After thinking about it, I decided to write this blog on the benefits of crocheting and its effects on my life.

Many articles state the health benefits of crocheting, such as better mental health, lower stress, and increased fine motor skills. With that said, I’d like to extend the mental health and lowering stress part. My loved ones know this about me; however, some of you may not if you don’t follow my Instagram page. My mother passed away in 2021, and that shook my life. It felt like I was abandoned, and nothing was out there to make me feel whole again. My mother gave me such a zeal for learning and doing things. Anytime I felt unmotivated, all I had to do was call her up, and she’d restore the strength I forgot I had.

Sure, I know that I’m supposed to have that same energy, but for many, our mothers are the ones who give us that push. My mother also taught me how to crochet! After she died, I didn’t want to go near any yarn or hook for some time because it would remind me of her, and all those emotions would place me into this cave of emptiness that I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to get in touch with my feelings while crocheting. I wanted to stay in the shadows, away from the world.

It wasn’t until my husband, our friends, and I were having a voice chat on Discord that I discussed my motivation with them. That was when nearly all of them told me not to give up crocheting. Instead, I should do so in honor of my mother and continue to push through to see what I can do.

At first, I was hesitant; however, as I started back up, a spark lit within me. I started the habit of researching models of things I wanted to crochet. It started with cute cats and rabbit plushies. Then, I found what I wanted. I wanted to specialize in gaming plushies and merchandise.

Ever since I could remember, I have always been a gamer. One of my favorite games was the Super Mario Bros games. I like the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It came out when I was in kindergarten…gosh…there’s my age! Gen X here! To this day, every time I hear the Overworld song from the first Super Mario Bros. game, I get hit with nostalgia and how I’d sit in the living room playing with my sister and dad, trying to beat the different levels. I discovered that I owed it to my childhood to crochet Super Mario Bros. characters and crochet Pac Man, Space Invaders, Sonic the Hedgehog, Crash Bandicoot, and many other game series.

Health Benefits of Crocheting

First, allow me to start by stating that I do not sponsor the following sites; therefore, I believe in giving credit where it is due:

1. https://www.muezart.com/blogs/muezart-musings/the-benefits-of-crocheting
2. https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health
3. https://www.yarnspirations.com/blogs/community/rh-20160510-health-benefits-of-crocheting-and-knitting

To emphasize what these say, crocheting is good for you. I don’t need to read from these websites either. I am living proof that crocheting does you some good. For once, it has helped reduce stress and depression significantly. I became happier with every project I finished when I started crocheting again. It showed that I have the self-efficacy to be successful.

It helps lower anxiety. After my last panic attack, I ran to my room, sat on the floor amid my yarn, and began feeling it. I noticed that my heart rate went down significantly. Then, I picked up my hook and started crocheting chains. My brain kicked in after that, and I made a wallet–I have created many wallets and bags by practicing anxiety-reducing behaviors like crocheting. Sometimes, it produces beautiful artwork!

Working with others has been such a joy to me regarding crocheting. I’ve found a local group I’ve been with once, and I want to join them again when my daily life calms down. Perhaps I need to escape amid the storm going on right now. Along with the benefit of working with other crocheters, it brings you together with others who enjoy this activity. You tend to learn more from others and share your tips with those new to the craft or who need extra help. I feel more helpful when I share what has helped me overcome obstacles in crocheting.

1. Stop discrediting yourself.
2. Be kind to yourself.
3. Understand that you have talent and that others can see it, too.

A moment of inspiration

Another cool thing I’ve discovered is that since I’m in the wee stages of content creation, talking to other content creators can be a life-changing and motivating experience. While I will not disclose the content creator I’m talking to without her permission, I am thankful she and I have begun corresponding.

I’ll be honest. After I posted my first video on my YouTube channel, I felt unmotivated to do another video because I felt like it was a bust. Barely anyone watched it, and if someone did, they hardly stayed watching to the end. While I understood my video was very long, I wanted to make a single crochet tutorial while building a wallet. I quickly learned that not too many people are inclined to sit that long if your first video is more than 2-3 minutes long, especially if you’re a nobody. Strangely and simultaneously, I felt proud that I went through with it. I kept putting it off and putting it off until one day, I sat down and created the video and edited it for a few months. I had accomplished a goal! I now know that I can do it! That’s a half-win for me!

Talking to my new friend and content creator motivated me to continue. She reminded me that I have what it takes, just as she has, to be successful. The inspiration that flowed in our first conversation brought me to tears. As she reads this blog, I want her to know that her words immediately shifted my doubt in myself to more confidence. I was about to give up and close myself to the world until we had our conversation.

I remember waking up before sending my message to her, feeling like a failure. I felt like I failed my mother and her teachings and that I failed myself. I don’t know why I chose to message her, but something told me to be brave and send her a message because I enjoy her videos and look up to her. I’d been following her Instagram and YouTube accounts for some time and have seen nothing but great content. I want to be like her. I know she’s giggling right now as she reads this. Yep, you’re one of my role models! Anyway, I began sobbing as I wrote this heartfelt message to a stranger. I poured my soul into it. Ultimately, I told her that I did not expect anything back but wanted her to know that her videos kept me going.

I went on with my day after that. Toward the end of the day, I checked my messages and saw she’d messaged me back. I was shocked. This usually never happens when I send a message to one of the content creators I follow. I chalk it up to them being so busy making excellent content that they don’t have time to converse with random strangers. She did. While I read her message, tears began flowing down my face because of her profound words. I felt like I was heard; strangely, I felt my mother’s hand rubbing my back in spirit. She told me these powerful words,

Eventually, the business will be enough to sustain you, and that won’t be your driving force anymore. That’s why I encourage you to focus on your community, our community, as early on as possible. Always consider what you’re doing for your business to grow and how it will positively affect the community, and you’ll go far.

She continued to tell me more encouraging words, but it’s more personal, yet it fell along the lines of giving more to look forward to as a content creator. You live, learn, become inspired, and continue to work. I will always refer to this message as I continue to make content for you, my crochet family.

As I conclude this blog, I want to tell whoever is reading this, whatever your goal is, to know you can reach it. My mother always said, “If you desire to do so, it is meant for you.” I desire to be a content creator and share my craft with others who wish to crochet. I have other artistic talents, but I’ll stay on topic this time. I will disclose my desire to be an author, painter, and jewelry designer in future blogs. I have big dreams, and nothing can stop me.

Until then, please be kind to yourself and know you owe yourself that kindness.

Happy crocheting, my crochet family!

Emily