Earlier this week I posted photos and a mini tutorial for the crocheted garland I made for our Christmas tree. I easily made 20 yards of it. More than once my dad commented, "that's a lot of work." And it wasn't the only time he has said that about something I was making. His tone could imply that he wanted to follow that comment with "and you're crazy to be doing it." But he doesn't say that, and I don't think he's even thinking that.
The thing is, many of the things I do are a lot of work (and I may very well be crazy for doing them). What I've been thinking on, however, is that the art...the craft of simplicity in my work makes me sane.
A complicated project that goes on and on isn't the kind of work I'm talking about, nor is a fast and easy project the simplicity I'm talking about. No, I like something that could be described as monotonous at times. With just enough elements to break it up and keep it interesting. I've found that I need this!
Crocheting garland, piecing hexagons or other shapes, embroidering little designs, hand quilting or stitching a binding...these things all call for a lot of work. But they don't require extensive brain power. They give me the opportunity to chat, watch a movie, listen to music, think on plans, or often, to pray.
Simple hand crafts offer peaceful moments, and I could always use more of those. I know I'm not alone.
And so, in the midst of a swirl of December activity, I cut some pentagons to make a winter wreath mug rug for myself. With a few sequin stars with which I've fallen in love. I shall sew it completely by hand, and enjoy every moment of it. There's not really time for a labor-intensive anything, but that almost seems to be the point.
As I attempt to stitch some simplicity into my days, maybe you'd like to join me?
lovely...project, words, sentiment...just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis resonates with me - I'm hand stitching at the moment too!
ReplyDeleteWish I had more time for sewing , there are so many more things I want to make!
ReplyDeletewell said! I am a fan of slow, hand stitched, methodical projects too. have to go prep something to take on a trip this coming week
ReplyDeleteWell said, I have 5 kids and people think I'm crazy with all the crafting I do. But that is how I decompress from a long day of chasing and caring for so many.
ReplyDeleteSo true! I love crocheting something that doesn't require me to count stitches, so I can just decompress while I'm doing it. I love EPP for the same reason, although I haven't done it in a little while! :)
ReplyDeleteAh yes!! I think this will be a super-sweet mug rug- and the process will be therapeutic!! Where did you get the pentagrams for this??
ReplyDeleteI created it myself. Usually I use Adobe Illustrator, but I was away from my personal computer, and used Google Drive instead.
DeleteOK- thanks!!
Deletewhoops- typo- pentaGONS!!! I don't want anything to do with the other thing I typed!!
DeleteMollie - That's me! Actually, this is why I like to iron (yes, call me weird). It has a rhythm to it, just like the handwork that you describe. I can, as with handwork, ponder things, and even process things that need solutions, all the while producing something beautiful and useful. And yes . . . A well-ironed, starched shirt or blouse is a thing of beauty. I so much enjoy your blog and you!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Ironing is so satisfying in this way.
ReplyDeleteIt is something that takes your mind away, but also allows you to do something at the same time. :D
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Mollie! I get that 'wow, that looks... time-consuming...' comment all the time from people. But it is totally worth the effort to create projects for myself... they save my sanity. I go crazy when I'm not working on something. To heck with the busy season, let's make stuff anyway! :)
ReplyDelete