images via sources below
Every once in awhile, you need a good old mindless knitting or crochet project. I know I do! Something to keep your hands busy and your mind off of life’s little stressors. I haven’t really talked about this much on Hands Occupied, but this blog did get its name for a reason. While I don’t believe anxiety is unique to any group of people, I do believe many in the yarn craft community love knitting and crochet so much because it helps us deal with stuff. For me, my anxiety manifests itself in a super strong need for control and an inability to stop whatever is stressing me out from playing on loop in my head 24/7. When I knit, crochet or do any kind of crafting, the train slows down, and often times, it can be stopped altogether. Not only is yarn crafting an art, but for me, it’s a healthy coping mechanism that keeps me sane.
That’s enough opening up for me for one day, so check out these easy-to-make patterns that are perfect for helping you stitch away stress. Also! April is the Craft Yarn Council’s Stitch Away Stress Month, so if you want to check out their video featuring some knitters’ and crocheters’ positive yarn craft experiences, you can find it here.
Chocolate Truffle Scarf -twinkie chan
Top Notched Shawl -hands occupied
Boot Toppers -hello, handy heart
Beautyberry Blanket -purl soho
Geometric Crochet Basket -persia lou
Outlander Chevron Shawl -hands occupied
Plait Hat -fringe association
Granny Square Throw Pillows -hands occupied
Rhino Hat -mama in a stitch
Giant Granny Square Throw -makers society
Cabled Ear Warmer -mom advice
Hedgehog Taggie Baby Toy -one dog woof
I feel the same way about knitting. When my mother-in-law had a bad accident two summers ago, I started knitting a Multnomah shawl. When my cat took a bad turn this winter, I started an Elizabeth Zimmermann pi shawl. Conversely, sometimes working on something really complicated helps me more when I’m feeling anxious because it requires my full attention and I can emerge a pattern repeat later feeling calmer and more centered.
I totally get that too! Thank you for your comment, by the way – I rarely get personal on this blog, so it’s nice to hear a response like yours! <3 - Heidi
Completely understand, Heidi. Low grade anxiety follows me through most days. I’ve gotten so I can nip panic attacks in the bud, because if I let them take hold, the resulting anxiety is miserable & sometimes lasts a long time. I learned to crochet watching a great aunt when I was 10 years old. Taught myself to knit years ago. Both help me cope & keep anxiety at bay…occupying my hands, my mind & ruminating thoughts. :-} We all need our escapes from a sometimes crazy world…reading, writing, crafting, music, nature…these are mine. I’m glad you found your comfy, cozy, calm niche too. Big hugs, hon!