My Winter Fiber Journey

(No, not a nutrition post. Though, I am a big fan of those hardy carbs!)

I made this crochet top without a pattern. It took me picking it up every once in a while over the past two months or so to finish it. And while sure, it’s functional (and sort of cute) it’s not something I’m truly proud of. 

I literally Frankensteined this top out of shapes that made sense in my head (don’t look too closely at the shoulders🫣). This was not creative genius or skill. I’m too arrogant…or maybe too afraid to learn how to read a pattern. Which is such a shame, because there are so many lovely patterns made by talented makers out there (and yarn companies too). So now, I’m determined to break through that mental block, learn how to read patterns, pick a project, and work at it during the times I would have dedicated to mindless scrolling, and hopefully, complete it before Spring.  

I’m going to start it this month, during my February Freeze of avoiding “big” activities – those which are driven by big brands, big media, and big  commerce. Sadly (or is it luckily?), though I’m not an active crochet or knitter (I’m very basic at both), I’ve somehow accumulated a lot of yarn, because I…just like accumulating things. Clearly, this is one of the habits I need to break. 

So, here’s to not lying too fallow this winter, and putting in the work for a Spring of renewal. 

For those for whom winter is too dark and who might need a path to sunlight (or for any time of year), I recommend this study provided for free but the University of Minnesota Twin Cities: The Effects of Fiber Arts on Mental Health: Happiness, Self-Esteem, and Emotional Regulation.