Is this your refuge from the world?

Dear users, dear authors,
we don’t usually discuss negative things here in the forum. Is it true that this forum—or crafts in general, etc.—is your safe haven or your oasis of relaxation?

Yes, definitely one of them. In times like these, it’s important to create a few “peace, joy, and sunshine” havens to take a breather and find some calm. And crafts in particular (along with books) are perfect for clearing your mind—you can mindlessly count stitches or delight in every centimeter as your project grows.
You can’t—and don’t want to—always escape the daily news from around the world, and right now, a lot of it is stressful and worrying. On top of that, thanks to Mr. Putin, there’s the realization that the world is smaller than we always thought and that not all unrest and wars are always waaaay far away.
And when things in your personal life aren’t exactly rosy and going smoothly, it feels incredibly good to just think about choosing a ball of yarn or a piece of fabric and chat about it with like-minded people.
You’ve got to recharge your inner battery somewhere, after all.

Veronika, I agree with every word you’ve written. It’s good to stay moderately informed so you aren’t caught off guard by unpleasant surprises, but everyone needs a break, and the hobby of crafts, with all its facets, is very helpful in that regard.

Best regards, Inge

Since I don’t have anyone nearby to talk to about crafts, this is a wonderful place for me to do just that. I’ve already been able to make many nice personal connections here, which makes me especially happy.

A sanctuary away from the world... hmm. That’s what my lovely home is, too. There, I enjoy our garden, the vegetables I’ve grown myself, and the berries. And I can do my crafts in peace in the garden or on the balcony, forgetting about the world.

CP is part of my sanctuary.

CP is part of my knitting. I enjoy reading along here and showing my work; you get recognition and can express your admiration for others’ crafts. Like Monika, unfortunately, there’s no one in my circle of friends who does crafts—just a few grateful recipients.

Somehow you have to protect yourself from so much negativity to stay healthy, and for me, that means crafts (which includes CP), gardening, nature, and family. 

Dear Josefa, it’s not a refuge from the world. But it is a source of joy and relaxation. Here you can switch off, immerse yourself, dream, develop your own creative ideas—simply take a break from everyday life with its often worrying news and forecasts for the future.

Here you can recharge your batteries. Everyone has to find their own place to draw strength. For us, it’s definitely crafts and talking about them. It’s not just about looking at patterns and maybe making them—what’s also important is talking about them, showing your own work, asking questions, and feeling that there are others who think just like you do. We bring joy to others with our creations and posts, and in return we receive attention, sympathy, interest, and praise. Who wouldn’t feel good about that?

Anyone who has such a beautiful and fulfilling hobby as we do will understand what I’m talking about. Besides that, my personal sanctuaries are my cozy home, my wonderful large family, and my garden with its many new daily wonders.

I hope you all enjoy this beautiful summer Sunday and have fun with your craft project. Mine is already waiting for me.

Warm regards from Ina

I wouldn’t describe it as a refuge, but rather as a place to unwind.
For me, crafts mean relaxation, and that’s exactly what I find here.
When needed, there’s an exchange of ideas or even inspiration.

When it comes to sharing ideas about crafts, I feel the same way as Moni.
Even though I’m posting here rather sporadically at the moment—because I’m busy with various things and, for example, am focusing more on my Pinterest page—this is one of my safe havens.

Another is nature.

I only let the news in in carefully measured doses.