Sometimes life can throw a massive curve ball our way that ends up hitting us head on and hard as hell! During the past few weeks while I have been dealing with pain, heartache, disappointment and LOTS of stress it has been great to turn my attention to something that has eased my mind and given me some peace. Do y’all agree that being able to focus on something besides the stress and hardships of life is much healthier for the mind and health rather than to being absorbed by the negative is the best approach? I sure do!
Y’all might remember that during the holidays I was working on crocheting a blanket for our love seat that would match one I made previously for our couch. Well over the past few weeks I decided to focus my attention on making another blanket for our space bedroom! This has really helped ease my mind and provided me with LOTS of comfort, all while creating something that I think will be beautiful!!
Many years ago I learned how to crochet what’s called the “Granny Square” blanket. I know the name used to make me feel old, but it is a really easy pattern that you can just get completely lost in!
The one I just mentioned that I am making for our spare bedroom is going to be three different colors. I started with three rows of deep purple, two rows of grey and then two rows of black and just stayed with that color scheme. It fits well considering the bathroom attached to the spare bedroom is two shade of purple! I bet you can’t tell what my favorite color is! I promise, it isn’t difficult at all to change colors and actually gets easier the more you do it.
I am definitely not a pro with crocheting, but it might be the only thing that actually calms my VERY tense and uptight nerves. I am going to share a few YouTube videos in case you wanted to give this a chance. If you are anything like me and gets insanely stressed out about everything, this might be very helpful for you! These videos are pretty easy to follow and you will learn how to start a Granny Square and change colors if you want more than one color!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g1yINMJQyI&t=447s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ncIHthj_I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ResetFtgRgY
Please do not feel any pressure to try this; I just wanted to share with you what has helped me through many hard times in life. If you are interested, I do know another type that I will share with you soon, but only if there is an interest. I did want to share with y’all the two of the blankets I have made. The brown, tan and black is the one for the love seat and the
purple, black and great is the one that is in progress.
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and feeling great or at least the best you can! I am looking forward to reading any thoughts you may have about this post, if you are interested in learning to crochet or if you already know how to! Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort and many positive vibes!
Always, Alyssa
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
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Great job crocheting!! Keep up the good work!!
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Thank you so much Meg! I enjoy crocheting and it is so relaxing!
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Crocheting has helped me with a lot of curve balls lately. Maybe more dealing with the stress of moving and all, but that is a curve ball.
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It is amazing how much crocheting helps my stress levels at bay or at least less than that would be without it! I am so glad it helps you as well and I hope things get better for you soon!
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Very pretty Alyssa – my mom was a knitter and she used to make those needles fly. She tried to teach me how to knit several times and I always dropped stitches and she would have to repair my work all the time. It is exciting to create such beautiful handiwork.
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Thank you so much! I never learned how to knit and it seems a lot more difficult that crocheting because there are 2 sticks. It is pretty exciting to create something from just a small piece of yarn!
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Yes it is – my neighbor used to crochet and used to make alot of afghans and half-afghans as well. She would do her crocheting while watching TV and then she’d make things out of her scrap yarn, multi-colored afghans … she did so until she got COPD and then she was afraid of the wool fibers affecting her breathing. When she got on a large oxygen machine I guess it was no longer a problem, but she had given her yarn and hooks, etc. away. My mom knit for years, then got carpal tunnel problems from knitting so much. This was because she made two afghans for my grandmother and one for each of us – it was a lot of knitting. She usually used to knit baby outfits for friends and then their kids had babies – it was endless, and sweaters and vests for me. (That was when I used to get dressed up for work – now I just wear shorts and tee-shirts and sometimes in Winter my polar fleece PJs. I like to be comfortable – how did I wear pantyhose and pumps back in the day?
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It is funny you ask that about pantyhose and pumps all day back in the day. I got to a point I couldn’t wear heals any longer and I use to LOVE shoes. I guess as we age cute shoes become less important. I hope your week has started off well!
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I do think cute shoes become less important and I even tried some of my flat shoes I used to wear – none of them fit either. Wearing the walking shoes that are so wide and heavy makes your feet spread out – you know my mom used to tell me that becaue when I was in college I worked at a diner and wore white Earth shoe type shoes. You might be too young to remember them, but they had a negative heel, so your heels sank down in the back. My mom said “years from now, your feet will be wide” … she was right. (She was right about a lot of things actually. 🙂
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Oh thank you for saying I might be too young for something, I tend to feel old lately! I actually do know the shoes you are talking about:)! It is crazy, I use to LOVE heals because they made me taller, now they are my enemy. I do still like cute shoes, but now they are way more logical!!
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I was (and still am) tall, so why the heck was I wearing high heels to make me taller Alyssa? They sure are not good for your feet in the long run … you are probably a lot younger than me – I will be 63 in a few months and sometimes I cannot believe that – it does not seem possible to be 63.
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Oh dear, age is really just a number and doesn’t mean a lot in the big picture! I am 37 and often feel like I am 73, but it is just life. By reading your comments and your own blog, I would have NEVER guesses you will be turning 63. You definitely seem more like maybe 36!! Keep living life and you will always be young at heart!
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Thanks Alyssa – I don’t feel that age but it is a sad reality – sometimes I think I’d to be younger, but the world is so unsettled right now … things move too fast sometimes for me. I know that MS brings you down physically, as well as emotionally, and makes you feel your real age is turned around … life is tough sometimes, you’re right about that. I can empathize with you as my mom fought a daily battle with her pain from her orthopedic injuries from a car accident when she was just 11 – I think I mentioned my mom to you before. So, I watched her daily struggles, her face full of pain for each step she took. Hang in there Alyssa … I feel for you and I know it is tough. I like your positive messages that you send to us – keep them up okay?
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Thank you kindly! The world is way too unsettling at the moment and it is a little terrifying. I only hope for better days ahead of both of us. You couldn’t be more right, MS does have a way of bring me down, but I do not want to allow for an illness to control me. I am so sorry for the struggles your mother endured, but she was lucky to have a sweet daughter like yourself! I do promise to keep positive messages as often as I can!!
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You are welcome Alyssa – you have a circle of friends here, some who know your struggles, and others like me who cannot walk in your shoes, but knows those medical struggles and can empathize. We are all here to boost morale and get through those less than stellar days. Positive vibes as much as possible!
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The blog world has offered me SO many amazing friends and you are included in that! There are many that do understand my struggles and others that are just understanding because they have a heart!! It is my goal to share honesty and positivity with every word I share!
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Thank you for saying that Alyssa … I wish you an easier journey and your positivity will help you go down that path.
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You are more than welcome and I want you to know how much I appreciate YOU!!
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They are beautiful squares.
Keeping busy always keep stress away.
Have a lovely sunday
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Thank you so much! Yes, keeping busy does keep the stress away or at least at bay! I hope you had a great weekend!
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They look amazing!. How long did it take to do the first one?. I’m thinking of trying it myself. Can’t wait to see the finished purple one. Beautiful colours, and wishing you a lovely weekend. 🙂
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Thank you so much! Honestly, I think my first one, because it was bigger took more than a month. The one I made around the holidays, took almost 2 weeks. No pressure of course, but you should try it! The Granny Square is very simple. I promise to share the purple one when it is complete. I don’t know how big it will be, I am trying to use all the yarn I have! I hope you had a great weekend as well!
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You’re welcome! And it didn’t take you long at all!. I think I will give it a go. Thanks for posting…giving people inspiration!
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You are far too kind and I appreciate you! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help when you give crocheting a try!
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Thank you, and you may just hear from me!. 🙂
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Thank you!!!!
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Nice blankets! I’m glad you have something to focus on to relieve stress, for me it’s writing or walking… Same I can’t write & walk at the same time 😂!!! Keep up the good work… X
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Thank you so much! Between writing and crocheting, I think I keep my stress down some, just not completely.
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Good Morning Alyssa!!
I too crochet! MS brought me to crochet about 9 years ago. It is a very good stress manager, helps me feel like I can actually do stuff, and it also helps bring a little extra money in from time to time, as I can not work. I love it!! I have made so many things. If you decide to venture out a little more with it, let me know. I can help you with any questions, etc…
Have a great day
Jen
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Thank you Jen! MS is a battle and it is great to find things we can do, especially when those things help manage stress. Stress is absolutely the worst thing with MS. I honestly never thought about trying to make money with crocheting, but I will let you know if I change my mind ever. I am not even sure how or where to start with that. I appreciate your kind words and sharing what you are doing with it!
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Yes, Alyssa! These are great. Own it! You are a talented gal. xo~k.
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Thank you so much Kim! Of course I am a little hard on myself at times and if something doesn’t look right, I start over again!
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Aw I love the blankies! I’ve never tried crochet – for a beginner (who struggled with knitting and gave up) do you think I could pick it up easily? Might have to look into giving it a try. It’s great this helps calm you and take your mind off things a little, and I definitely agree that distraction or positive thoughts are far better than letting your brain get dragged down into negativity, especially when exhaustion and pain are high. xx
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Thank you so much! I was always scared to try knitting because there are too many sticks! I do think you could pick up crocheting easily. The two easiest ones to try are the Granny Square and the Double Crochet. I believe in you and know you can do it! It definitely takes my mind off of all the negative in life right now. I think without it, I might lose what is left of my mind!
If you decide to try it, let me know if I can do anything to help you!!!
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Aw that’s very kind, thank you! I had a thought… maybe get my mum some crocheting stuff for mother’s day and we can try it together as I thought of suggesting she try it before (she used to enjoy knitting, but the last project went awry – the biggest shoulder and 6 foot arm on just one sleeve on an otherwise pretty jumper was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen! – and she hadn’t done any more since, so I thought trying something else would be a good idea).
I’m glad crocheting keeps your mind occupied, distractions and positive things are definitely needed in our lives. I do hope you’re holding up okay…always here if you need to talk. Have a good day lovely xxxx
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That sounds like a wonder idea and I am sure your mum would be thrilled. The two of you might have a great time together crocheting. I actually taught my mother how to or at least I tried teaching her:)!
Thank you! I am glad that crocheting helps me relax because with all I have been going through, my stress levels are sky high and it is possible if I didn’t have something to distract me I would be having another relapse. I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you kindness, understanding and support, you are a pretty amazing person and I am glad to call you a friend!
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Wow–those are awesome! I really wish I was crafty like that:-)
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Thank you so much! I promise you it’s easy and you could pick it up! If you decide to try it, let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
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Beautiful work Alyssa and I’m glad it helps you feel better.
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Thank you so much!!!
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That’s really cool! I used to try to knit but I was super bad at it and very slow. I’ve tried to learn to crochet but so far have had a little trouble picking it up. My fingers aren’t as nimble as they used to be after my last relapse, but I can definitely see how it would be relaxing. I’ll have to try again.
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Thank you! I think knitting looks a lot more difficult than crocheting, but I could be wrong. If you are still interested in learning to crochet, you could try the Granny Square. It is pretty easy. I do understand about the fingers not be as nimble, but crocheting still may offer you relaxation, it doesn’t even really matter how the blanket turns out!!
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Oh wow. Amazing. You’re a real artist.
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Thank you so much! I definitely try, but this is so relaxing for me! I hope you are having a good week!!
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I bet. Doing fine, thanks. Keeping myself busy.
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It is always good to stay busy as it takes away most of the stresses in our lives!
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Those are beautiful! Great work!
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Thank you so much! It is so relaxing and if there’s anything I can help you with, please let me know ♡!
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Those are beautiful! There’s nothing as relaxing as crochet. I made the never-ending granny square one in blues and cream. Your colors are so pretty! I’m only able to crochet following along with beginner videos and had to quit after my frozen shoulder but I miss it! Happy crocheting!!
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Thank you so much! Crocheting has helped me stay calm and not be too stressed. I am making this blanket until I run our of the colors, so it is going to be huge!!!
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