Image from Happy Nordic Knits by Une Cecilie Oksvold

A Creative Antidote to Mentally Cloudy Days

Stress, distraction, and fatigue are realities many of us face daily — but creative routines can help. In this excerpt from her new book *Happy Nordic Knits*, knitwear designer Une Cecilie Oksvold explains how nature and knitting offer focus, relief, and even joy on difficult days. She shows that picking up your needles is not just for crafting, but for well-being.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have carried two things with me. One is anxiety. The other is creativity and the joy of making something from nothing using just a couple of sticks and a skein of yarn. I was only six when I had my first anxiety attack. To my despair, this unwelcome guest would visit me night after night throughout my childhood. I was so afraid of the horrible feeling that would come and take over. Sweat would bead on my forehead, even though I was cold and had chills all over my body. My stomach burned, I couldn’t breathe, and I struggled to keep the nausea at bay. The fear that anxiety could strike at any moment was so strong, I became very attached to my mom and dad. I was afraid to do much outside the house, and I was always on guard, prepared for another panic attack. When, at eight, I learned to knit, it gave me a creative boost and a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It became a form of therapy that I could engage in safely without having to leave the four walls of my home.

Image from Happy Nordic Knits by Une Cecilie Oksvold

At 24, I discovered the mental break nature can give, and I became an outdoor-living newbie. As the outdoors became a sanctuary for me, my knitting habits changed. I suddenly needed more warm, functional, and practical outdoor clothing. With a lot of help from my sister and knitting teacher Stine, we created some of the absolute favorites in my outdoor-living wardrobe. In writing this book, I have received invaluable assistance from her as a technical designer, turning my creative designs into reality. Without her, this book wouldn’t have come to life. Go and check out @stineoksvold on Instagram for knitting courses, patterns, and lots of creative inspiration.

I have continued to carry both my mental baggage and the joy of knitting into adulthood. During the toughest times, there is almost nothing that feels as good as coming inside from a hike in the woods, curling up under a warm blanket, and picking up the knitting needles. Creating something entirely my own with my own hands brings me so much joy and knitting with colors always lifts my spirits on mentally cloudy days.

Image from Happy Nordic Knits by Une Cecilie Oksvold

In *Happy Nordic Knits*, I want to share my joy with you, so you also can find a sanctuary in your creative corner when you need it. I have chosen to openly share my life and my journey throughout the designs and the patterns, both because it feels natural to do so and because I hope that you, too, will find hope and inspiration in my story.

Most of all, I hope that the garments in this book will accompany you on new adventures into nature and help create memories for life!

Happy knitting-joy hugs, Une Cecilie

Happy Nordic Knits by Une Cecilie Oksvold

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this excerpt from *Happy Nordic Knits*! Order your copy today, take your knitting outside and start stitching away stress and anxiety.