I created Being Ewe just before the first lockdown. I created it to try and share and help others to explore their creativity, free their minds and express and be ok with their emotions. This came about because of a prolonged difficult and stressful time at my day job, where all I seemed to do was work, sleep and eat. I realised just how much I suffered by having no time or ability for any sort of creative output.
Being creative - whatever that means to you - is so important! I never believe anyone who says that they aren't creative. If you're able to feel and have emotions, you're able to be creative. There are no rules when it comes to HOW you express your creativity - from stitch to crayons to lego, from dance to drama or just going for a walk. There are also no rules that say your creative output has to be perfect. As long as you're enjoying yourself, finding your happy place, or just expressing your feelings, you're being creative.
I've been a bit quiet at Being Ewe in the last few months, as I have had to grapple with a number of work deadlines. It meant that, for about 2-3 months, I was almost - again - spending my time just working, sleeping and eating. Christmas shopping got done in the last few days before the Big Day! I apologise to anyone I didn't get to send a card to, buy a present for, or even just wish a Happy Christmas.
My Mum always used to say that you can put up with anything if you know it's going to end - and invariably she was right. I knew this particular busy time would end, although it didn't really make it much easier.
I found that I didn't have the headspace to design anything, or to be particularly creative. When I had time in the evenings before bed, all I wanted was comfort.
As someone who is predominently a stitcher, I found myself surprised at being drawn to crochet as my medium for relaxing. There was just something about having a ball of wool, a crochet hook, the fire roaring (sort of - our fire demands constant attention) and a good drama on TV - with the cats and the husband by my side. It was my own form of hygge stress management.
However, I still struggled without having something to aim for - I'm someone who is motivated by a purpose and achieving something. So I'm very grateful for Being Ewe and Stitch Club stalwart Tricia for suggesting the crochet-a-long Christmas blanket. Thanks Tricia. I'm also grateful for another lovely stalwart, Sue, for joining in.
We stitched the blanket designed by Made-by-Anita for Sirdar.
I got to crochet, make something tangible, not stress about the timings (yes it was once a week, but who cared if it took me 2), and share it with some lovely people. I also learned to crochet with two balls of wool at the same time (not my favourite!).
All of the above are stress relievers for me.
Now that the busy time is over, I'm starting to be inspired again. So, watch out for new workshops, blogs kits and videos. I also feel that I will be concentrating on the feel good aspects of being creative.
So, come along and join in. Whether you do so because you want to do something fun, meet other like-minded people, express your emotions in a creative output, or learn something new, you're very welcome.
What's your creative comfort?
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