At the start of this year we asked whether knitting or crochet had ever helped you through a tough time in your life. And we were incredibly moved by all the stories you submitted – thank you so so much for your honesty! Below is Cassidy’s story and we’ll be sharing more over the months to come, so that these knitters’ and crocheters’ words can inspire you as much as they have us.
(Click here to be taken to all posts in this series)
Hi Cassidy! Tell us a little bit about you, what do you do?
I work in the garment industry, as a children’s sleepwear colorist. I find it to be a very uplifting job, being surrounded by bright colors and fun designs all day. As a colorist I work as a liaison between design and production for my company, making sure garments are produced to maximum color satisfaction.
Why did you start knitting?
Knitting became ‘cool’ to me in 5th grade, when I was about 11 years old. My classmates and I were given a project to create a belt using yarn and straws. I am not exactly sure what lead me and a lot of my friends to want to learn to knit, but that project is what did it. My grandmother taught me the basics and from that day forward I spent the rest of my childhood knitting everyone in my family scarves for Christmas.
Has knitting helped you overcome a difficult time in your life?
I like to look at knitting like I do a lot of things, I am always doing it for the pleasure of myself, not what others might think or what society accepts and with that knitting has helped aid me get through tough times. Knitting has taught me that you can overcome anything if you really put your mind to it. I consider myself a beginner, who is broadening her skills. With that being said, I know I am not a pro and maybe one day I will be, but as with many things in life, you cannot be the best. You can only be your best self. Working in stressful Manhattan, going through many life changing events as a young adult, I, like many others, find knitting to be the perfect remedy to wind down. I use it to escape to another realm.
What do you think it is about knitting, that makes it such a powerful tool at overcoming stress / hard times?
The act of knitting is very therapeutic and that is what makes it such a powerful tool to overcome stress and hard times. It is a great coping mechanism, just like exercise, meditation, or a walk in the park – knitting takes you to a place of serenity. Serenity is something that we really lack in this day and age, everything is so fast and, not much is focused on the ‘now’. Knitting slows things down and lets one release built up tension. Everyone has something that makes them at peace, knitting does this for me and so many others.
What would your advice be to others, considering taking up knitting?
Don’t be afraid! I know it looks intimidating, but really once you get the hang of it, like most needlework crafts, it is quite simple because of repetitious patterns and moving your hands in a rhythm. Also practice makes perfect! Something I like to remind myself.
Do you do any other crafts / any other hobbies? If so, and what is it that makes you enjoy them?
Is listening to live music a hobby? I consider it to be one and is one of my favorite past times. My boyfriend is a musician so I am very lucky to get to travel with him to all different types of places where I get to see him perform. I love knitting in the car on the road with him! Music has always been such a huge part of me ever since I was young and a lot of times songs take me back to a specific time in my life or moment. I love reading and writing too, I usually am either knitting, reading or writing something on my train commute to work. I have a love for the written word and how it can create a feeling. I also enjoy shell hunting in the summer! It is my favorite, I find so much beauty in something that has absolutely no monetary value. Beading, tie dying, and yoga are other crafts/activties I enjoy as well.
What makes you happy?
In no particular order: sand between my toes, sunshine, the ocean, kisses from my boyfriend, successfully knitting a project and gifting it to someone, spending time with my family, dancing to live music, The Grateful Dead, details, colors, youthful innocence and the very occasional something sweet.
Where is your happy place?
The beach and my families beach house is my go to happy place, but in bed knitting, while my boyfriend plays guitar in the other room is the ultimate bliss.