Crafting keeps me calm

Everyone needs something to do to relax. It may be reading, writing, singing, dancing, or working out. For me, it’s crafting. After work, my husband will often play some video games with some of his buddies, and I will sink into my world of Netflix and yarn.

I started working with yarn when I was young. I learned to knit when I was about ten years old and did that on and off for a couple of years but never got good. A few years later, my grandmother and sister taught me how to crochet, and now that is what I primarily do. I have made all sorts of things including headbands, hats, scarves, cardigans, shoulder bags, zipper pouches, blankets, baby clothes, stuffed animals, and summer tops. Of all of the things I have made, blankets and baby items are my favorite. I currently have five blankets at home I have made that I don’t even use. I see a pattern or design that I like and then I figure out how to turn it into a blanket. I have recently started hand knitting chunky blankets which is so much fun! They work up pretty quickly and are super soft and warm. My mind is continuously turning and coming up with new ideas of things to make. I like to create things because it makes me feel like my time is put to good use rather than just sitting and scrolling through social media or playing games on my phone.

I have also made non-yarn things such as scrunchies, wooden crosses, burlap wreaths, and various Christmas décor items. My favorite items to make around holidays are wreaths because I get to customize it to the season or holiday. I also have made a wreath as a wedding gift for a coworker and a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law. I like to make things myself because it adds more love and thought to a gift. It is also one of a kind.

I also like making things to solve a problem. I have made a few different sized and style curtains and window covers. We had a travel camping trailer with windows but no place to mount curtains. The windows were also very small and unique sizes, so my husband and I made some Velcro curtains to have privacy at night and block some of the sun during the day. I also made a small curtain for my office at work because the sun shines right into my eyes (even though the sunshade was already there).

Crafting keeps my imagination wild and creative juices flowing. I like to feel productive and it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I finish a project. Even on some of the bad days, a few minutes of crocheting or working through my next idea can help me relax and improve my mood and be grateful for every day.