Fiber as Therapy

[elizabeth]

I just had to post this. It involves fibers and handwork.
www.yahoo.com/makers/ditch-the-prozac-take-up-crafting-108671160605.html

I have to agree with the person who takes knitting to lectures. I do pay attention better when my hands are moving and a small part of my brain is involved in repetitive motion. Is it ADD? Dunno. Fiber is healthier than medication, but not cheaper!

I'm relatively new to felting and the only downside is that it's not portable.

Comments?

[Pandagirl]

I don't know about taking knitting to a lecture and paying more attention. I'm no longer a knitter, but I do agree creating is great therapy. I find when I'm not in a position to felt, I read about it, watch videos, sketch out ideas or just daydream about it. Either way I'm happy.

[Teri Berry]

Needle felting is a little bit more transportable than wet felting (although I have been known to take my wet felting kit on holiday so I can still get my "fix") but probably not the best activity if your attention is elsewhere (I stab my fingers enough when I am paying attention).

Surfing pinterest is my creative outlet when sitting in dull meetings but I don't think it helps me pay any more attention

Completely agree that creativity is good for the soul though, I can't remember what my life was like before I found fibre.

[MTRuth]

I usually take small hand stitching projects. Not sure it helps me pay attention though. It keeps me happy. I think we all need a creative outlet to be happy.

[Frances]

I have to stay busy or I am a very grumpy person. I am not a big TV watcher and when I am watching TV I am surfing the net (recipes, felting ideas, reading blogs, etc.) or working on felting or floral design projects. I also love my yard and would love to spend several hours a day in it if I were still physically able.

Being creative whether with fiber,fabric, plants, flowers or food is so good for the soul. I also read for an hour or so before I go to sleep at night.

So happy I found felting last January - I had just finished renovating our condo (supervising contractors, picking colors, refinishing some furniture, interior design, etc.) and needed something new to focus on.

Again thanks to all of you for supporting my endeavors!

[zed]

I wouldn't have thought sharp objects were allowed in mental health facilities.

If you're in the US, Elizabeth and fiber is more expensive than medication, you're definitely shopping in the wrong place!

I pay attention more if something is interesting, I can't imagine being able to knit and concentrate on a lecture too

[luvswool and dyestuff]

Fiber absolutely is therapy for me, and I have always surrounded myself with textile/fiber projects. From sewing to quilting to felting--it’s all good! When I am very busy with life and work, I try to squeeze in bits of felting or hand-embroidery work to “soothe the savage beast.”

I do tend to concentrate strictly on one thing at a time, so when I am felting I can listen to music, but that’s it. I do not take fiber projects on the road.

[halay]

Fiber is the best medication for me too.

[Deleted]

Hello Elizabeth,

My creative crafts are most certainly good for my soul.. If my fingers are still it is a rare event.. And when am to tired for stitching or whatever I love to read..

I had started a project many years ago and I accidently came across it while I was searching for another project.. I was so happy to find it.. I still have along ways to go before it is finished, so I decided this one will go to Florida with me. I am also taking a wonderful mystery book by "Charles Todd" called Ian Rutledge Series with me too.. I love British Mystery books... Smile.. Heaven know if I will work on it or read but I would "Never Dream" going away without taking something with me.


I thought I would share with you all a photo of this project I lost track for a few years.. There is needle felting, art yarn for the stems and some leaves.. Silk Ribbon Embroidery, beading and lots of embroidery. I am hoping I will finish it this year..  I love combining all kinds of techniques in my work..
feltingandfiberstudio.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/cxsr9rlplfxngnfq4arw.jpg

[MTRuth]

Judy - lovely piece - I like the mixed media effect.

[Pandagirl]

Lovely piece Judy.

I ditto both Cathy and Frances. I'm rarely idle. If I'm not involved in a fiber project, I'm thinking about it or surfing the net like Frances or reading. I have taken projects in the road, but only stitching so far. One day I'll bring felting supplies to Florida to have the grandsons learn to felt. ;-)

[Shepherdess]

I take my drop spindle or a hand sewing project with me. I don't go to many serious things anymore and no one seems to mind. My Dads wife hated it if I brought something to her house when there was a BBQ or something. I think she thought it meant her party was bad and I was not engaging with others. Silly really It always sparked conversation.

[zed]

Very nice, Judy

[elizabeth]

Jan 22, 2015 11:04:47 GMT zed said:

I wouldn't have thought sharp objects were allowed in mental health facilities.

If you're in the US, Elizabeth and fiber is more expensive than medication, you're definitely shopping in the wrong place!

I pay attention more if something is interesting, I can't imagine being able to knit and concentrate on a lecture too

Yes I'm in the US!

Having a part of my brain involved in very simple 'knit purl knit' occupies the ADD part that thinks about 'I wonder how that girl got her hair that color' and 'If I close my left eye, how far does the mic stand move?' and such nonsense. Maybe it just helps to stop all those other voices in my head!

I really must have my hands occupied when at concerts!

[Shepherdess]

Elizabeth do people tell you you talk a lot and you think but I don't ever say 1/4 of what I am thinking. Happens to me all the time.