Knit Night at 1st Stage
Presented in partnership with Project Knitwell
Come join us for another FREE relaxing evening of knitting and conversation at 1st Stage!
For all skill levels - register for a beginner kit, or bring your own project to work on!
Thursday, February 6
6pm - 7:30pm
Knit Night is presented in conjunction with our current production, The Lake Effect.
About Project Knitwell
Project Knitwell’s mission is to help people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience.
Project Knitwell volunteers teach a wide, diverse population of adolescents, seniors, cancer patients, caregivers, medical professionals, teachers, refugees, special needs students, and others at various school and community sites. We currently work at over 10 sites in the Dc metropolitan area.
Caregivers: A Snapshot
58% of caregivers are women.
Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week.
Caregivers typically learn as they go and aren’t formally trained.
79% of caregivers care for adults aged 50 or older, and 76% of care recipients are aged 65 years and older.
One in 6 non-caregivers expects to become a caregiver within two years.
The need for caregivers is growing along with the aging of the US population. The number of caregivers increased from 43.5 million in 2015 to about 53 million in 2020, or more than 1 in 5 Americans. By 2030, an estimated 73 million people in the United States will be 65 years or older. Many will require daily assistance from at least one caregiver to maintain quality of life, independence, and physical and social well-being. More than two-thirds of the US population will likely need help with tasks at some point in their lifetime.
The Bond Between Knitting And Caregiving
Knitting and Crochet Reduce Depression
Caregivers are at major risk of developing depression. Various studies show that up to 70% of caregivers suffer from this condition. Knitting and crochet have both been proven to help reduce depression.
Craft Away Caregiver Stress
Stress is the major complaint of most caregivers. It leads to numerous other health concerns. The stress is totally understandable. You are worried about your loved one, concerned that you aren’t doing enough for them, dealing with medical care and making medical decisions, and probably trying to set your own personal issues aside to make theirs the priority. All of these things are stressful. Knitting and crochet significantly reduce stress.
Regaining Control
One of the hardest things for caregivers is the constant sense of feeling out of control. You can’t control the course of an illness or disability. You can’t control the reactions and experiences of your loved one. However, you can control your craft project. The simple pleasure of being able to make all of your own choices from pattern to yarn color can help you to feel like you have some say in what’s happening around you!
