Like most fiber fanatics, I have several works in progress (WIP’s) sitting in project/yarn bags around the house. When I recently found myself in a bit of a situation (e.g. upset about something), I decided to take some solace in bright colors and the repetitive rhythm of crocheting granny squares instead of working on something already in progress.

Here’s the first one I made – all from scrap/leftover yarn I had tucked away here and there.

To be honest, I’ve struggled with making granny squares. Mostly, I am hard on myself about how they turn out as compared to what I see from others, but interestingly – I noticed that the PHOTOS of my granny squares actually look as put together as the photos others share, so maybe I’m not as much of a hot mess with these as I thought!

I am not interested at this time in making a granny square blanket, bag or cardi. I may be in the future, but for now, I was simply “self-medicating” by adding the positive benefits of bright colors, yarn texture and the meditative process of crocheting. For the most part, it worked. I did feel better after realizing that I CAN do a decent granny square, and that the options for using them beyond the therapeutics of making them, are nearly endless!

I decided to pull out a pattern I had purchased from Etsy over a year ago and give it a try. The pattern is the Granny Square Notions Pouch or Pencil Case Pattern and its creator/designer is SewHappyCreative.

One of the things I like about this pattern is that it combines both crocheting and sewing – 2 of my favorite hobbies. This pattern represents the first time that I have ventured into that “mixed media” world, and while I wouldn’t gift this piece to anyone, I learned a LOT about how to do it better the next time. I anticipate that some gifting of these is in my future as I hone these skills and customize the pattern as it makes sense to me.

Once this notions/pencil bag came together, I started a couple more squares in lighter tones, and decided to experiment with Wonder-Under (Heat ‘n Bond) and fabric linings. I will say that the jury is still out on that process, but I’ll write about that in a later post.

A couple years ago, I wrote about the healing aspects of looking around and taking on one thing that needs to be addressed. In that post (on my other blog site), I referenced washing the dishes as something we could do if we were stuck in a funk that we couldn’t seem to shake. In that blog post, I included a list of activities we can take on when we find ourselves feeling stuck or in a “blue mood“.

For those of us with a fiber habit, I have revised that list, specific to our unique skills. Here’s my NEW list of some things we can do to kick start feeling better and shaking off a dismal mood!

1. Organize the yarn stash
2. Sort out and select some yarn to donate (& actually donate it!)
3. Untangle and re-wind tangled yarn (often found in the bottom of a yarn bag)
4. Empty abandoned yarn bags, relocate the yarn and/or tools and repurpose the bags (reusable shopping bags!)
5. Compile written patterns and/or magazines into a “library” for ease of use
6. Gather and inventory crochet hooks and knitting needles
7. Assemble stitch markers and similar small tools into containers
8. Sort out any and all WIP’s and make plans to “finish or frog“
9. Go knit or crochet in an external place (mall, library, park!)
10. Try something NEW: new stitch, new technique. new pattern, new item, etc.

The important thing for us to remember when we are feeling a little down is that we have tools all around us to help move ourselves up and out of that funk. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.

Here’s my crocheted notions pouch – complete with a sewn in lining and zipper! Don’t look too close – it was definitely a learning project. It’s also a very tangible symbol that “I’ve got this” – no matter what comes my way. I’ll use this a lot, and each time I do, it will be a reminder that I’m capable of moving through and beyond the tough times.

Here’s to everyone’s unique relationship with crocheting, knitting and yarn; and the many benefits we reap from them all!

(C) 2024 Stitch ‘n Dish (now Fiber Harmony)