Crochet is the perfect hobby. You can crochet in bed or on the couch. Or on a train. In a plane! You can, and definitely should, crochet at family gatherings. You can crochet anywhere and anytime. I even do other things while I am crocheting!
Lately, I've been crocheting while I listen to audiobooks. Not only am I finishing projects, I'm listening to upwards of five books a month!
This industrious woman appears to be crocheting with her fingers while exercising on a stair-climber:
Once you get the hang of it, you can crochet at practically any time and any place. It's convenient and you get to customize your own accessories, homewares, and garments. Finally, did you know that it could be good for your health?
📖 Research on the Health Benefits of Crochet
This is a soothing pastime that calms the spirit and quiets the mind. Recent studies are showing that there are potential health benefits from crocheting, and similar fiber crafts, like knitting. The findings demonstrate that repetitive movement releases serotonin. This leads to a reduction in anxiety and depression. The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) are the folks who create the industry standards. You know the graphics that you see on most yarn labels - the ones that tell you the weight of the yarn? Those come from the CYC. They conducted a survey in 2014 that found that 90% of people who crochet, or knit, feel that their craft improves their mood. Additionally, 81% said that they saw a reduction in their stress. These numbers are crazy! This is a fun and easy way to feel good about how you're spending your time.
Most of you will also feel a deep sense of satisfaction when you complete projects. This craft, from start to finish, promotes a sense of calm. It forces you to focus on the task at hand and you end up getting lost in it. In a good way! This is the experience of flow. I spent most of my 20's trying to find something, anything, to do that would allow me to easily enter into a state of flow. It took a really long time, and a lot of dud hobbies, before I finally found an easy path to flow with crochet.
Crochet and knitting have also been shown to reduce chronic pain.
Corkhill & Davidson’s (2009) research showed that there are many anecdotes on the benefits of knitting for
- Knit for Peace
the management of chronic pain and that they are consistent globally. It tells of repetitive movements inducing meditative-like calm and enabling symptom distraction, as well as psychological and social benefits.
🧘 A Meditative Practice
Crocheting is meditative to me. Traditionally, some people have crocheted (or knitted) as a form of prayer. I interpret this as a way to work intention into your pieces while cultivating peace within yourself. For example: your child is having nightmares so you decide to make her a toy to soothe her. While crocheting you think about how much you love her and want her to have sweet dreams. When you finish, you've made something really special.
But honestly guys, most of the time I'm over here crocheting basic shawls while watching Netflix or listening to books. Hello, Outlander - am I right?
And that's what is so intriguing to me about crochet. You can make it serious and be determined to make family heirlooms. Or, you can keep it super casual and make things to sell. However you do it, it's good for your physical and mental health!
With this work, you get the satisfaction of creating something that is both beautiful and useful -- with just your hands, some string and a hook.
🧶 Getting Started
Crochet is an inexpensive hobby with a low start-up cost. You'll need a hook and some yarn. The yarns available range from dirt-cheap, to hand-painted extravagance. If you're frugal, you can get everything you need to get started for less than $10!
More Resources:
Craft Yarn Council | PDF on 2014 Study Findings
Plymouth Yarn | The Health Benefits of Knitting and Crochet
10 Most Important Health Benefits of Yarncrafting - Lion Brand Yarns
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