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Crochet and Self-care 

by | Crochet as Therapy

Author: Alison Heathcote   –   Published: April 2013   –   Revised: January 2024

Crochet for Self-care

Crochet is a wonderful activity that can provide relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity, making it an ideal addition to your daily self-care routine. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, incorporating crochet into your daily routine can be a great way to take care of yourself and improve your overall well-being.

The repetitive nature of crocheting, like other meditative arts, has a soothing effect on the mind. It provides a rhythmic, tactile experience, which can be deeply calming. Creating with your hands can be a powerful way to soothe the mind and calm the spirit.

For someone like you, who enjoys art and finds solace in meditative activities, crochet can be a wonderful outlet. Let’s explore how this craft can help ease stress.

Crochet Reduces Stress

Creating art, like crochet, is a fantastic way to relieve stress and find calmness. When you use crochet as a meditative art form, it can work wonders for your well-being. Crocheting is especially helpful if you are a beginner artist who loves color and is looking for a creative outlet.

Crochet is an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety. When you crochet, you are engaging in a repetitive motion that can be very soothing and calming to the mind and body. This can help to reduce feelings of tension and worry and promote a sense of relaxation and calmness.

By incorporating crochet into your daily self-care routine, you can carve out some time for yourself each day to unwind and de-stress.

 

Read more >>> The 3 Types of Crocheter

 

Crochet is Meditative

Crochet can also be a very meditative activity. Crocheting is a form of meditative art. It allows you to focus on the rhythmic motions of looping yarn through loops, creating a repetitive and calming motion. This rhythmic action can induce a state of flow, where you become fully absorbed in the process. This absorption redirects your attention away from stressors, providing a mental break and creating a sense of calm.

When you crochet, you must focus your attention on the task at hand, which can help to quiet your mind and bring you into the present moment. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with racing thoughts or a tendency to ruminate on the past or worry about the future.

Crochet is Mindful

The process of crochet also encourages mindfulness. It invites you to be present in each stitch, each loop, and each pattern. This mindfulness practice can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and enhances your ability to cope with stress. By practicing mindfulness through crochet, you can develop a greater sense of awareness and presence, which can help you to feel more grounded and centered.

Crochet is Simple

The simplicity of crochet can be a comfort. With just a hook and some yarn, you have the power to create intricate patterns or simple designs. This simplicity can be a relief from the complexities of daily life. It offers a sense of control and accomplishment, as you see your creation grow from a ball of yarn into something tangible and beautiful.

Crochet Requires Focus

One of the reasons crochet is great for stress reduction is that it demands your focus. When you start a project, you select your colors and stitches, and then you work through each row.

This process keeps your mind occupied, helping you let go of daily worries. As an aspiring artist, it’s an ideal way to begin your creative journey.

Tactile

Moreover, crochet is a tactile experience. The feel of the yarn in your hands, the gentle pull and release of the hook, can be grounding. It connects you to the present moment, providing a sensory experience that can be deeply soothing. The tactile nature of crochet is also incredibly soothing.

Running the yarn through your fingers and creating stitches with the hook is a tactile experience that connects you to the here and now. This physical engagement with the craft can serve as a grounding practice, helping you stay in the present moment. The texture of the yarn, whether soft or textured, can also offer a comforting sensation.

Crochet brings Accomplishment and Satisfaction

Another great benefit of incorporating crochet into your daily self-care routine is that it can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. When you complete a crochet project, you can take pride in your work and feel a sense of achievement. This can be especially important if you are feeling stuck or unproductive in other areas of your life.

By setting small goals for yourself through crochet, you can build your confidence and motivation, which can help you to tackle other challenges in your life. Completing a crochet project is a powerful mood booster. Whether you make a cozy blanket, a vibrant scarf, or even intricate amigurumi creatures, you get to see the real results of your efforts. This feeling of achievement can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose, making you feel more positive and less stressed.

Crochet can be Group Work

Crocheting can also be a social activity, which adds an extra layer of stress reduction. Joining a crochet group or sharing your work online can connect you with a community of like-minded individuals.

This sense of belonging and camaraderie can be particularly helpful in times of stress. It’s an opportunity to share your passion for crochet, exchange tips, and find support from others who appreciate the meditative quality of this art form.

3 Crochet Tips for Self-care

If you are looking to incorporate crochet into your daily self-care routine, here are a few tips and tricks that can help you to get started.

Space

First, it’s important to find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your crochet. This might be a cozy corner of your home, a quiet park, or a local coffee shop. Whatever space you choose, make sure it feels calm and peaceful, and that you have everything you need on hand (such as yarn, hooks, and any patterns or instructions).

Time

It can also be helpful to set aside a specific time each day for your crochet practice. This could be in the morning before work, during your lunch break, or in the evening before bed. By making crochet a regular part of your routine, you can build the habit and make it a consistent form of self-care.

Experiment

Experiment and try new things with your crochet practice. This could mean trying out new patterns or techniques, experimenting with different types of yarn, or even using crochet to make gifts for others. The more you explore and play with crochet, the more you can reap the benefits of this wonderful activity for your self-care.

Going Forward

Incorporating crochet into your routine can be a valuable tool for self-care. Taking even a short time each day to engage in this meditative art form can help you unwind, recharge, and find a sense of balance. It’s a gentle and caring way to nurture your creative spirit and prioritize your mental well-being.

Crochet is a wonderful way to reduce stress, cultivate mindfulness, and boost your sense of achievement and satisfaction. By setting aside time each day for crochet, you can make this activity a regular part of your routine and reap the benefits for your overall well-being. It offers a calming, meditative experience that can take your mind off worries.

The choice of colors allows you to create pieces that resonate with your emotions, and the tactile nature of crochet grounds you in the present moment. The sense of accomplishment and the potential for social connection make crochet an excellent choice for aspiring artists who love color and seek a stress-relieving hobby.

Remember, there is no rush with crochet. Take your time, savor each stitch, and let the process be as enjoyable as the finished piece. Allow crochet to be a sanctuary where you can find solace and peace amidst the busyness of life.

Select your favorite yarn, find a cozy spot and enjoy the many benefits of this calming and creative practice and start crocheting your stress away, one colorful stitch at a time.

 

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Author Bio

Alison is a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger. She combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

Read more about Alison’s crochet journey.

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Your First Crochet Sale

Your First Crochet Sale

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Your First Crochet Sale Your first sale is defined as the one where you sell a hand-made crocheted item to someone you have never met. When you make your first sale it is one of the five steps towards building your prosperous crochet business. That initial sale can be...

Crochet and Sustainability for Eco-friendly Self-care

by | Crochet as Therapy

Crochet and Sustainability for Eco-Friendly Self-care

Impact

Crochet and sustainability have a natural intersection, as this craft involves creating beautiful and useful items from yarn, a renewable and versatile material.

Eco-friendly self-care involves taking care of oneself while also considering the impact that our actions have on the planet.

By incorporating sustainable crochet practices into our daily self-care routines, we can not only improve our own well-being but also reduce our environmental impact.

Eco-friendly Yarns

One way to practice sustainable crochet is to choose eco-friendly yarns.

Many companies now offer yarns that are made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and even recycled fibers.

These yarns are produced with less harm to the environment, and choosing them can support sustainable agriculture, reduce the use of pesticides and chemicals, and decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Natural Dyes

Another way to practice sustainable crochet is to use natural dyes.

Natural dyes can be created from plants, flowers, and even food waste.

Not only are they better for the environment than synthetic dyes, but they can also create beautiful and unique colors.

Experimenting with natural dyeing can be a fun and rewarding way to add a sustainable element to your crochet practice.

Slow Fashion

In addition to choosing eco-friendly materials and practices, sustainable crochet also involves using your crochet skills to create items that are useful, long-lasting, and reduce waste.

For example, instead of buying single-use items such as plastic bags or paper towels, you can create reusable alternatives through crochet.

You can also repurpose materials such as old t-shirts or sheets to create yarn and use them in your crochet projects.

By finding creative ways to reuse and repurpose materials, you can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Crochet with Purpose

Furthermore, crochet can also be used to create items that serve a specific purpose in reducing environmental impact.

For example, you can crochet produce bags to use at the grocery store instead of using plastic bags.

You can also crochet dishcloths or cleaning cloths to replace disposable sponges or paper towels.

These items are not only sustainable but also functional and beautiful.

 

Mental Health

Incorporating sustainable crochet practices into your daily self-care routine can also have a positive impact on your mental health.

Sustainable crochet can be a form of mindfulness, as it requires focus, patience, and creativity.

By taking the time to create something with your own hands, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can boost your self-esteem and overall well-being.

Additionally, by contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle, you can feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can also improve your mental health.

Going Forward

In conclusion, sustainable crochet is an excellent way to practice eco-friendly self-care while also engaging in a creative and rewarding activity.

By choosing eco-friendly materials and practices, creating items that reduce waste, and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also taking care of yourself.

So grab your hooks, choose some sustainable yarns, and let your creativity flow!

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

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If you enjoyed this post and crochet is your thing, you may like some other crochet articles from our blog.

Square-a-Day Crochet Blankets – 3 Options

by | Crochet and Creativity, Crochet as Therapy, Crochet Patterns, Crochet Stories

Square-a-Day Crochet Blankets

A crocheted square-a-day blanket is easy, quick and it almost grows when you are not looking.

You make one square each day of the year to reflect what was happening every day. At the end of twelve months you have a crochet record of how the year was for you.

Skills required

Because the effort you have to expend is only one square a day it can easily be done by beginners and experienced crocheters in a few moments each day.

If you are a beginner this project will help you get better at a simple granny square that will stand you in good stead for all of your crocheting life.

if you are an experienced crocheter you can add this little square to you repertoire of other crochet work that you have on the hook.

The square-a-day blanket is a perfect complement to other crochet work in progress (WIP) which you may have. The square-a-day blanket is a big project and will take you all year to finish. This means that you can also do other crochet work in-between.

Small, medium and large

It is always a good idea to have more than one project on the go, a big one (like this blanket), a medium one like a hat or shawl and a small one like a bookmark.

It is advisable to have large and small pieces and this blanket falls into the small pieces section because you can take it with you.

Basic square

The squares you do are a basic two-row granny square motif. The two rows can be one colour or in some cases (see below) with two different colours in each square.

You can do one, two or three square-a-day blankets and we have three suggestions of blankets that you can make this year.

 

3 Types of Square-a-Day Blankets

Three types of daily square blankets that you can make and are explained here are:

  • A daily rising planet blanket (astrology related)
  • A daily high temperature blanket
  • A daily mood blanket (your feelings)

Your life – your blanket

Clearly you can think up other ways to do the square-a-day blanket depending on interests in your own life.

If you are a gardener you can do one for planting, seedlings, flowers and fruits in your garden. The first rose bloom or the first apple on your trees. This is a good one as the seasons change and the garden lives a dies off over the year.

If you live in a rainy area you could do a square-a-day rainfall blanket.

Let the blanket reflect your life and the things that are important to you.

1) Daily Rising Planet Crochet Blanket.

For this blanket you will make one square for each day of the year.

The colour for each square is chosen depending on which planet rises before the Sun every day for 365 days.

Your blanket can be either 14 x 27 squares and this will make a long oblong blanket or it can be 18 x 21 squares which will make an almost square blanket.

Either way there is no simple way to make a rectangle that is 365 days so there will always be a few squares over and the left over squares can be where you write, or embroider, the date and year for the blanket.

Sunrise and the Pre-dawn Rising Planet

The pre-dawn rising planet (in fact this is also known as the Oriental Plane)t is the planet that rises on the eastern horizon every morning before the Sun at dawn.

This rising planet will change over the course of a year as the Sun and the planets move through the zodiac.

Choosing the Colours

You will use one colour for each planet. In astrology the Moon is considered a planet as well.

Moon – white

Mercury – taupe

Venus – pink

Mars – red

jupiter – blue

Saturn – grey

Uranus – turquoise

Neptune – mint green

Pluto – maroon

The Make-a-Square-a-Day method

Because we do in fact know which planet will rise before the Sun this blanket can be started and you can push forward with the daily squares if you choose.

But the best way to create this type of daily blanket is by making one-square-per-day which is the main idea.

This is a big project and it can be done alongside other smaller or medium sized projects that you have on the hook.

To make one small granny square and crochet it together will take you less than thirty minutes every morning or evening.

2) Temperature Blankets

There are two ways to do the squares in the temperature blankets. You can simply do the daily high temperatures or the high/low temperatures.

Daily high temperatures

In the high temperature blanket you take the daily high for the day where you live and crochet the square in the pre-determined colours you choose.

So for example in Vancouver the highs are about 26C in summer and 4C in winter.

So each degree on the thermometer can be one colour or you can designate one colour to cover two degrees because there are only so many colours of yarn in one make.

Daily high/low temperature blanket

The other option is the high/low temperature blanket.

In this blanket you do a granny square with two rows where the first row is the low temperature and the second row is the high for the day. This makes a more colourful combination of squares in the blanket.

The only thing is that you need a wider range of colours to cover the low temperatures as well.

Example colours for a temperature blanket

Zero and below white

1C to 2C cream

3C to 4C grey/taupe

5Cto 6C light blue

7C to 8C teal

9C to 10C green

11C to 12C lemon

13C to 14C yellow gold

15C to 16C orange

17C to 18C pink

19C to 20C hot pink

21C to 22C red

23C to 24C magenta

25C to 26C violet

27C to 28C purple

29C and above black

3) Daily Mood Blanket

A mood blanket can be done by crocheting a square in the mood you wake up in each morning.

We all like to think we are upbeat and happy each and every day and that is the goal of most people but reality is different. The only problem with this blanket is that you may be in a sad mood for many days and the blanket will bear witness to this.

Also if you get halfway through the year and your cat dies you will be is a sad mood for weeks and this will show in the blanket.

The mood blanket will reflect life as it really is. If you feel comfortable with making a mood blanket here are some suggested colours that you can use for each mood.

Example colours for a mood blanket

Anger – red

Joy – orange

Happiness – yellow

Envious – green

Sadness – blue

Optimistic – indigo

Inspired – violet

Bored – white

Tired – black

You can choose the colours beforehand and hopefully you will have a happy and cheerful year.

 

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

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If you enjoyed this post and crochet is your thing, you may like some other crochet articles from our blog.

Crochet Patterns

Crochet Patterns

Author: Alison Heathcote   -   Published:  January 2024 About Our Original Crochet Patterns Finding a crochet pattern can be quite overwhelming with the multitude of options available. However, the real challenge lies in discovering patterns that not only meet your...

Crochet Patterns

Crochet Patterns

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Crocheting on the Go

by | Crochet as Therapy, Crochet Stories

Making Space for Crochet

Special Places

I have a cherished spot in my home that’s dedicated to my crocheting.

It’s where I spend a lot of my creative time.

At any given moment, you’ll find me working on at least two crochet projects.

One of them is usually a substantial undertaking, like a cozy blanket or an elegant shawl.

The other is a smaller piece, often composed of charming granny squares.

Large and Small Projects

The larger project tends to stay put at home.

It becomes a part of the decor, blending into the cozy atmosphere.

On the other hand, the smaller crochet project is portable, which is a blessing.

I can take it with me wherever I go, and it’s become my trusty companion during moments of waiting.

 

Waiting Rooms

Whether it’s in a doctor’s waiting room, a dentist’s office, or sitting in the car while waiting for the kids to finish school, my crochet work is a constant presence.

I’ve even brought my small crochet piece to coffee mornings and craft group meetings.

It’s amazing how a few stitches can make those moments more serene and enjoyable.

 

Stash in Drawers

There was one house we lived in where I had a special drawer in the kitchen exclusively for my yarn and squares. It was a convenient setup.

While waiting for the spaghetti to boil or dinner to cook, I’d pull out my crochet project and make some progress.

It’s incredible how those few moments of crafting can transform mundane kitchen time into a delightful creative escape.

 

Kitchen Crochet

I must admit that my passion for crochet doesn’t stop even during everyday chores.

You might find me with a ball of yarn peeking out from my apron pocket while I prepare dinner.

It’s almost as if my crochet is a constant companion, adding a touch of artistry to the everyday tasks.

Even when I’m on the phone, I’ve been known to keep my hands busy with my beloved crochet work. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way of life.

Multitasking

It’s moments like these, when I’m multitasking and weaving my art into the fabric of my daily routine, that I realize the true beauty of crochet.

It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about infusing creativity into every corner of my life.

Crocheting is my meditative art, my sanctuary of colors, and my constant companion. I

t brings a sense of calm and joy that’s hard to describe.

Reflection

So, as I reflect on my crocheting journey, I can’t help but smile.

It’s not just about the finished projects; it’s about the process, the moments of waiting, and the everyday life where my love for colors and art shines through.

Crochet is a part of me, and my special place at home is a testament to the love and dedication I have for this wonderful craft.

 

Author Bio

Alison Heathcote, a passionate crochet enthusiast and dedicated business blogger, combines her love for crafting and entrepreneurship to inspire and connect with others.

With a knack for transforming yarn into beautiful creations and a flair for sharing valuable insights about running a successful crochet business, Alison embodies the perfect blend of creativity and practicality.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post and crochet is your thing, you may like some other crochet articles from our blog.

Crochet and Self-care 

Crochet and Self-care 

Author: Alison Heathcote   -   Published: April 2013   -   Revised: January 2024 Crochet for Self-care Crochet is a wonderful activity that can provide relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity, making it an ideal addition to your daily self-care routine. Whether you...

5 Basic Crochet Stitches You Need to Know

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The 3 Types of Crocheter

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Repetitive Actions and Crochet

by | Crochet as Therapy

IMG_1852Repetitive Actions

We find solace in repetitive actions.

We learn this early on. As children we love having the same book read to us because knowing the end of the story makes it not so scary.

As we get older we build ritual into our lives by going to work the same route, doing the same things on each day and ordering the same food in restaurants that we tend to choose.

There is safety in repetitive actions. Simple.

That’s why you favor one restaurant over another or one fast food chain over the one next door. You know that the no 3 burger and fries is what you like and it is the same in restaurants across the country and even in other continents.

I can order a grande latte at Starbucks in Vancouver and place the exact same order at Heathrow airport and I will get the same drink, which I like.

The unknown is scary on a basic level.

Therefore the known is safe.

Crochet has simple stitches and when you have grasped a pattern you can repeat, not only the pattern many times, but the actual square in granny squares for instance.

Deciding whether to do a square in pink or blue is the extent of the unknown about crochet. Because it is known to us before we start it makes crochet soothing.

Crochet is soothing because it is repetitive.

We know what will happen when we stick to a pattern and we know the end result.

And we want the same result for the first square to the two hundredth square.

Doing something over and over again is good to soothe frazzled nerves and, after a tough day at work, it is relaxing.

It seems like work but without the dangers of work.

At work you never know what will happen. You don’t know whether or not you can a balance the cash drawer, or if your boss will yell at you, or if a colleague does not pitch up for their shift and this makes extra workload for you.

Maybe your coworkers are a pain or needy and clingy. Either way working for others is stressful.



Crochet Explained Letter by Letter

by | Crochet as Therapy

IMG_1155What is crochet?

Let’s break it down letter by letter.

C – R – O – C – H – E – T

C is for Creative

If it is anything crochet is creative. It is not like knitting where machines can do it. Crochet is always done by hand and usually there is only one stitch on the hook at a time.

R is for Release

When crocheting the release come from the letting go of stress by the rhythmic hooking of the garment. . To think that crochet is just making stuff is incorrect and you will miss one of the greatest benefits of crochet to assume so.

O is for Original

Every piece is an original. Yes you may make more than one hat but each hat will be an original pei e of art as the crafter making it will impart something of there essence into the item. Many crochet gets will adapt a pattern to suit themselves and this makes each insinuate and original. There is no cookie cutter crochet.

C is for Colour

Clearly color plays a big part in crochet. The simple to the intricate an bring different feels to the moods of the it’s through the use of color whether bristly or pastel shades are used the individual color. Ok inactions of each crafter will show in the finished item. .

H is for Heavenly

Heavenly may not be the first word you relate to crocheting it those who do it a lot will agree. That there is something almost spiritual in the. Reaction of an item where your thoughts and even prayers will become part of the item. If you listen to music whilst crocheting you can remember the th elated when you look and admire the finished work.

E is for Enjoyment

You have to enjoy crocheting to get the most from the craft. Choosing the yarn, pattern and colors and the message in your piece is all part of the enjoyment of crocheting. Some people. Do get e dry day as testament to their love of crochet.

T is for Tension

All crocheted items have tension in the stitches. If you hold the yarn too tight the item will be strangled. If you holds the yarn too loose the item will have no shape. Tension when perfect results in a beautiful creation. Every crocheted will make a tension square before they begin every item to check their tension. Of course there is another type of tension as well the tension you may have because your life is being challenging this type of tension can be expressed through the beauty of crocheting.