Where to put myself. What to craft. What to do. I write this with heavy eyelids that could do without a restless sleep.
Sometimes life unravels. Like yarn and our projects, this can be a little or a lot. It can be by choice or the choice made for us (pets with yarn!). When I compare life to craft projects, it brings me comfort.
There are times I have unravelled a project because I have spent a lot of money and effort on it. I know that if I spend a little time now unravelling and redoing a mistake or adjusting the fit, then I will be much happier in the future, for longer. I will get more longevity out of it and I will actually use it more because that mistake isn’t in there.
So can be the same in life. Our lives can change unexpectedly and certainly without asking our permission. But we can still use the yarn we have been left with and weave new stories and endings.
At first the mistake may seem covered up, like we haven’t acknowledged it, but what we are actually doing is using skills, experience, frustration and upset to take life in a slightly different direction. We can’t always control the unravelling, but we are in charge of what we create next. Each undone stitch is a new opportunity to grow, to improve and to soothe.
Right now, I know I don’t have the motivation to be smiley on camera. I’m an organised gal, so I shall be kind to myself and post something I filmed and edited a couple of weeks ago. I know I’m not in the correct frame of mind to pattern check either. If I released my next pattern when I planned, then there could be mistakes I haven’t seen. Like when we have to rip back and redo garments that take forever, we know that taking a little time now makes a big difference in all the time to come.
It can be difficult to craft when we don’t feel motivated. Right now, I know I need a project that is simple but not so easy my mind wanders. I know I want to be comforted by lovely wool and I accept my stitching is a little slower than usual. I am giving myself permission to start a new project, despite others unfinished.
Stitches, of any kind, soothe our soul and build us back up; one stitch at a time. Eventually, we have a fabric to be proud of, made of our hardships and determination. When times are challenging, it can be a struggle to be motivated to craft, but I’ve listened to myself and know what I need. Sometimes, that means deviating from our plans. There will be no quilting and maths this week, no unpicking seams and certainly no picking up stitches.
Take care, Rachel G
I am crocheting the Olive Tank Top by one of my favourite designers, Purl and Jane. Purposely designed to be simple. I feel the need for crochet right now because it grows quickly and most of this pattern is on a 4.5mm hook. The design is a three row repeat, meaning there is no right or wrong side. Also tank top…no sleeves. I will feel I have achieved in no time.
The wool I am using is so smooth and delicious. I had it in my stash and now it can have it’s moment. Enjoying the materials I am using makes my project intentions about the journey, not the end result. I am living in a journey which has taken a little detour.
Little Miss Drop Stitch 