Rewards
What is it about that feeling we get when we can get to that project and feel all the worries of the day melt away as we find that yarn flowing through our fingers? Why is it that we feel inexplicable joy when looking at fiber colors and textures? How can it be that we are happiest when wrestling with even the most ungodly tangle of fiber?
I can point to many studies and give you a multitude of answers but the bottom line is yarn makes us happy and happy people are in a good place mentally! Simple, right? You and I both know that feeling when you buy the silk yarn you've been quietly dreaming about or complete that homemade project for a dear friend. I am going to speak from the heart here...
Yarn Habits
Knitting has become an international past time or something according to Soujourners magazine. The craft has been around for a very long time and yet, it has had an overwhelming comeback in the 21st century. The word "habit" can have a negative connotation. Merriam Webster describes habit as "a usual way of behaving : something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way". It is then followed by several even less flattering definitions.
Let's go with good habits here. I mean, what is the worst that can happen?
- You have to break off from knitting mid-row because the dental hygienist calls you in for your cleaning.
- Because you were too busy with your project last night, tonight is definitely your night to cook, except that you are really captivated tonight with how the yarn is looking in this pattern.
- You bring your yarn EVERYwhere and some people just shake their heads.
It could be far worse and it's a good habit, we already clarified that! Does it really matter if you are having Ramen noodles and grapes for the third night in a row? No! Because you are knitting and you are happy. Darn Good Yarn understands how much this "hobby" means. We thrive on the joy of creating and here are a few more reasons our fibers are good for your mental health!
Start at Love
Nicole created the business based on her love of texture and color and her desire to make the world a better place. I guess you could call it her habit and it has been an amazing journey for the president of Darn Good Yarn from struggling with finding her direction in life to realizing she could weave her love of fiber with her desire to help people. The start at love idea is not just a soft comment but is the core of what we do, our mental health starting place at DGY.
With a mission of providing phenomenal quality fibers to enthusiasts while helping the women of Nepal and India become autonomous and self-reliant, how can one not feel good about knitting and purchasing DGY fibers? Many of our fibers are recycled yarns from manufactured waste, which would normally be sent to landfills. Now this is information that soothes the global-centric, earth friendly soul!
Retreating from the everyday is something that we all need. Its a mad, mad world and a little dose of time for oneself is always recommended for your mental health. Break away from the craziness that is your routine life, pour a glass of wine or a cup of tea, and nurture your creative spirit. Breaking away from the everyday works wonders for me especially when I break out the yarn!
Habit + Hobby = Happy
Yeah! Grab that silk fingering yarn or what ever fiber makes you smile and watch your spirits soar. I could post a thousand links about why your attitude will be better with knitting. Meditation, brain exercise, accomplishment, the joy of creating, the love of giving, the opportunity to give back on a global scale, taking care of Mother Earth by purchasing recycled fibers,...the list of mental health benefits goes on and on!
Be sure to check out another DGY blog post about both physical and mental health benefits of knitting: 6 Benefits of Knitting Or Knitting to the Infinite Power. Most importantly, just pick up the needles and get knitting!
If you already work with fiber, you know how relaxed and creative you feel when knitting. Beginners, take the time to enjoy the process of learning to knit and perhaps try one of our kits or simple patterns to give you a bit of confidence. Soon you too, will be addicted to this wonderful mental health habit!
Join the Change! Spread the Joy! At DGY, we love crafting and are really proud to bring you products that have a global impact. With your purchase of our yarns, your mental health and attitude will be all smiles with the joy of creating while giving the gift of change, sharing friendship and love. Now that's a darn good feeling! How are you sharing the joy?
