Crochet patterns can be meditative to some degree and can quiet the mind of repetitive self-destructive thoughts. It's like "Deja Poo, you've heard that crap before and it's circling your mind over and over and over."
Many of us can circle in our minds scenarios and situations we have faced or tough decisions we will be facing. For myself, I can talk myself into self-harm and into beliefs or feelings that aren't really there. As much as people can put thoughts into my head on how I am supposed to act, talk, walk and live, people like me have the ability to self-doubt and devalue ourselves beyond measure. It's a vicious cycle and I have gone beyond the line in self-harm a few times.
I think it's laughable that we humans consider ourselves civilized as when someone is struggling, we are idle and let someone bury themselves. It's disgusting but, though I have a large community following, I too, feel weak in the knees and buckle but tend to keep it off social media. What is silent can be more damaging.
Get Help
If you are feeling that you are struggling or contemplating suicide, Alcohol Treatment is available to reach out confidentially to them. Make the call or put your number on their website and they will call you. Their website shares information that is bleak statistics that are a bit surprising but helpful to know you are not alone.
The Distraction
In designs, part of the texture experience isn't about visual eye candy that makes me wet my whistle. It's about the strategy to silence the self-harming tendencies I have.
The idea of counting takes away the lingering thoughts of over-processing crap in my mind that is lingering in the deep corners. I cannot fester on a relationship or people issues when I am distracted by the conceptual design of a pattern.
If the pattern is too repetitive, I can sink into myself and lose myself in a sinkhole of endless possibilities of existent and made-up scenarios. I cannot be alone in this... please tell me I am not alone.
Some people can live rent-free in my head and crochet for me is the distraction I need to issue an eviction notice and free myself from the chains of bondage I feel.
The Ultimate Goal
Find patterns where I can bury myself into a pattern to feel the personal milestones of joy that I make for myself. Small moments of joy of self accomplishments that I need to propel myself forward.
The Crochet Happy Holiday Throw was an example of a project that was intentionally chosen, though I haven't admitted this before, that was a mind silencer.
In my tutorial example, I did a swatch example of the blues. It took away the Christmas look from the original pattern. I felt so proud of it. While I just did a small baby blanket size with just doing the sequence once with a border. I felt joy.
Videos are available to assist you.
Better Together Afghan
The Better Together Afghan designed by Jeanne and me is example where two minds are trying to find inner peace.
We both crocheted our collaborative design in the colours we loved. Blue was important for Jeanne and is a colour she wears most often. It brings her joy.
We both used stitches in this design that meant something for each of us. The Catherine Wheel Stitch was one of the first concepts I learned as a teenager beyond regular double crochet. Jeanne was playing with the textures of the Alpine Stitch. It was tough to collaborate so we both felt comfortable with the design.
I learned from Jeanne and maybe she did from me as well. It's a stitching journey.
Tutorials are available to self-assist.
4 Crochet Stitch Samplers
The 4 designs for the Crochet Sampler Afghans are designs I wish to crochet in the future. Two of them I have already done, the other two are on my high priority list.
The one on the upper right corner is something that has 14 individual designs within the sampler. There are 14 opportunities to learn more.
You will find the upper left and bottom right are already filmed and ready for those who need extra help.
The Christmas Puzzle Along
I found the Christmas Puzzle Along with the Rudolf, Santa and Reindeer Tissue Box covers to be mini joyful moments and then nice self-gratifying accomplishments in the end.
I watched the characters take shape as I crocheted these. They each had their own personality traits. We could have made each character even more customized with mittens, clothing, chair and more.
I was glad to finish them but enjoyed the stitching journey all the same. I gave myself milestone goals throughout to keep myself motivated to continue.
7 Textured Crochet Blankets
Textured Blankets distract me from the evil mind's eye of destructive thoughts.
While some of the blankets have a simple repeat, it's still the thought of ensuring you pay somewhat attention to the pattern.
When starting a new row, you split-second evaluate where you are and your next step. This will stop a mid-thought in its tracks and maybe something else will start up after the thought. I find it very useful.
5 Crochet Textured Hats
Like the textured blankets, crochet textured hats can give you inner peace as well but with timelines much faster than a full-size afghan.
With a bit of counting and repetitive stitch counts, you can see the texture forming in front of your eyes. Feeling gratitude mid-project in watching this materialize.
Suicide Prevention Line
If you ever need help, remember there are people to call. I'm not the right person to confide in myself, as like many, I'm clinging on some days myself.
For you in the USA, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Line should ever fall too deep. They can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
For you in Canada, the Canada Suicide Prevention Service is available. They can be reached at 1-833-456-4566.
Speak to your family doctor should need a referral. I have sought counselling through my doctor a couple of times in needing help to see the light. I'm not ashamed to say I couldn't do it on my own, but there are times, you feel all alone though surrounded by others.
I'm not advocating that crochet will cure your thoughts but for me, it's a welcome distraction and has been used several times in my life to calm my inner thoughts down. You may have found the same.
You are welcome to share your stories in the comments of this blog if you have something that can give comfort or help to others.
Heather S says
Thank you. I usually have two projects going, one that requires more attention and one I can do that allows me to focus on virtual lectures while getting something done. I hadn't realized until you put it into words the mental gremlin calming effects I gained from the patterns that require more attention. Thank you for putting this into words. It's like being given permission when one needs self care and has a big to do list
samirah Mujahid says
I have crocheted since I was 9yrs. Old I find that I still have a bit to learn. Does any one have some simple cardigan patterns; I can only wear cotton. I love making afghans. I like all of the patterns you show.i will donate next month. I am on a fixed income, after bills every thing is gone.
AimeeGrace says
Thank you for sharing your struggles. I have been struggling for many years. Some days are better than others but the last three years have been really tough. Crochet has helped me calm down and focus on something beautiful and productive. When the pandemic first induced the lockdown I used your tutorial to make my first successful mandala. Thank you for what you do. Thank you for inspiring us. Keep it up and know that you are not alone in your struggles.