Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Top 5 Reasons to Crochet

As I write this, I realize that if we all sat down and made our own lists of top five reasons to crochet, there'd be some vast differences. But I think, amongst those differences, there'd be a lot of common themes. So, with this in mind, I'm going to write out my top reasons with the hope that you'll chime in and add your comments and additions.



This blog theme came to mind this morning when I woke up with the worst head cold ever and thought to myself, "How am I going to motor through the day feeling like this?" I determined I would work as best I can (I'm a freelance writer), and drink lots of liquids and rest, if possible (like that's going to happen). And I would crochet.

I could take a day off from crocheting, but why would I want to do that? As I sit here feeling stuffed up and with a raw nose from blowing it, the only thing that brings me comfort is the thought of crocheting. Which leads to my Top 5 Reasons to Crochet.






  1. Crochet Brings Me Joy. Once we reach adulthood, there are few things that bring us pure joy the way so many things did when we were children. For me, crochet delivers that childlike joy.
  2. It Brings Other People Joy. A crochet item is more than a practical article intended for use, warmth or wear. It's something that's stitched with love that can outlast the person who made it. Not every recipient of a crochet gift realizes this, but those who do value their gifts and find joy in them.
  3. A Great Stress-Buster. On a stressful day, when everything seems challenging, crochet is an effective way to let go of the stress. Even if it's only for five minutes, the rhythmic motion of crocheting and the ability to get lost in thought makes all those worries and concerns dissipate.
  4. Fuels My Creative Spirit. Creativity is like oxygen to me. Without creative expression, I feel like I'm withering away.
  5. A Practical Part of My Plan. At the end of 2013, I decided that I must do more to balance out my life and experience more joy. I love crochet; I think about new designs and projects all the time. I've decided to make it part of my sustenance, as well as part of my joy.
 When I pick up my crochet hook and a new or current project, it's a moment of pure happiness. Now I want to hear from you! Tell me your top reasons to crochet and what it means to you.




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8 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    Love this, Mary!

    1: I crochet because I love creating things
    2: I decreases the stress level and (dare I say it?) my blood pressure
    2: Seeing something I've made with my own hands is soul-satisfying
    4: Seeing the look of joy on the faces of loved ones can't be matched
    5: I love to challenge myself with new techniques.

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  2. TheBrainInJaneFebruary 18, 2014 at 8:43 AM

    Great post! You're right that people will have very similar reasons for crocheting. My top 5 reasons are very similar to yours, though I would add one: Crocheting (and knitting) connect me with other people. It connects me with people from my past (my grandmother), people from my present (my mother, girlfriends from my stitch n' bitch) and - hopefully! - people from my future.

    The common interests of crochet & knitting bring people of all walks of life together, and while you're usually working on an individual project, it's a very sociable activity.

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    1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2014 at 11:24 AM

      Thank you for stopping by my blog, Jane! Ironically, I just blogged about that very topic yesterday (http://gocrochetcrazy.blogspot.com/2014/02/an-inherited-crochet-afghan-created-in.html). Crochet is a wonderful way to remain connected to loved ones!

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  3. Anne BaleyFebruary 18, 2014 at 9:05 AM

    I'm not sure I can come up with five. Let's see...

    1. My health. My cardiologist has actually prescribed a half hour of crochet or other hand work a day. She's seen studies that prove it helps your heart.
    2. That intangible "crafty" feeling. You know, that feeling you get when you're making something with fiber.
    3. Creativity. I love taking a basic pattern and turning it into my own. Pattern calls for three solid colors, all shades of the same base. Hey, what happens if I throw in some variegated?
    4. Gifting. My daughter's still got a tiny teddy bear I crocheted for her 20 years ago. That's a gift that's appreciated.
    5. The materials. I just love working with beautiful yarns. The colors and textures are irresistible, sometimes. I'd go broke if I worked in a yarn store (or fabric store, for that matter).

    Wow, I did come up with five. Yay, me!

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    1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2014 at 11:25 AM

      You could probably come up with five more reasons, I bet!

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  4. UnknownFebruary 18, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I'd have to say that my reasons match every one of your reasons…it is all of those, plus I guess it's my way to meditate... To let go of everything and just be. It's very important to have that little nugget of peace every day. And when you're done, you can sit back and smile because you've created something pretty in the mean time! :) I hope you feel better from that head cold soon, Mary!

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    1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2014 at 11:26 AM

      Thank you, Monica! I'm slowly working my way toward the best cold therapy I know of...crochet! :)

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