Getting creative
Recently I've found a new way to combat stress: Crocheting. Although I have been crocheting for quite a few years now I only ever used to do it if there was a new baby to make a blanket for. I only had a basic knowledge of the skill and only knew how to make one thing. My lovely grandma taught me how to crochet a square when I was 14/15 years old as I wanted to make a blanket for my brand new baby cousin. Needless to say it took me quite a while to complete as I was a young beginner, but it was SO pleased with it. Since that first project I have done patchwork blankets for a few babies and friends throughout the years.
In November 2018 I was struggling quite a lot with stress and anxiety from various factors going on at the time, and after being inspired by my friends at completeyarnage (an Instagram page featuring knitting, crochet and embroidery projects that they have created) to expand my knowledge and start to create projects of my own. I began with something simple, a little gift bag. After a couple of attempts at starting the project I eventually got going after getting the hang of the new stitch and I haven't looked back since.
For Christmas, family members received gift bags and I even stretched to a cushion cover! They were impressed to say the least and I was happy that I had manged to create beautiful things for people to enjoy. One of my favourite makes was some mini bunting I made for a birthday present, It was so cute! (Images of these presents can be found on my personal Instagram here.)
After seeing my interest in crochet grow my mum decided to buy me a subscription to CrochetNow magazine as part of my Christmas present and it was one of the best presents ever, It's the gift that keeps on giving. Admittedly some of the projects are WAY to difficult for me but one day I will get there.
I have also been exploring LoveCrochet.com as they have some AMAZING free patterns and I love scrolling through them to see what takes my fancy.
So far I have made loads of different animals as you can see in the gallery. My latest project was Caitlin the Caterpillar, as soon as I saw the pattern for this little cutie I knew I HAD to do it. Not only was she cute but we share a name. Can't decide whether to make her my own personal mascot?
I haven't felt this creative in a long time and I am glad I have found a way to keep the creative juices flowing. Although I still get stressed, as my housemates and family members experience, crocheting gives me something to focus on other than the bad things, the worries and all that life throws at me. At risk of sounding like a Grandma... I love to crochet and I hope I will always find the time for it in my life.
I'm sorry for the lack of music in this post, after all this is supposed to be a music blog but musicians have hobbies too and just thought I would share mine with you. Feel free to comment below what your favorite creation of mine is, I'd love to know your thoughts. Maybe even tell me what you do to de-stress, I'm always open to suggestions.