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

#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