Knit and Nibble: how knitting saved my life

“The depth of sadness in my head was too much to bear. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t function.” James’ attributes his depression to toxic masculinity. It  was a complete surprise, this life-loving man was famous for his exuberant lifestyle, a gap year in Siberia, a television presenting career in China, a global ambassador for AGA cookers - career choices not for the faint hearted! Thankfully he was in good hands when it struck - his partner Dr Thomas Ernst is a senior Consultant Physician in a large teaching hospital in London, and one of the only consultants to operate a mindfulness clinic to treat chronic illness and pain - very well qualified to help him recover.

James taught himself to knit with a YouTube tutorial and a pair of chopsticks. Thankfully, later, Dr Thomas sent his Ward Sister to finesse his skills, and the rest, as they say, is history! He knitted his first garment, a super chunky sweater on 12mm needles in beige alpaca yarn, and when he put it on and stood in front of the mirror he felt proud of himself, a major breakthrough. He felt human again. If you’ve suffered from depression, this will ring home to you loud and clear - the enormous achievement of creating something, of finishing something - it’s colossal.

It triggered a thirst for colour - and a thirst for knitting - and as he began to recover, his knitting career began. First came the knitting, then the book - and the snacks!

James’ book Knit and Nibble is a bible for new knitters, and for those in need of mindfulness. From a great guide to mindfulness for wellness from Dr Thomas, to a selection of really accessible patterns, Knit and Nibble is choc full of inspiration, easy-to-follow projects and, because we all know that knitting without snacks is almost impossible, a section of delicious recipes!

Knit and Nibble is a celebration of yarn and needles too - James uses fabulous Sirdar and Sublime yarn throughout the book and gorgeous KnitPro needles. Both are close to his heart - KnitPro are a company who believe in knitting equality into society - they employ women who haven’t had the chance to work, and look after their children, health, childcare, schooling and after school clubs. Sirdar is synonymous with quality - a company that began spinning in 1880, and is still making fabulous yarn today, with a finger on the global handknitting market’s pulse.

Knitting has been celebrated, lately in the press, for its contribution to wellness. We know that the meditative process of working your way up and down a row is a gentle way to feel soothed, and the power of colour, whether pastels, jewels or sleepy neutrals will have a profound effect on how you feel. Read our guide on knitting for mindfulness, and start your knitting journey with simple stitches, like easy garter stitch, and stocking stitch. Make a simple scarf, or knit squares to make a blanket - when you’re ready to tackle something bigger, there are lots of easy to follow free patterns to choose from, and so many beautiful yarns to keep you motivated.