Name: Orianna
Age: 21 years old
Country: US
Instagram: @orianna_b
About the series
The Healing Craft Series features creators sharing their thoughts and feelings on crafting and healing through crafting.
“If I am ever overwhelmed or having an anxiety spiral, picking up my needles and yarn helps to center me back to where and who I am.”
Orianna, @orianna_b
What kind of craft do you do and how long have you been doing it for?
I have been crocheting since I was 19. I originally started to do it since my grandmother crocheted and I figured I could follow in her legacy by picking up the craft! I taught myself using Youtube and other online tutorials.
What is your favourite place/time of day to craft and why?
The best time to crochet is early in the morning with my cup of coffee. I find that it really helps to set my day right with the intentions that I want to have. Otherwise, I can crochet at any time and any place, as long as I have my needles and yarn.
What inspires you (in life & in crafting)?
Being comfortable. I have spent so much of my life uncomfortable in my own skin and with my chronic joint issues. Crocheting has allowed me to be comfortable and express myself through making soft sweaters and blankets. Being able to both rest and create at the same time.
I love working with new types of yarn and broadening my color palette in terms of the projects I do. I do not generally think I am a creative person, since I am a STEM major in my university, but crocheting has allowed me to tap into this side of me that I did not know existed! I now love to work with warm, vibrant colors and create garments for myself.
How has/is crafting helping you and your mental health?
I struggle with both anxiety and depression, and within the last couple of months it has gotten way worse. Being able to have my craft available to me has done wonders for my mood and my headspace throughout this crazy time.
If I am ever overwhelmed or having an anxiety spiral, picking up my needles and yarn helps to center me back to where and who I am. Working with my hands and touching the yarn really helps to be in the moment, plus the satisfaction I feel once my project is completed? Unparalleled!
What is your advice to other creators (or newly started creators)?
Take your time! It is so easy to give up because it may seem difficult, but pushing through and creating your first project is rewarding. Crocheting/knitting/crafting may not be for everybody, but I genuinely believe that it is chicken soup for the soul. Do not give up!
Anything else you’d like to share?
Support your local and small business owners! They are creating handcrafted goods for you to enjoy, plus it is way more sustainable and eco-friendly to do so. Thank you Mati for having this series and allowing me to be on it.