There are moments in life when a break from a particular activity is needed. It could be from the dreariness of a large project; lack of inspiration; time constraints; ‘winter blahs’; or picking up other hobbies or crafts. It happens. It’s life. You may have taken a break from crochet for one or more of these reasons, and would like to get back into the craft and rediscover what got you ‘hooked’ on it in the first place. This month is National Crochet Month, and it’s time to ‘reconnect’ with your Inner Crafter. (Sounds very therapeutic, doesn’t it? 😉 ) Here are a few ways to do so.
Lack of time is, for the most part, no excuse.
By this, I don’t mean to be harsh. I know that many of you have to work, study, or raise a family (or all of the above). But this shouldn’t necessarily be a reason to push crochet aside; or, to be more specific, it shouldn’t be a reason to self-justify why you shouldn’t crochet.
Nowadays, before I even sit down or look at the untouched ball of yarn in front of me, I’m faced with the (mostly self-constructed) dilemma of, Am I spending my time most efficiently? For every minute I spend crocheting, could I be doing something more productive? Have I completed the essential must-dos for the day? If not, I’m wasting my time.
As yucky as it sounds, it’s one of the main internal arguments that puts me off crochet before I even think about what to make. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t feel right starting a project without completing a previous one, or if you feel constrained in what you can (or should) do based on the limited hours in a day, this is where you’ll need to rethink your approach.
Constantly remind yourself that crochet, while artistic by nature, is not merely a hobby. It’s a relax mechanism, a form of stress relief for most. By ‘most’ I mean those who find it more relaxing, and do not get ‘worked up’ by counting rows, stitches, or reading instructions. (For those who do find it more frustrating than relaxing, I’ll have another T&A post up on how to navigate the common frustrations of crochet.)
Time management is crucial, especially in the modern world, and if handled well, you’ll find there will be time to squeeze in at least a few minutes of crochet in your schedule.
Working on a crochet project should be enjoyable, not a chore.
In contrast, while it is often beneficial to have a crochet schedule or checklist, the effort of following it ‘to a T’ could take the fun out of crochet. As much as being re-inspired is a change in schedule, it is also a change in mindset. You won’t enjoy crochet half as much if it’s too structured, or bears a resemblance to your work routine.
Once your mind has ‘reconditioned’ itself to see crochet from this perspective, it will be much easier to find the joy in making new projects.
Start reintegrating crochet into your everyday space.
This can be as simple as decorating your living space with visual reminders of crochet — i.e., items you’ve made (of any size, shape or form), books, craft supplies, and anything joyful that reminds you of crochet. It doesn’t have to be your entire home; more significantly, where you spend most of your time, or where you’re most likely to see them. This way, you’ll be visually reminded of how much you’ve made, and the possibilities of what can be made in future.
Look for patterns that inspire you.
This works best if you like having a visual catalogue of ideas before embarking on a project. Flip through several books and fill your mind with ideas; or, as my dear friend Olive has done, buy a pattern kit relating to a specific type of projects, and go from there. (Sometimes the feel of the pages alone is enough to be inspired. 😉 )
If you don’t feel inspired, go out and find some inspiration! I wrote some advice on how to do so HERE. Or, if you like, feel free to share how you find inspiration on our Forum.
Make crochet a social event.
If you prefer to do an activity collectively, or work on a group project — or if you’re less inclined to crochet because it’s a ‘solitary’ event — find other crochet enthusiasts and work with them. You’ll find yourself even more motivated to work on your own projects, by seeing what others are making and how they motivate one another.
Make sure to crochet with those whose company you enjoy… no point bickering over how to do a particular stitch or technique! (Everyone has a different opinion on how something ‘should’ be done.) Arrange a time and place to meet regularly, or have an online group (like Crochet Buddies!) to share your projects, while encouraging others who might be having ‘crocheter’s block’.
Motivate and share with others.
Making gifts and teaching others are some of the best ways to return to crochet. The joy of someone receiving (and wearing or using) something you’ve made is beyond fulfilling, as is the moment a new crocheter exclaims, “I think I get it! I know how this works!” Seeing the joy of those around you is one of the highest forms of motivation, and, for many, will be enough in itself to get you back on the crochet track.
Give yourself a boost of creativity this month. Pick up the yarn and crochet hook, and get started.
