Craft a Life

"Crafts make us feel rooted, give us a sense of belonging and connect us with our history. Our ancestors used to create these crafts out of necessity, and now we do them for fun, to make money and to express ourselves." – Phyllis George

I could not have said it better except to add that crafting, whether it be knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, scrap booking, candle making, etc., is also best when shared. Shared with others in form of giving but also shared in the sense of community. Crafters of all kinds create the richest communities, both online and physical.

For myself, when living more than 3,000 miles from home and my husband spent most of his time deployed in another country, online knitting groups were the thread that held me together. It was then, while I was home alone pregnant with our fourth child, I felt not only support but love from a community of crafters. I truly do not know where I would be had it not been for those ladies!

And then there is more giving. Teaching someone to crochet, knitting hats for premature infants and women's shelters, donating my extras to schools and after school programs. The circle keeps going.

I can not tell you how glad I am to finally be home in RI! But also, to know that my online knitting group is still supportive and new-to-me local knitting groups exist. That I can add value to my community by facilitating, teaching, learning, creating and giving.

Crafts are more than just a hobby; Crafts are an expression of love.