Audiobooks are a wonderful companion for exercise, and for those who are otherwise engaged in solitary tasks – such as crocheting, knitting, or sewing. Sometimes they even unexpectedly give us insights into those same activities.

Such was the case this week when I was working on my latest tote/market bag. As I noted in my previous post, I’m still listening to the book on Dopamine, and as I was cutting out this pattern, I realized there were a lot of crossovers from the research highlighted in the book, the saga of the demise of Joann stores, and my thinking on how fiber acquisition will continue after Joann is finally gone.

While it is very possible that I’m OVER-interpreting or MIS-interpreting what I read/heard in the book, I understand it to mean that the PIVOT away from being able to jump up and run to a store (e.g. Joann) with a supply of predictable items – to being relegated to more of a “Hunter/Gatherer” approach where I may or may NOT find something I want to use for a project – may lead to more overall happiness and life satisfaction.

Interestingly, I was cutting out fabric that I had found at our local Center for Creative Reuse. It was a generously sized remnant, and I had already used some of it to make a small, drawstring bag for my oldest granddaughter. When I decided to make another tote (View A in the pictured pattern – thrifted from a de-stashing group on Facebook), I chose the black-background Laurel Burch (cats) print for the outside and a solid orange for the lining, which was also a thrift acquisition.

While people seeking fabric and/or yarn for a specific project are going to need to find a new source when Joann closes their doors for the last time, those of us who have fallen into the habit of buying fabric, yarn or other craft supplies as a way to feel better, or as an option for alleviating boredom, may be able to make something positive out of the disruption and change.

We are going to have to work a bit harder to find our treasures in fabric and yarn. We may turn to estate, garage or yard sales now that the colder months are over here in the USA; or look to eBay, Facebook de-stashing groups, or other resale options (like crafting thrift stores). We may even decide to hit the local Goodwill or other general thrift stores to repurpose clothing, bedding or other fabric that we can find there.

• extra important to immediately WASH any fabric you bring into your home when purchased as a thrifted item

Science seems to suggest that when we have to work a little harder to achieve a goal, we feel better for a longer period of time. This may lead to a less “addictive” relationship with our habits and hobbies, and may be a more sustainable pathway to finding happiness.

I experience joy in finding the occasional GEM in an unexpected place, like the Laurel Burch cat fabric pictured above. Those positive emotions, and I suspect the accompanying brain chemistry reactions, are revisited when I handle the fabric while laundering, and then again when I choose it for a project. I also think that the limited nature of these specific treasure “finds” make them seem more rare and precious.

It’s NOT like going into a fabric store, grabbing a bolt of fabric and asking for 3 yards at the cutting counter. In the thrifting environment, you get what you get! Sometimes it’s a really small remnant (like these glasses of beer!) that can be used in a small project or incorporated as a piece of a larger one. Other times it’s a multi-yard piece, but most often it’s something in between.

The world seems to be hinting that there’s a lot of disruption coming to our normal, day-to-day lives, so it seems like the PERFECT time to pivot to some new ways of finding supplies for our crafting activities. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a more sustained sense of happiness and satisfaction. Throw in the more affordable options that come in these alternative acquisition routes, and we’ve found a win-win option for supporting our desire for creative expression.

Happy hunting/gathering craft adventures!

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