5 Signs You Need Crochet In Your Life
Your Inner Martha Stewart Will Thank You For It
By: Rebecca Ramdeholl
The world of crochet has slowly been creeping into mainstream thought for years now. Everyone who’s ever had a Grandmother knows what crochet is, or at least, what it looks like. It was a hidden guilty pleasure to treasure those gaudy creations that seem fit only for fringe society.
But thanks to some famous names, like Meryl Streep, Martha Stewart and even Raven-Symoné, crocheting is now seen as the craft of choice for those well “put-together.” I mean you have to be, crocheting is so difficult! Not so! From finger crocheting to hairpin lace crochet to tapestry, there’s lots of different kinds of crochets that you can try and it’s great for all skill-levels.
But even though Queen Victoria herself is responsible for making crocheting cool in her time, in today’s modern world, it’s still considered a floundering art as most of the younger generation won’t bother picking up the hooks. It’s time to pick up those hooks.
Here are 5 signs that you need crochet in your life.
You’re Bored
Do you find that you’re getting more bored easily? Especially after work or after the kids go to bed? You just might need some crochet in your life. It’s a great way to spend your boring hours, and create something practical and beautiful for yourself or your household. When you spark creativity, you become more content and happier.
It’s also a fun way to break your bad habits. When people are bored, they do things like drink, snack, scroll the phone for hours, or stay up late watching garbage on Netflix. When you crochet, you pass the time in a meaningful, productive way, and start breaking terrible habits. It takes 21 days to break a habit - let’s see what you can make in 21 days!
Your Life Is in Neutral
If you’re surrounded by neutral colors at home or work, you may need crochet in your life. Incorporating crocheted items into your life is great for those who love color but are afraid to experiment with colorful walls, furniture pieces or even clothing.
Crochet will offer you items that you can experience in nibbles, instead of the whole enchilada. How about a throw blanket for that sofa? Or some fringe earrings? Start small with your colors and experiment.
Colors make people happy, and when you start wearing color that’s handmade by an artist, you can start kissing fast-fashion good-bye.
Having Trouble Meditating
We all know that meditation is good for you. But if you’re anything like me, meditation is like pulling teeth or you just end up falling asleep. You may need crochet in your life. Crocheting is a proven form of meditation!
Crocheting is relaxing and repetitive, and allows mindfulness to begin. Breathing slows and steadies, the mind can start to ease and empty out, allowing you a chance to rest. And you’re making something!
You Miss Your Grandmother
Or your aunty, or your old neighbor when you used to sit with her on the porch while she crocheted. If you’re longing for your senior family members, especially if they were hardcore crocheters, you may just need to bring crochet back into your life.
Crocheting is a way to reconnect with the past, and feel a connection to a departed loved one who may have loved crocheting. Honoring their memory by becoming a crocheter is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for them, and a great way to keep the tradition of crochet alive in the next generation. Losing touch with our roots, and our connection to community is one of the reasons why many feel alone and unwell today. Next point….
Losing Your Mind
Feeling lost and alone in a crowded, noisy world can send anyone into a depression. Insomnia, anxiety and overall unhappiness is rife right now during COVID times, when lockdowns force people indoors, secluded and possibly lose livelihoods. You’re not losing your mind, you’re losing control. It’s just a little part of a whole solution, but you may need crochet in your life.
Forcing yourself to sit and crochet will give you a chance to catch your breath and not think of anything that is heavy. Crochet has been shown to benefit insomnia by preparing the body for rest with its repetitive and sleepy movements. Anxiety has also been shown to be reduced, for the same reasons - the slowing of the breath, the catching of the breath, the mind numbing peace and quiet.
In a survey, 70% of crocheters felt that crocheting improved memory and concentration as well. Gaining back control and changing how you respond to a situation is a step towards better mental health.
If you’ve discovered that you need crochet in your life, go and check out Claudia’s Crochet Creations on Etsy, and check out some of the gorgeous pieces that she’s created. She’s also great with custom order, offers patterns and provides great customer service. Check it out here.
Rebecca Ramdeholl
Freelance Writer @ The Poe Scribe
Content on Food, Mental Health and Gutting Fish? That's Me!
Inspired by Elon Musk, L.M. Montgomery, Edgar Allan Poe and my father.
With an appreciation for small and/or home-based businesses and start-ups, I create content for those who are just too busy or hate writing. I also still can’t figure out how to make a chain in crochet.
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