SAFE BOXING.

Here is a picture of me having a knitted boxing match with my friends Naomi and Annie. the pattern for these gloves can be found in a wonderful book called "KnitKnit" by Sabrina Gschwandtner.

Every knitter knows that our hobby is a great way to make un wanted demons go away. And if you have knitted through the night with your friends, you'll also know how important it is to take breaks every few rows to stretch your body, get your circulation going, and to say what it really on your mind. Play- fighting in your knitting circle can really open up the conversation.

Boxing can help boost your self -confidence, common sense, strength, a sense of calm under pressure - in fact, all the qualities you get from knitting but with the added bonuses of working up a sweat, loosing weight, and, hopefully, ending up on the floor screaming at the mercy of your friends.

The boxing gloves can also be worn as real gloves on cold days when you don't need to use your hands. The knitted whistle doesn't really work, but you can make a whistle like noise and just hold it to your mouth. The knitted gum shields however are very good for protection and dramatically change your facial expressions.

KnitKnit is avaliable from Prick Your Finger for a bargin price of £15.95. It contains patterns and stories from knitting artists and designers from all over the world.