Knitters find key to serenity during 'party, party, party' snow season

A close-knit group have taken up their needles and yarn for a more low-key social scene as tourists descend on the NSW Snowy Mountains for the winter season.

Nestled within the town of Jindabyne is the Snowy Stitchers Social Club, where members seek company and craft during the coldest months of the year.

The pace of knitting is slow and calm, purposefully in contrast to the busyness of the official opening weekend of the ski season.

"There's this real mindset that you come and do a snow season and it's all party, party, party," said the club's founder, Rachelle Edwards.

"For some people, that's just not their vibe."

Ms Edwards took up knitting as a creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She formed the knitting club to help make blankets to be donated to op shops.

But in the process, she found it improved her social life.

"It's really slowed down and made our lives purposeful and enjoyable, away from social media doom scrolling," she said.

"It gives them that camaraderie and it gives them that ability to feel safe in themselves."

Kudos to knitters

Australian Psychological Society vice-president Judy Marty said knitting could be considered a form of therapy.

"That repetitive behaviour and action of creating something can be very mindful for people and have very real therapeutic value," she said.

"Absolute kudos to them, what a beautiful thing to do and bring people together."

Ms Marty said there was a major benefit to joining a knitting group during winter, when it was common to see more social isolation and anxiety as a result of the cold temperatures and less daylight.

"There's a very real correlation … of winter being a time we associate with moods dipping," she said.

"So the capacity to actually find things to do … and to engage with others and connect is a real protective factor for wellness."

The Snowy Stitchers Social Club in Jindabyne is gradually growing in numbers, with nearly 150 members on its books.

Ms Edwards said the group was not just for long-time locals, but for seasonal workers who were seeking connection over the next three months.

She said first-timers were also welcome.

"Having a weekly get together where you see the same familiar faces and you're learning the same sort of craft is really important," she said.

"You can come completely as you are … and we'll show you the ropes."