Have you heard the word “hygge” (HOO-guh) being thrown around lately?
Despite how it’s spelled, it sounds more like something that would elicit a “bless you” from your neighbor, but it’s also a wonderful Danish concept about seeking and embracing special cozy moments. It’s about slowing down, creating comfort and connection with people and things we love. As a maker, I can’t think of a better way to incorporate more hygge in my life and in my home than through handcrafting.
Stitching the stress away
The hygge of handcrafting is two fold for me. It creates hygge in my life as I do it and it creates hygge in my home long after it’s completed. Before I realized my love for making, I studied recreation and efficacy in college, and I learned that doing something you enjoy every day translates to you feeling more capable in other areas of your life. All those Pinterest memes about how crafting is therapy, absolutely ring true for me. It gets me to slow down, focus, and channel the chaos into something tangibly zen. When I’m stressed, I stitch it away. When I’m happy, I capture it. When I feel overwhelmed by life, those small craft victories give me the gumption to keep moving forward. The act of curling up on the couch, my latest crochet project in hand, my daughter snuggled under the same soft blanket, while it gently rains outside my window, is a quintessential afternoon of hygge for me.
8 Comments
Michelle A 646798729
January 17, 2019 - 11:37am
My grandmother was a crocheter and a quilt maker. I just know the basics. In the last year I’ve been creating therapeutic rice heat/cold packs and salves it helps my mind and heart to create something with my hands and it’s also a destresser for sure.
Cathy cs
July 27, 2017 - 11:55am
Can totally relate to this writing, note. Family members made different things from quilting to needle worked items. Some I still have today as something to remember them by, and the love that was shared in making them. I enjoy so many different crafts myself. Creativity, relaxation…losing time in what I do.
(Agree also on the above topic of organized space)
Delia Randall
July 27, 2017 - 12:27pm
Yes! Losing time in a creative task is so fulfilling sometimes! That is so wonderful that you have so many family made keepsakes.
Elicia S
July 25, 2017 - 11:35am
I do my hand craft through writing. I’m a children published author. I make the stories and the art. I’m in process of new book.
Delia Randall
July 26, 2017 - 2:18am
That is wonderful! Best wishes on your new book!
Elicia S
July 25, 2017 - 11:35am
I also paint and draw
Delia Randall
June 24, 2017 - 1:43pm
I think you touch on an important aspect of creating hygge. Having a clean, efficiently organized space is so important to our joy! When our space flows, we can focus on what we’re doing and what we love, rather than the stress of the mess. Thank you for sharing that great insight!
Linda 13125
May 4, 2017 - 2:41pm
This is where I find my comfort and the way I express myself the best. I am in process of redoing my sewing room to make it more efficient and user friendly. It is also my office so I need to tidy things up a bit. I love to make clothes for my grandchildren and quilts for pure enjoyment. I do some crafting my I have another room for that and it is my my “to do” list. I love this idea of being able to share the areas that keep our lives balanced and flowing in a positive direction.
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