Falling in Love…with Crafts
Reconnect with Your Favourite Pastime
You’ve probably already noticed that most great love affairs involve yarn. Whether it’s knitting, crochet, or any craft of your choice, once you get hooked - forgive the pun - there’s no going back! There are lots of ways to recharge your relationship with your hobby, and this is the perfect time of year to try it. Whether you’ve got January blues, or just need a feel-good February, here are a few tips for getting back on track with your craft…
Sort Out Your Yarn Stash
If there’s one thing that applies to all makers, it’s that we all have a stash. Maybe even multiple stashes. In bags, in boxes, hiding from your significant other behind the sofa… When you bought the yarn, you probably had a head full of ideas of what you could do with it. So take yourself on a tour of your stash - maybe do a little spring cleaning along the way - and reconnect with the ideas you’ve had in the past. You might find that your next project is already there waiting for you.
Browse Craft Books
I find that looking at craft books is a great way to get the creative cogs turning. Sometimes I’ll just browse on Amazon to see what’s new as looking at popular trends and pattern books could spark an idea. There are so many books out there, ranging from classic patterns to unusual themed makes. Having a quick look can show you all the amazing things you could make and help you fall in love with your craft all over again.
Here are a couple of pattern books that I’ve found inspiring. I saw another maker post about the 3D Granny Squares book on Instagram earlier this week, and it instantly reminded me of a pattern that I’d saved on Granny Square Day back in August. After looking at the different designs in this book (and digging out the pattern from months ago), I now have plans for a new project later this year.
Mosaic crochet is something I’ve been wanting to try for a while, and every time this book pops up I get a little bit closer. Even just looking at the intricate colour work makes me feel more inspired and focused on developing my crochet skills. Sometimes with crafting all you need is a bit of direction, and browsing the pattern books section can help formulate a goal in your mind to work towards.
Share Your Skills
If you need to get out of your head and remind yourself why you love to craft, sharing your skills with family or a friend can be a great way to boost your motivation. You’ll realise that you’re a lot better at it than you think you are, and going back to basics while you help someone else can remind you of how far you’ve come on your crafting journey. You could even work on a project together, like making granny squares to join into one big blanket. There’s no greater way to spread the love than with a fun and mindful hobby!
Try Something New
Sometimes the best way to stop procrastinating a project is to try something completely different. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to have some fun and make a novelty decoration or gift. It’ll likely refresh your love for crafts, and you can return to your original project with a fresh set of eyes. Opt for something that you could create in one sitting. If you can dedicate an evening to complete something, you’ll finish with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for your own hard work and creativity. For inspiration, check out My Ultimate List of Free Valentine’s Patterns (click here) for 30 free knitting and crochet pattern ideas!