I have added this NEW workshop to my website as it has become clearer in recent years the benefits to wellbeing crafting has on us. I have personally found that when I am crocheting in my own time, I find it relaxing, satisfying and mood boosting. I enjoy the feel of yarn in my hands, and the repetitive nature of the craft, and seeing the stitches quickly appearing, giving that sense of achievement that I am capable of making something. A couple of years ago I made a crochet lavender scented and coloured amigurumi dinosaur, using bamboo yarn. I wrote a post that you can read below on the dinosaur and how I use it as a grounding tool when I am feeling anxious.
https://amandajonesartanddesign.wordpress.com/2021/07/02/41/
Crochet Now magazine published an article in collaboration with Mental Health UK to promote mental wellbeing. In the article they highlight how various designers have used craft to help them in times of illness.
“I started crocheting five years ago when I became chronically ill and couldn’t do most of the things I used to be able to do. I often say that crochet saved my life, and while it may sound dramatic it really did help because I was no longer feeling as depressed. It stopped me focusing on all the things I couldn’t do, and I was now focussing on something that I could do. I also had something productive and creative to show for my day.”
https://craftworld.com/cms/crafting-calm/?fbclid=IwAR08wgs0eNxiSWG9_1Va6yCxf81xwBiY66_P4nIlBMj436t5hma8QcxeDn4
Kylie Moleta, designer
Instagram: stitchedupcraft
Crafting is not going to solve all your issues, but taking time to engage in slow mindful activities such as knitting and crocheting can make a difference. UK charity Knit for Peace conducted a comprehensive survey on the health benefits of knitting (and crochet). You can read their full report, and watch their summary on ‘The Health Benefits of Knitting’ below.
Of those in poor or very poor
health,92% said knitting improved their health.
82% said knitting relaxed them,
65% of our knitters said knitting for others made them feel useful,
92% said knitting improved their mood
https://www.knitforpeace.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/The-Health-Benefits-of-Knitting-Preview.pdf
I have taken all the research and experience I have to create a new workshop, the details of which are below.
Community Mindful Creative Workshops
Are you a community group or similar? Then this workshop could be for your members.
Amanda will introduce you to the beneficial aspects of the mindful side of crafting with yarn. The session will teach you how to create a crochet item, with the focus being on the process rather than the outcome. You will experience how to engage the senses, slow the mind, reduce anxiety in the moment and feel a sense of accomplishment.
What You’ll Get Out Of It:
– Learn basic crochet stitches
– Start a project that you can take away with you
– Meet new people in a fun relaxed environment
You will receive a complete kit of everything you need, including organic cotton yarn, an ergonomic crochet hook, pattern work booklet with a short breathing exercise, and information on mindfulness. The kit also contains a vegan friendly hand cream to keep your hands from getting chapped, and an organic herbal tea bag, as a relaxing drink.
About Amanda Jones
I’m a Designer / Maker specialising in crochet and fibre arts. I sell my art and crafts as ready made pieces as well as patterns. I have been teaching crochet and creative workshops since 2010. My passion is to explore creativity and it’s benefits to health and wellbeing.
Amanda Jones Art and Design 
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