KNIT YOUR STRESS AWAY | Knitting for beginners, Knitting to relieve stress, Stress Relief Strategies for moms, morning routine, self care, time management, self care mindset

#103 // Summer Throwback: Starting Knitting Again After Years Away? Here’s What I’d Do Differently

Welcome to our last Summer Throwback episode of Knit Your Stress Away— it’s been a cozy revisit to some of our most-loved episodes from the archives.
Today we’re going back to a personal favorite where I share what it was like to pick up my knitting needles again after two decades away. Spoiler: it wasn’t as easy as riding a bike. 😅
If you’re a beginner—or someone returning to knitting after a long break—this one’s for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest mistakes I made, the lessons I learned the hard way, and all the things I wish someone had told me when I started again.
What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Why perfection isn’t the goal—and what to focus on instead
✔️ The best beginner-friendly yarn and needle recs
✔️ How to decode those confusing abbreviations and pattern lingo
✔️ What to do when you make a mistake (because you will, and that’s okay!)
✔️ How learning alongside others makes the process way more fun and way less overwhelming
 
✨ Whether you’re brand new or simply need a confidence boost, this episode is here to remind you: you can do this, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Resources & Links:
🧶 Grab my free “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet → https://www.theknittingmamas.com
🧶 Learn step-by-step inside the 90-min Headband Workshop—perfect if you want to knit something calming and simple with full support → https://www.theknittingmamas.com
🧶 Explore my go-to tools, favorite yarns, and knitting must-haves → https://www.theknittingmamas.com

#102 // Summer Throwback: Behind the scenes of a knitwear design business with Alexi Tavel from Two of Wands

Welcome back to Knit Your Stress Away, where knitting meets relaxation!
In this special installment of our Summer Throwback Series, we revisit the first-ever interview on the podcast with the remarkable Alexi Tavel from Two of Wands.
Join us as Alexi shares her unique journey from studying fashion design to becoming a renowned knitwear designer.
Discover how her creative path has evolved, the inspiration behind her designs, and the intricate art of balancing creativity with business.
Get ready to be inspired by her story and gain insight into the world of knitwear design!
Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com:
 
→ Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting
Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on.
👉 www.theknittingmamas.com
 
→ Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps
Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step.
👉 www.theknittingmamas.com
 
→ My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns & tools I truly love
👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com
💛 Let’s Connect:
→ Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_
→ Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community

#101 // Summer Throwback: Knitting Journal 101: Why You Need One and How to Start

Want a beautiful, ready-to-go knitting journal? I finally got my hands on the one from Twice Sheared Sheep and it’s GORGEOUS. Thoughtfully designed, spiral-bound, and perfect for tracking every cozy project. Take a peek here →https://twice-sheared-sheep.myshopify.com/twwcpa (affiliate)
Welcome back to the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—your weekly cozy reset with a round up of our best episodes of the last year and a half. This week, we’re revisiting one of your favorite episodes all about how to actually stay motivated and celebrate your growth as a knitter—with a simple but powerful tool: your own knitting journal.
 
Whether you’re a paper-and-pen type or prefer something digital and fuss-free, this episode is packed with inspiration for tracking your projects, capturing your creative milestones, and building a keepsake of everything your hands have made.
 
🧶 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why a knitting journal is a game-changer for busy moms
• What to track (think: yarn, needles, modifications, emotions!)
• Ideas for using your journal to celebrate small wins and keep momentum
• My favorite digital option: the Knit & Note app for organizing on the go
 
✨ “Seeing all the projects you’ve completed can be such a confidence booster—especially when you’re working on something new or challenging.”
 
🧰 Mentioned in the Episode:
 
→ Grab your FREE cheatsheet: “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting”
→ Download my 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch
→ See all my favorite tools, books, apps & more at www.theknittingmamas.com
→ Check out the Knit & Note App – the perfect way to log projects from your phone
 
 
 
💛 Want to keep the calm going?
Start your first stress-soothing project with the Headband Workshop—a 90-minute guided knit you can finish in a weekend. You’ll find it (and everything else I offer) right at www.theknittingmamas.com.
 
📲 Let’s connect!
• Instagram: @theknittingmamas_
• Facebook: The Knitting Mamas Community Group
 
💌 If this episode gave you a little spark of creative joy, share it with a friend or leave a review—it means so much!

#100 // Summer Throwback: Must-Have Knitting Supplies for Newbies: Simple, Stress-Free Guide

Welcome to another episode in the Knit Your Stress Away Summer Throwback Series—designed to keep you inspired with the most downloaded episodes during the summer months. If you’re new to knitting (or just overwhelmed by all the tools out there), this one is for you.
We’re cutting through the clutter and getting back to basics. You don’t need to buy everything to get started—you just need a few essentials, and the confidence to cast on.
 
🧶 Inside This Episode:
✔️ The 3 must-haves for any beginner
✔️ What’s nice to have (but totally skippable at the start)
✔️ Common things you can ignore for now (hello, simplicity)
✔️ Why keeping it minimal actually helps you finish your first project
 
✨ “You don’t need a giant kit or every needle size—just the right tools for your first project.”
 
🧰 Want support as you start? Here’s everything I’ve got for you at theknittingmamas.com:
 
→ Free Cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting
Get the tools list, my beginner glossary, and feel ready to cast on.
👉 www.theknittingmamas.com
 
→ Video Guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps
Learn how to start from scratch—with calm, clear videos that walk you through each step.
👉 www.theknittingmamas.com
 
→ My Knitting Favorites: Needles, yarns, books & tools I truly love
👉 Everything’s linked for you at www.theknittingmamas.com
 
💛 Let’s Connect:
→ Follow along on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_
→ Join the cozy chat in the Knitting Mamas Facebook Community
 
📸 Found this episode helpful? Screenshot it and share to your stories—I’d love to see your current WIP and cheer you on!
💬 And don’t forget to subscribe + leave a quick review to help more knitters find us!

#99 // Summer Throwback: The app every knitter needs - with Knit & Note founder Anne Emilie Fosse

Grab your beginners guide to knitting:www.theknittingmamas.com
Download the “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet www.theknittingmamas.com
Join the free Facebook community: www.theknittingmamas.com
Ever wished you had one single place to keep all your knitting patterns, projects, and yarn stash? In this summer throwback episode, I’m chatting with Anne Emilie Fosse, the founder of the Knit & Note app — a brilliant tool for knitters who want to stay organized, inspired, and totally stress-free.
We dive into how the app was created, why it’s become a favorite in the knitting community, and what exciting updates are coming soon. Whether you’re brand new to knitting or have been stitching for years, this app is going to change the way you manage your projects (and maybe even make your knitting time feel even more relaxing!).
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
How Anne Emilie came up with the idea for Knit & Note on maternity leave
What makes the app so beginner-friendly
The challenges (and wins!) of building a knitting-focused tech product
Sneak peek at upcoming features (hello, yarn database!)
Why knitting is still her go-to form of stress relief
Want to try the app?Download Knit & Note at:  https://www.knitandnote.comFollow them on Instagram:  @knitandnote

#98 // Summer Throwback: Mental health benefits of knitting and how it helps reduce stress

Summer Throwback Series
In this episode of Knit Your Stress Away, we explore the incredible mental benefits of knitting and how it can help busy moms reduce stress and anxiety. From providing mindful focus to boosting your mood and creating a calming routine, knitting is more than just a creative outlet - it’s a tool for self-care and mental well-being. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to prioritize peace in your life, this episode will inspire you to pick up your needles.
What You’ll Learn Today:
How the repetitive motions of knitting create mindful focus, quieting your mind and reducing stress
Why knitting releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, lifting your mood and easing anxiety
How incorporating knitting into your daily routine creates a grounding, calming ritual you can rely on.
Resources and Links Mentioned:
Want to start knitting? Download the free cheatsheet: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting —>> www.theknittingmamas.com
Curious about keeping a knitting journal? Check out Episode #69 for tips on how journaling can elevate your knitting journey.
Join our community of knitting enthusiasts on Facebook to connect, share projects, and find support along your knitting journey. Visit thenittingmamas.com to join the conversation. Don't miss out on making knitting your new favorite way to unwind and create!

#97 // Summer Throwback: 5 Surprising Reasons to Start Knitting

July Summer Throwback Series
Why knitting is more than yarn: stress relief, creativity, flow, screen detox, and connection.
Real stories and examples of how it helped busy moms reclaim time.
Grab your starter cheat sheet (3 Things You Need to Start Knitting)
Ready to knit in 90 minutes? Headband Workshop is designed for you, link at www.theknittingmamas.com
 

#96 // Summer Throwback: The Ultimate Mindset Shift: Make Time for Yourself Without the Guilt

July Summer Throwback Series
The Ultimate mindset shift: Make time for yourself without the guilt
Reminder: You’re not broken if you never finish a project—you’re overwhelmed.
Key mindset shift to make space for calm knitting, even for 15 minutes.
Freebie: Make Time to Stitch: 3‑Day Reset
Next step: Check out my Headband Workshop ($37) for a peaceful, finished project.
Learn more at www.theknittingmamas.com
 

#95 // From Cast-on to confidence: A chat with Knitatude’s Chantal Miyagishima

Hey friend—this week’s episode is such a treat! I’m sitting down with the brilliant and bold Chantal Miyagishima from Knitatude, and we’re talking all about her journey from beginner knitter to full-time knitwear designer, author, and creative business owner.
 
✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a knitting biz…
✨ Wondered what goes into designing beginner-friendly patterns that actually fit…
✨ Or just need a dose of encouragement to carve out time for creativity—you’ll love this one.
 
We also chat about:
🧶 Her upcoming book Sweater Success (and who it’s perfect for!)
🧶 How to knit more consistently—even when you’re short on time
🧶 A few go-to project ideas when you just want a cozy win
🧶 Why making your own clothes can be a powerful act of self-love
 
Come find me on Instagram @theknittingmamas_ and let me know your favorite takeaway!
 
🔗 Links + Resources:
📚 Pre-order ‘Sweater Success: From Cast-On to Closet’ → Amazon Link
🧶 Shop Chantal’s Sweater Scarves → Sweater Scarf Patterns
🧶 Check out her Easy Eyelet Yoke Sweater → Sweater Pattern
 
🌟 Connect with Chantal:
Instagram: @knitatude
TikTok: @knitatude
Facebook: Knitatude on Facebook
Website: www.knitatude.ca
 
And if you’re ready to start your own cozy journey—or get back into the groove—don’t forget to grab your free resources and beginner-friendly workshops at www.theknittingmamas.com. 

#94 // Peaceful summer projects to build confidence and calm (even if you are just starting out)

Feeling overwhelmed with all the things you could make this summer—but not sure where to start?
In today’s episode of Knit Your Stress Away, I’m sharing 5 simple, satisfying knitting projects that are perfect for summer stitching… even if you’re brand new or just easing back into your knitting rhythm.
These beginner-friendly picks are calm, confidence-building, and totally portable—so you can knit on the patio, at pickup, or just 15 minutes at a time after a long day.
Inside this episode:
🧶 Why starting simple leads to more finished projects
🧶 The 5 peaceful patterns I’m loving for summer
🧶 My favorite ways to sneak in screen-free calm
🧶 Where to grab your free cheatsheet or join my cozy headband workshop
 
Projects Mentioned:
Jazz Bandana – Hobbii
Anya Summer Top – Hobbii
Confidence Crop – Knitatude (currently 25% off until 06/20/25)
Deco Mug Rug – Free on Ravelry
Sunset Breeze Cape – Cozy Nooks Designs
 
✨ Helpful Resources:
→ Grab the free “3 Things You Need to Start Knitting” cheatsheet
→ Join the Headband Workshop – a cozy, confidence-boosting project with step-by-step video support
 
📲 DM me on Instagram @theknittingmamas and let me know which project you’re casting on first—I’d love to cheer you on.

#93 // Stitch Markers 101 + one surprising trick you’ll want to steal

If you’ve ever lost your place mid-row, miscounted a repeat, or thought, “Wait—did I already increase here?”… today’s episode is going to be a game-changer.
In this Knit & Tell mini episode, I’m sharing the tiniest (but mightiest!) tool that makes knitting smoother, calmer, and way more fun: stitch markers.
We’ll chat about why they’re not just “nice to have,” the ones I swear by from Twice Sheared Sheep, and one creative little way I use them that might surprise you.
 
💡 Inside this episode:
🧶 Why stitch markers = less mental load while you knit
🧶 How to use them for pattern repeats, shaping, and peace of mind
🧶 My go-to stitch markers that never snag (plus the ones that make me smile every time I pick them up)
🧶 One outside-the-box trick for using markers to stay organized in your knitting sessions
 
🛍️ Featured:
- Cat Clips from Twice Sheared Sheep – functional and ridiculously cute
- 3 things you need to start knitting - Cheatsheet (free)
 
📲 Want to see how I use mine?
Come hang out on Instagram @theknittingmamas—I’ll be showing off my favorite WIPs (and stitch markers!) all week.
 
 

#92 // Struggling to finish your knitting project? Here’s what might be going wrong

Have you started a knitting project… and then never finished it?
Friend, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into 3 super common beginner mistakes that can stall your progress—and how to gently shift out of them.
Whether you’re brand new to knitting or picking it back up after a long break, this pep talk is here to help you build momentum (and actually finish your next cozy project!).
✨ In This Episode:
Why choosing the right first pattern matters more than you think
The myth of “I have to learn everything before I start”
A mindset shift that makes knitting feel like self-care, not a chore
Why 15 minutes a day can be a total game-changer
 
💡 Resources Mentioned:
🎁 Freebie: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting
🧶 Beginner Headband Workshop: Grab it here for $37
🕯 Free 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch
🧵 Stay Connected:
Tag me on Instagram @theknittingmamas and share your favorite takeaway!
And if this episode helped you feel seen? Pass it on to a friend who could use a little knitting joy 💛

#91 // Feeling anxious or drained? Here’s how Knitting helps you reset

Feeling like you want to knit but just don’t have the time? You’re not alone—and you’re not lazy. In this episode, we dive into the real reason making time for knitting feels so hard (especially for busy, overstimulated women), and I share 3 simple, stress-free shifts you can try today.
If you’re craving a way to reconnect with yourself in small, doable ways, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn:
• Why “not having time” is really about nervous system space
• 3 easy shifts to create time without guilt
• A free tool to help you build a cozy, calm knitting rhythm that sticks
Mentioned in this episode:
→ Free 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch
Start building your calm knitting rhythm today
Grab yours here. 
Follow me on Instagram
@theknittingmamas_
If you loved this episode…
Leave a quick review or share it with a friend who needs a little more calm (and yarn!) in their day.

#90 // Why you don’t make time to knit and how to shift it in 15 minutes a day

Feeling like you want to knit but just don’t have the time? You’re not alone. In this episode, Nadine dives into the real reason making time for knitting feels so hard (especially for busy, overstimulated women), and shares 3 simple, stress-free shifts you can try today.
If you’re craving a way to reconnect with yourself in small, doable ways, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Why “not having time” is really about nervous system space
3 easy shifts to create time without guilt
A free tool to help you build a cozy, calm knitting rhythm that sticks
Mentioned in this episode:
→ Free 3-Day Reset: Make Time to Stitch
Start building your calm knitting rhythm today
Grab it at www.theknittingmamas.com
Follow Nadine on Instagram @theknittingmamas_
If you loved this episode…
Leave a quick review or share it with a friend who needs a little more calm (and yarn!) in their day.

#89 // When knitting feels slow - How to stay motivated and actually enjoy the journey

Feeling like your knitting project is dragging on? You’re not alone. In this episode of Knit Your Stress Away, we’re talking about what to do when progress feels painfully slow—and how to stay excited about your knitting even when it’s not moving fast.
You’ll learn mindset shifts, motivation tips, and gentle reminders to help you reconnect with your “why” and make the process feel peaceful again.
What You’ll Learn:
Why slow progress is still progress
How to reframe the frustration of “not getting anywhere”
5 ways to reignite your knitting motivation
A cozy reminder that your worth has nothing to do with how fast you finish
Links + Resources:
[FREE Guide] 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting: theknittingmamas.com
Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps: theknittingmamas.com
Join our free community: theknittingmamas.com
Follow me on Instagram: @theknittingmamas_
Love this episode?
Leave a rating and review so more knitters can discover the joy of slowing down with their yarn.

#88 // The one step you might be skipping (that can make or break your project)

Links mentioned:
Free guide: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting → www.theknittingmamas.com/start
Beginner-friendly guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps → www.theknittingmamas.com/guide
 
This one’s for all the knitters (especially beginners) who’ve ever thought, “Do I really need to swatch?”
Short answer: Yes.
In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the what, why, and how of gauge swatching—and how this one step can save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Inside this episode:
What gauge actually means and how it affects your project
A simple way to measure and adjust your gauge
How to swatch without perfectionism
Why skipping the swatch used to ruin my early projects
 

#87 // Ditch the distractions – How to create more focused time for knitting

Links mentioned:
Free guide: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting → www.theknittingmamas.com/start
Join the free Facebook community → www.theknittingmamas.com/group
Today’s Episode: Ditch the Distractions – How to Create More Focused Time for Knitting
Ever feel like you know you *want* to knit, but life (and your phone) keep getting in the way?
This episode is all about how to reduce distractions and make room for more calm, focused knitting time—even if your days feel nonstop.
Inside this episode:
How to create a space that supports your knitting habit
Why making knitting your “default” activity is a game-changer
Tiny mindset shifts that help you protect your creative time
What works for me when I feel pulled in 10 directions
COMING SOON:
Phone Boundaries Mini Course
A cozy, mini course to help you reclaim your peace (screen-free)—one stitch (and one phone boundary) at a time.

#86 // Knitting and your brain: How it boosts dopamine and reduces stress

Links mentioned:
Free guide: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting → www.theknittingmamas.com/start
Paid guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps → www.theknittingmamas.com/guide
Join the free Facebook community → www.theknittingmamas.com/community
 
What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and less anxious wasn’t another app… but your knitting needles?
In today’s episode, we’re talking about dopamine—and how knitting can give your brain the feel-good reward it craves without the crash.
Inside this episode:
Why knitting is a healthy way to trigger dopamine (and how it compares to social media)
What happens in your brain when you knit
A simple way to use knitting as part of your morning or evening routine
My personal shift from nighttime scrolling to knitting—and why it changed everything
 

#85 // Beginner’s Guide to yarn labels: How to pick the right yarn and what to look for

Links mentioned:
Free guide: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting → www.theknittingmamas.com/start
Join the free Facebook community → www.theknittingmamas.com/community
If you’ve ever picked up a ball of yarn and felt overwhelmed by the label—this one’s for you. I’m breaking down the key parts of a yarn label in simple, beginner-friendly terms and sharing my #1 yarn recommendation for new knitters.
 
Inside this episode:
What to look for on a yarn label (without overthinking it)
Why Category 5 bulky yarn is a beginner’s best friend
How to match your needles to your yarn
What happened when I didn’t follow any of this advice on my first project
The easiest way to feel confident in the yarn aisle
 

#84 // Knitting not scrolling - A simple way to reduce stress in just minutes a day

Tired of ending your day on your phone… and feeling worse than before?
This episode is your gentle nudge to try something better.
We’re exploring how knitting can become a powerful tool for mindfulness—and how to actually make time for it, even if your days feel nonstop.
 
Inside this episode:
Why knitting calms the nervous system
How it helps you trade mindless scrolling for meaningful rest
My favorite ways to fit in 5-minute knitting moments
A simple breathing exercise to pair with your stitches
And… the first official invite to join my 5-day Phone Down, Needles Up Challenge!
 
Join the Challenge (starts April 21!):
www.theknittingmamas.com/challenge
 
Mentioned in this episode:
Download my free guide: 3 Things You Need to Start Knitting → www.theknittingmamas.com/start
Grab the beginner-friendly guide: Become a Knitter in 5 Simple Steps → www.theknittingmamas.com/guide
Join the free Facebook community → www.theknittingmamas.com/group