April is filled with surprises. One day, it is sunny and warm with blooming flowers announcing the beginning of a new season, and the next day, snow is on the ground when Winter decides to hang around a bit longer. Since there is no arguing with the forces of nature, we try to relax and go with the flow. Relaxing is just another reason to pick our favorite knitting needles or crochet hooks and get lost in the fluffiness and fiber-awesomeness of yarn. This requires an adaptive attitude, which is especially important during tumultuous times. This seasonal flux invites us to embrace flexibility and mindfulness, qualities particularly valuable during uncertain times. What better way to cultivate this adaptive spirit than through the meditative practices of knitting and crochet?
Crafting and Mental Health
Lately, there have been even more books and articles on the importance of handwork and crafts and how they relate to mental well-being and stress reduction. The growth in interest and educational support attests to its efficacy in terms of mental health. If you have not explored crafting for mental health, explore how does mindful knitting contribute to your health. Here are a few publications that help explain its value. Authored by Betsan Corkhill, a well-known physiotherapist and health counselor, her books are filled with important information about the value of developing a craft practice.
Mental Health Benefits of Crafting
Those of us who “follow the thread” have long known the emotional benefits of working with our hands. Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, rug makers –all manner of fiber enthusiasts - talk about the calming effect of working with quality fibers and yarns. Wool is more than fiber, it’s an emotion of warmth, connection and creativity. Merino wool is prized for its smoothness, softness and natural benefits. The thermoregulatory properties of the natural fiber work for both cold and warm weather. Choosing the right yarn skein is essential for springtime relaxation. Explore the Symfonie Yarns’ collection for hand-dyed yarns with the main fiber of extrafine merino, along with merino-silk and merino-polyamide. Each yarn skein in a masterpiece is dyed by skilled artisans. With OEKO Tex 100 certification, each yarn skein is safe to wear next to the skin. The semisolid colors and variegated hues inspire creativity. From dreamy pastels to bold neons, classic shades to pure hues, there’s lot to choose from
Good tools, such as sleek knitting needles which reinforce the mindful aspect of knitting, and crochet hooks, are prized for the soothing effect that is experienced when working with quality yarn. The KnitPro Mindful Collection of knitting needles and accessories honors the mindful aspects of knitting. Keeping in mind the power of meditative words, theMindful Collection has a soothing word imprinted on its knitting needles, unique to one size.
For Springtime patterns
Take a look at this Mindful Shawl free pattern to see how 2 skeins of beautiful yarn can provide you with warmth, plus the peace of reflective calm. ((Note: If using fingering weight yarn, we recommend doubling it.) If Crochet is your craft of choice (COC), here is an easy crochet freebie you can find online. The cool thing about this pattern is that you can use any weight yarn – just be sure to use the right size hook. Here’s an idea: Make it in a worsted-weight yarn for a good size that will take you through all seasons. A size G or H crochet hook is most often used for worsted-weight yarn.
Beyond Springtime Knitting and Crocheting
While knitting, crochet and embroidery are leaders in popularity, the fiber craft field is constantly expanding, redefining itself and garnering more attention. Handcrafted crafting tools such as the Lantern Moon collection offer premium knitting needles, crochet hooks and accessories that bring joy and elegance to creativity. One of the fastest growing crafts this year is Punch Needle Rug Hooking, which produces rugs, wall art, home and work décor items and certain types of apparel.
It is a yarn fiber craft that involves pushing a special punch needle through fabric and creating closely aligned loops that are secured by friction. Unlike traditional old-style rug hooking, the punch needle technique involves pushing down, not pulling up loops.
To see lots more, be sure to visit the Amy Oxford Website. To read about Amy Oxford’s lifelong career journey and the way she helped to grow and enliven the craft, you owe it to yourself to read her story. If this craft captures your fancy, you might wish to take a course. Go to the website to learn about the Amy Oxford Rug Hooking School and enroll in classes according to your skill level.
We will be returning soon with more thoughts on the importance of handwork, but in the meantime, a trick that many of our creative friends and artists recommend is keeping a Journal. Use a simple notebook, design your own, or work with whatever feels best. The idea is to record your thoughts on what’s going on in your world – creatively and otherwise. It’s helpful to keep a record of your thoughts and work.
