over your head. When you need to take it off, hook a finger pull. Keep scrolling to find how how to style the Marilue Cowl.

Marilue Cowls shown rolled up and stacked

Wait… you don’t have a Marilue Cowl yet?

Find the pattern here.

How to Style your Marilue Cowl

So you’ve got your Marilue Cowl. Did you know there are multiple ways to wear it? We love for pieces to be versatile and functional, but always beautiful.

Four people are smiling at the camera. They are each wearing a Marilue Cowl in a different way. One wears a green tweed cowl flipped up over a grey shirt. The next wears a mint Marilue Cowl tucked into a brown leather jacket. A woman stands wearing a black Marilue Cowl with a silk scarf threaded through the scallops. Another stands wearing a purple leather jacket and a gray cowl folded in half and worn as an ear warmer.

Wear your cowl flipped up and tucked into a coat when it’s cold out.

Then bottom row of scallops lie flat and tuck flat under a coat or jacket. No scarf ends to deal with! Pull the top row of scallops up over your nose when it gets really cold!

Green Arcade Scallop Cowl on model with cowl flipped up under a coat

Wear your Marilue Cowl folded over and low on your neck when it’s warmer outside.

Put the two scallop ends together and the cowl sits lower on your neck, almost like a big chunky necklace. Perfect for spring or fall when there is a chill in the air.

A woman smiles directly at the camera. She is wearing a mint colored Marilue Cowl folded in half an low on her neck like a chunky necklace.

Wear the cowl doubled over around your head as an ear warmer.

If you pull the doubled up cowl up over your head, it also can be an ear warmer!

Woman sits with her back against a wood planked wall. She is smiling off into the distance and wearing a blue Marilue Cowl folded over as an ear warmer.

Want a little more bling? Thread a thin scarf through the scallops and let the ends hand down.

Silk scarves work great for this look! Match a scarf to each outfit!

A woman sits in a chair with her arm up on the back. She wears a grey shirt and a Marilue Cowl in black. She’s threaded a pink scarf through the scallops of the cowl for a decorative look.

Have you found a fun way to style your Marilue Cowl? We’d love to see what you’ve come up with! Contact us here.

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Gift Guide for Loved Ones with Limited Mobility or Dexterity

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Happy Holidays Everyone!  

As the end of 2018 approaches, most of us will be searching for that perfect gift for everyone.  For some of us that means finding gifts for people in our lives that are dealing with illnesses or other issues that could make finding that perfect gift a little more difficult.   In these situations, our loved ones may not be able to enjoy the same things they used to. They may be limited in their mobility or have lost the ability to do the things they used to love.  That’s why we created our Gift Guide for Loved Ones with Limited Mobility or Dexterity.

Gift Guide for loved ones with limited mobility or dexterity

Our Mission

As I’m designing products for My Grandmother’s Old Singer I’m always looking for ways to provide adaptive fashion pieces that are actually…well, fashionable.  We believe that no one should be without that perfect accessory that makes them feel amazing. Gift giving for all your loved ones should be full of the joy of giving, and nothing else.  It is our mission to provide easy to operate gifts and accessories for people that can’t manipulate traditional fasteners.

Feel free to check out our Adaptive Knitwear Shop for PDF Patterns and limited runs of finished, ready to ship knitwear pieces.  They make perfect holiday gifts!

Shopping for loved ones that have disabilities or mobility limitations can be a unnecessary stress during a season that should be filled with joy and happiness.

Let me take some of the stress out the upcoming holiday season.  We’ve created a guide filled with gift ideas so you can stop overthinking it and enjoy the time with your family.  ‘Cause at the end of the day our time is really the best gift of all. Yeah, yeah that was corny, but also so so true.  It’s #1 on the gift guide for a reason. A lot of these are great ideas for anyone if your life, but were specifically picked for individuals that are home-bound or otherwise not able to enjoy the same activities they used to.

We hope this list helps you pick the perfect gift!  Let us know in the comments which ones are your favorite.

Click to download the Gift Guide for Loved Ones with Limited Mobility or Dexterity

Want to know more about us?

Read more about My Grandmother’s Old Singer and our story.

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Step by step intro to Knitting

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Ever want to make a present for someone?

Not sure where to start?

All the products designed by My Grandmother’s Old Singer are available as downloadable patterns and knitting kits if you want to make your own!

 

We have provided a guide for beginner knitters.

Check out the following articles if you have questions about knitting our patterns.

How to Knit:

Beginner’s Guide

Choosing Yarn

Choosing Needles

Tension and Gauge

Casting On

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Casting Off

Tension and Gauge Swatches

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Tension and Gauge Swatches in Knitting

understanding tension and gauge swatches

If you want to eventually knit more than scarves, it’s important to understand knitting tension and gauge swatches.

Tension refers to how tight or loose your specific knitting is.  It is 100% all about YOUR knitting style.  This is dictated by how tight you pull the yarn tail while you’re knitting. Often Continental style knitters (or pickers) will have looser tension than English style (or throwers).  But again, it’s all about your style.

How to knit controlling tension

A Gauge Swatch is typically 4 in x 4 in piece a knitter uses to test their tension with a specific yarn and needle combination.

How to Choose the Right Yarn

Why do tension and gauge swatch even matter?

If you are following another knitter’s pattern your tension and gauge swatches can make or break a project.   Imagine spending a month knitting a sweater only to try in on and realize it’s too big or too small.  But you followed the pattern perfectly!  What’s up?

If your knitting tension is tighter than the pattern writer your piece will end up being too small. 

If your knitting tension is looser your pieces will end up being too big. 

I’ve already said that tension is 100% about YOUR knitting style.  Knitting patterns should have always have gauge information.

Here’s what you should be looking for in the pattern:

Yarn and needle sized used.
The size of the gauge swatch.  Often this is 4 inches x 4 inches but can vary.
The number of stitches to cast on and rows to knit to produce a gauge swatch of the specified size.
A stitch or pattern type.  This generally is the most common stitch type used in the pattern or simple stockinette  stitch.

So you knit your gauge swatch and it perfectly matches the pattern.  Great!  Rock on with your sweater!

But what if it doesn’t?

Step one, don’t panic, grab a towel.

Kidding about the towel.

If your gauge swatch is smaller than the pattern.

If you’re not off by very much, try knitting another swatch but make an effort to loosen up on the tension.  If that works, continue the project using that same loose tension.

If you’re way off, use larger needles. How many sizes larger depends on how far off your search is.  It may take some experimenting, but it is time well spent!

 If your gauge swatch is larger than the pattern.

Off by a little? Re-swatch trying to get a tighter tension.

Off by a lot? try smaller needles.

coffee knitting and metallica

Here’s my honest truth:

I hate making gauge swatches. When you are so gung-ho about a new project the last thing you want is to delay getting started.  But gauge swatching really matters for anything fitted! I’m serious. Do it!

So what if it’s not fitted? If I’m knitting a scarf I don’t really care if it’s 15 inches wide or 15.5 inches wide.  I don’t gauge swatch. Has it bitten me in the butt? Yeah. Big time.  But what can I say, it’s how I roll.

If you’ve been knitting a while: Your skill, comfort level, and bravery will determine how much and when you gauge swatch.

If you’re new: Do it for every project. EVERY PROJECT. {insert stern face here}

Do not be surprised if your tension changes over time! Styles change. In the beginning you don’t have the technique down.  You’re thinking about EVERY stitch.  As your comfort level grows, knitting becomes more automatic. Give yourself some time to establish a routine and style while knitting and your tension will become much more even.

Keep learning with more illustrated tutorials and guides:

How to Knit – Getting Started                  Yarn Weights and Needle Size Conversion Chart

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understanding tension and gauge swatches