Find Joy in Making

These days, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of time at home. It is for a good reason, indeed. But there are times when it is hard to see the bright side; we are glued to constant news updates to keep informed of changes. Making saves our sanity and calms our fears. Now more than ever, we need our crafts to help see us through these times and find joy.

When life gets me down, I start crafting. Here are a few suggestions to combat the gloom and jumpstart your making.

Play with Color

Who didn’t love opening a new box of crayons when they were a kid? I know I did! Today, I just open my box of floss and get giddy with the abundance of shades available for my stitching projects. And I haven’t even mentioned how I feel about my yarn. Seeing all of the potential projects in my stash makes me want to cast on. New crochet project, anyone? Many of us have a stash. Why not dig it out and enjoy the bounty and color? It is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Detail of Deanna Hall West's Sorbello stitch sampler. Photo by Elizabeth Prose

Try a New-to-You Technique

Been wanting to try bobbin lace? Has tatting caught your eye? There are many online educational opportunities to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Do you want to expand your embroidery stitch repertoire? Deanna Hall West’s A Stitch in Time series offers many samplers exploring stitches you may not have tried before. Thread a needle and start a sampler of your own.

Stitch with Friends

Self-isolating means no guilds, fiber events, or meet-ups at the local coffee shop. But that is no reason not to be social and join an online community. The PieceWork Ravelry group is currently hosting a knit-along for the Virginia Woods Bellamy’s Butterfly Wrap to Knit from PieceWork Winter 2019 and it’s not too late to join them. Not a knitter? Makers of all crafts have formed social groups on Facebook or follow a tag on Instagram, such as #visiblemending, and join in on the virtual discussions. It is a great way to make new fiber friends.

How does your making bring you joy?

—Elizabeth