Finding Self-Worth Through Yarn Art

I realized that I have never posted about my yarn art before!

I cannot believe it, knitting and crocheting is such a major part of my everyday life.

I began to knit when I was young but I lost interest only to regain it in 2016 during my freshman year of college. I flew to Alaska to knit with my best friend at the time, and I joined my school's chaotic knitting club.

For the next couple of years I exclusively knitted. I mainly used Icelandic wool and I felt a little snooty about it even though I was honestly pretty terrible at the craft. I made one good double-sided knitting piece and a black scarf I wear still, but nearly everything else was poorly made. However, I loved it!

When I was working at a pet shop a couple of years ago, all of my coworkers were into yarn-crafting as well. One of the ladies was newly into crocheting and I was obsessed with everything she made. I knew that I had to learn! Once I made my first granny square, I never looked back.

I love crocheting and knitting. Sometimes in the yarn crafting world, there is a bit of an argument over which is better, but I think both have pros and cons. I tend to prefer the look of knitted works over crocheted ones but crocheting is a lot more fun for me to actively do. I crochet all the time whereas I have to dedicate more time and effort for knitting. Both are special to me and I want to learn as many yarn and needle crafting skills as I can.

I think that it is a shame that yarn crafting is still seen as a gendered activity. I think more people would find great outlets for stress if they picked up knitting or a tactile art. It has helped me through a lot of stress and discomfort in my life and I do it with joy and pride.

Now, I am no expert- I have so much to learn, but I can also see my progress and feel so gleeful over how far I've come!

Many years ago, I asked my ex-husband, "Do you think I'll ever be good at this?" Referring to my knitting. He didn't really have an answer which made me feel horrible about myself. But now I don't have to ask anyone that, because I've already done so! My blankets might be wonky, my sweaters might be basic, my hats might be the same pattern done in a thousand different colors but hey- I am pretty good at what I know!

I believe that learning new creative skills is so important. Not to be productive or to show off to others, but to prove to yourself that you can overcome challenges. I've had my fair share of knitting tantrums, when nothing seems to go right and I have to completely frog a project. Sometimes I need to take a break like I do with my painting. Then, I come back and do another attempt or switch to a pattern that I feel I can accomplish. Rising over these obstacles while creating a wearable piece of art is fun and a key part in building confidence.

Sometimes people can be a little discouraging about yarn crafting if they aren't familiar with it, but mostly people react positively to these hobbies and will probably be a little jealous of your creations. I think it's great to give homemade things as gifts, or sell them for your small business, but I'd recommend starting out with a mindset that you are doing this for yourself. Spend time with your own soul and do what you love. Build a relationship with yourself as you acquire these skills. Then perhaps later you can share your specialty with those you love.

And let me share a secret- if you can make a rectangle, you can make anything! I've made blankets, scarves, sweaters, bags, and hats all out of just rectangles.

So remember, start with a rectangle and believe in yourself!

You are important and your art is important.