Yarn, needles and something that resembles one-quarter of a scarf are currently sitting on my desk. My colleagues give me funny looks when I knit on my lunch break, but they’re probably used to my strange behaviour at this stage. You all know by now that I’m a glutton for punishment. I’ve written about learning how to swim, mud runs and my brief, yet stressful, stint as a cross-stitcher. In the pursuit of a more therapeutic hobby, I am now giving knitting a go.

To be honest, I’ve never considered learning this particular skill. However, with the Knitting & Stitching Show starting this Thursday (today), the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) had asked me to undertake a project that will be displayed on their stand during the event.

My mentor, Margaret Clince from Garristown ICA guild, has very kindly and patiently guided me throughout the process. We met at the Pillo Hotel in Meath, where I had my first encounter with knitting needles.

“So, you hook the needle under the yarn, loop it around and pull it out,” she explained. “It’s quite simple.”

“Grand,” I said, picking up the needles and yarn in the way I would a newborn baby – nervous and afraid I’d break it.

There were several attempts before I copped on. I did everything Margaret said not to do, hooking the needle over, looping the yarn under and making some weird knot. Luckily, my mentor is an experienced teacher and is well able for the likes of me. If anyone needs a dose of common sense, I’d send them straight to their local ICA.

After learning the basics, I was instructed to go home and practice. For a while everything was going fine, until I managed to miss a stitch and had to rip out the entire thing. Thankfully, YouTube had a tutorial on how to re-hook the needle. I often wonder how I’d have managed back in the day.

But I’m getting there and actually enjoying this new skill. I’m like a child around my housemates, shoving my knitting under their faces as they feign interest in my latest mission, oohing and aahing dutifully.

Knitting is the new yoga – which is something else I tried for a while until I was accused of notions – and I can see the connection. There’s something oddly calming about stitching row after row, and seeing the scarf take shape is quite rewarding.

There’s research to back up knitting as therapy. For example, a 2013 survey of more than 3,500 people found that over 80% of respondents rated themselves as feeling happier after knitting – it’s hard to argue with that.

Back to the challenge. There’s a competitive element to the task at hand as my creation will be judged against four other novices also working in media.

The other projects are veiled in secrecy, with ICA mentors remaining tight-lipped about what their students are working on. I’m no psychic, but I reckon there will be more than one scarf.

I reckon mine will look pale in comparison with the other lovely crafts at the Knitting & Stitching Show, but I’ll be quite proud to display my oddly proportioned scarf. Having said that, friends and family members shouldn’t expect any homemade jumpers this Christmas. Maybe next year.

The Knitting & Stitching Show runs from 3 October to 2 November. Visit the ICA stand to see Aisling’s creation. Irish Country Living will be at stand D48, where readers will also be able to avail of concessions with €2 off tickets by quoting IFJ14* (valid on adult tickets, €1 off concessions, until Wednesday 29 October 12pm.) For more, follow on Twitter @KnitStitchRDS #KnitnStitch