The Comfort of Yarn

When we were told we would probably be staying a night or two at Brenner’s for our daughter to be cared for her newly diagnosed diabetes AND for our training in caring for her, I tossed into my purse a zip-lock bag of two balls of Noro Matsuri yarn, some crochet hooks, and a pair of scissors.  As I put them in, I knew I would probably not get a chance to actually crochet a design I’ve had banging around in my head.  But I wanted to take it, to have it on hand.  When we got settled into our room, I placed the bag on a shelf near where I would be sleeping.  I could see those happy balls of yarn from just about any spot in the spacious “homey” room, and that was really all I needed…just to see the yarn.

It’s amazing how comforting yarn can be.  Somehow, just seeing the colors sitting there brought comfort…  the bright vivid colors, the soft squooshiness, the promise of a beautiful scarf, the anticipation of creativity, the hope of life opening up again to allow for time to crochet, a reminder that my life is not ONLY finger pricks, insulin shots, sugar levels, ketones, carb counting, etc.  I do often carry around my sketchbook and pen.  Yet it doesn’t quite hold the same kind of comfort.  The sketchbook in and of itself does not have that warm, home & hearth kind of feeling about it.

An artist friend left a comment on the “When Life Happens” post that she didn’t think she could concentrate so well while facing so much.  Yes, that is a challenge.  But it is also a comfort.  To engage in creative endeavors while going through difficult times, functions somewhat like a tether.  Your life feels like it is whirling out of control.  And so it is.  But drawing, knitting, crocheting, grounds you, reminds you that at the very least, some things do not have to change.  When concentration is difficult, choosing to create in ways that are “second nature”, or very simple, are helpful.  It may merely be placing the creative project or the supplies close by that will offer some comfort as you whirl around in the unknowns.

0 thoughts on “The Comfort of Yarn

  1. Sarah says:

    Painting works for me. Sometimes getting started can be very hard but once I have, then it engages me to the point where I leave my problems behind. When i stop I always feel better.
    I like your sketch!

    I’m sorry to read about your daughter – I hope she gets a regime of care sorted out wihch suits her, soon.

  2. Nicolette Anderson says:

    You have put into words what I have often tried to say about my art…it really is the best therapy for me, and has seen me through many a tough time. I am sending you positive thoughts while you travel this journey.

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