Author: Rebecca Willis

It’s that time of year again, where people are talking about New Year’s resolutions – but not me!

Personally, I prefer to take the more positive and generally more achievable view, that January lends itself to new opportunities – it’s a chance for us to broaden our horizons and to try something different. With the hustle and bustle of Christmas over, but the cold weather still here, it’s a great time to take up a new hobby that can be done indoors, or to develop an existing one.

This quote from Dr. Avril Gabriel sums up my feelings about new year:

‘Throughout life we will evolve and move forward… The aim should not be “new year, new you.” Working on ourselves should not mean scrapping the great things that are already present within us and starting from scratch. You will undoubtedly still be you in the new year, and the gift of being you means that you already have a good foundation to continue building on, acknowledge this and use it.’ (Counselling Directory)

To me, life is all about learning, evolving and growing, but in our own time and at our own pace.

What are the health benefits of learning a new skill?

Stepping outside of our comfort zone to learn a new skill may feel a little daunting at first, but once we’ve taken those first few steps, it can often feel exhilarating, satisfying and have a positive impact on our mental health too.

‘Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

• boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
• helping you to build a sense of purpose
• helping you to connect with others’ (NHS)

Why choose yarn crafts?

What I love about yarn crafts is their inclusivity. Yarn crafting really is accessible to everyone. Whether you are a total beginner (learning to knit and making a scarf) or you have years of experience in tackling more intricate projects and designs, there is so much variety in terms of what you can make and skills that can be developed. It’s never too late to learn something new.

The beauty of knitting and crocheting in Winter, is that you also get to wear what you’ve made straightaway. I’m a great believer in crafting for a purpose. It’s so satisfying to create something unique that you enjoy making and wearing and that can also keep you warm, like a bobble hat, a knitted jumper, a crocheted cardigan or a cosy scarf. 

Yarn craft for beginners

My upcoming workshops can help you to unleash your creativity. You will learn new skills and get the support that you need to master them and grow your confidence with knitting or crocheting.

If you live in Lichfield, join my small group, in-person sessions, running once a month for 6 months. I can take you from a bee-ginner to a crochet or knitting queen!

If you prefer a one-off session, those are available too, the next crochet one is the 18th March, and knitting on the 29th January but I may be adding more due to demand!

You can also book one-to-one sessions with me, or join my online or in-person Craft Hive sessions – for social time with like-minded crafters.

Workshops for the intermediate or more experienced crocheter or knitter

If you are already comfortable with crochet or knitting and want to extend your skills or try something new, I am launching new, intermediate level courses, including more advanced techniques to help you level up your crafting. Keep your eyes peeled for these!

You can also book to join Craft Hive; online or in-person sessions, where like-minded crafters get together to craft, chat and share tips and ideas.

Children’s workshops

Look out for my pop-up, children’s workshops.  Whether your child is naturally creative, or needs a lot of support, my in-person workshops can help them to go from a ball of yarn, to a creation that they can be really proud of. As a former teacher and a mum of two boys, I’m used to working with groups of children and helping them to learn and achieve, while having fun and being creative. 

You can have a good browse of all the options of working with me on the main website.

References

‘New year, new you’: The New Year’s resolution trap’ Dr. Avril Gabriel, PsychD, CPsychol, published 20/12/21, Counselling Directory

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/new-year-new-you-the-new-years-resolution-trap

‘5 steps to mental wellbeing’ NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/

December is here already, with only a few weeks to go until Christmas!

Are you an organised forward planner, with most things ticked off of your list already – or do you like to do everything in December, to get yourself fully immersed in the Christmas buzz? 

What are the benefits of being a crafter at Christmas?

Whether you are someone who is prepared for Christmas in advance, always at the last-minute, or somewhere in between, the great thing about being a crafter at this time of the year, is having the ability to create gifts and decorations, while enjoying your hobby at the same time.

When it comes to organising Christmas presents, I much prefer relaxing with a cuppa, while crocheting hand-made gifts for my friends and family, to trawling the busy shopping centres for inspiration, or finding that things have sold out. When the recipient knows that something has been hand-made, especially for them, with love and care, it also makes it an extra special gift.

Taking time to switch off and be in flow with your hobby, can be beneficial for your mental health and for family harmony too, over the busy Christmas period.

‘Research has shown that crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall.’ (Spectrum Health and Human Services)

More about the health benefits of crafting can be found on my blog post from October ‘Crafting for mindfulness, menopause and memory’.

Pattern ideas for last minute Christmas gifts and decorations

I enjoy creating patterns for myself and others. The following patterns (which are all suitable for anyone with a basic knowledge of crochet or knitting) can be purchased from my website:

Christmas stocking – this can be used as a decoration, or to put little gifts in

Hat – perfect as a useful gift, to keep your loved ones warm in winter

Headband – create a stylish and colourful accessory, for a friend or family member

Bunting – can be used as a durable and timeless decoration

Basket – can be given as a gift on its own, or filled with other Christmas gifts

Christmas presents for crafters

I’ve always got something craft-related on my wish list. Whether it’s new yarn, patterns, tools, storage solutions or new craft kits to try out, I’m a very easy person to buy for. The drawback of being a yarn stockist, is wanting to use it all myself!

Craft-related vouchers are also a great option to put on your own wish list, to leave around as a giant hint for your partner, or to purchase as gifts for friends or family members.

Yarny Bees gift vouchers can be used on any of the items on the website. You could choose yarn made from ethically sourced, natural fibres, in a wide variety of colours or patterns to suit your own projects. You could choose to spend them on Craft Hive sessions, either online or in-person, or on ready made projects. The vouchers can be used online on my website, or physically in store at The Fabric Vault, in Lichfield.

Please get in touch if you require a voucher for an alternative amount than shown.

I hope that you have a very happy Christmas, however you are spending it and I will be back with my next blog post in the new year.

References

‘The Unexpected Benefits of Crafting’ Spectrum Health and Human Services

https://shswny.org/the-unexpected-benefits-of-crafting

Last month, it was National Recycle Week. This has prompted me to write about how, as crafters, we can be environmentally friendly, while still enjoying our hobbies to the full.

Why choose natural fibres?

All the yarn I use and sell within Yarny Bees, is made from natural fibres. I have consciously made the decision not to use man-made fibres within my business. This is because almost all of them are made from plastics, which, when washed, release microfibres into the water system. My feeling is that there is enough of this going on around the world, without me adding to it! 

The brand I have chosen to stock, Drops, have a great reputation for being sustainable and fair. I also love that their pricing makes them accessible to most people, allowing good quality, natural yarns a place in the market, to compete against the cheaper acrylic and polyester blends.

What are the other benefits of choosing natural fibres and skin-friendly dyes?   

Although sustainability and concern for the environment are important factors in yarn choice, there are other reason to choose natural fibres too. It’s important that our clothing is comfortable. Man-made fibres can cause irritation or friction for people suffering with skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis.

‘Polyester, acrylics, rayon and nylon are common fibers that can have a negative impact on people with skin conditions. These fibers are hydrophobic and tend to trap moisture which can irritate your skin……. The interaction between textiles and skin has led many brands to improve their sustainability standards by designing garments that are healthy for your skin microbiome.’  (today.com)

Another consideration is to avoid the use of toxic dyes, which can also be harmful to the skin. Companies like my supplier, Drops, make it their priority to use suppliers who have OEKO-TEX standard 100 certification, which confirms that ecological practices are in place for the safety of textile products.

More about my supplier

I buy the yarns I use and sell, from Drops Designs, as they have a strict code of conduct, which fits with my values, beliefs and principles. They are a company who seek to support sustainability, protect the environment and respect animal and human rights. They are meticulous about their choices, examples of which can be found on their website, including:

‘We focus on wool from South America where it is guaranteed that the sheep are not subject to mulesing. We have chosen not to source our wool from Australia because we know mulesing occurs there and we avoid controversial fibres, such as angora, because of the way the animals are treated. (Drops Designs)

Recycling hand-knitted and crocheted items   

Recycling isn’t just aboutbottle banks, green bins and charity shops. One of the things Ilove aboutknitting and crocheting items, is the ability to re-use the wool, when my children grow out of their knitted jumpers, or if I change my mind mid-project or later!

Creating a style of my own

With fashions ever-changing, the waste created and the impact that has on the environment is immense. I love creating my own patterns and clothes, which I will treasure for years and which will never be out of fashion; pieces which reflect my personality and colour choices and coordinate with my staple bought items. Through Yarny Bees, I provide high quality, natural and sustainable yarn and patterns, to help others to do the same. Here is the link: https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/make-yourself/

Craft Hive

If you’d like a bit of company while you are crafting, I also run Craft Hive in-person groups in Lichfield and an on-line Craft Hive group too, as I love to meet like-minded crafters. Here are the links, for more information and to join: https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/craft-hive/

Check out my next blog post, for last-minute craft-based ideas for Christmas gifts and decorations.    

References

‘Sustainability’ Drops Design

https://www.garnstudio.com/sustainability.php?cid=19#:~:text=Our%20assortments%20are%20for%20the,are%20not%20subject%20to%20mulesing.

Article from today.com by Jannely Espinal, December 2021 https://www.today.com/shop/best-fabrics-fibers-sensitive-skin-t242078

There has been a recent increase in the popularity of knitting and crocheting, since the start of the pandemic and lockdowns. I’m enjoying watching this upward trend, as I’ve experienced first-hand the benefits that they can bring. This is because knitting and crocheting are not just fun hobbies, they can also have a positive effect on your mental and physical health too, at all stages of your life.

Needlecraft has been scientifically proven to help to manage a variety of mental and physical health conditions and getting together with others while you craft, can be even more beneficial.

‘Knitting has significant psychological and social benefits, which can contribute to wellbeing and quality of life,’ (The British Journal of Occupational Therapy)

‘data suggests that crochet offers positive benefits for personal wellbeing with many respondents actively using crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events such as grief, chronic illness and pain.’ (Perspectives in Public Health)

How does crafting help with mindfulness and stress release?

Mindfulness involves being fully immersed in the present and switching off from external pressures. Both knitting and crocheting require attention and focus, keeping your hands and your mind occupied at the same time and enabling you to achieve flow. Mindfulness occurs as a natural side-effect of knitting and crocheting and many people find needlecraft more accessible and easier to practise, than more conventional forms of meditation, such as yoga.

Crafting is great for relieving stress, as it helps you to wind down, subconsciously process your day and focus on something you enjoy doing.

It was great for me, when I was a teacher in a special school, as it allowed me to fully switch off after work. It’s also a great way for me to unwind now too, after my boys have gone to bed.

What are the benefits of crafting for menopausal women?

The following symptoms are commonly experienced by women going through the menopause or perimenopause:

Hot flushes; sleep problems; mood swings; digestive problems; weight gain

All of these symptoms can be exacerbated by stress, as it can put pressure on the nervous system, keep us awake and cause us to crave unhealthy foods.

Crafting, especially crafting with others, can reduce stress and boost the natural production of serotonin. This is a hormone that helps to regulate our mood and sleep patterns and reduces cravings and it is beneficial to both men and women.

How can knitting help with memory loss and retrieval?

The increased attention to detail when following complex knitting patterns, can help to build up more neural pathways, reducing the risk of dementia.

‘Knitting has been found to have a positive impact on cognitive function and memory retention. The intricate patterns, counting stitches, and following instructions require concentration and mental agility. These activities help exercise and strengthen neural pathways, potentially slowing down cognitive decline.’ (Alzheimer’s Lab)

‘Knitting can help delay memory loss. A Mayo Clinic Study has shown that activities such as knitting, reading and quilting along with other social activities in midlife can help cut the risk that people would develop memory loss in their 70s or 80s by more than one-third.’  (Canadian Living)

I knit and crochet because I love it, but knowing that I’m helping my future self too, is a big bonus.

Have you been to one of our Craft Hive sessions yet?

Crafting together, either online or in-person, is a great way to meet like-minded people, share tips and patterns and enjoy a chat, while crocheting or knitting. I set up Craft Hive to facilitate this, both online and in my local area of Lichfield. I really enjoy the sessions myself too, as I’ve always found that crocheting calms my mind and I love the social element as well. If you’d like to know more about Craft Hive and the sessions available, please see https://yarnybees.co.uk/product-category/craft-hive/

So, next time you find yourself wondering whether you should be spending time knitting or crocheting, have a re-read of this, to remind yourself that it’s an investment in your health and time well spent.

References

‘The Benefits of Knitting for Personal and Social Wellbeing in Adulthood: Findings from an International Survey’ British Journal of Occupational Therapy

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.4276/030802213X13603244419077

‘Happy Hookers: findings from an international study exploring the effects of crochet on wellbeing,’ P. Burns and R. Van Der Meer

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1757913920911961

‘Knitting and Dementia: A Therapeutic Thread of Hope’

by Ryan Wilson, July 1, 2023, Alzheimer’s Lab

https://www.alzheimerslab.com/knitting-and-dementia/

‘Can Knitting Delay Memory Loss and Help You Manage Anxiety?’ Canadian Living

https://www.canadianliving.com/health/article/can-knitting-delay-memory-loss-and-help-you-manage-anxiety

Once a year, in June, we celebrate Worldwide Knit In Public Day! I love it, as it’s an excuse for me to get my craft on and show more people.

Here’s some photos of me, and others, enjoying our crafts out in public!

Have you ever celebrated Wordwide Knit In Public Day?

Trigger warning: talk of mental health struggles, including self-harm.

Throughout my life I have always been creative and crafty. Along with reading, craft has been an escape for me, going back to my childhood.

During my university life, I used knitting as a way of forgetting about the looming deadlines and switching off my brain from the mathematical proofs I was working on. (Did you know I have a Masters in mathematics!?) And often I would find that focusing on something else for a while would allow me to have the breakthroughs I needed to continue with the maths.

Following my degree, I launched myself into teacher training and found that I needed craft in my life more than ever. It became a respite, and a way to wind down before bed. Without my daily crafting I would be unable to get to sleep, which resulted in a tired and grumpy Becci – not conducive to a great teacher!

I continued to knit, and crochet my way through my teaching career, using it to help my mind switch off and subconsciously process the challenges of the days. Working in a special school, every day was different and it was essential to almost wipe the slate clean at the end of the day.

After several years of teaching, we decided to start a family. Becoming a mum was something I had dreamed about for years. When I got pregnant, I felt like I was fulfilling my purpose in life and I was so excited to start a new chapter of my story.

It became very clear though, just a couple of weeks after having my first son, that I was not well. I was spiralling in intrusive thoughts, self-harming and feeling like I was struggling to bond with my child. Fortunately for me, I had my fantastic husband, mum and friends around me, who helped me to reach out for the help I so clearly needed. As part of my treatment, I attended CBT counselling and this enabled me to remember how much crafting had helped me in the past. I went back to my yarn with determination, and found that, when I was crocheting, my mind was quiet. I wasn’t hearing the horrid voice telling me I was worthless or a failure. Instead, I was focussing on my stitches, on what I was creating. I have no doubt that without the crochet, I would have continued on my downward spiral, and wouldn’t have been able to accept the other support I needed to battle my demons.

I also found the community behind the 60 million trebles movement – who were creating blankets for Syrian refugees – and gave myself something concrete to make. I must have made at least 15 blankets over those few months – although for me the crochet was as much, if not more, about the process and the healing than the product.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me through the first couple of years of my mothering journey, and helped me overcome the obstacles that I encountered. I can now look back and see how different my experience of motherhood is now.

Craft is still firmly in my life (obviously!) as a daily practice. And this, for me, is about self-care. It’s about mindfulness. It’s about allowing myself time to switch off and quiet my mind. It’s about the sub-conscious processing of the positive and negative events from the day.

I am proud of the journey I have been, and am still, on. I am always open, honest and willing to chat about it, or to listen to anyone who wants to talk about their experience. I am also happy to help anyone find out if crafting can be as helpful to them as it has been for me.

If you would like to find out if crafting could be a tool for you and your well-being, why not come along to one of my workshops? Or, if you know it is helpful for you, but perhaps you aren’t making as much time for it as you could, head over to join one of the Craft Hive sessions, either online or in-person. That way you’ve scheduled it in!