The Nine Ps: What Crafting Has Taught Me About Work Ethics
By now, most of you know that I crochet. In early 2020, I learned by watching YouTube videos. Reading patterns is *still* not my thing. A friend inspired me to take up this craft. And the lock down during the pandemic just accelerated my interest.
Crocheting and Work Ethics.
Patience: I am a slow learner. It was frustrating at the beginning. I couldn’t get past a single row of chain stitch (called the foundation chain) for many days. Holding the hook was an exercise in itself.
The yarn slipped – yes, it was the yarn’s fault. Things did not work as planned. I thought I was wasting a lot of good yarn, money, and time. Marathon.
Practice: I finally moved past a single, foundational chain, and made a swatch. I was still skipping chains. The item was ugly. I frogged a lot, re-did the stitches until I got them right.
Yes, there was some cussing that went along. It’s expected.
But, there is no crying in crocheting. Rhythm.
Perseverance: I started small with a single and double stitches (SCs and DCs), made several scarves, hats, and shawls and then scaled up to making a few pillow covers (shown in the image) and then full-sized blankets. There is a term among us crafters, “Death by a Scarf.” So, trying something new after every third scarf or a shawl has generally kept me interested. Motivation.
Present: Crafting requires a present body and a present mind. It’s literally “all hands (fingers) on deck” to get the work done. Listening to a radio show / podcast while making something has worked well for me. TV – not so much. Mindfulness.
Process: Personally, learning the process of making something with a simple brass hook has taught me the value and price of handmade crafts. I often pause to think about how much time and effort must have gone into making items (not to mention the emotion, motivation, and thoughts of the makers) at the big box stores and thrift shops. Respect.
Progress: Seeing a single very long chain transform into a warm blanket or a throw someday brings pure joy. We call it Crojoy. Reflection.
Product: There is light at the end of the tunnel. It is bright, colorful, vibrant, and (sometimes) useful. Action.
People: I may be working on projects, delivering products but ultimately, it’s about the people. Always about the people. Relationships.
Perfection: No. I am yet to make something that’s perfect or flawless. I have learned to let it go.
Someone recently said, “Only God makes perfect things.” So, there you go. A journey.
Always maintain your Tension. Take Frequent Breaks. Be Mindful.
Yarn over. Turn Your Work. Repeat all the steps for the next 500 rows.
