Unraveling the Benefits of Textile Arts for Mental Health

Why Arts and Crafts Matter

In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to unwind can seem like an uphill battle. But did you know that engaging in textile arts and crafts can be a fantastic way to ease stress? Whether it’s crochet, knitting, or any other creative hobbies that capture your fancy, the repetitive steps involved serve as a mental breather. Imagine sitting in your favorite chair, needles in hand, happily crafting away while the worries of the day slowly melt away.

Boosting Your Mental Health Through Creativity

Creative hobbies are not just fun; they can have significant benefits for your mental health. The act of learning something new every day not only keeps the boredom at bay, but it also encourages cognitive function. Studies show that engaging in activities like knitting or crocheting can improve your mental agility, leading to enhanced problem-solving capabilities and sharper memory. Plus, these hands-on crafts often give us a sense of accomplishment, boosting our self-esteem and confidence. When you create something beautiful from scratch, it’s hard not to feel proud!

Giving Back to the Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of textile arts is the opportunity to give back. Knitting and crocheting for charities offer an avenue to provide warmth and comfort to those in need. Imagine spending hours in a blissful state of therapy while crafting hats, blankets, or toys for those less fortunate. Not only does this kind of giving back serve the community, but it also enhances your own well-being. You’ll find yourself feeling good about supporting a cause while pausing to enjoy the serene act of crafting.

So, what’s stopping you? Grab those needles or get hooking! Batch together your yarn supplies and dive into the world of textile arts and crafts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and create. As you stitch away, remember that each project is a step towards a healthier mind and a happier you.

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Choosing Fiber...Where to Start

Read the full article here

Whether you're a new handspinner or a seasoned fiber enthusiast looking to break a breed rut, plan your spinning for the coming year and try some of these delightful fibers.

Diane Lalomia Dec 30, 2020 - 16 min read

So many of us choose the project after the yarn is spun, especially when we’re working with just 4 ounces of fiber. But what if you want to make a sweater or another large project? What wool do you choose? If you know more about the fiber, you can plan the project and not let the project plan you.

Some questions to ask

If you’re just starting out and don’t even know where to begin, here are some questions to ask.

• What type of garment are you making?

• Will it get a lot of wear and tear? Will it be subject to a lot of abrasion, such as the heels on socks?

• Will it be used occasionally? Perhaps it will be more decorative than serviceable?

• Is this item intended to provide warmth?

• Will the wool you are using give you the right amount of drape? Or will it have too much drape to retain its shape?

• Does your pattern have intricate stitch patterns such as cables? Will the halo of a particular yarn hide the stitch detail in your project, and is that okay?

Resources to Get You "Hooked"...I mean started.

Natural Dyeing Group I started on Ravelry - Plants to Dye For

All photos are my own and the projects can be found on my Ravelry page of projects under my user name Bowpeep

The one photo that is not mine is the main blog post featuring knitting hands is a photo by Rebecca Grant on Unsplash