I knit because stabbing idiots is illegal.

If you know how to knit or crochet, your grandma will be pretty happy about you. But what do your friends think? That you are probably old and boring and dull inside? Think again my friend, things have changed. How many times do you get pissed off or annoyed during a typical week? Know that you could change that!

One of the reasons that I got into crafting, and especially knitting and crochet, is because I wanted to get away from things. From the ordinary weekly busy schedule, the lack of creativity to deal with my job or university projects, personal battles and the list goes on and on. When I started knitting, I was embarrassed to even talk about it because I thought people will think that I am boring. I mean, it sounds weird to turn down a Friday night out with friends because I want to finish knitting a scarf, right? Up until now, the answer was yes. I was weird and oh-my-god, I am so old.

When I realized that this knitting thing offered me a lot more than I could ever expect, I started showing my projects to friends and asked if they wanted a scarf, a blanket, a pillow, etc. I knitted so many scarves for myself that if you put them together, they would probably make the earth’s perimeter. I couldn’t stop knitting and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Visiting yarn and textile shops was like being in heaven. I was working on 2-3 projects at the same time while already planning the next one, thinking about what kind and color of yarn I should make it with. My friends were impressed because it didn’t look like the usual grandma old-school style, but contemporary and classy. Things that you could actually wear and not feel as bad-old-kitsch. So, yes, knitting can be re-born, revived and definitely follow a new approach. The same applies to  your mind.

I slowly started to recognize that knitting felt relaxing and it came -apparently- very natural to me. At the same time, I felt that I was brimming with energy and refueling my creativity and the inspiration I needed for my non-craft projects. So, the more I knitted, the more ecstatic and more aligned I felt with myself. And I didn’t care anymore if someone thought I was boring or old. Although I speak in the past tense, whatever I explain above, is still valid for me today. Knitting still excites me and can’t wait to start a new project.

I truly believe that knitting – or crafts in general – have meditative effects on the body and the mind. So, if someone is pissing you off at work, knit yourself a scarf. If you are fighting with your significant other, crochet yourself a blanket – takes definitely more time, and the effects are even greater. If you feel stuck in your life, knit a basket or a carpet or whatever comes to mind.

To conclude, the power of craft is within you. Once you realize what you like to get your hands on, the trip is amazing and beautiful and totally worth it. Be yourself and go along for the ride. You may discover things for yourself that you never thought of.

Till next time.

Love and craft,

S.