#4 A New Hobby: Crochet
Late last year, two very good friends of mine mentioned how they have started crocheting and how great of a hobby it is, and that I should definitely give it a try. Mind you, these two wonderful women do not hang out together, so this recommendation was not them trying to gang up on me and convince me of something; it was completely independently done. And after seeing all the different things you can do with crocheting — bags, blankets, plushies, mug warmers, hats, etc. — I was hooked. I asked my mom to teach me the basics over the winter holidays and I got to crocheting my first blanket right away.
Now, a few months later, I have started several projects and have actually completed a few as well. But what is the point of me telling you about this? Why should you continue reading about my new (and amazing) hobby? For starters, I have noticed several changes to my daily life as well as personal developments:
1. Spending less time at my computer / online
As a homebody, gamer, and someone generally interested in online content, I spend A LOT of time on my phone, at my computer, and online. Even with reading as one of my favourite hobbies, I still spend an embarrassing amount of time with my eyes glued a screen. Of course, screens are not all bad, and screen-related hobbies can still be fulfilling. I just noticed, that when I was off of the screens and, for example, out in nature or creating something with my hands or meeting with friends, I usually feel slightly more fulfilled afterwards, than when I finish a project in a video game. I feel more productive — not that productivity is everything — and after weeks of not gaming regularly, I don’t even miss it.
Now, I have not tracked if my quality of sleep has gotten better or if I am less stressed or if there are other benefits to spending less time online. All I know, is that gaming or spending time on my computer was not out of passion (at least not always) and that I often would rather be doing something else.
2. Mindfulness
I have the nasty habit of overthinking about nearly anything. I am also easily overwhelmed by certain situations or due to a lot happening in a day. I found crocheting to be very helpful in both cases, as it lets me use my built up energy and nervous fidgeting to do something creative and it helps me calm my thoughts. No more nervous pacing or biting my nails! Instead I pick up one of my current projects and just start working on it while thinking about the situation, mulling over the day, releasing extra energy and all the while making progress in the project. It really helps me to calm down and slow down after a busy day.
Apparently one of the best ways to regulate your nervous system is by doing things slower — or at least not rushing through them. So walking slower, eating slower and doing mindful tasks like painting or even crocheting can contribute to this (mind you I am not a doctor, these are tips I have picked up over the years. If you have any issues with your nervous system please console your doctor). I keep reminding myself of this when I crochet: slow down, it is not a race, relax your shoulders. And unless I am doing a difficult or new pattern, I am usually quite calm and relaxed when crocheting.
3. Believing in myself
When I first started crocheting I was so excited to create all these amazing things and gift them to family and friends — all until I actually started and got intimidated. There are patterns, different wools, hook sizes you need to be aware of, a plethora of different crochet techniques — how was I supposed to learn all of this? Will I ever be able to make a cute cow plushy?
The logical way to approach these thoughts is like this: baby steps. Do one thing at a time, start with easy projects and when you feel comfortable, try doing something that is a little bit more difficult. And that is what I did. I started with a very simple single crochet stich for an entire blanket and just worked on getting the feel of it. I made two blankets like this and it was only later I started a different, more difficult project: A bumblebee. It did not turn out perfect, but it was my first attempt at using new techniques and I did it all on my own!
Every time I started a new pattern that seemed impossible at first, I felt so proud and accomplished when I completed it or saw the improvement I had made. Now, I don’t feel as scared anymore. I know that some things need practice and I might not do it perfectly the first time, but I am able to do it and once I do, it feels like I conquered a mountain.
I by far have not become a master crocheter in only four months. I am still at the beginning of my journey and I still have a lot to learn. This has always been an issue with new hobbies: if I cannot do it perfectly or at an expert level from the beginning, then I must be no good at it, right? Nope! I am just starting this hobby and no one is a pro from the get go. Some might have a better feeling for their hobbies than others, but that does not mean, that you can’t achieve great things as well. It just takes time and practice — and it helps if you like doing it.
I highly recommend crocheting if you like grandma-hobbies like me. You can do it while watching your favourite show, while commuting, while sitting with friends over coffee and you can make whatever you want, which is my favourite part. Below you can see some of the projects I have completed over the months and if you have any ideas for new projects, or if you are currently working on a project, please feel free to share it in the comments!
