Jindabyne Knitters Beat Winter Blues with 150-Member Club

While tourists flood the NSW Snowy Mountains for skiing and partying, a different kind of gathering is bringing people together in Jindabyne this winter.

The Snowy Stitchers Social Club meets weekly to knit, chat, and escape the "party, party, party" mentality that dominates ski season. Founded by Rachelle Edwards, the group started as a way to make blankets for charity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What began as a creative outlet became something much bigger. Edwards discovered that the slow, purposeful act of knitting helped her step away from social media doom scrolling and build genuine friendships.

The club now welcomes nearly 150 members, including seasonal workers who spend three months in town and need connection during their stay. First-timers are encouraged to join, even if they've never picked up knitting needles before.

The timing matters more than you might think. Australian Psychological Society vice-president Judy Marty says winter brings real challenges to mental wellbeing, with less daylight and cold temperatures leading to increased social isolation and anxiety.

"There's a very real correlation of winter being a time we associate with moods dipping," Marty explained. Finding activities that bring people together serves as a protective factor for wellness.

Sunny's Take

Marty calls knitting a form of therapy, where repetitive motions and creating something tangible can be deeply mindful. The club proves you don't need expensive equipment or extreme sports to find your people in a ski town.

Edwards says the group creates a safe space where people can show up exactly as they are. "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.

The Snowy Stitchers welcome anyone seeking calm, connection, and camaraderie this winter season.