When was the last time you tried something new? As much as it might be tempting to stick with things you’re good at, it can be fun and relaxing to try out a new hobby. Since it’s early in the year and we’re still sticking to our goals we decided to step outside our comfort zones and try knitting.
Last week we headed to The Third Piece pop up shop on Newbury in Boston for a night of knitting, laughing and catching up with girlfriends. We had the chance to meet and chat with founders Carina and Kristen and learn about how they got started. Our instructors were so skilled and patient, some of us needed more help than others, haha. They taught us how to get started and answered our questions along the way.
Spoiler, knitting wasn’t as hard as we thought it would be. Once we got the hang of it, it was downright soothing. We’ve got a group text going exchanging pictures of our progress. Pretty sure women who formed knitting or sewing circles back in the day might have been onto something. While our hands were occupied and phone-free, we were able to have some great girl talk and lots of laughs. Our goal is to keep it going for the rest of the year, it’s a fun excuse to get together.
The cool thing about the Third Piece is that you can either buy their handmade knits or purchase the yarn and pattern from them to make it yourself. Their yarn, Funky Chunky, is crazy soft merino wool and comes in the most beautiful and fashion-forward colors. Last week, Gisele Bündchen was spotted wearing this around Boston. Jess is styling this knit tomorrow and we’re teaming up with the brand to give one lucky winner $500 to The Third Piece (more on that below).
Carving out a few hours for yourself once a month to try something new will help you go back to work and home with a more refreshed and creative attitude. At the end of the day, getting a chance to unplug with your favorite people and try something you can all have fun with is pretty sweet.
Congrats to winner Amy W. Thanks to everyone who entered!
My friends and I tried learning to knit and you are right, it is not as hard. I still need some work though haha! Thirdpiece has so many cute knitted pieces!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
It’s such a fun group activity. I have to keep working away a little bit at my scarf everyday so I don’t forget, haha. I hope you enter the giveaway they have SO much good stuff!
What a brilliant idea! I’m a beginner knitter myself and love the challenge of making something with my own two hands, that I can actually wear or use once it’s done! It’s such a rewarding hobby- but I think finding a group, like the one The Third Piece cultivate, is a fantastic way to meet like minded people, to share the laughs whilst battling your way through learning new skills and to build up a creative community!
Gemma
http://www.fadedwindmills.com
It’s so true. Once we all got the hang of it we had so much fun and the idea of actually making something that we could wear made it that much more awesome. Their yarn definitely helps because it’s easier to work with, super soft and the colors are so pretty. Thanks for reading Gemma. xx
This sounds so fun! I love the idea of knitting but anytime I’ve tried, I’ve lacked the patience 🙂
It’s actually really fun and relaxing once you get the hang of it but I got frustrated too in the beginning. Once you get in a groove though it just sort of flows.
I have always wanted to knit but then I get so overwhelmed. But it is such a great way to bound with friends!! Love love the idea!!
bevseyeview.com
I totally agree, I was really overwhelmed in the beginning. I don’t think I could ever teach myself. Having an instructor was really, really helpful.
This looks so fun – I love the colors! I really like the chunky knits too!
http://www.stephanieterrone.com
Love this!! I’ve been planning on having a girls knitting party! Such a fun winter activity! And you are right, a good way to get away from our phones!!
It’s so much fun. I definitely recommend doing it. I was pathetic at the beginning but once I got the hang of it I was hooked. xx
This is an adorable idea. I also love your new layout of your blog!
xxoo
Mary
http://www.BelleOnTrend.com
Thank you so much Mary! I really appreciate the feedback. xx
I love hearing about more people learning to knit! When I was in fifth grade a lady who’s a family friend of a family friend taught my older sister and a group of her friends how to knit, so of course I had to tag along and learn too. Fast forward quite a few years and the lady, who we all call Nan, is now 97 and still knitting. She says it has helped prevent arthritis and kept her mind fresh; it’s amazing to say that she still is sharp as a tack! She’s been such an inspiration to me and the shared hobby is part of what’s kept us connected, in a way. It’s a wonderful hobby. I’ve made hats and scarves as gifts for friends and I’ve also used it as a way to make donations more personal. I made baby blankets for families who can’t afford the necessities as part of a larger collection of goods for mothers in need. I even made hats for a collection that was organized by a local knitting shop to take to chemo patients who are losing their hair. It’s great to be able to say that you’ve made something useful and hope that the recipient on the other end feels loved. Plus the act knitting itself is a great stress reliever!
Wow that’s such a great story Ali. Thank you so much for sharing. I must admit I am SUCH a novice but I do find it really soothing and relaxing. Hoping I can stick with it but I have NO idea how to finish the scarf I started so I might need to seek out some help on that. Thanks for reading. xx