I wrote this blog initially a couple years back, and focused it on crocheting and knitting (yarn). Back then, stressors were typical life stressors, and not national crisis-level stressors. Since then, I have added a lot more SEWING to my “toolbox” for coping, as I noted in a previous post on retreating to my sewing/craft room to avoid the news of the day. The overall lessons remain relevant and continue to be supportive aspects to my life.
Two of the positive gifts I have gleaned in my years of study in spirituality are the understanding of the importance and the ability to care for myself as well as being more aware of myself in the present moment. As the storms of life have come – personal, family, neighborhood, work/career, national and global – I remain strong and resolute, but have observed that I developed a reflexive response to times of stress that is portable, handy, simple and most importantly – works!
I believe that this “go-to” is a natural response for me because it is associated with simpler times in my life (childhood), and people that loved me unconditionally. For me this protective pivot is to my yarn stash.
When I am feeling STRESSED, or when negative news enters my day, I find that the first thing I do is reach for one of the knitting or crochet projects I have in progress, or in mind to begin. With all the TOTE bags that we all receive as part of various activities, I can grab and go with any project at a moment’s notice.
When I am engaged in the art of knitting or crocheting, I am mindfully attentive to each small stitch and its relationship to the ones adjacent to it. It is, in many ways, a meditation in yarn and I have found that it serves much the same purpose as a session on a pillow, but with added benefits! Often these small, soothing projects end up being gifted to someone “just because” or kept for myself as a reminder that no matter what comes my way, I can get through it. I wrote about that concept in an earlier blog (on another site) that you can find here.
If I am stressed to the point that my ability to critically think in that moment is impaired, I generally turn to something simple. For longer-term, nagging stress – or those things that fall into the category of “there’s nothing I can do about this“, I often will challenge myself to learn a new stitch, or tackle a more complex pattern.
This habit has created a sort of “action plan” for me when life goes sideways, and it’s one that works for me, will not cost me my life savings, and is achievable without negatively impacting anyone around me. As a comparison, I have read about people who compulsively EAT or DRINK or SHOP in response to stress, and we can agree that all of those things can lead to bigger issues and life troubles.
The beauty and sheer genius of an action plan like this one is that, other than cases of extreme hoarding, this is rather self-limiting. You can only knit or crochet one stitch at a time and even if you have a knitting machine, you are limited in terms of quantity of yarn and output.
The project doesn’t matter, either. The ponytail holder pictured below is one of the projects I had my young granddaughter working on when I was teaching her to crochet. For beginners it is important to give them a project that teaches basic skills, is low stakes (not a gift for an upcoming birthday, e.g.), and – perhaps MOST important – can be completed in a short period of time. This gives them the sense of accomplishment while they are learning. Too many beginners end up walking away from knitting or crocheting in frustration due to starting a large project that ended up dragging on and frustrating them, with no end in sight.
- the ponytail mini-project is simply 3 crocheted chains, knotted on both ends with beads added (I add fabric glue to help keep the beads secure) and then folded in half, looped over the hairband, and the ends pulled through the folded-over middle of the chain.
- the new crocheter who finds joy in these quick projects will build their skills quickly and soon be on their way as an independent crocheter!
Yarn works for me as a stress relief, in part, because I associate it with my grandmother, and many good memories from my childhood. She taught me how to crochet a chain with yarn when I was about 10 years old, and I’ve taken time off from it over the years, but have never forgotten how to crochet. It’s one option of MANY for anyone struggling to manage occasional blues, chronic worry or other life stressors; but there are, of course, many others.
Some people I know turn to GOLF and the proliferation recently of upscale driving ranges that are open at all hours helps them take advantage of that stress management option. For others it is walking/running, lifting weights, Cross-Fit or hiking. Some people BAKE or volunteer while others paint, sew or engage in other artistic activities.
The point here is that we have some options available to us to help manage life stressors, but may be unaware of them in the moment. If we find ourselves swimming in stress, and not sure what to do, we can take some time to think back to activities that we have found to be rewarding, or soothing or that are connected to positive and happy memories, and start there.
We may find over the years that our Return on Investment (ROI) for various activities waxes and wanes. That’s normal. We do not need to commit to doing something forever. We can enjoy it for as long as it serves us and our interests/needs.
Reconnecting with our innate wisdom around how to care for ourselves in times of stress has always been important. In today’s highly-charged and politically-divisive environment it has become a CRITICAL life skill.
If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, the “blues” (mild depression) or other life angst, the GOOD NEWS is that there are a PLETHORA of accessible options available for counseling or therapy – many of them online and affordable. I’ve put a list at the bottom of this blog post.
If you are not in need of finding a therapist, or already have one and are being encouraged to find a hobby or activity that will help your mood, I recommend checking out your local yarn store, the local craft store or a YouTube channel that teaches how to knit or crochet for more information.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- How to Crochet for Absolute Beginners
- How to Knit (for beginners!)
- The Knit Stitch for total beginners
- Learn to Crochet (with slow motion clips for beginners!)
- Crochet a Granny Square (for beginners)
Whatever self-care option you choose to engage, do it with love, have fun with it, compare yourself to NO ONE else who may be doing the same thing, and allow it to be something that gives back as much to you as you put into it.
Enjoy 🙂
(C) 2025 Fiber Harmony
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Resources (lists) for online therapy:
- Best affordable or FREE online therapists
- 10 Best Online Therapy Programs
- Best Online Therapy Services
- Best Online Therapy Providers
Take care of yourself – you’re worth it!!
Fiber Harmony (Stitch 'n Dish) 