Name: Julia Crichton
Age: 20 years old
Country: United States
Instagram: @JCsCrochets
Etsy: @JCsCrochets
About the series
The Healing Craft Series features creators sharing their thoughts and feelings on crafting and healing through crafting.
“Even when a project becomes frustrating, it’s easier to be frustrated about something tangible rather than anxious for reasons you can’t always name.“
Julia Crichton, @JCsCrochets
What kind of craft do you do and how long have you been doing it for?
I crochet and am currently learning how to knit as well. I’ve been doing it for less than 3 months now and have been using it as a stabilizing force in my life at the moment. It has given me structure and a sense of productivity and purpose while still being for me and something creative that I enjoy.
What is your favourite place/time of day to craft and why?
I can craft anytime/anywhere honestly as long as I have the supplies I need and something to listen to. Now that I have started school again I do it anytime I find the time because it gives me time for myself, even if I am around others.
What inspires you (in life & in crafting)?
The ability to create happiness is what inspires me. Whether it is purely within myself or because of where I am or what I’m doing I find inspiration in being happy, because for so long depression caused me to be so unhappy. I try to do what I can to just enjoy happiness while I have it.
How has/is crafting helping you and your mental health?
Stability and structure is something I use to manage my mental stability. I don’t necessarily need a set routine but having a goal that I can accomplish is very helpful in managing my time and thoughts in a way that keeps away my mania and depression. It has also helped with my anxiety that has been resurfacing during quarantine.
Crafting is extremely meditative and allows me to escape my thoughts, especially when I have background noise playing. Even when a project becomes frustrating, it’s easier to be frustrated about something tangible rather than anxious for reasons you can’t always name.
What is your advice to other creators (or newly started creators)?
I would find a way to keep your craft something that brings you joy instead of becoming another stressor in your life. For me that means really only selling items that I can’t personally keep, and making what I want to make in that moment. It may not always be the most productive way to craft, but allowing ourselves to not be productive is something that I have learned the importance of during quarantine.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I started crocheting because I had extra yarn and found a hook, but it led me to one of the most amazing communities I have been a part of and the positivity and support the community offers has changed things completely for me in such a short period of time. I am so grateful for this craft.