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Stitch by stitch

Writer's picture: Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)Rebecca (a yarn enthusiast)

Updated: Nov 27, 2024

I don't know about you, but I sit down to crochet or knit for a lot of different reasons. Some days it's to work on a specific item that I plan to give to someone as a gift. Other times it's to make something for myself. Still other times I may be teaching myself a new stitch or technique.

The beginnings of a shawl (Ella Rae Marmel yarn)

Regardless of the reason for picking up my hook/needles and yarn, I know that I'll feel better after a few rounds or rows. This realization is not unique to my ramblings or observations. It's actually well-documented in multiple research studies that crafting of all kinds - including knitting and crocheting - is supportive to our mental health. As such, it can serve as a healing modality, or at the very least, play a role in helping us to manage some of the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.


According to an article, "The Unexpected Benefits of Crafting", ...


"...crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall. "

The article goes on to explain that acts of engaging in a craft (such as knitting or crocheting) triggers our brains to produce dopamine - a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) - which facilitates our experiences of pleasure and enjoyment. In addition, the article highlights other studies that have also demonstrated reductions in symptoms among patients with PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Insomnia and chronic pain when they began to add crafting as a regular practice to their lives. 


For this reason, I recommend that knitters/crocheters keep some "yarn first-aid " close by for those days when we need a little help.


In times of great turmoil, we may be able to work furiously on a project; but we may not be able to concentrate on a complicated pattern. Therefore, having a stash of yarn that may be more expendable, is wonderful for that yarn first aid option.


Like many of you, I buy mass-produced, big-box-store yarn as well as higher-end, hand-dyed, specialty fiber yarns. I've met few yarns that I would reject outright (one exception: extremely cheap/crappy yarn), so I generally have an abundant stash from which to select a yarn intervention project.


My habit to turn to yarn when life gets a little upside down takes several different paths. First, I've noticed that my selection of yarn is inversely proportional to the level of distress I am experiencing.


If I'm only mildly stressed, I'll pick up (or start) a project with "fancy" yarn (read: more expensive), however; if I'm experiencing a significant life disruption or upset - I'm going to grab the mass-produced, buy-with-a-coupon yarn. In other words. low stress = higher-quality/priced yarn; higher stress = lower-quality/discount priced yarn.


At these tumultuous times, I'm likely to either work on a large, on-going (without a deadline) project - such as an afghan for myself, or work on a simple, small project.


Some of my favorite small projects end up as features on my work wall (see previous blog post) and include items like small flowers, little bags and pouches, or key chain decorations. The ability to complete one of these in a single sitting adds to their healing potential as the sense of completion bolsters the positive impact of the knitting or crocheting.


When working on the bigger projects that extend over a longer period of time, the benefits come from enjoying the colors and feel of the fiber/yarn (tactile pleasure) combined with the rhythmic pace of making each stitch, one at a time. This has been compared to meditation due to its rhythm, the concentration involved in the process and the benefits received when practiced regularly.


Interesting self-realization: while I have struggled over the years to initiate and maintain a regular meditation practice, knitting and crocheting are NEVER hard to fit into my schedule! (smile)


At the end of the day, being healthy and whole is a singular task. What I mean is that it's up to US to take care of ourselves. Self-care is important - and can include things we enjoy (more that just passing up the powdered donut at the office or going to the gym). It can even result in some beautiful, tangible items to keep or share!


In other words, if you're feeling blue, sad or just not great: go grab some yarn!

 

(C) 2023 Stitch 'n Dish

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