Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Anyone Here Use Knitting To Help Cope With Celiac And Gluten Sensitivities?

Lynayah

By Lynayah
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted

Do you knit to help cope with a gluten-free lifestyle?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

I just started knitting when I was having problems with the gall bladder that came out in February.

K8ling Enthusiast
K8ling
Posted

I don't know how to but I want to learn.

sb2178 Enthusiast
sb2178
Posted

Some, but I'm actually a spinner. So I make the pretty yarn...

AvatarOfChaos Newbie
AvatarOfChaos
Posted

I don't knit specifically to help me cope with gluten-free - I'm fairly at ease with gluten-free. But I am also an avid knitter :)

Lesx2 Newbie
Lesx2
Posted

Ditto to Avatars reply above for me

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

Some, but I'm actually a spinner. So I make the pretty yarn...

Oooooh, I'm envious! I want to learn to spin eventually. Do you use a wheel?

Has spinning helped you cope with living a gluten-free lifestyle?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

I don't knit specifically to help me cope with gluten-free - I'm fairly at ease with gluten-free. But I am also an avid knitter :)

Because I took up knitting after being diagnosed, I can definitely say it helped me cope with going gluten free.

Before being diagnosed, I could eat anything and everything (or so I thought). I had lost over 100 pounds (not easy, I'm not one of those skinny gluten free gals) and learned to keep it off.

I'm super, super sensitive and found I did best by sticking to meat, fruit, vegetables and certified gluten free whole grains.

I'm a foodie, and like so many others here, my family members are foodies, too. EVERYTHING revolved around food.

It was a real challenge for me to learn not to feel sorry for myself at first. I was cranky, too, with lots of negativity.

Knitting helped me so much. It relaxed me, and it also gave me something to do at family gatherings while everyone ate. Even though I could eat gluten free foods, I needed a diversion to keep food from being the most important thing in my life, especially since I'd gained 15 pounds during my gluten challenge. Augh!

I told myself that my knitting time also has to be my positive time -- that is, while I knit, I was allowed to think only positive thoughts. This was difficult at first, but I kept at it, and eventually the act of knitting became an almost immediate way for me to enter into positivity.

They say that the repetitive motion of it helps produce the same brainwaves as meditation does.

For me, it works . . . except for the times when I want to throw the project out the window because I've dropped a gazillion stitches that day!

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I told myself that my knitting time also has to be my positive time -- that is, while I knit, I was allowed to think only positive thoughts. This was difficult at first, but I kept at it, and eventually the act of knitting became an almost immediate way for me to enter into positivity.

They say that the repetitive motion of it helps produce the same brainwaves as meditation does.

I do that when I'm walking the dog. Only positive thoughts. If I can't think of happy stuff, I make up a story or count how many people have pink flowers or Halloween decorations, etc. After a few minutes, the bad stuff is gone.

SueQueBlue Newbie
SueQueBlue
Posted

I don't knit anymore (hurts my hands), but I cross-stitch. I have been an avid stitcher for several years now, and found even before I was diagnosed, it is very theraputic. The repeative motion allows my mind to wander, and it is sort of like meditating.

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

I do that when I'm walking the dog. Only positive thoughts. If I can't think of happy stuff, I make up a story or count how many people have pink flowers or Halloween decorations, etc. After a few minutes, the bad stuff is gone.

It's so cool how well it works. At first it was a challenge -- it is amazing how easily negative thoughts can become a habit.

BethJ Rookie
BethJ
Posted

I never thought about it but it probably is good for relieving stress. I started crocheting after having broken my right wrist. I had a lot of pain and discomfort so the crochet "rehab" worked miracles. The wrist has long healed but I'm still crocheting.

I never had much anxiety with the gluten-free lifestyle other than tears of joy when I found a great new gluten-free product in the store. :)

sb2178 Enthusiast
sb2178
Posted

No, I've been spinning since I was pretty small (mom's a weaver and branches out to other fiber jazz some). I have a double treadle Schacht and a handful of spindles. Which is use varies... travel is always a spindle, but I use them at home some too.

You should learn! Ghandhi was right that the world would be a better place if we all spun daily. AND, you can make really fun/weird/playful yarns just like you want for that _____ you're going to knit/crochet/etc.

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

Anyone here going to any of the Stitches conferences this year?

I am going to Chicago and Hartford, and I'm hoping it will be easy to find gluten free food.

Chicago will be okay. I live close to Chicago, will drive and can pack my own food.

Hartford, I'm flying and I've never been there.

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

No, I've been spinning since I was pretty small (mom's a weaver and branches out to other fiber jazz some). I have a double treadle Schacht and a handful of spindles. Which is use varies... travel is always a spindle, but I use them at home some too.

You should learn! Ghandhi was right that the world would be a better place if we all spun daily. AND, you can make really fun/weird/playful yarns just like you want for that _____ you're going to knit/crochet/etc.

Thank you for your post. I definitely want to learn someday. I love your reference to Ghandhi. Thank you -- your reference is a new piece of information for me. I agree, and I also think the world would be a better place if we all knit each day.

There's a real connection between knitting and inner peace. It's been shown that knitting produces the same brain waves as meditation. For me, it has made me a MUCH better person. Knitting has been a heaven-sent blessing.

Mack the Knife Explorer
Mack the Knife
Posted

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

quincy Contributor
quincy
Posted

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

this is amazing. when I first was diagnosed and my anxiety was sky high, I just came up with the idea that I should learn to knit to keep my mind in a certain state. someone at my work says she will teach me. I have the needles and yarn sittin in my car for several months now.... haha. maybe its time to put them to use... Thanks!!

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

Well, I can't say that it has helped at all with coping with a gluten free lifestyle... but I do love to knit!

I have started up a stitch 'n b*tch group in my local area and - as the organiser - I damn well make sure that we meet at a cafe that has lots of gluten free options. I need my gluten free cake when I knit.

You rock! I hope you'll post here how the group goes. Please let me know. I have a great interest in those wonderful S&B groups. It sounds great!

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

this is amazing. when I first was diagnosed and my anxiety was sky high, I just came up with the idea that I should learn to knit to keep my mind in a certain state. someone at my work says she will teach me. I have the needles and yarn sittin in my car for several months now.... haha. maybe its time to put them to use... Thanks!!

Knitting will help you, I promise, promise, promise!

There are also some outstanding DVDs out there about how to knit -- if you want more info, let me know, but if I were you, I'd go with the person I know and then expand from there.

Everythihg happens for a reason. You are being drawn to knitting for a reason.

Do it! It will change your mind and change your life. If you want more information on the outstanding knitting community out there, let me know this as well.

Knitters are an exceptionally caring group of people. It's "a whole new world" out there for people who knit -- as corny as it sounds, it really IS a magic carpet ride.

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

I've been getting brave and knitting at casual parties -- the ones where there's tons of food everywhere, all glutened. It really helps keep me from feeling sorry for myself.

Lynayah Enthusiast
Lynayah
Posted
  • Author

If you suffer from arthritis yet want to knit, I found an interesting video on youtube.com today. Search under

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Florence Lillian
      - Florence Lillian replied to Jay Heying's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      5

      Celiac friendly probiotics

      In response to your questions regarding probiotics. I have had Celiac for 40 years. Stomach issues: digestion, IBS to chronic constipation, bloat after eating anything. I was unable to eat a healthy variety of foods, tried probiotics supplements - some made me worse, others made no difference. After reading about people with Crones, IBS, etc, who made...
    2. slkrav
      - slkrav posted a topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      0

      Gluten free beer ?

      Help me out here. Lauren Dam gluten-free beer from Spain is listed as gluten free. Yet its made from Barley Malt. I thought barley and any form had gluten. Anybody have any more information about it?
    3. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      16

      Ibuprofen

      Ferritin levels. And see what your hemoglobin looks like too, that will tell you if you are anemic? You can have 'low normal' levels that will not be flagged by blood tests. I had 'low normal' levels, my lab reading was. c12, just over what was considered normal, but I had small benign lesion on my tongue, and sometimes a sore mouth, and a consultant maxillofacial...
    4. Mari
      - Mari replied to KathyR37's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      5

      New here

      Hi Katht - I sympathize with your struggles in following a gluten-free diet and lifestyle. I found out that I had Celiac Disease a few months before I turned 70. I just turned 89 and it has taken me almost 20 years to attain a fairly normal intestinal function. I also lost a lot of weight, down to 100 lb. down from about 140 lb. What Trents wrote you was...
    5. oscarbolduc
      - oscarbolduc posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Advice while waiting for testing

      Hello, I'm relatively new to this, so I'm hoping to get some advice. I went gluten-free for most of April and felt the best I've ever felt. I’ve been experiencing strange symptoms since last August, but they all disappeared when I eliminated gluten. However, to get accurate blood test results, I’m back on gluten for a month (all of May), and I’m hon...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,882
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Nicole King
    Newest Member
    Nicole King
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Florence Lillian
      Celiac friendly probiotics

      By Florence Lillian · Posted

      In response to your questions regarding probiotics.  I have had Celiac for 40 years.  Stomach issues: digestion, IBS to chronic constipation, bloat after eating anything.  I was unable to eat a healthy variety of foods, tried probiotics supplements - some made me worse, others made no difference.  After reading about people with Crones, IBS, etc, who made their own probiotics I started making Milk Kefir: not water Kefir. There are 10 probiotics in milk KEFIR. After 3 weeks I was able to eat more, no gas, no IBS.  If you have a computer just ask for videos on making milk Kefir. I branched out and make my own Kombucha for even more probiotics. I do not make my yogurt because there are only about four probiotics in that. I started this when I was 82 and I still make my own Kefir and Kombucha. My stomach issues were fixed with the Milk Kefir alone. If you decide to try making it, make certain you order MILK GRAINS. The finished product tastes a bit like Buttermilk. I hope this helps in your journey to good health.
    • slkrav
      Gluten free beer ?

      By slkrav · Posted

      Help me out here. Lauren Dam gluten-free beer from Spain is listed as gluten free. Yet its made from Barley Malt. I thought barley and any form had gluten. Anybody have any more information about it?
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      Ferritin levels.  And see what your hemoglobin looks like too, that will tell you if you are anemic?  You can have 'low normal' levels that will not be flagged by blood tests.  I had 'low normal' levels, my lab reading was. c12, just over what was considered normal, but I had small benign lesion on my tongue, and sometimes a sore mouth, and a consultant maxillofacial ordered an iron infusion for me as he felt my levels were too low and if he  raised them to 40, it would help.   Because you are not feeling 100% it might be worth looking at your levels, then discussing with your doctor if they are low normal.  But I stress, don't supplement iron without your levels being monitored, too much is dangerous.
    • Mari
      New here

      By Mari · Posted

      Hi Katht -  I sympathize with your struggles in following a gluten-free diet and lifestyle. I found out that I had Celiac Disease a few months before I turned 70. I just turned 89 and it has taken me almost 20 years to attain a fairly normal intestinal  function. I also lost a lot of weight, down to 100 lb. down from about 140 lb. What Trents wrote you was very true for me. I am still elimination foods from my diet. One person suggested you keep a food diary and that is a good idea but it is probably best just to do an elimination diet. There are several ne and maybe one for celiacs. I used one for a while and started with plain rice and zucchini and then added back other foods to see if I reacted or not. That helped a great deal but what I did not realise that it would only very small amounts of some foods to cause inflammation in my intestine. Within the last few years I have stopped eating any trace amounts of hot peppers, corn and soy(mostly in supplements) and nuts, (the corn in Tylenol was giving me stomach aches and the nuts were causing foot pains). Starting an elimination diet with white rice is better than brown rice that has some natural toxins. In addition it is very important to drink sufficient plain water. You can find out how much to drink for your height and weight online. I do have difficulty drinking 48 ounces of water but just recently have found an electrolyte supplement that helps me stay well hydrated, Adding the water and electrolytes may reduce muscle cramps and gag spams you wrote about. . Also buy some anti-gluten enzyme capsules to take with meals. I use GliadinX advertised here. These are a lot of things to do at one time as they reflect my 20 years of experience. I hope you do what you can manage to do over time. Good luck and take care.
    • oscarbolduc
      Advice while waiting for testing

      By oscarbolduc · Posted

      Hello, I'm relatively new to this, so I'm hoping to get some advice. I went gluten-free for most of April and felt the best I've ever felt. I’ve been experiencing strange symptoms since last August, but they all disappeared when I eliminated gluten. However, to get accurate blood test results, I’m back on gluten for a month (all of May), and I’m honestly feeling miserable. I’ve been dealing with joint pain, bloating, diarrhea, and just overall discomfort. Does anyone have tips on how to manage these symptoms during this month? What has helped you with joint pain? 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.