Being a mommy is stressful…
Being a PhD student is stressful…
Being a teacher is stressful…
If you follow the Mamademics FB fan page then you already know that the end of the semester was a bit stressful for me and I was looking for a hobby that allows for relaxation. Almost every graduate student I know does something to de-stress, but it’s taken me six years to really find something that calms me. I mentioned on Facebook that I was contemplating starting to crochet again and wondering if it would help me relax. I also asked what others do to relax and calm themselves after their stressful days. I didn’t get a lot of responses but two of my real life friends mentioned knitting and dancing. Well I’m not much of a dancer, so that was out and I can’t knit (it’s on my before baby #2 bucket list) so that was a no as well. I did learn to crochet 11 or 12 years ago when I was in high school, but I never stuck with it. I made a blanket or two and that was it. After a little encouragement from friends; tons of research on Pinterest and Youtube; and finding some new blogs to follow, I decided to get back into crocheting.
Now I tried to get back into crocheting about two years ago and ended up failing miserably. I figured I would just start small and see where it goes. I picked up several different color yarns to make myself some accessories and something for Baby S as well. I’m pleased to say that this time with a little more patience and determination I am back in the swing of things.
Here’s what I’ve made so far (ignore my makeup less face these were all taken at the end of the day)
Chunky cowl/infinity scarf for me
The cowl was inspired by this post
Baby S models it better than me (it wasn’t finished in these pictures)
A beanie w/ a brim for Baby S
Pattern from Baby S’s hat found here
Slouchy beanie for me
Slouchy beanie inspiration here
Awesome tutorial for the magic circle here
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working on infinity scarves for my sisters, more beanies for me, and a beanie for Mr. S. I think it’s safe to say I’ve found my non wife/mother/grad student hobby. Who knows I may even open an Etsy store soon 😉
What do you do to relax?
