Handmade business owner, Megan Thomas, says the benefits of knitting for mental health are invaluable.
“It’s about keeping your hands busy and your mind busy too. There so many videos on social media about the positives of crocheting for mental health. For me, I find it has a calming effect. I feel like I’m achieving something. I’d much rather pick up my knitting needles than have a drink to relax.”
A New York Times article, published in 2016, states that knitting and crocheting can ‘lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce harmful blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol.’
There is also the social aspect Megan shares,
“It’s often a talking point. People are keen to know what you’re making. They have a genuine interest.”
Megan launched Novi (derived from ‘nofio’ which means ‘to swim’ in Welsh) in 2019 following several projects (including work in the costume/wardrobe department of her local theatre for their Autumn show), after leaving Birmingham city university. Here she achieved a first-class honours degree in Design for Performance. What began with a swimwear line, has now expanded into T -shirts, knitwear and accessories.
Her knitwear line has been so popular that in the future she is considering producing knitting kits or patterns to sell as well as possibly doing online sessions to support others wanting to knit to relax or simply just to try something new.
“If I can use my skills for good, that makes me feel better.”
During lockdown, Megan was aware of the debilitating effect it would have on mental health for many. She wanted to do something to help the community, and began making face masks.
Megan donated 100 masks to Pembrokeshire Care in April and has now made near 500 masks for people all around the UK. She was determined to make them as quickly as possible, charging only the cost of the material.
“I don’t think anyone should profit from a pandemic. It’s not a luxury to have to wear one. I wanted to make them affordable and comfortable and gave people the option for free postage. It allows people to get masks if they aren’t able to go out or feel uncomfortable leaving their house.”
Helping others is a key component of Megan’s business, which is run from her home studio in Milford haven. Recently she released a line of limited-edition hand-embroidered t shirts, personally donating money from the sale of each T Shirt towards the mental health charity MIND. She has also gifted donations from a line of wildlife inspired t shirts to show her support for WWF. In future, she is keen to work directly with local charities.
Megan is also keen to tackle the stigma around clothing sizes and body image. From 2021 her clothes and swimwear will be made to fit single measurements rather than the standard size guide. She uses local beaches for her advertising campaigns and she appears alongside friends in promotional material for Novi.
“Everything I make will suit any shape. You can be a size 26 and still rocking it. I believe you should never try to be something you’re not. Do whatever makes you happy and feeling at your best.”
View the full collection of Megan’s designs on the Novi website.
