Author: Kathryn

Creativity as a Legacy: How Craft Connects Us to the Past, Present, and Future

When I sit down to create, I often think about the hands that came before mine.

The grandmothers who quilted by lamplight.
The artisans who wove intricate tapestries centuries ago.
The makers who stitched, knitted, embroidered, and crocheted their way through history.

Even if we don’t always realize it, crafting connects us to a long, unbroken thread of creativity, tradition, and storytelling.

Every stitch, every piece of fabric, every handmade item carries with it a story—our story, the stories of those who taught us, and the stories of those who will come after us.

If you’ve ever worked on a craft and felt a sense of connection to something beyond yourself, or if you’ve ever wondered how your creativity fits into a larger history, keep reading. Let’s explore how crafting is a form of legacy—one that ties us to the past, grounds us in the present, and carries meaning into the future.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

The Science: Why Crafting Creates a Sense of Legacy and Belonging

We often think of legacy in terms of what we leave behind, but research shows that feeling connected to a larger history can have profound psychological benefits.

Here’s why crafting is a powerful link between past, present, and future:

🧠 It Strengthens a Sense of Identity and Belonging

✔ Studies show that understanding one’s cultural or familial traditions enhances self-identity and emotional well-being.
✔ Crafting allows us to engage with heritage in a tangible way, keeping traditions alive through making.

💡 It Preserves Cultural and Personal Histories

✔ Many fiber arts—quilting, embroidery, weaving—have been used for centuries to document stories, histories, and social movements.
✔ When we create, we are participating in an ongoing dialogue between generations of makers.

❤️ It Creates Meaning That Outlives Us

✔ The things we make often outlast us—handmade items are treasured, passed down, and remembered.
✔ Crafting gives us a way to leave a mark, not just in objects, but in the memories and traditions we pass on.

In short? Every time you create, you are weaving yourself into a larger story—one that started long before you and will continue long after.

How to Embrace Craft as a Form of Legacy

If you want to honor the past, be present in the making, and create something meaningful for the future, here are a few ways to start:

1. Learn the Stories Behind Your Craft

Whatever fiber art you practice—whether it’s quilting, knitting, embroidery, or crochet—it has a history.

✔ Research the origins of your craft. How did it evolve? Who were the makers before you?
✔ If your craft has personal or cultural significance, explore its traditions and techniques.
✔ If you learned from a family member, ask them about their experience with it—how did they start? What did it mean to them?

📌 Try This: Write down or record your own story with craft—when did you start? Who influenced you? What does it mean to you?

2. Make Something That Tells a Story

Craft has always been a tool for storytelling. Consider creating a piece that represents:

✔ A personal memory—stitch, sew, or quilt something inspired by a meaningful moment in your life.
✔ A family or cultural tradition—use patterns, colors, or motifs that reflect your heritage.
✔ A message you want to pass down—create something with a lesson or sentiment embedded in it.

📌 Try This: Make a project inspired by your personal or family history—something that captures a part of your story in fiber form.

3. Pass Down Your Craft—Teach, Share, Preserve

Crafting isn’t just about what we make—it’s about what we share.

✔ Teach someone else your craft—pass it down to a younger generation, a friend, or a community.
✔ Create a keepsake—a quilt, an embroidered piece, or a hand-knitted item that will be treasured beyond your lifetime.
✔ Write down patterns, techniques, or stories related to your craft—document your creative journey so others can continue it.

📌 Try This: Write a letter to go with a handmade item, explaining its meaning, who it’s for, and why you made it.

4. Participate in a Community or Collective Craft Project

Many cultures have a tradition of collaborative crafting—quilts made by multiple hands, embroidery projects that span generations, fiber arts that bring people together.

✔ Join a community quilting project—many groups create quilts for hospitals, shelters, or remembrance projects.
✔ Participate in collaborative fiber arts movements—like yarn-bombing projects, public art installations, or textile activism.
✔ If you have a creative group, start a shared project—one where multiple people contribute stitches, patches, or rows.

📌 Try This: Find (or start!) a collective craft project that brings people together to make something meaningful.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If this idea of craft as a legacy—something that connects us to the past and future—resonates with you, Craft to Heal was designed for you.

In our March 18th workshop, we’ll explore:

🧵 The history of fiber arts and their role in storytelling and tradition
🪡 How crafting creates a legacy and deepens personal meaning
🧶 Exercises for using your creativity to document memories and personal history

If you’re ready to create not just for yourself, but as part of something bigger, I’d love to have you join us.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Every Stitch is a Story

Crafting isn’t just about making—it’s about remembering, honoring, and continuing a tradition of creation.

So whether you’re stitching a quilt, knitting a scarf, embroidering a message, or simply making with love, know that you are part of something bigger.

Every stitch connects you to the makers who came before you.
Every thread ties you to those who will come after.
Every creative act is a piece of your story—woven into history, carried into the future.

So keep making. Your craft is your legacy.

February 24, 2025
Creativity as a Form of Self-Expression: How Crafting Helps You Find and Share Your Voice

How I Found My Voice Through Craft

For years, I thought of myself as someone who expressed herself through words. I was a writer, and that was how I told my stories. But when I picked up a crochet hook during one of the hardest periods of my life, I realized something unexpected—I was telling my story through my stitches, too.

The colors I chose reflected my emotions.
The textures mirrored what I needed to feel.
The rhythm of making gave me space to process things I couldn’t always put into words.

Creativity, I realized, isn’t just about making things—it’s about making meaning.

For so many of us, craft is a way to express what’s inside of us, to explore our emotions, our memories, our identities, even when we don’t consciously realize it.

If you’ve ever felt like you struggle to express yourself, or if you’ve ever wondered how your creativity reflects your inner world, keep reading. Let’s explore why crafting is a powerful form of self-expression, how it connects us to our authentic selves, and how to use it as a tool to tell your own story.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

The Science: Why Creativity is a Powerful Tool for Self-Expression

Self-expression is a core human need—it’s how we process emotions, communicate our experiences, and make sense of our place in the world.

Crafting is a unique form of self-expression because:

🧠 It Engages Both Sides of the Brain

Creativity activates the right hemisphere of the brain (which is associated with intuition and emotion) while also involving the left hemisphere (which deals with structure and logic).

✔ This whole-brain engagement helps us process emotions more fully, bridging the gap between feeling and understanding.
✔ Studies show that people who engage in creative self-expression experience lower stress and higher emotional resilience.

🎨 It Gives a Voice to What Words Can’t Always Say

Sometimes, emotions feel too big, too complex, or too unformed to put into words.

✔ Research shows that nonverbal creative expression—like fiber arts, painting, or movement—can help people process difficult emotions in ways that traditional talk therapy sometimes cannot.
✔ Crafting allows you to express feelings in a safe, tactile, and tangible way, giving them a form that can be seen, touched, and explored.

🧵 It Creates a Record of Your Inner World

Every creative project you make is a reflection of who you were in that moment—what you felt, what you needed, what you were working through.

✔ Studies on creative journaling and expressive arts suggest that looking back on past creations can offer insight into personal growth and emotional patterns.
✔ Whether you realize it or not, your work tells your story.

How to Use Crafting as a Tool for Self-Expression

If you want to connect more deeply with your creativity and use it as a way to explore your inner world, here are a few ways to start:

1. Choose Colors Based on Emotion

Instead of picking colors based on aesthetics, try choosing them based on how you feel—or how you want to feel.

🧶 Feeling calm? Try soft blues and greens.
🧵 Feeling bold? Go for bright reds and oranges.
🪡 Need comfort? Choose warm neutrals, soft pastels, or familiar textures.

Let the colors guide your creative process, and see what emotions come up as you work.

📌 Try This: Pick a color based on how you feel right now and start a small project with it. No rules—just see where it takes you.

2. Stitch Your Story—One Thread at a Time

Your craft can be a visual or tactile journal, a record of where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced.

✔ Try making a piece that represents a specific memory or emotion.
✔ Use symbols or patterns that feel meaningful to you.
✔ Create a project over time, adding to it whenever you need to process something.

📌 Try This: Make a “life stitches” piece—one row or one small section per day, reflecting how you felt that day.

3. Let Go of Perfection—Make Just for Yourself

When we create for an audience, we censor ourselves. But true self-expression happens when we make without worrying about how it looks to others.

✔ Work on a project that’s just for you—no one else needs to see it.
✔ Experiment with new materials, techniques, or styles without worrying about “getting it right.”
✔ Remind yourself that the act of creating is the expression itself—the outcome is secondary.

📌 Try This: Make something you never intend to show anyone—something raw, messy, experimental, or deeply personal.

4. Craft a Self-Portrait—Without Words or Images

We often think of self-portraits as drawings or paintings, but you can create a self-portrait in fiber arts, too.

✔ Choose fabrics, textures, or stitches that feel like “you.”
✔ Create something that represents your personality, emotions, or personal history.
✔ Don’t overthink it—let yourself play and explore what emerges.

📌 Try This: Make a “self-expression swatch”—a small patch of fabric, embroidery, or fiber that feels like a representation of yourself.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If this idea of craft as self-expression resonates with you, Craft to Heal was designed for you.

In our March 18th workshop, we’ll explore:

🧵 How to use fiber arts to tell your story and process emotions
🪡 Exercises that help connect your creativity to your inner world
🧶 Ways to let go of self-judgment and make from a place of truth and authenticity

If you’re ready to explore creativity as a way to express and understand yourself, I’d love to have you join us.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Your Creativity Tells Your Story

You don’t have to be a writer or an artist to have a story to tell.

Your stitches, your fabric choices, your color selections, your process—they all say something. Your craft is your voice.

So create boldly.
Make intuitively.
Trust that what you’re making—no matter how imperfect, no matter how unfinished—carries meaning.

Because every stitch, every piece of fabric, every creative act is part of your story.

And it deserves to be told.

February 24, 2025
The Connection Between Creativity and Mindfulness: How Crafting Helps You Stay Present

I’ve never been great at traditional meditation. Sitting in silence, trying to quiet my thoughts—it always felt like I was doing it wrong. My mind would wander, my body would fidget, and instead of feeling calm, I’d feel frustrated.

But then I realized something: I already had a mindfulness practice—I just didn’t call it that.

Every time I picked up my yarn, thread, or fabric and lost myself in the rhythm of making, I was meditating.

The repetition of stitches, the feel of the fiber in my hands, the steady focus on a pattern—this was my way of being present, of calming my mind, of grounding myself in the moment.

If you’ve ever struggled with mindfulness, or if you’ve ever wished for a way to feel more present without forcing stillness, crafting might be exactly what you need.

Let’s explore how fiber arts can be a powerful mindfulness practice, what the science says, and how to use creativity as a tool for calm, focus, and presence.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

The Science: Why Crafting is a Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness is simply the act of being fully present—bringing your attention to the here and now, without judgment.

Crafting naturally supports mindfulness because it:

🧠 Engages the Brain in a State of Flow

When we craft, we enter a flow state, a mental space where we’re completely absorbed in what we’re doing.

✔ Studies show that people in a flow state experience lower stress levels, greater emotional resilience, and improved focus.
✔ Creativity activates the same brain regions as meditation, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

🪡 Uses Repetitive Motion to Calm the Nervous System

The repetitive movements in knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other fiber arts activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body shift out of stress mode and into a relaxed state.

✔ Research shows that rhythmic, repetitive movements have a meditative effect, reducing symptoms of anxiety and even lowering heart rate.
✔ Many people report that knitting or stitching feels like a form of moving meditation, providing the same benefits as breathwork or guided relaxation.

🧵 Encourages Focus and Presence

One of the biggest challenges in mindfulness is keeping the mind from wandering—but crafting provides a natural focal point.

✔ Unlike passive activities (like scrolling on your phone), crafting requires active engagement, making it easier to stay present.
✔ The tactile experience of working with fiber helps ground the mind in physical sensation, pulling focus away from anxious or racing thoughts.

In short? Crafting is mindfulness in motion.

How to Use Crafting as a Mindfulness Practice

If you want to bring more presence and calm into your creative time, here are a few ways to turn crafting into a meditative practice.

1. Focus on One Sense at a Time

The easiest way to practice mindfulness while crafting is to bring attention to your senses.

✔ Touch: Notice the feel of the yarn or fabric in your hands. Is it soft, textured, cool, warm?
✔ Sight: Observe the colors, the patterns forming, the way the light hits your work.
✔ Sound: Listen to the soft clicks of knitting needles, the pull of thread, the quiet rhythm of your hands.
✔ Breath: Sync your breath with your stitching, allowing each inhale and exhale to flow naturally.

📌 Try This: Choose one sense to focus on for a few minutes as you craft. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the present moment through sensation.

2. Let Go of the Outcome—Focus on the Process

Mindfulness is about being in the moment, not rushing toward an end goal. If you tend to focus on finishing a project, try shifting your attention to simply experiencing the process.

✔ Work on a project without a deadline or purpose—just for the joy of making.
✔ If you catch yourself feeling impatient or frustrated, pause and take a deep breath before continuing.
✔ Remind yourself: “The act of creating is enough.”

📌 Try This: Dedicate one session to crafting without any expectations—no pattern, no pressure, just pure play.

3. Create a Mindful Crafting Ritual

Small rituals help signal to the brain that it’s time to slow down and be present.

✔ Light a candle or make a cup of tea before you begin.
✔ Take a few deep breaths before picking up your work.
✔ Set an intention, like “I am here in this moment” or “I am creating with ease and joy.”

📌 Try This: Before you start crafting, pause for just 30 seconds, take a deep breath, and notice how you feel.

4. Use Crafting as a Daily Mindfulness Break

Even just 5–10 minutes of crafting a day can help reset your nervous system and provide a moment of calm.

✔ If you feel overwhelmed, take a break to stitch, knit, or crochet for a few minutes.
✔ Use crafting as a transition between activities—a way to unwind after work or before bed.
✔ Carry a small portable project (like embroidery or a simple knitting square) for moments when you need a mental reset.

📌 Try This: Set a timer for 10 minutes and craft mindfully—no distractions, just you and your materials. See how you feel afterward.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you love the idea of using crafting as a mindfulness tool, Craft to Heal was designed for you.

In our March 18th workshop, we’ll explore:

🧵 The neuroscience behind crafting and mindfulness
🪡 Guided exercises to help you stay present while making
🧶 How to develop a mindful crafting routine that fits into your life

If you’ve ever wanted to make your creative time feel more intentional, restorative, and grounding, I’d love to have you join us.

🧵 Click here to learn more about Craft to Heal.

Crafting as Meditation

You don’t have to sit in silence to practice mindfulness.

You don’t have to clear your mind or force stillness.

You just have to pick up your materials, start stitching, and let yourself be fully in the moment.

Because mindfulness isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about being present in whatever you’re doing.

And if crafting is what brings you into the now, then your creativity is already your meditation.

So make. Stitch. Breathe. Be here. That’s all you need.

February 23, 2025
Making Time for Creativity: How to Prioritize Crafting in a Busy Life
For years, I told myself I didn’t have time to create.

I had responsibilities, deadlines, obligations. I convinced myself that crafting was a luxury—something I’d get to if I had extra time. But of course, that extra time never came.

And when I wasn’t making? I felt it. I felt disconnected from myself, restless, creatively stuck.

At some point, I realized that crafting wasn’t something I should squeeze in when I had time—it was something I needed to make time for, because it made me feel whole.

Now, I treat my creative time as a non-negotiable part of my life—as necessary as rest, food, or movement. And if you’ve ever felt like you don’t have time to make, I want you to know: it’s possible to shift this.

No matter how busy life gets, you can find time for creativity—because it’s not about having extra hours, it’s about reframing how we see our craft, and how we fit it into our lives.

Let’s explore why making time for creativity matters, what gets in the way, and how to reclaim your craft, even when life feels full.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

The Science: Why Prioritizing Creativity Is Essential, Not Optional

We often treat creativity like an afterthought—something fun but not necessary. But research shows that regular creative engagement has tangible benefits for mental and emotional well-being.

Here’s why making time for crafting matters:

🧠 Creativity Improves Brain Health

Engaging in creative activities strengthens neural pathways, improves cognitive flexibility, and even helps prevent cognitive decline as we age. Making time for creativity is quite literally an investment in brain health.

🧘‍♀️ Creative Time Lowers Stress & Prevents Burnout

When we prioritize creativity, we give our brains a break from overthinking, stress, and constant productivity demands.

✔ People who engage in hobbies regularly report lower levels of stress and higher emotional resilience.
✔ Even short bursts of creative time can significantly reduce anxiety and improve focus.
✔ Research suggests that creative expression can counteract the effects of chronic stress—meaning crafting is one of the simplest ways to care for your mental health.

⏳ Creativity Helps You Feel More Present

When you engage in creative work, you activate the same flow state as meditation—where time slows down and you become fully absorbed in the process.

✔ This level of focused, mindful engagement has been shown to improve emotional regulation, self-awareness, and overall life satisfaction.

What Gets in the Way of Making Time for Creativity?

If creativity feels like an afterthought in your life, it’s not because you don’t have time—it’s because something is blocking you from prioritizing it.

Here are a few common barriers:

🛑 The Productivity Trap – Feeling like making time for crafting is “wasting time” because it doesn’t produce income or external success.
🛑 Creative Guilt – Feeling selfish for spending time on something “just for you.”
🛑 Perfectionism – Avoiding creative time because you don’t feel inspired or “good enough” to create.
🛑 Overcommitment – Filling your schedule with so many obligations that personal creative time gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

The good news? These are all things you can shift. Let’s talk about how.

How to Make Time for Crafting—Even When Life Feels Full

If you want to prioritize creativity without adding more stress to your schedule, here are a few ways to start:

1. Rethink Creativity as Part of Your Well-Being

Crafting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a mental health tool, a stress reliever, a way to regulate emotions and feel more connected to yourself.

If you think of creativity as optional, you’ll always push it aside. But if you recognize that it’s part of how you care for yourself, it becomes easier to make space for it.

📌 Try This: Reframe your inner dialogue. Instead of saying, “I don’t have time for this,” say, “This is part of my well-being, just like rest, exercise, or nourishment.”

2. Start Small—Even 5 Minutes Counts

You don’t need hours of free time to craft. Even small moments of creativity can have a powerful impact.

✔ Knit or stitch one row while drinking your morning coffee.
✔ Take five minutes to add a few stitches or work on a small project.
✔ Keep a “portable” craft kit so you can make on the go—during breaks, waiting in the car, or before bed.

When you remove the pressure of long creative sessions, it becomes much easier to stay consistent.

📌 Try This: Commit to just 5–10 minutes a day of making. You might be surprised at how much creativity fits into small pockets of time.

3. Schedule Creative Time Like an Appointment

If you wait until you “feel like it” or “have extra time,” creativity will always take a back seat. Instead, put it on your calendar like any other commitment.

✔ Pick a time of day that naturally works for you—morning, evening, or weekends.
✔ Set a recurring reminder so it becomes part of your routine.
✔ Treat it with the same respect as any other obligation—because it is important.

📌 Try This: Choose one day this week to set aside 30 minutes for crafting. Put it on your schedule and treat it like a real commitment.

4. Pair Creativity with Something You Already Do

One of the easiest ways to build a habit? Attach it to something you already do daily.

✔ Listen to an audiobook or podcast while crafting.
✔ Pair crafting with your evening tea or coffee routine.
✔ Use creative time as a transition between work and relaxation.

By pairing creativity with an existing habit, you make it easier to stay consistent.

📌 Try This: Pick one habit you already have and add crafting to it—just 5–10 minutes at a time.

5. Give Yourself Permission to Make Without Purpose

So often, we avoid creativity because we think we need a reason to make—a project to finish, a gift to give, something “worthwhile” to create.

But crafting doesn’t have to be productive to be valuable.

✔ Let yourself make just for the joy of it—without pressure, without an end goal.
✔ Work on something purely for the experience—even if it’s imperfect, unfinished, or experimental.
✔ Remind yourself that creativity is worth your time, even if no one else sees the result.

📌 Try This: Start a “no-pressure” project—something small, simple, and for you, with no expectations.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you want to reclaim your creative time and explore ways to bring more intention into your crafting, Craft to Heal was designed for you.

In our March 18th workshop, we’ll explore:

🧵 Why creativity is a vital part of emotional well-being
🧶 How to create a sustainable, joyful creative habit
🪡 Exercises to fit crafting into your daily life—without guilt or stress

If you’ve ever struggled to make time for your art, this is your space to rediscover how to bring creativity back into your life.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Your Creativity Deserves Space

You are not “too busy” to create.

Your art, your making, your creativity—it matters. It’s not selfish. It’s not a waste of time. It’s part of how you take care of yourself.

So give yourself permission to create. Not because you have to, but because you deserve to.

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February 23, 2025
The Link Between Creativity and Self-Care: How Crafting Nourishes Your Mind and Body

There was a time when I thought of self-care as something I should do—taking long baths, doing yoga, writing in a gratitude journal. And while those things can be wonderful, they never felt quite right for me.

But crafting? That was something I could always return to.

It took me a long time to recognize that my creativity was my self-care—that sitting down with yarn, thread, or fabric wasn’t just about making something useful or beautiful, but about taking care of myself in a way that felt natural, intuitive, and deeply fulfilling.

The rhythm of stitching calmed my nervous system.
The colors and textures brought me comfort.
The process of making gave me a space where I could just be, without pressure or expectation.

If you’ve ever felt like traditional self-care routines don’t quite work for you, or if you’re looking for a way to make self-care feel more natural and accessible, this post is for you. Let’s explore why creativity is such a powerful form of self-care—and how to embrace crafting as a practice of restoration, balance, and nourishment.

🧶 Explore This More in the Craft to Heal Workshop

The Science: Why Creativity Is an Essential Form of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks—it’s about regulating the nervous system, reducing stress, and giving yourself space to recharge.

Crafting supports self-care in multiple ways:

🧠 Creativity Reduces Stress and Overwhelm

Studies show that engaging in a creative activity for just 45 minutes significantly lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). When we focus on making, our brain shifts away from stress mode and into a more relaxed, engaged state.

🖌 Crafting Increases Feel-Good Chemicals in the Brain

Ever notice how you feel a little lighter after spending time making something? That’s because:

✔ Creativity boosts dopamine production, which helps regulate mood and motivation.
✔ The satisfaction of completing a project activates the brain’s reward system, reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
✔ Engaging in creativity can lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing a natural mood lift.

🧵 Hands-On Making Helps Regulate the Nervous System

Many self-care practices focus on slowing down and reconnecting with the body—and crafting does exactly that.

✔ The repetitive motion of stitching, knitting, or crocheting has been shown to have a meditative effect, helping to reduce tension and anxiety.
✔ The tactile experience of working with fiber provides sensory grounding, which can be especially helpful for those dealing with stress or emotional overwhelm.
✔ The focused attention required for making helps bring the mind into the present, pulling us out of cycles of overthinking or worry.

Creativity is more than just a way to fill time—it’s a powerful way to care for yourself, mind and body.

How to Use Crafting as an Intentional Self-Care Practice

If you want to bring more intention into your creative time and use it as a true self-care practice, here are a few simple ways to start:

1. Make a “Self-Care Project” That’s Just for You

So often, we craft for a purpose—to gift something, to sell something, to complete a challenge. But what if you made something just because it nourished you?

🧶 Choose a project with no deadline, no pressure—just something you enjoy working on.
🧵 Pick colors, textures, and materials that feel comforting or joyful.
🪡 Let go of perfectionism—focus on how the process feels, rather than how the finished product looks.

The simple act of making something just for yourself is an act of care.

2. Pair Crafting with Other Restorative Habits

Crafting can be even more powerful when combined with other self-care practices. Try:

✔ Sipping a warm drink while you stitch—creating a sensory moment of comfort.
✔ Listening to calming music or an audiobook as you work—engaging both mind and body in relaxation.
✔ Using aromatherapy (like lavender or chamomile essential oils) while you craft to deepen the sense of ease.
✔ Crafting outside or near a window to connect with natural light and fresh air.

By layering small, nourishing habits together, you turn crafting into a complete self-care ritual.

3. Set Boundaries Around Your Creative Time

In a busy world, it’s easy to push aside creativity for more “productive” tasks. But when you treat crafting as a necessary part of your well-being, it becomes easier to prioritize.

✔ Schedule dedicated time for making, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes a day.
✔ Say no to distractions during creative time—turn off notifications, step away from obligations.
✔ Give yourself permission to craft for the sake of enjoyment, not productivity.

Crafting isn’t a luxury. It’s a way to recharge, restore, and reconnect with yourself.

4. Use Crafting as a Check-In With Yourself

Your creativity can also be a mirror for how you’re feeling.

Next time you sit down to craft, ask yourself:

🧶 What colors am I drawn to today?
🧵 Am I feeling energized and inspired, or do I need something simple and repetitive?
🪡 How does this process make me feel in my body—calm, focused, relaxed?

Noticing these small details helps you understand what you need in the moment and how creativity can support you through it.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you love the idea of using crafting as a self-care tool, Craft to Heal was designed for you.

In our March 18th workshop, we’ll explore:

🧶 How fiber arts can be used for emotional regulation and stress relief
🧵 Creative exercises for turning your craft into a mindfulness practice
🪡 How to build a self-care crafting ritual that works for you

This is just one part of the Craft to Heal journey, and if you’re ready to experience creativity as more than just a hobby, I’d love to have you join us.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Creativity as a Radical Act of Self-Care

We live in a world that tells us we should always be busy, always be productive, always be achieving something.

But crafting is a reminder that slowing down is valuable, that joy is important, that taking time for yourself is not selfish—it’s essential.

So the next time you pick up your project, remember:

💛 Your craft is a way to care for yourself.
💛 Your creativity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
💛 Making time for your art is making time for your well-being.

Let yourself create. Not because you have to, but because you deserve to.

February 22, 2025
The Healing Power of Creativity: Why Crafting Is More Than Just a Hobby

I didn’t always think of crafting as something that could heal. For a long time, I saw it the way a lot of people do—as a hobby, a way to pass time, something I enjoyed but didn’t think of as “important.”

But then, during some of the hardest moments of my life, I found myself turning to craft not just for fun, but for comfort, for stability, for something to hold onto when everything else felt uncertain.

Crafting gave me a sense of control when I felt powerless.
It gave me a quiet, repetitive rhythm when my thoughts were too loud.
It gave me a way to express emotions I couldn’t always put into words.

And once I started paying attention, I realized I wasn’t alone in this. So many people have found healing through fiber arts—through stitching, knitting, quilting, embroidery.

That’s why Craft to Heal exists—because crafting is more than a pastime. It’s a tool for well-being, a practice for mindfulness, and a pathway to self-discovery.

If you’ve ever felt the calm that comes from sinking into a creative rhythm, or if you’ve ever wondered why crafting feels so restorative, keep reading. Let’s dive into the science behind why creativity is healing, and how you can use it intentionally as a tool for emotional well-being.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

The Science: How Creativity Supports Emotional & Mental Health

Crafting isn’t just something we do with our hands—it’s deeply connected to the way our brain processes emotions, stress, and healing.

Here’s why:

🧠 Creativity Engages the Brain in a Unique Way

When you engage in a creative task like knitting, sewing, or embroidery, you activate multiple parts of the brain at once:

✔ The prefrontal cortex (which controls focus and problem-solving)
✔ The limbic system (which processes emotions)
✔ The motor cortex (which controls movement and touch)

This full-brain activation creates a state of flow, where you feel absorbed in the process, fully present, and less caught up in worry or overthinking.

🧘‍♀️ Crafting Lowers Stress & Promotes Relaxation

Ever notice how crafting makes time slow down? That’s because it helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and reducing stress.

✔ Repetitive motions (like stitching, weaving, or knitting) lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
✔ Engaging in a hands-on activity shifts the brain away from anxious or racing thoughts.
✔ The act of making something with your hands provides a sense of stability and control.

In short? Crafting naturally soothes the nervous system, making it one of the easiest ways to bring more calm into your daily life.

🎨 Creativity Gives an Outlet for Processing Emotions

Sometimes, emotions feel too big for words—but creativity gives them a place to go.

🧵 The colors you choose, the stitches you make, the textures you work with—all of these can reflect your emotions, even when you’re not consciously aware of it.

For many people, crafting becomes a way to process grief, stress, or transition without needing to put those feelings into language. The act of making can be deeply therapeutic—whether you’re aware of it in the moment or not.

How to Use Crafting as a Healing Tool

If you want to experience crafting as more than just a hobby, here are a few ways to bring more healing and intentioninto your creative practice.

1. Try Emotion-Based Crafting

Instead of picking a project based on practicality, try choosing something based on how you feel:

🧵 Feeling overwhelmed? Work with soft, soothing textures like cotton or wool.
🧶 Feeling restless? Choose a project with repetitive motion, like a simple knitting or crochet pattern.
🪡 Feeling emotionally stuck? Try freehand embroidery or quilting with no pattern—just let yourself stitch whatever comes to mind.

There’s no “right” way to do this—the key is to let your craft reflect your emotions, rather than forcing yourself to follow a rigid plan.

2. Create a “Comfort Project” for Tough Days

Sometimes, when stress or anxiety hits, it’s hard to start something new. That’s why I love having a dedicated comfort project—something simple, familiar, and calming.

✔ A basic scarf or blanket you can knit or crochet without thinking.
✔ A piece of embroidery you add to over time, without worrying about the design.
✔ A quilt made of scrap fabrics, stitched together in a way that feels intuitive and easy.

When creativity feels too hard, having a low-pressure, familiar project ready to go makes it easier to still engage in making—even on difficult days.

3. Use Crafting as a Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness isn’t just about meditation—it’s about bringing awareness to the present moment. Crafting is a perfect way to practice this.

Next time you create, try this:

🧶 Pay attention to the feel of the materials in your hands.
🧵 Notice the rhythm of your movements—each stitch, each pull, each loop.
🪡 Breathe deeply and allow yourself to focus fully on the process.

The more you engage consciously in your craft, the more it becomes a tool for calm, presence, and healing.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

This idea—that crafting is more than a hobby, that it’s a tool for well-being and emotional healing—is the foundation of Craft to Heal.

In our March 18th session, we’ll be diving deep into:

🧵 The neuroscience behind creativity and mental health
🪡 How to use fiber arts as a mindfulness & self-care tool
🧶 Exercises for bringing more emotional awareness into your craft

If this resonates with you, I’d love to have you join us.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Your Creativity Is Medicine

Crafting is not a waste of time. It’s not unimportant. It’s not just a pastime.

It’s a practice. A ritual. A way of returning to yourself.

So the next time you pick up your thread, your yarn, your fabric—remember that this is more than just making. It’s healing. It’s self-care. It’s an act of love, for yourself and the world around you.

Keep creating. Keep healing. Keep trusting that your craft is worth your time—because you are worth your time.

February 22, 2025
Grounding Through Craft: How Creativity Brings You Back to the Present

Some days, I feel like my mind is everywhere except where I actually am. My thoughts race ahead, my body moves through tasks without really experiencing them, and I catch myself feeling completely disconnected—from my surroundings, from my emotions, even from myself.

And then, I pick up my craft.

The moment I start stitching, crocheting, or weaving my hands through fiber, something shifts. My breath slows. My thoughts settle. The world shrinks down to the sensation of yarn between my fingers, the quiet rhythm of my hands moving. Suddenly, I’m here again.

Grounding is the practice of bringing yourself back to the present moment, back to your body, back to a sense of stability and awareness. And crafting? It’s one of the most effective, accessible ways to do that.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, scattered, or untethered, keep reading. Let’s explore the science behind grounding through craft, plus simple ways to use fiber arts to bring yourself back to center.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

The Science: Why Crafting Helps You Feel More Present

Grounding techniques are often used to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and help regulate emotions. Crafting works as a grounding tool because it engages multiple senses at once, shifting your focus away from overwhelming thoughts and back to tangible, physical sensations.

🧶 The Power of Repetitive Motion – Studies show that rhythmic, repetitive actions (like knitting, crocheting, or stitching) activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps bring the body out of stress mode and into a state of calm.

🧵 Tactile Stimulation & Sensory Focus – When you focus on the texture of yarn, the weight of fabric, or the movement of your hands, you engage your somatic (body-based) awareness, which helps break cycles of anxious thinking.

🪡 The Mind-Hand Connection – Using your hands for detailed work has been linked to increased activity in brain areas associated with focus and emotional regulation, making crafting a powerful tool for both mindfulness and mental clarity.

In short? When you craft, you give your mind an anchor. Instead of getting lost in anxious thoughts or feeling disconnected, you have a physical, repetitive, sensory-rich activity to bring you back to the moment.

How to Use Craft as a Grounding Practice

If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or untethered, here are a few ways to use fiber arts as a grounding tool:

1. The “Five Senses” Stitching Exercise

Before you start your craft, take a moment to engage each of your senses:

✔ Touch: Run your fingers over your yarn, thread, or fabric. Feel its texture, its warmth, its weight.
✔ Sight: Look closely at the fibers—notice the color variations, the patterns, the way the stitches form.
✔ Sound: Pay attention to the quiet sounds—knitting needles clicking, thread pulling through fabric, the soft movement of fiber.
✔ Smell: If you’re using wool, cotton, or natural fibers, take in the subtle scent. Even the faint smell of your materials can be grounding.
✔ Taste: Okay, maybe don’t taste your yarn! But sip a warm drink while crafting—tea, coffee, or even just water—to bring in another sensory element.

By consciously noticing each of these sensations, you bring yourself fully into the present moment before you even begin your project.

2. Match Your Breath to Your Stitches

Try breathing in rhythm with your craft:

🧘‍♀️ Inhale as you insert your needle or hook.
🧘‍♀️ Exhale as you pull the yarn through or complete the stitch.

This small shift turns crafting into a moving meditation, helping to regulate breathing and calm the nervous system.

3. Create a “Grounding Kit” for Crafting

If you frequently feel scattered or stressed, consider making a grounding craft kit—a small bag with materials specifically chosen for their calming effect.

🧵 Choose a project that’s repetitive & soothing (like simple embroidery stitches, garter stitch knitting, or a small crochet square).
🕯 Add a sensory element (like a candle or essential oil to smell while you work).
☕ Include a grounding object (like a stone, soft piece of fabric, or smooth wooden tool to hold when needed).

Whenever you need to reconnect with the present moment, you’ll have a dedicated space and practice to turn to.

Explore Grounding & More in Craft to Heal

If this resonates with you—if you want to explore how crafting can be a tool for calm, mindfulness, and emotional well-being—you’ll love the Craft to Heal workshop series.

In our March 18th session, we’ll be diving deep into:

🧶 How fiber arts help regulate emotions & reduce stress
🧵 Mindful crafting techniques to bring more presence into your creative practice
🪡 Exercises for using craft as a grounding and healing tool

This is just one piece of the Craft to Heal journey—if you’re ready to explore creativity as a form of self-care, I’d love to have you join us.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Your Craft Can Be Your Anchor

No matter what’s happening in the world, no matter how overwhelmed you feel—your craft is always there for you.

So the next time you feel untethered, reach for your yarn, your thread, your fabric. Let the rhythm of your hands bring you back. Let the texture, the movement, the simple act of making remind you that you are here.

Grounded. Present. Creating your way back to yourself.

February 21, 2025
Why Perfectionism Kills Creativity – and How to Let It Go In Your Craft Practice
I’ve unraveled stitches more times than I can count. I’ve abandoned projects because they weren’t turning out “right.” I’m not a perfectionist and I care more about process than product but still sometimes that perfectionist bug bites me.

I know many people who have say there, staring at materials, unable to start because they wanted whatever they made to be perfect.

Sound familiar?

Perfectionism sneaks into creativity so easily that we don’t even recognize it at first. It disguises itself as “high standards” or “wanting to do our best.” But in reality, it often holds us back—from experimenting, from finishing, from even starting.

And worst of all? It sucks the joy out of making.

That’s why, in Craft to Heal, we work on overcoming creative fear and embracing imperfection in art—because creativity thrives in freedom, not in rigid expectations. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism in your craft, keep reading. Let’s talk about why it happens, how it blocks creativity, and what we can do to finally let it go.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

How Perfectionism Blocks Creativity

Perfectionism doesn’t make us better artists, crafters, or creators. It does the opposite—it keeps us stuck. Here’s how:

🧶 It Keeps You from Starting

You tell yourself, “I’ll start when I have the perfect idea.” Or “I need to learn more first.” But what happens? You never start. The fear of doing something “wrong” stops you before you even begin.

🧵 It Makes You Afraid to Try New Things

Ever avoided a new technique because you didn’t think you’d be good at it? Perfectionism makes creativity feel like a test you have to pass, rather than an experiment you get to enjoy.

🪡 It Turns Creativity Into Stress Instead of Joy

When you’re focused on getting everything “just right”, crafting stops being fun. Every mistake feels like failure. Every misstep feels like proof that you’re not “good enough.”

🧷 It Stops You from Finishing Projects

How many times have you given up on something because it wasn’t looking how you imagined? Perfectionism makes us quit rather than embrace the imperfections that make handmade work special.

🖌 It Keeps You Comparing Instead of Creating

Scrolling through Instagram, seeing flawless stitches and perfect quilts, it’s easy to think, “Mine will never look that good.” But what you don’t see are the mistakes, the re-dos, the learning curves behind every finished piece.

Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to shift the way you approach creativity. Because perfectionism isn’t protecting your creativity—it’s blocking it.

How to Let Go of Perfectionism and Reclaim Creative Joy

The good news? You don’t have to be trapped by perfectionism forever. Here are a few ways to loosen its grip and start enjoying your craft again.

1. Start a Project Where Mistakes Are the Goal

Instead of avoiding mistakes, make them on purpose.

🧶 If you crochet or knit, make a “mistake swatch” where you intentionally add random stitches or uneven tension.
🧵 If you quilt or sew, create a project with mismatched scraps, no measuring, just instinct.
🖌 If you embroider, stitch freely without a pattern—let your needle wander.

The goal is to see mistakes not as failures, but as creative marks that make your work unique.

📌 In Craft to Heal, we do an entire session on releasing perfectionism through playful, no-pressure creative exercises.

2. Focus on the Process, Not the End Product

What if you crafted only for the experience of making? No expectations, no pressure to “finish,” just enjoying the movement, the rhythm, the textures?

Try this:

✔ Set a timer for 10 minutes. Craft without thinking about the outcome.
✔ Notice the feel of the materials in your hands.
✔ Pay attention to the repetitive motions, the sound of the needle, the pull of the thread.

The moment you focus on experiencing creativity instead of producing something perfect, the process becomes meditative, enjoyable—exactly what craft is meant to be.

📌 In our first Craft to Heal workshop, we’ll do a 60-second observation exercise to bring more mindfulness into our making.

3. Change How You Talk to Yourself About Mistakes

What do you say to yourself when you mess up?

🛑 “I always ruin things.”
🛑 “This looks awful.”
🛑 “I should just start over.”

Now, reframe those thoughts:

✅ “This is part of the process.”
✅ “Handmade means imperfect. That’s what makes it special.”
✅ “I am learning and growing with every stitch.”

If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Your craft deserves kindness.

📌 One of the themes in Craft to Heal is learning to approach creativity with self-compassion rather than self-criticism.

4. Finish Something—Even If It’s Not Perfect

One of the best ways to break free from perfectionism? Let something be “good enough” and call it done.
- If you tend to abandon projects when they don’t turn out perfectly, challenge yourself to finish one anyway.
- Instead of trying to fix every mistake, leave one in as a reminder that imperfection is part of art.
- Keep a piece that feels unfinished, messy, or imperfect—display it proudly as proof that done is better than perfect.
📌 In Craft to Heal, we’ll talk about how to build creative confidence by finishing what we start, no matter how imperfect it is.

5. Surround Yourself with Creative Encouragement

Creativity is easier when you’re surrounded by people who remind you:

🧶 Your work is valuable, even if it’s not perfect.
🧵 Mistakes are part of the process.
🪡 Creativity is about exploration, not perfection.

That’s exactly why I created Craft to Heal—because it’s easier to embrace imperfection when you have a supportive creative community.

If you want to explore:

✔ How to let go of perfectionism and craft with more ease
✔ Mindfulness practices to bring more joy into your making
✔ Creative exercises that help release fear and self-doubt
✔ A community of makers who get it

You’re in the right place.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Imperfect Is Beautiful

If you’re waiting until you feel “good enough” to create freely, let this be your sign:

💛 You are already good enough.
💛 Your work is already worthy.
💛 Your creativity is already valuable—because it comes from you.

So go make something messy. Something imperfect. Something that brings you joy.

And if you need support along the way, Craft to Heal is here for you.

Because creativity isn’t about making things perfect. It’s about making things, period.

You Might Also Like to Read:
February 21, 2025
How to Overcome Creative Blocks and Rediscover Joy in Your Craft
I know what it’s like to stare at a half-finished project, feeling completely uninspired. To sit down with yarn or fabric or thread and feel… nothing. To want so badly to create but feel stuck—paralyzed by perfectionism, drained by exhaustion, disconnected from the spark that used to come so easily.

Creative blocks are real, and they are frustrating. I’ve been through them more times than I can count. But I’ve also learned something important: creativity isn’t gone forever—it’s just waiting for the right invitation to return.

That’s why I created Craft to Heal. Because creativity and healing are deeply connected, and when we explore our creative blocks with curiosity rather than judgment, we can find our way back—not just to making, but to joy in the process again.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your craft, I want you to know: there’s a way through this. And it starts with shifting how we approach creativity in the first place.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

Why Creativity Feels Hard Sometimes

We often think of creativity as something that should come naturally—but the truth is, it’s a relationship. Like any relationship, there are ebbs and flows. Some days it feels effortless. Other days, it feels distant, challenging, or even impossible.

Here’s why creative blocks happen:

✔ Perfectionism sneaks in. The voice that says, “It has to be perfect, or it’s not worth doing.” So we don’t even start.
✔ Burnout drains us. We’ve been creating on autopilot, rushing through projects, or pushing ourselves too hard.
✔ Comparison steals our joy. Social media makes it too easy to look at someone else’s work and feel like we’ll never measure up.
✔ Life gets overwhelming. Stress, grief, transitions—they take up mental space, leaving little room for creative energy.
✔ Fear of failure keeps us stuck. The project feels too big, too uncertain, too much. So we freeze.

The good news? None of this means you’re not creative anymore. It just means your creativity needs a different kind of care.

That’s what we focus on in Craft to Heal—learning how to nurture creativity so that it doesn’t just return, but feels joyful again.

How to Overcome Creative Blocks: What’s Worked for Me

I’ve tried a lot of things to move through creative blocks. Some helped, some didn’t, but through it all, I’ve learned that getting unstuck isn’t about forcing creativity—it’s about gently inviting it back.

Here are some of the most effective ways I’ve found to rekindle creativity and rediscover the joy of making.

1. Make Something Imperfect on Purpose

Perfectionism kills creativity. One of the best ways to break through it? Intentionally make something messy, flawed, or ridiculous.

🖌 If you quilt, stitch random scraps together without a pattern.
🧶 If you crochet, make the ugliest granny square you can.
🖼 If you embroider, freehand stitch without thinking.

The goal isn’t to create something beautiful—it’s to remind yourself that making is allowed to be playful and imperfect.

👉 Craft to Heal has entire exercises dedicated to *breaking free from perfectionism and learning to embrace process over outcome.

2. Change Your Medium (Or Your Rules)

Sometimes, we get so caught up in how we usually create that we forget we can break our own rules. If you’re stuck, try shifting how you engage with your craft:

✔ Use a different material. If you always knit with wool, try cotton. If you always quilt with bright colors, try neutrals.
✔ Switch scales. Work smaller than usual—just a single square, a single row, a single stitch. Or go bigger—an oversized, loose, experimental piece.
✔ Limit your choices. Give yourself a creative constraint, like using only scraps or working within a time limit.
✔ Try a totally new craft. Sometimes, stepping into a different creative form resets the brain and allows ideas to flow again.

Inside Craft to Heal, we explore creative prompts and exercises designed to help you break out of routine and find fresh inspiration in your practice.

3. Engage in Micro-Creativity

When creativity feels overwhelming, shrink it down. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to dive into a big project, try micro-moments of making.

⏳ Set a timer for five minutes. Stitch one line. Crochet one row. Just start.
📷 Take a themed photo walk. Snap pictures of textures, colors, or patterns that inspire you.
📒 Make a “creativity scrapbook.” Collect scraps of yarn, sketches, fabric swatches—anything that sparks ideas.

The goal? Rebuild creative momentum by engaging in tiny, pressure-free acts of making.

Craft to Heal includes exercises in micro-creativity and mindfulness, showing you how to bring creative energy back in small, nourishing ways.

4. Create Without an End Goal

So much of the pressure we put on creativity comes from the need for an end product. What if, just for a while, you made something without a plan?
- Sew random stitches onto fabric with no final design in mind.
- Knit swatches in different stitches, just to see how they feel.
- Weave scraps together into something unfinished and abstract.
Removing the expectation of a polished final piece frees up creative energy and allows you to simply be present with the act of making.

👉 Craft to Heal focuses on this kind of process-based creativity, helping you let go of expectations and rediscover the joy in simply creating for the sake of creating.

5. Connect With Other Creatives

Sometimes, the best way to reignite creative energy is to step outside of your own head and engage with others who understand.

✔ Join a community where people share their creative struggles. (Craft to Heal is built for exactly this—space to talk about creativity in a way that’s honest, encouraging, and supportive.)
✔ Talk to another maker. Ask them what they’re working on, what’s inspiring them, how they push through blocks.
✔ Take a class, even if it’s outside your usual craft. Learning something new can often refresh your approach to your own creativity.

Creativity isn’t just something we do alone—it thrives in community.

That’s why Craft to Heal isn’t just about crafting. It’s about connection, inspiration, and learning how to support your creativity in a way that feels expansive and joyful.

Want to Explore This Deeper? Join Craft to Heal

Creative blocks don’t mean you’re not creative anymore. They just mean you need a new approach, a fresh perspective, a little bit of encouragement.

That’s exactly what Craft to Heal is about.

This year-long workshop series is designed to help you:

✔ Reconnect with your creativity in a way that feels joyful and nourishing.
✔ Move past perfectionism, fear, and creative stagnation.
✔ Develop mindful making practices that bring ease and inspiration.
✔ Find community with others who value creativity as a form of healing.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Creativity Always Comes Back

If you’re in a creative rut right now, I want you to remember this: Creativity isn’t gone—it’s just waiting for you to meet it in a new way.

Try something small. Break your own rules. Make something imperfect on purpose.

And most importantly—keep going.

Because joy in creativity isn’t lost. It’s still there, waiting for you to find your way back to it.

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February 20, 2025
5 Simple Ways to Make Your Crafting Practice More Intentional
Craft with Purpose, Presence, and Meaning

Crafting can be many things—a hobby, a form of relaxation, a way to create something useful or beautiful. But when we bring intention to our practice, it transforms into something deeper: a mindful ritual, a form of self-care, a tool for self-discovery.

In Craft to Heal, we explore the idea that creativity isn’t just about the end product—it’s about how the process itself can shape our well-being. By making small shifts in the way we approach our craft, we can turn it into a meaningful, restorative, and deeply personal practice.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your creativity, stuck in autopilot mode, or rushing through projects just to get them done, these five simple shifts can help you reclaim crafting as a practice of intention, presence, and care.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

1. Start with an Intention: Ask Yourself “Why?”

Instead of jumping into a project out of habit, take a moment to pause and reflect before you begin. Ask yourself:
- Why am I crafting today?
- What do I want to get out of this session—relaxation, focus, expression?
- How do I want to feel when I’m done?
Setting an intention—even something as simple as “I want to slow down and enjoy this”—can shift your entire experience. It moves crafting from something automatic to something deeply personal and meaningful.

👉 Try This: Before starting your next project, take one deep breath, set a simple intention, and notice how that small act changes your experience.

2. Create a Ritual Around Your Crafting Time

We often rush into creative time without much thought—grabbing supplies, sitting down wherever we can, picking up where we left off. But creating a ritual around your practice helps signal to your brain that this is a moment of care, creativity, and presence.

Simple rituals could include:

✔ Making a cup of tea before you begin.
✔ Playing soft music or lighting a candle.
✔ Keeping a dedicated crafting space, even if it’s just a small corner.
✔ Taking a few deep breaths before picking up your materials.

Rituals help us transition into a more focused, mindful state, making crafting feel less like a task and more like a sacred pause in the day.

👉 Try This: Add one small ritual to your crafting routine—something that makes it feel intentional and inviting.

3. Slow Down & Savor the Process

In a world that constantly pushes us to be productive, it’s easy to treat crafting like another thing to check off the list. But creativity isn’t about speed—it’s about presence.

Give yourself permission to:

✔ Work on a project slowly, without worrying about when it will be finished.
✔ Focus on the feeling of the materials in your hands.
✔ Notice the rhythm of each stitch, each brushstroke, each cut of fabric.
✔ Let go of perfection—allow your craft to be an experience, not just a result.

When we slow down and engage with our work fully, we get more than just a finished object—we get a moment of calm, creativity, and connection with ourselves.

👉 Try This: For one crafting session, let go of the goal of finishing and simply focus on enjoying each moment of making.

4. Reflect on Your Creative Journey

Crafting isn’t just about the moment of making—it’s about the bigger picture of how creativity fits into your life. Taking time to reflect on your creative practice can make it even more meaningful.

Ways to reflect include:

✔ Keeping a craft journal—write a few sentences about what you made and how you felt.
✔ Taking progress photos of your work over time to see how your skills and creativity evolve.
✔ Noticing patterns—what types of projects are you drawn to, and what do they say about you?
✔ Asking yourself, What has my craft taught me about patience, resilience, or self-expression?

Reflection deepens your relationship with your creativity, helping you see it as more than just a pastime—it becomes a mirror for growth, self-discovery, and personal expression.

👉 Try This: After a crafting session, write down one sentence about what the experience felt like.

5. Connect with Others & Share Your Work

Crafting doesn’t have to be a solitary act. Sharing your work—whether through a crafting community, an online space, or with a close friend—can make the experience even more rewarding.

Ways to connect include:
✔ Joining a creative community like Craft to Heal, where we explore mindful making together.
✔ Sharing your work on social media (without worrying about perfection—just for the joy of it!).
✔ Giving handmade gifts as a way of strengthening relationships through creativity.
✔ Teaching someone else a craft you love—passing on skills and stories is a beautiful way to connect.

Creativity thrives when it’s shared. And when we make crafting part of our relationships—whether in-person or virtually—we remind ourselves that art, making, and self-expression are meant to be celebrated together.

👉 Try This: Share one thing you’ve made with a friend, an online community, or through Craft to Heal—just for the sake of connection.

Craft to Heal: A Community for Intentional Creativity

If you’re looking to bring more intention, mindfulness, and connection into your creative practice, Craft to Heal is the perfect space for you.

This year-long workshop series explores:

✔ How to craft with awareness, meaning, and purpose.
✔ Creative rituals and practices that support self-care and mindfulness.
✔ Ways to use fiber arts for stress relief, self-discovery, and emotional well-being.
✔ A community of like-minded makers who value creativity as a form of healing.

🧵 Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Creativity as a Gift to Yourself

Intentional crafting isn’t about making more—it’s about making with more presence, more awareness, and more meaning.

Each stitch, each brushstroke, each moment spent in creative focus is a gift to yourself—a way to slow down, reconnect, and create something that isn’t just beautiful, but deeply personal and nourishing.

So the next time you sit down to create, ask yourself:

✔ How can I make this experience more meaningful?
✔ What small shift can I make to bring more presence into my crafting?
✔ How can I treat this as not just making, but a mindful act of self-care?

Because creativity isn’t just about what you produce—it’s about how it makes you feel while you’re making it.

You Might Also Like to Read:
February 19, 2025
The Healing Power of Community Crafting: Why Creating Together Matters
Craft to Heal Is About More Than Just Crafting—It’s About Connection

Crafting is often seen as a solitary activity—something you do quietly at home, curled up with your yarn or fabric, lost in the rhythm of your stitches. And while solo crafting has its own deep, meditative benefits, there’s something uniquely powerful about creating in community.

That’s why Craft to Heal isn’t just about the personal healing that comes from making—it’s also about the way craft connects us to each other. Whether in-person or online, crafting together fosters friendship, support, and a shared creative energy that makes the experience even richer.

If you’ve ever been part of a craft circle, sewing group, or online maker space, you know what I mean. There’s something special about the way conversation flows while hands are busy, how creativity seems to expand when shared, how the simple act of making together strengthens relationships.

We were never meant to create in isolation.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

A Story in Stitches: Craft as Community Through History

For centuries, people have come together to create. Fiber arts have never existed in isolation—they have always been woven into the fabric of community. The act of making has been deeply connected to social bonding, storytelling, and tradition. Across cultures and generations, craft has provided a space for connection, collaboration, and the passing down of knowledge.

Today, the rise of virtual maker spaces like Craft to Heal continues this tradition in a new way, allowing us to find creative community no matter where we are. But before we look at modern craft communities, let’s take a moment to honor the long history of making together.

Quilting Bees: More Than Just Blankets

In the 19th century, quilting bees were a staple of rural communities, bringing women together to create beautiful, functional pieces of art. But these gatherings were never just about the quilts.

Quilting bees were a social lifeline, offering women a chance to talk openly about their lives, share wisdom, and support one another. In a time when women’s voices weren’t always valued in public spaces, these gatherings provided a place where they could speak freely, build friendships, and strengthen community ties.

Beyond the social benefits, quilting bees also played a practical role—many of the quilts made during these events were essential household items, used to keep families warm during harsh winters. Others were gifted for special occasions like weddings or births, carrying personal history in every stitch.

Even today, modern quilting groups and guilds maintain this sense of shared purpose and tradition, proving that the communal aspect of fiber arts is just as important as the finished product.

Sewing Circles & Stitching Guilds: Shared Rituals Across Cultures

Across different cultures, sewing groups and stitching guilds have long been a way for makers to gather, learn, and share their craft. Whether in small villages or bustling cities, these groups provided a structured yet intimate environment for people to come together and create.

In some cultures, embroidery guilds were a way for artisans to develop and refine their skills while contributing to the greater economy. In others, informal sewing circles allowed women to share knowledge, exchange fabric scraps, and work together on projects for the home, community, or charity.

These gatherings weren’t just about practicality—they were also about storytelling and identity. Many cultures have used embroidery and hand-stitching to pass down folklore, spiritual beliefs, and family traditions. The designs and patterns stitched into fabric became symbols of heritage, resilience, and creativity.

Modern sewing groups continue this legacy, bringing together people who love the slowness, the detail, and the ritual of hand stitching. Whether it’s a formal guild or a casual weekly meetup, the core experience remains the same: crafting together deepens relationships and strengthens creative bonds.

Knitting for War Efforts: Crafting as an Act of Care and Solidarity

During both World War I and World War II, knitting became more than just a domestic task—it became an act of service, a patriotic duty, and a collective expression of care.

Communities across the world came together to knit socks, scarves, and blankets for soldiers, helping to provide warmth and comfort in harsh conditions. In many places, even schoolchildren were taught to knit so they could contribute to the war effort. The act of making something with love and intention—knowing it would be used by someone in need—transformed knitting into something deeply meaningful.

This kind of service-based crafting continues today, with countless organizations dedicated to making handmade items for hospitals, shelters, and people in crisis. Whether through charity knitting groups, quilting for refugees, or crafting for community support, fiber arts remain a powerful way to give back and strengthen social ties.

The Rise of Online Craft Communities: A New Way to Connect

While traditional quilting bees and sewing circles still exist, the way we find and engage in creative community has evolved. Today, the internet has made it easier than ever for makers to connect, share, and learn from one another—no matter where they live.

From social media groups to virtual workshops, the online craft world is thriving.

✔ Online Craft Forums & Facebook Groups – Spaces where fiber artists share their work, ask for advice, and celebrate their creativity with others who understand the craft.

✔ Instagram & TikTok Craft Communities – Platforms where makers showcase their projects, inspire each other, and participate in creative challenges.

✔ Virtual Workshops & Online Courses (Like Craft to Heal) – Interactive spaces that bring together like-minded makers for structured learning and deeper exploration of the emotional and meditative benefits of crafting.

These online spaces allow people to find their creative tribe, no matter where they live. They provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Crafting in Community Is About More Than the Final Product

Throughout history, crafting together has been about more than just making something beautiful or useful. It has been a way to:

✔ Pass down knowledge from one generation to the next.
✔ Strengthen relationships and create meaningful connections.
✔ Support each other in times of joy, transition, or hardship.
✔ Turn creativity into a shared experience, rather than something solitary.

And today, whether in local craft circles or virtual maker spaces like Craft to Heal, the heart of community crafting remains the same:

It’s about creating with intention, connecting with others, and celebrating the healing power of shared creativity.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Why Crafting Together Feels Different (And Better!)

Creating alone is wonderful—but creating with others? That’s something else entirely. Here’s why:

✔ The Energy Is Different – Ever notice how ideas flow more freely when you’re around other creative people? Being in a craft group fuels inspiration in a way that solo crafting sometimes can’t.

✔ It’s Easier to Stay Motivated – Whether it’s a weekly knitting circle, a quilting group, or Craft to Heal’s online workshops, showing up with others makes it easier to keep going, finish projects, and stay creatively engaged.

✔ You Learn & Grow Faster – Watching someone else’s process, getting feedback, sharing tips—it all leads to faster skill-building and new ways of looking at your craft.

✔ The Conversations Are Different – There’s a unique kind of openness that happens when people are making with their hands. Conversations in craft groups often go deep—about life, creativity, challenges, and personal growth.

✔ It Combats Loneliness – Studies show that loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking—but creative communities help us feel connected, valued, and seen.

✔ Crafting Together Strengthens Bonds – Whether it’s with friends, family, or a new creative group, making something side by side deepens relationships in a way that words alone often can’t.

Where to Find (or Create!) a Craft Community

If you’re craving the connection of crafting together, here are some ways to find your people:

🎨 Join an Online Crafting Space – Virtual workshops like Craft to Heal create an accessible space where fiber artists, makers, and creatives can connect, share, and learn together from anywhere.

🧶 Visit a Local Yarn or Fabric Shop – Many shops host knit nights, stitch groups, or community crafting events—a great way to meet like-minded makers.

📍 Check Out Local Meetups – Search for craft meetups, sewing circles, or quilting guilds in your area—many libraries, cafes, and community centers host regular gatherings.

💻 Engage in Social Media Craft Groups – There are thousands of crafting communities on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Discord, where people share projects, ask for advice, and support each other.

🤝 Start Your Own Group – If you can’t find a community near you, create one! Gather a few friends, set a regular time, and make it a no-pressure, all-creativity space.

👥 Join Craft to Heal – Looking for a space that’s not just about the craft, but about the healing power of creativity? That’s exactly what Craft to Heal is—a supportive community where we explore mindful making, creative growth, and the way craft connects us to ourselves and each other.

🧶 Click here to join Craft to Heal.

How Craft to Heal Brings People Together

When I started Craft to Heal, I knew I didn’t want it to be just another workshop series—I wanted it to be a space for real connection.

Here’s what makes it different:

✔ It’s interactive – We’re not just watching tutorials; we’re creating, reflecting, and sharing together.
✔ It’s welcoming – You don’t have to be an expert maker—just someone who wants to explore the healing side of creativity.
✔ It’s a space to go deeper – We talk about creativity, mindfulness, emotions, and the ways craft connects us to our lives.

🧵 Click here to learn more about Craft to Heal.

Creativity Is Meant to Be Shared

If you’ve ever crafted with others, you already know the magic of it. The quiet togetherness. The way inspiration flows. The sense of belonging that happens when hands are busy but hearts are open.

And if you haven’t yet experienced the healing power of crafting in community, maybe now is the time to find your people.

Because making is beautiful. But making together? That’s where the real magic happens.

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February 19, 2025
The Therapeutic Benefits of Knitting: How Yarn and Needles Can Help with Anxiety & Focus
There is something about the steady rhythm of knitting that makes the world feel a little quieter. The gentle looping of yarn over needles, the repetitive motion of stitch after stitch—it creates a kind of moving meditation, a space where the mind can settle, where breath slows, where the present moment is all that matters.

Knitting has been my refuge in stressful times, a way to quiet anxious thoughts and regain focus when my mind feels scattered. And I’m not alone in this. Knitters around the world describe their craft as a form of therapy, a calming ritual, a way to find peace in the chaos of everyday life.

But knitting isn’t just intuitively calming—science is now backing up what so many of us have long known. Research has shown that knitting for stress reduction is real, with measurable effects on anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. If you’ve ever picked up your needles and felt your tension ease, there’s a reason for that. Let’s explore why knitting is so powerful for mental health—and how you can use it as a tool for mindfulness, stress relief, and focus.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

How Knitting Affects the Brain: The Neuroscience of Fiber Arts and Mental Health

Knitting isn’t just a creative hobby—it’s a powerful neurological tool. The way it engages the brain, nervous system, and motor skills makes it uniquely suited for mental health benefits. Here’s why:

1. Knitting Activates the Relaxation Response
- Knitting engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body and counteracting stress.
- The repetitive, rhythmic motion of knitting has been shown to have effects similar to meditation or deep breathing exercises, helping to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- This helps explain why so many people turn to knitting when they feel overwhelmed—it provides a natural, built-in stress reliever.
2. Knitting Increases Dopamine & Enhances Mood
- When we engage in pleasurable activities like knitting, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward.
- This boost in dopamine helps combat feelings of anxiety and depression, giving knitters a sense of satisfaction, calm, and even joy.
- Unlike passive activities like scrolling on a phone, knitting actively engages the brain in a way that improves mental well-being.
3. Knitting Improves Focus & Cognitive Function
- Studies suggest that knitting can help improve attention and concentration, making it a valuable practice for people with ADHD or difficulty focusing.
- The act of following a pattern, counting stitches, and maintaining tension requires just enough cognitive effort to keep the brain engaged without overwhelming it.
- This makes knitting an excellent activity for mindful engagement—keeping the hands and brain busy in a way that supports mental clarity.
4. Knitting Helps With Trauma & PTSD Recovery
- For people with PTSD, repetitive activities like knitting can be grounding, helping to regulate emotions and provide a sense of safety.
- Knitting can act as a form of self-soothing, helping the brain and body return to a state of balance after heightened stress or anxiety.
- Many trauma survivors use knitting as a nonverbal coping strategy, allowing them to process emotions without having to put them into words.
5. Knitting Engages Both Hemispheres of the Brain
- Unlike many activities that only activate one part of the brain, knitting engages multiple brain regions at once:
  ✔ The left brain (logical) is active when following a pattern and counting stitches.
  ✔ The right brain (creative) is engaged when selecting colors, textures, and designing projects.
  ✔ The motor system is involved in the precise hand movements, enhancing fine motor skills.
- This full-brain engagement makes knitting mentally stimulating while still being deeply relaxing.
Why Mindful Knitting Is So Effective for Stress Relief

Many people knit passively—while watching TV, listening to a podcast, or filling time. But when you bring mindfulness to your knitting practice, it becomes an even more powerful tool for stress reduction, relaxation, and focus.

Here’s how mindful knitting works:

✔ You focus on the sensations—the texture of the yarn, the click of the needles, the rhythm of the stitches.
✔ You slow down and breathe with your movements—matching your breath to the pace of your knitting.
✔ You let go of judgment or perfectionism—accepting each stitch as it comes.
✔ You use knitting as an anchor for presence, gently bringing your mind back when it wanders.

This simple shift—from passive knitting to mindful knitting—can transform your craft into a meditation.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you want to use knitting as a tool for mindfulness, emotional well-being, and stress relief, Craft to Heal is a space to explore that deeper.

This year-long workshop series focuses on:

✔ Knitting and fiber arts as mindfulness practices.
✔ Using creativity as a tool for stress relief and focus.
✔ Building a meditative crafting habit.
✔ Finding joy in the process, rather than focusing on the outcome.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Knitting Your Way to Calm

Knitting is more than a craft—it’s a way to find peace in the present moment.

Each stitch is an opportunity to slow down, to breathe, to be here now.
Each row is a reminder that progress happens one step at a time.
Each project is a reflection of the calm, care, and creativity you bring into the world.

So the next time you pick up your needles, try knitting not just for the end result—but for the experience itself.

Because sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is simply keep knitting.
February 18, 2025
Crochet for Anxiety Relief: How This Simple Repetitive Motion Can Calm the Mind
I can’t count the number of times crochet has saved me from my own thoughts. When anxiety tightens my chest, when my mind won’t stop racing, when the world feels too overwhelming—crochet brings me back to center. The gentle rhythm of looping yarn over a hook, the steady motion of my hands, the simple act of creating something stitch by stitch—these things quiet the noise and offer a kind of calm that nothing else does.

I’m not alone in this. Over the years, I’ve heard from countless crocheters who turn to their craft as a form of anxiety relief, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. Science is finally starting to catch up with what so many of us already know: crochet isn’t just a creative hobby—it’s a powerful tool for stress reduction and mental well-being.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

Why Crochet Is So Calming: The Science of Fiber Arts and Mindfulness

Crochet, like other fiber arts, has a unique ability to soothe the nervous system. When you engage in its repetitive, rhythmic motions, you activate the relaxation response, the body’s natural way of counteracting stress.

1. Crochet Lowers Stress and Anxiety
- The repetitive motion of crochet helps shift the brain from a stressed, overactive state to a more relaxed one.
- Engaging in fiber arts has been linked to reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decreased cortisol levels(the hormone responsible for stress).
- Many crocheters describe the process as feeling like a moving meditation, allowing them to focus on the present moment rather than racing thoughts.
2. The Sensory Experience Helps Ground the Mind
- The texture of yarn, the feeling of stitches forming between your fingers, the rhythm of the hook gliding through loops—these sensory details help keep you anchored in the present.
- When anxiety pulls you into spirals of overthinking, crochet provides a physical focus point, bringing your attention back to your hands and breath.
3. Crochet Engages the Mind Without Overwhelming It
- Crochet requires just enough focus to distract from anxious thoughts without being too mentally taxing.
- Simple patterns allow for a sense of flow, where you lose track of time in the best possible way.
- Many people find that having something to do with their hands during stressful situations helps them stay calm and present.
4. Creating Something Tangible Provides a Sense of Control
- Anxiety often comes from feeling out of control. Crochet offers a way to reclaim agency, stitch by stitch.
- Completing even small projects fosters a sense of accomplishment, which can be incredibly grounding when everything else feels uncertain.
Personal Stories: How Crocheters Use Their Craft for Anxiety Relief

So many crocheters turn to their craft not just for creativity, but for comfort and healing. Here are just a few ways people use crochet as a form of stress relief and self-care:

✔ “Crochet is my therapy.” Many people use it as an alternative to traditional stress management techniques, finding that the repetitive nature of stitching calms the mind like deep breathing or guided meditation.

✔ “I carry a project with me everywhere.” For those with social anxiety or panic attacks, having a crochet project on hand provides a safe, grounding activity to focus on in overwhelming situations.

✔ “It helps me sleep.” Many crocheters wind down in the evenings by working on simple, repetitive patterns. The calming effect prepares the brain for rest and can be an excellent part of a bedtime routine.

✔ “It keeps my hands busy when I feel restless.” Anxiety often comes with a sense of restlessness or nervous energy. Crochet provides an outlet for that energy, helping people feel more at ease.

✔ “It’s my creative escape.” Many crocheters say their craft is a way to step away from daily stress and immerse themselves in something joyful and fulfilling.

A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Meditation Exercise

If you’re new to using crochet for stress relief and mindfulness, here’s a simple exercise to try. You don’t need a complicated pattern—just yarn, a hook, and a willingness to slow down.

1. Set Up Your Space
- Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit.
- Choose a yarn that feels soft and comforting in your hands.
- Pick a simple stitch pattern—something repetitive and easy to follow, like single crochet or granny squares.
2. Take a Few Deep Breaths
- Before you begin, close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths.
- As you inhale, imagine drawing in calm. As you exhale, imagine letting go of tension.
3. Crochet With Intention
- As you work, match your breathing to your stitches:
  ✔ Inhale as you insert the hook into the stitch.
  ✔ Exhale as you pull the yarn through.
- Focus on the feeling of the yarn, the movement of your hands, the rhythm of your stitches.
4. Release Judgment & Expectations
- This isn’t about making something perfect—it’s about the process, not the product.
- If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your stitches.
5. End With a Moment of Gratitude
- When you’re ready to stop, pause for a moment and reflect.
- Notice how you feel compared to when you started.
- Take a deep breath and acknowledge the calm, the creativity, and the care you’ve just given yourself.
Even just a few minutes of mindful crochet can make a noticeable difference in your stress levels and overall well-being.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you’re interested in using crochet and other fiber arts as a tool for mindfulness, emotional well-being, and stress relief, I invite you to explore Craft to Heal.

This year-long workshop series guides you through:
✔ Using fiber arts as a form of meditation and relaxation
✔ Developing a creative practice that supports mental health
✔ Exploring how crafting can help with anxiety, emotional healing, and personal growth
✔ Finding community with like-minded makers who believe in the power of creativity

You can join anytime, and your first class is just $5.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Crochet as a Gentle, Healing Practice

When the world feels overwhelming, when anxiety is heavy, when your mind won’t quiet down—crochet can be a refuge.

Each stitch is a reminder to breathe, to slow down, to take things one loop at a time.

So the next time you feel your thoughts spiraling, pick up your yarn. Let your hands find their rhythm. Let your stitches bring you back to yourself.

Because crochet isn’t just about making—it’s about finding calm, creating peace, and stitching your way toward healing.
February 18, 2025
Slow Stitching for Mindfulness: How Hand Sewing, Embroidery & Quilting Help You Stay Present
There is something deeply calming about working with a needle and thread. The slow pull of embroidery floss through fabric, the rhythmic in-and-out motion of hand quilting, the gentle repetition of stitches forming one after another—it all creates a kind of quiet meditation, a way to be fully present in the moment.

For years, I approached my craft with a goal in mind—finishing a project, making something functional, ensuring every stitch was even. But when I started practicing slow stitching for mindfulness, I realized that the act of sewing itself was the gift. It wasn’t about the final product; it was about the process, the experience, the way it made me feel grounded, steady, and calm.

Whether you quilt, embroider, mend, or simply enjoy the feel of a needle and thread in your hands, slow stitching offers a way to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself—without pressure, perfectionism, or expectation.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

What Is Slow Stitching? A Mindful Approach to Fiber Arts

Slow stitching is exactly what it sounds like—an intentional, unhurried approach to hand sewing. Unlike machine sewing, which is fast and precise, slow stitching embraces imperfection, organic movement, and the meditative rhythm of handwork.

At its core, slow stitching is about:

✔ Mindful, repetitive motion that soothes the nervous system.
✔ Creating without pressure, letting each stitch be an act of presence.
✔ Savoring the process, rather than rushing toward a finished piece.

It has roots in both traditional hand sewing techniques and modern movements like:
- Japanese Boro stitching, a visible mending method that embraces worn fabric as part of its beauty.
- Sashiko embroidery, which uses small, repeated stitches to create meditative geometric designs.
- Hand quilting, where stitches form an intricate storytelling pattern across fabric.
But slow stitching isn’t about mastering a specific technique—it’s about how you approach any kind of hand sewingwith presence, patience, and a willingness to embrace imperfection.

Why Slow Stitching Is a Powerful Mindfulness Practice

Many of us struggle with traditional mindfulness practices like meditation. Sitting still and focusing on the breath can feel difficult when the mind is restless. But slow stitching offers a tactile, engaging alternative—a way to practice mindfulness through movement.

Here’s how slow stitching supports mental well-being and relaxation:

1. The Rhythm of Hand Sewing Calms the Mind
- The repetitive motion of stitching helps slow down racing thoughts.
- Like breathing exercises, the steady rhythm brings the nervous system into balance.
- Many people find that stitching has a natural, meditative quality, easing stress and tension.
2. Focusing on Each Stitch Brings You Into the Present Moment
- Mindfulness is about paying attention to the now—and stitching encourages just that.
- Each stitch is a small, complete action, drawing your focus to the needle, thread, fabric, and motion of your hands.
- Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, your mind settles into the sensation of creating.
3. Embracing Imperfection Helps Release Anxiety
- Many of us struggle with perfectionism and self-judgment, even in our creative work.
- Slow stitching reminds us that imperfection is part of the process—every uneven stitch, every irregular line, is part of the beauty.
- Letting go of the need for perfection reduces stress and makes creativity more joyful.
4. The Sensory Experience Grounds You
- Mindfulness often involves engaging the senses, and stitching provides a rich tactile experience.
- Noticing the texture of fabric, the gentle pull of thread, and the quiet sound of needle passing through cloth keeps you anchored in the present.
How to Start a Mindful Slow Stitching Practice

If you’d like to use hand sewing, embroidery, or quilting as a mindfulness practice, here’s a simple way to get started:

1. Choose Materials That Feel Good
- Pick a fabric, thread, or project that feels inviting and comfortable to work with.
- Soft cotton, linen, or worn fabrics can be especially comforting.
- Don’t overthink the design—just start with a piece of cloth and some thread.
2. Create a Calm Environment
- Find a quiet, comfortable space to stitch.
- Light a candle, play soft instrumental music, or simply sit in silence.
- Let this be a time for yourself, free from distractions.
3. Breathe With Your Stitches
- As you pull your needle through the fabric, sync your breath with the motion:
  ✔ Inhale as you push the needle down.
  ✔ Exhale as you bring it back up.
- Let the stitching guide your breathing into a slow, steady rhythm.
4. Let Go of Perfection
- Try stitching without a pattern—just freeform lines, curves, or abstract shapes.
- If your stitches are uneven, embrace them as part of the design.
- Let yourself enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome.
5. Pause & Reflect When You Finish
- After stitching for a while, put your work down and close your eyes.
- Notice how your body feels—has your breath slowed? Do you feel more relaxed?
- Acknowledge the time you’ve given yourself to create without pressure.
Even just a few minutes of mindful stitching can create a noticeable shift in your stress levels and mental clarity.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you’re interested in using hand sewing, embroidery, or quilting as a tool for mindfulness, Craft to Heal is a space to explore that deeper.

This year-long workshop series focuses on:

✔ Using slow stitching as a mindfulness and relaxation practice.
✔ Exploring creativity as a tool for emotional well-being and self-care.
✔ Finding joy in the process of making, without pressure or perfectionism.
✔ Building a creative habit that supports mental clarity and calm.

🧵 🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Stitching Your Way to Presence

In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, produce more, and seek perfection, slow stitching reminds us to slow down, to breathe, to let each stitch be enough.

It is a practice of patience, presence, and gentle self-acceptance.

So the next time you pick up a needle and thread, try this:
✔ Let go of expectations.
✔ Focus on the motion, the breath, the texture.
✔ Allow yourself to simply stitch.

Because sometimes, the most healing thing we can do is take things one stitch at a time.
February 18, 2025
Using Creativity for Self-Discovery: What Your Crafting Practice Reveals About You
I have always believed that crafting is more than just making—it’s a form of self-exploration. The colors we choose, the textures we’re drawn to, the patterns we return to again and again—all of these things tell a story about who we are, where we’ve been, and even where we’re going.

When I first started crafting with intention, I wasn’t just making things—I was uncovering parts of myself. Through each stitch, each project, I found clues about my emotions, my inner world, and my personal growth. I came to understand that using creativity for self-discovery is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with ourselves.

Whether you crochet, knit, quilt, embroider, or engage in any form of fiber arts, your creative practice holds deeper meaning than you might realize. It can reveal:

✔ Your emotional patterns
✔ Your values and priorities
✔ The way you process challenges
✔ Your unique creative voice

By approaching our craft with curiosity and reflection, we can use it as a tool for healing through creativity, emotional well-being, and self-awareness.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

How Your Crafting Practice Reflects Your Inner World

Every choice you make in your creative work is a reflection of something deeper. When we slow down and pay attention, we can begin to see patterns emerge in our creative decisions, habits, and emotions.

1. The Colors You Choose
- Do you naturally gravitate toward bright, bold colors or more subdued, neutral tones?
- Have your color preferences shifted over time? What might that say about your emotional state or personal growth?
- If you’re feeling stuck, what happens when you intentionally choose colors outside of your comfort zone?
2. The Textures & Materials That Speak to You
- Do you prefer soft, flowing yarns or structured, durable fabrics?
- Are you drawn to the comfort of familiar materials or the excitement of experimenting with new ones?
- How does texture influence your sense of grounding, safety, or expression?
3. The Patterns & Techniques You Keep Coming Back To
- Do you repeat the same types of projects?
- Are you drawn to complex, intricate designs or simple, meditative patterns?
- Do you hesitate to try something new because of perfectionism or fear of failure?
4. The Emotional State That Shows Up in Your Work
- Have you ever noticed that your tension changes when you’re stressed or anxious?
- Do you turn to certain types of projects when you need comfort or clarity?
- What does your craft teach you about how you process emotions?
Journaling & Reflection: Unlocking the Messages in Your Creativity

Bringing awareness to your creative practice is the first step. Journaling alongside your crafting can deepen this self-discovery process. Here are some prompts to explore:

Before You Start Crafting:

✔ What emotions am I bringing into this creative space today?
✔ Why did I choose this particular project, color, or technique?
✔ What do I need from my craft right now—comfort, challenge, release?

During the Process:

✔ What sensations do I notice in my body as I create?
✔ Am I rushing through this, or am I present with each stitch?
✔ Do any thoughts, memories, or emotions come up as I work?

After You Finish:

✔ How do I feel now compared to when I started?
✔ What did I learn about myself through this process?
✔ If my project could “speak,” what message would it have for me?

By asking these questions, you turn your crafting into a conversation with yourself.

Ways to Deepen Your Creative Self-Discovery

If you want to go further in using creativity for self-exploration, try these practices:

✔ Make Intuitively: Set aside structured patterns and create freely. Let your hands guide the process without worrying about the outcome.
✔ Create a Visual Journal: Combine fabric scraps, yarn, and thread with written reflections. Let your creativity and emotions intertwine on the page.
✔ Craft Through Transitions: If you’re experiencing change—big or small—dedicate a project to that period of your life. Let it hold the emotions of that transition.
✔ Craft with Intention: Before you begin a project, set a word, theme, or affirmation to weave into your work.
✔ Use Different Mediums: If you usually crochet, try embroidery. If you usually quilt, try weaving. See what different crafts reveal about you.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

Self-discovery through creativity is an ongoing process, one that deepens over time. If you want to explore this practice in a structured, supportive way, Craft to Heal is designed for exactly that.

This year-long workshop series guides you through themes like:

✔ Using creativity for emotional well-being
✔ Journaling and reflection alongside crafting
✔ Exploring personal growth through fiber arts
✔ Crafting as a tool for processing life’s transitions

Each month, we dive into new ways to use your creativity as a mirror, a meditation, and a means of self-understanding.

You can join anytime, and the first class on March 18, 2025 is only $5.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Crafting as a Journey of Self-Understanding

Every time you sit down with your craft, you are engaging in a quiet act of self-discovery.

Your hands tell stories.
Your stitches hold emotions.
Your projects reflect who you are.

When we approach our creativity with curiosity instead of expectation, we begin to see that the process itself is revealing something important.

Next time you pick up your work, take a moment to pause and notice:
✔ What is this project telling me?
✔ How does it reflect where I am right now?
✔ What do I want to explore through my creativity next?

Because craft isn’t just about making—it’s about understanding yourself, one stitch at a time.
February 17, 2025
Mindful Crafting: How to Turn Your Creative Practice into a Meditation
I have always been drawn to the rhythm of fiber arts—the steady repetition of stitches, the gentle flow of yarn or thread, the way my hands seem to move on their own once I get into a rhythm. Long before I ever heard the term mindful crafting, I knew that making was a way to slow down, to breathe, to be fully present in the moment.

In today’s world, where everything moves fast and our attention is constantly pulled in a dozen directions, fiber arts offer something rare: a place of stillness. When we approach our creative practice with intention, it becomes more than just making—it becomes a form of active meditation, a way to quiet the mind and reconnect with ourselves.

Whether you crochet, knit, embroider, quilt, weave, or engage in any other fiber art, you can turn your craft into a powerful mindfulness practice.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

What Is Mindful Crafting?

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. Many people associate mindfulness with meditation—sitting still, breathing deeply, emptying the mind. But mindfulness isn’t just about stillness; it’s about intentional awareness in whatever you’re doing.

When you bring mindfulness into your creative practice, you shift from simply making something to experiencing the process deeply.
- Instead of focusing on the finished project, you focus on each stitch, each movement, each sensation.
- Instead of crafting on autopilot, you engage fully with your materials.
- Instead of rushing to complete something, you embrace the joy of creating slowly and intentionally.
Mindful crafting is about slowing down and allowing your craft to be a tool for presence, peace, and inner balance.

The Science Behind Fiber Arts and Mindfulness

Research has shown that engaging in rhythmic, repetitive activities—like stitching, knitting, crocheting, or quilting—can have effects similar to meditation. When we focus on a repetitive motion with intention:
- Our breathing slows, and our heart rate becomes more steady.
- Stress levels decrease, as crafting helps regulate the nervous system.
- The mind becomes clearer, as we shift from scattered thoughts to a singular focus.
Many people who struggle with traditional meditation find that mindful crafting provides the same benefits without requiring them to sit still in silence. The hands are engaged, the senses are activated, and the mind finds a state of flow that is both calming and restorative.

How to Turn Your Creative Practice Into a Meditation

Mindful crafting isn’t about changing what you make—it’s about changing how you experience the making. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transforming your fiber art practice into a meditative ritual.

1. Set an Intention Before You Begin

Before picking up your project, take a moment to pause and ask yourself:

✔ How do I want to feel as I craft today?
✔ What do I want to focus on—relaxation, presence, creativity, gratitude?

You don’t need a profound answer—just an awareness of what you’re bringing to the practice.

2. Engage Your Senses

Mindful crafting is about immersing yourself in the experience. Instead of rushing to complete stitches, slow down and notice:

✔ The texture of the yarn or fabric in your hands
✔ The colors of the fibers, how they shift in the light
✔ The sound of the thread pulling through fabric or the rhythmic clicking of needles
✔ The subtle movement of your hands, the way each stitch comes together

The more you engage your senses, the more deeply present you become.

3. Sync Your Breath With Your Movements

Try aligning your breath with the rhythm of your crafting:

✔ Inhale as you pull up a loop, insert a needle, or pass the shuttle.
✔ Exhale as you complete a stitch, draw thread through, or move to the next motion.

This simple practice grounds you in the present moment and creates a natural, soothing rhythm.

4. Release Judgment & Expectations

Mindfulness is about being with what is, not striving for perfection. If your stitches aren’t even, if the tension is slightly off, if you make a mistake—observe it without frustration.

✔ Let go of the need to “fix” everything immediately.
✔ Accept imperfections as part of the process.
✔ Treat your project as an evolving meditation, rather than a task to finish.

5. Craft in Silence (or With Intention)

Try crafting without background noise—just you and your materials. If silence feels too intense, choose sounds that support mindfulness:

✔ Nature sounds or soft instrumental music to enhance relaxation.
✔ A guided meditation or affirmations that align with your creative intention.

The key is to avoid distractions that pull you out of the experience.

6. Pause & Reflect When You Finish

When you put your project down, don’t just walk away—take one extra minute to reflect. Ask yourself:

✔ How do I feel now compared to when I started?
✔ What did I notice about the experience today?
✔ How can I bring this same presence into other areas of my life?

This brief reflection helps reinforce mindfulness as a habit, not just something you do while crafting.

Why Slow Stitching & Fiber Arts Are Perfect for Mindfulness

If you’ve ever felt that modern life moves too fast, you’re not alone. Everything is instant, urgent, demanding our attention at all times. Fiber arts push back against that pace.
- Knitting, crochet, embroidery, and quilting are slow processes by nature. They require patience, repetition, and time.
- Unlike digital distractions, handcrafting engages the body and mind in a calming, tangible way.
- There is no instant gratification—only the slow, meditative act of making.
When you embrace this slowness as a gift rather than an obstacle, your craft becomes a refuge—a place of peace, steadiness, and grounding.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

If you want to bring more mindfulness into your creative practice, I invite you to explore Craft to Heal, my year-long workshop series that weaves together creativity, self-care, and intentional making.

This year-long workshop series is designed to help you:

✔ Use fiber arts as a mindfulness tool to reduce stress and stay present.
✔ Develop creative rituals that support emotional well-being.
✔ Craft in community with others who value making as a form of self-care.

You can join anytime, and your first class is just $5.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Creativity as a Path to Presence

In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, produce more, and do everything at once, crafting gives us permission to slow down.

It is a way to step out of stress and into presence, to create with intention rather than urgency. It is a form of meditation that doesn’t require sitting still—it only requires your hands, your breath, and your willingness to be here, now.

Try it the next time you pick up your craft. Feel each stitch, breathe with the rhythm, let the moment be enough. This is mindful crafting.
February 17, 2025
How Crafting Supports Mental Health: The Science Behind Fiber Arts and Well-Being
I have always known, deep in my bones, that craft is healing. When I wrote Crochet Saved My Life, I shared my personal journey of how crochet helped pull me out of a deep depression. At the time, I was relying on my own experience and the stories of others who had found solace in fiber arts. But when I began researching the book more than a decade ago, I was surprised by how little scientific research existed on the connection between crafting and mental health.

Thankfully, that has changed. In the years since, researchers have started to explore what many of us have known all along—fiber arts are profoundly therapeutic. Crafting is not just a hobby; it is a powerful tool for reducing stress, calming anxiety, improving focus, and even alleviating symptoms of depression and PTSD. I’m honored that my own work has contributed to this growing body of research, and I’m thrilled that more people are recognizing the immense value of creativity for mental well-being.

Explore this in more depth by joining my Craft to Heal workshop.

The Science Behind Crafting for Mental Health

We know that creative expression is beneficial for emotional well-being, but why does crafting specifically help with mental health? Research shows that fiber arts—crochet, knitting, embroidery, quilting, weaving, and other textile crafts—engage the brain in unique ways that support relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional regulation.

1. Crafting Lowers Stress and Anxiety
- The repetitive motions of fiber arts activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body’s stress response.
- Studies have found that knitting can induce a meditative state, reducing heart rate and blood pressure while decreasing cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- Research suggests that crafting can have effects similar to meditation, helping to ease symptoms of anxiety.
2. Crafting Increases Dopamine and Boosts Mood
- Engaging in creative activities releases dopamine, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter.
- Studies indicate that people who engaged in creative activities felt a significant boost in mood the next day.
- Making something with your hands provides a sense of accomplishment and progress, which is especially valuable for those struggling with depression.
3. Fiber Arts Help With Focus and Mindfulness
- Mindful crafting allows makers to enter a “flow state,” where they are fully immersed in the present moment.
- The sensory experience of working with fiber—feeling the yarn, watching stitches form, hearing the soft sound of needles clicking—keeps the mind engaged in a calming, repetitive rhythm.
- For those who struggle with racing thoughts or attention difficulties, crafting provides a structured yet soothing way to stay present.
4. Crafting Helps With Trauma Recovery
- Fiber arts have been used in art therapy programs for individuals coping with PTSD, grief, and emotional trauma.
- Studies show that knitting and weaving help improve emotional regulation, providing a non-verbal way to process difficult emotions.
- Textile crafts offer a safe, tactile outlet for self-expression, allowing people to process feelings through their hands when words are not enough.
5. Creative Community Supports Mental Health
- Research has shown that participating in craft groups reduces loneliness and increases feelings of belonging.
- The social connections built through fiber arts communities provide support, accountability, and encouragement.
- Many people find that crafting in a group creates a sense of shared purpose and healing, whether in-person or online.
Why Fiber Arts? The Unique Benefits of Hands-On Making

Not all creative activities provide the same level of calm and engagement as fiber arts. What makes crochet, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and other textile crafts uniquely beneficial?

✔ Portable & Accessible: Unlike painting or sculpture, many fiber arts can be done almost anywhere, making them easy to integrate into daily life.
✔ Tactile & Sensory: The physical texture of yarn, thread, and fabric provides soothing sensory input, which can be grounding for those with anxiety or sensory processing challenges.
✔ Rhythmic & Repetitive: Unlike other forms of creativity that require constant decision-making, many fiber arts involve repeating patterns, which induce relaxation.
✔ Non-Digital & Screen-Free: In a world dominated by screens, fiber arts offer a much-needed break from technology, reducing eye strain and promoting better sleep.
✔ Productive & Meaningful: Unlike passive relaxation techniques, crafting allows makers to create something tangible, which fosters a sense of purpose and achievement.

Bringing This Into Your Life: How to Use Craft for Mental Health

If you want to start using your craft as a tool for healing and stress relief, here are a few ways to begin:
- Practice Micro-Moments of Crafting: Even just five minutes of stitching, knitting, or crocheting can provide a reset for your nervous system.
- Make It a Ritual: Set aside a few minutes each day to create, even if it’s just one row, one stitch, or one detail.
- Engage in a Mindful Crafting Exercise: Try focusing on one sense at a time while crafting—how the yarn feels, the sound of the needle, the color of the fabric.
- Join a Creative Community: Whether in person or online, crafting in community amplifies its healing effects.
- Use Your Craft to Give Back: Making for others—whether through charity crafting or meaningful gifts—adds another layer of purpose and fulfillment to your practice.
I go over all of these in more depth in the Craft to Heal workshops, providing specific exercises for guidance.

Explore This Deeper in Craft to Heal

Understanding the science behind crafting and mental health is powerful—but experiencing it firsthand is even more transformative. That’s what Craft to Heal is all about.

This year-long workshop series is designed to help you:
- Use fiber arts as a tool for mindfulness, healing, and personal growth.
- Explore creative exercises that deepen your connection to craft and self-care.
- Find community with others who believe in the power of creativity for well-being.
Each month, we dive into a new theme—from mindful making to creative resilience, from community crafting to using art for self-discovery. You can join anytime, and your first class is just $5.

🧶 Want to learn more? Click here to join Craft to Heal.

Craft Is More Than a Hobby—It’s a Lifeline

When I wrote Crochet Saved My Life, I knew that fiber arts had saved me. Over the years, I’ve heard from countless others who have had similar experiences—people who found healing, connection, and purpose through making.

Now, science is catching up with what so many of us have always known: Crafting is good for the mind, body, and soul.

Whether you pick up your hook, needles, embroidery hoop, or quilting frame today—know that you are doing more than making something beautiful. You are caring for yourself. You are healing. You are creating space for joy and calm in a chaotic world.

And if you want to explore this journey more deeply, Craft to Heal is here for you.
February 17, 2025
“Crochet is a reason to live …” podcast interview

I was honored to be featured in an hour long conversation for the Why I Knit podcast, sharing my lived experience of the benefits of crochet. This podcast was created by Dr Mia Hobbs, a Clinical Psychologist specialising in working with children, young people and their families in West London who also has a passion for
sharing the benefits of knitting.

February 8, 2025