Just about any knitter can tell you what scientific research has been trying to prove for years: knitting is therapeutic. It's not hard to get lost in the soothing, repetitive movements of fingers, yarn, and needles. Knitting has been compared to meditation in the same relaxing qualities it produces.

Many knitters admit to picking up projects after a stressful day. Even if there are no hassles to wind down from, just the simple act of knitting helps to calm the mind and body.

Although some knitters knit when angry and, as a result, have their tight stitches remain as a testament to that strong emotion, it's nearly impossible to continue to feel uptight if you continue to knit. As you create, as the yarn evolves from one long string into an actual item--whether clothing or accessory or swatch--you can feel tension being released. Sometimes, knitters will use their craft to ease bad feelings. A sweater that was worked on during a particularly depressing time can be unraveled and the act of undoing it is like undoing the sadness.

Knitters knit during all times of their lives, happy and sad. We nearly always remember what was going on during a certain project, especially if the circumstance was unusual. It's not uncommon for knitters to recall that a scarf was knitted after a breakup or that a blanket was made after a death in the family. These objects can have emotions knit into each stitch. After the tragedy of 9/11, many knitters who hadn't knit in years or people who sought solace in something turned to knitting.

But why knit during these sad and stressful times?

When you knit, you're focusing on what's in your hands. Even though your thoughts are still present, there's something being created by you, something that's also calling your mind to it so you're not solely concentrating on your sadness or stress.

Whether making something for themselves or something to comfort someone else, the act of knitting gently forces your attention elsewhere. The bonus is that you're creating, you're making a thing of beauty, so unlike eating chocolates after a bad day or tuning out in front of the television, you'll have something to show for it.

Hopefully, you'll be able to knit during more happy times than not, but like many other knitters have discovered, this cherished hobby becomes more than just a pastime during the more difficult times in our lives. Knitting may or may not be "the new yoga," as it's been said, but it's a gift that you can keep with you forever.