by Donna Sabatine

Created on: October 29, 2010

Think for a moment of the rhythmic ticking of a clock, the motion of a porch swing, the steady rocking of a favorite chair.  All of these things have something in common, can you guess what it is?  That‘s right, they are soothing and relaxing.   The art of crochet is much the same and fans of the craft will say they started crocheting for various reasons, but they continue with it because primarily it‘s relaxing and a stress reliever.  The rhythmic motion of the hook and yarn, the soft feel of the thread and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing all combine to be a calming oasis in today’s  hectic world.

For as long as there have been people that enjoyed crocheting, there have been people that will swear to the relaxing benefits of the craft.   Though, if you are first learning to crochet, your opinion might be bit different!  Typically it is a skill that must be practiced and mastered before the relaxation benefits can be felt to their fullest.   As you are perfecting your skill try to understand that there really is no right or wrong way to hold the hook and yarn so long as you come out with the same end result.  Enjoy the motion and the feel of the yarn and focus on your creativity, letting the day to day troubles slip away as your work glides through your fingers and your sense of accomplishment grows with each stitch you create.

Having taught crochet and knitting both at local classes over a period of years, I have witnessed with my own eyes the benefits of crochet and relaxation therapy.   Several clients began to crochet at the suggestion of their doctor or therapist and many became avid fiber artists in the process.   One student will forever stand out in my mind due to the constant shaking of her hands.  She was concerned that she would not be able to learn the craft due to the palsy in her hands that she could not control.  After a beginning lesson and some practice, as we were laughing and discussing something totally unrelated to crochet, I pointed out to her that her hands were no longer shaking.  The rhythmic movement of the yarn and hook had calmed her hands enough that she was able to crochet even a beautiful simple stitch without the constant shaking.
 
The art of crochet today offers more color and texture choices than ever before.   Yarns from around the world are so widely available and varied that there

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