Hobbies don't have to become a source of income.

Hobbies don't have to become a source of income.

Say that with me again.

Hobbies don't have to become a source of income.

I say this because it is possible (and entirely ok) for you to have a hobby that you just enjoy. Hobbies should be relaxing and something for you to do for fun.

YOU ARE ALLOWED TO ENJOY THINGS SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY BRING YOU JOY.

It is important to recognize that your time doesn't always have to be capitalized on. Taking time for self care helps take care of you so you can recharge and take on the world the next day. That is why I always have a large blanket or side project that is just for fun.

I started crocheting because it helped me relax. As someone with OCD, I struggle to sit and decompress because I do feel like every second of my life must be productive. So, watching tv while crocheting allows me to relax while still feeling productive.

Making stuffed animals often requires me to follow an unfamiliar pattern. This takes up a lot of my focus, and requires me to constantly be counting. However, working on a blanket where I keep doing the same thing over and over becomes mindless.

It is important in what ever you do for a living, you find a way to decompress. For me, its crocheting a queen size afgan and going to the gym. For others, it's gardening, cooking, taking care of horses, etc. Find what makes you happy outside of work, and run with it. And if you choose to make it into a source of income, awesome. Just remember you don't have to.

Also, here is a photo of the blanket I'm currently working on:

It's a basic chevron pattern using all single crochets. For this, I use a Q hook, and double strand my yarn. I love using the Caron One Pound skeins, and just buy two of every color. I went with fall tones this time!

If you have any questions, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out!

Stitched with love,

Meg