I don't know what I'd do without my knitting some days. When things are topsy-turvy and stressful, I love being able to simply pick up my needles and work a few stitches or rows. It keeps me grounded, sane and gives me something to focus on.
And I've heard so many other crafters say the same thing. Some people even take up crafting on purpose in a particularly stressful period of their life. It becomes their escape, and their coping mechanism.
Crafting and creating brings so much to our lives - there's the act of actually making something, and then the joy in either using, or gifting it to someone else. Having handmade something yourself is a wonderful conversation starter, and if you knit or crochet when you're out and about you'll find people will stop and talk to you about it. It's much the same if you share your crafting online.
There's a whole community on Instagram centered around the tag #craftastherapy
There's also a lovely blog link up called Keep Calm & Craft On, which is held every week for any kind of craft. (I'm joining in today).
The things I have been crafting lately have been mug cosies and putting them in my shop. I've finally published the pattern for a few too! (A good deal later than I promised, I do apologise).
I knitted a little gift for a lovely lady, and as I'm not quite sure if she's received it yet or not I'll say no more about it now. I'm so happy to be able to make something myself to send as a thank-you present to someone. It's much, much nicer than going out and buying something off a shelf, don't you think?
What have you been crafting lately?
And what form does your crafting take?
Do you craft with yarn, fabric, paper or wood? Perhaps you craft with flour in the kitchen, or get creative outside.
I'd love to know!
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Hi Sarah, I agree with you completely about craft as therapy, however, I am still a bit frustrated with my knitting skills as nothing is totally automatic yet, but I am determined to enjoy every stitch and remind myself to be patient because I am encouraged by your work and others, that once learnt it is a fabulous, creative and mindful activity. All things take time to learn. I'm not sure if I have mentioned to you that my friend's Mum was the greatest crafter I have ever met, excellent at any craft no matter how fine or difficult, she was always making things to raise money for charity. Unfortunately she has dementia now, but she still "knits" when she is sitting quietly at the nursing home - making the motions with her hands but without needles, so even now knitting brings her comfort. Thanks again for all of your inspiration here and on instagram, from Amanda R.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing that she still does that Amanda!
DeleteThank-you for your lovely comment, I'm so glad you enjoy my posts and find my knitting inspiring. That's super kind of you to say xx
This is a lovely post. I find knitting and crochet very relaxing, my hands are busy and my head has something to focus on but strangely when I'm stressed, worried or anxious about something I can't seem to allow myself to sit and craft. I really wish I could, I wish so much that I could give myself that permission.
ReplyDeleteI too want to thank you for inspiring me to keep trying.
Cheers Kate
Why thank-you so much Kate! I'm so happy you find my knitting inspiring, that's really lovely!! x
DeleteLove the fox mug cozy!! And, I too use crafting to help ease anxiety that I get pretty frequently. It really does help you focus on something that you have control over and enjoy 😊
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! x
DeleteTotally agree, Sarah. For me it's fabrics and quilting and I need to do something each day, whether it's actually sewing or designing or even reading a quilting book - it's definitely my sanity!
ReplyDeleteI'm the same, looking at knitting patterns can relax me too, although not quite as much as actually knitting :-)
DeleteI wish I had this skill, unfortunately I have always been the least crafty person in my family, surrounded by genius's!
ReplyDeleteKez | acaciasdreams.com
I'm sure you're talented in other areas though! Everyone has their thing :-)
DeleteCrafting has helped me through many lonely evenings, it was something to look forward to at the end of a busy dat at work. I loved working on long term projects like blankets, knitting a row or two every night, because these would keep me company for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI now learned how to knit mitred squares from leftover bits of yarn and am saving them to make a big blanket one day. You know, the kind under which the whole family can hide :D
I love making blankets, they're such a good long-term projects always there to do a bit on when you feel like it. I actually feel a bit sad when I finished a blanket and like to start another one as I like having an on-going project at the ready.
DeleteYour blanket will be lovely when it's finished! x
Oh! Oh! Oh! It was me! I was the lucky lady who received your beautiful gifts. Thank you Sarah I really love it all, mug cosy, washcloth, your own card with the wonderful cow photo and the beautiful dog wrapping paper, label and stickers. You really put a lot of thought into this gift and I really appreciate it. There is nothing nicer than a home made gift from the heart. I have even been inspired to drag out the jumper I have been knitting for the last three winters and start clicking!
ReplyDeleteI'm so, so glad you love them Dawn! And I'm so happy you're inspired to get your jumper out. One of mine took me way longer than it should have due to having to undo it several times. It's so satisfying once you have it finished though, and I'm looking forward to wearing mine for the first time this winter :-)
DeleteHappy knitting! x