Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Another Completed Project!


Yes another completed project to report! As always, we interviewed our newest creator of the next completed project.

Introducing Sheron Y.

1)What project did you just finish?
I just completed a purse/clutch. It took me about 4 days to complete this project.

2)How long have you been knitting or crocheting?
I have been knitting for about 2 weeks.

3)Who taught you how to knit or crochet?
Nathalie and Allison taught me how to knit in this group!

4)How does knitting and crocheting help you in your recovery?
It helps me relax. It keeps me occupied and it is something that I enjoy doing.

5)What is knitting and crocheting like at CHANCES?
I like it. I think it is a good group that we have here. It keeps me from going out and wanting a cigarette right after group. It also relaxes me after a day of treatment.

6)What would you tell someone who is in recovery and wants to knit or crochet?
I would tell them that it is relaxing. I would tell them that it helps when you have something on your mind and when you knit, it takes it away. I realized that I don’t want to watch TV when I knit, which helps in the house that I live in.

7)Anything else you want to add?
It is fun! I like it so much and I really enjoy knitting every day!

Welcome New Knitters



The knitting bug continues to go around CHANCES as 2 new knitters decided to join us this week. Sometimes learning new things is an overwhelming process that makes you depend on your teachers. They are not knitting sweaters yet, but they have learned how to cast on. Just like in recovery, you have to take it one day at a time. You start one day thinking that casting on is the hardest thing to do and you end up wearing your knitted creations!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Our first completed project interview


We have our first completed project interview! Whenever one of us completes a project, we will ask them a few questions about their project and knitting in recovery. so here is our first completed project interview:

Introducing Vanessa R!

1)What project did you just finish?
I just finished a blanket for my baby granddaughter. It took me about a month to complete it.

2)how long have you been knitting or crocheting?
I have been crocheting for 30 years. I never learned how to knit.

3)who taught you how to knit or crochet?
I was working at a daycare at the time. My co-worker at the time taught me how to crochet.

4)how does knitting and crocheting help you in your recovery?
Crocheting is a big help in my recovery. It calms me down when I am upset. It also gives me something to do besides getting high!

5)what is knitting and crocheting like at CHANCES?
I love crocheting at CHANCES. It gives me something to do Wednesday after groups. I also really like fellowshipping with my peers at CHANCES. It gives me a perfect opportunity to do both!

6)what would you tell someone who is in recovery and wants to knit or crochet?
I would tell them that they should come to our group or learned how to crochet or knit. It is a good experience and it also helps you stay clean, which is the most important thing!

7)anything else you want to add?
I love to crochet!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Happy St. Paddy's Day!


This winter has been tough here at CHANCES and Philadelphia! We had record snowfalls this winter! As we are thawing out from this winter and the sun is beginning to shine, our discussion during the knitting group focused on how to continue knitting or crocheting into spring. Some women have not completed winter projects so they will continue to work on them but are eager to begin spring and summer projects. For those who are new to knitting or crocheting, the natural question arose….”can you knit or crochet in the spring?”

Our answer is yes you can! Whether you prepare for next year’s cold weather or you make loose and flowy spring and summer fashions, the important thing is that you continue the process, use your hands, and get through any kind of warm weather blues.

Anything you would like to see Chances knitting work on? Do you have thoughts on using wool in warm weather?

Friday, March 12, 2010

Hello and welcome to our little knitting community


Chancesknitting was started by 2 excited therapists, Nathalie and Allison, who have found knitting to be a great coping skill for getting through hard times. Nat and Alli who work together at a program for women in recovery from substance abuse disorders decided to bring the joy of knitting to the recovery community.
Chancesknitting believes that through the creative process, support from peers and working with your hands, you can surmount any obstacle including the trauma of addiction and its components. Join us in our journey through recovery as we knit (or crochet) our way to a better life!