Crochet as Therapy

I have been reading a new magazine for the past several months.  Its called "Simply Crochet" and oh boy do I love it!  Not only are the pictures gorgeous, but I find the projects do-able, useable and interesting.  This magazine can make the simplest coaster look SO amazing all I can think is "I have to make this NOW".  If you ever thought about crocheting and were turned off, just check out this magazine and you will fall in love.

They have had a monthly mandala pattern lately and they are made by a woman named Marinke or "Wink".  She has Aspergers Syndrome.  She uses crochet as a form of therapy to help her get through the tough times she encounters in life.  She posts a different mandala pattern on her blog every month.  The repetitive stitches are calming and her use of colours puts her in total control of what will happen next.  Crocheting is a way for her to express herself and just be herself while being productive and creating beautiful works of art at the same time. 

She is not alone.  While I was searching for crochet as a therapy, I found  many websites that proclaim that crochet saved their lives.  They are many  people out there that turn to this art form to calm their souls, make use of their hands, create with their minds and love the process.  As a psychology graduate, and someone with a strong love for fibre arts this subject really peaked my interest.

Don't know how to crochet?  Check my classes/workshops page to see when the next class is being held.  Or ask someone you know who knows how to crochet.  It's easy to learn and a great skill to know.  Once I learned it wasn't long before I realized how much I love it :)