Shriya Week 10: Stitch by Stitch

When the world seemed to come to a halt during COVID, I found myself yearning for something to do. All of a sudden, I had so much free time to myself, and the boredom began to absorb me.


Around this same time, on Christmas Eve, my mom brought a gift home that her coworker had given her. Urgently, my sister and I got up and ran over to my mom, swiftly grabbing the gift bag from her before she even had a chance to take off her shoes. When we spilled the contents of the bag onto the table, though, we were shocked.


Given that it was the holiday season, we expected to find hot chocolate, a mug, or maybe even lip balms and lotion. But the last thing we expected was a mustard-colored, hand-woven scarf and beanie set. It was honestly beautiful. And even though I let my sister keep the gifts, they left a lasting impact on me. The possibility of making something that beautiful on my own intrigued me, and, at that moment, I decided that I wanted to try it out.


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After that, began the binging of YouTube tutorials. Right after finishing my homework and our family walk in the evening, I would plop down on my designated couch and begin to crochet, going through balls and balls of yarn while making beanies, bucket hats, and scarves, all for my sister, my one and only personal guinea pig. She probably has at least 20 things I’ve made by now!


Over the years, though, crocheting has evolved to become more than just a fascination for me. It’s one of the few activities that captures my single-pointed focus. When I’m having a chaotic or stressful day, crocheting helps me calm my mind and regain power over myself, stitch by stitch. Somedays, I come back home from school, unable to focus on my homework or studies because there are too many thoughts buzzing through my head at the same time. At times like these, crocheting quietens my mind. There’s just something about the soft yarn sliding through my fingers and the possibility of making a mistake if I lose count that brings me a sense of focus and complete control over my thoughts and emotions, letting me recenter myself while creating something that’s truly beautiful.

Comments

  1. Mahiya RadeJanuary 31, 2025 at 1:59 PM

    Hi Shriya! I relate to your search for something to occupy the mind during the numbing boredom of Covid-19. It's admirable that you learned to crochet; I think many people during Covid went, "Hmm, I think I should learn to crochet," and ended up buying a couple balls of yarn and giving up (guilty). Even though stitching sounds like I would find it tedious, the way you describe it beautifully depicts how it can bring peace and comfort. Your sister sounds incredibly lucky to have a free personal fashion designer. You effectively build up your close relationship with your sister through this blog, first with the anecdote of you two excitedly opening the gift bag together on Christmas eve, then crocheting at least twenty hats and scarves for her; the warmth of your family definitely comes through. Overall, this blog is uplifting and lovely to read.

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  2. Samyukta KulkarniFebruary 4, 2025 at 7:08 PM

    Hello Shriya! I was immediately captivated by your unique blog title and was extremely intrigued to know more! Coincidentally, I also picked up crocheting to fill up my long quarantine days. I found a ball of yarn and a hook my mom once used when she was attempting to take up crocheting and decided to give it a go. I too learned from youtube tutorials and made some questionable items at first, but once I got the hang of it, it became one of my favorite hobbies. It is amazing that you were able to find a hobby that allows you to relax and destress after a tedious busy day at school. I found it creative how you tied the title of your blog into the writing and the central theme of this quarter. I would not have assumed that crocheting could be a symbol of power but your beautiful depiction of the craft showcases your passions and dedication. I enjoyed reading your blog and hope to read more of your work in the future!

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