Do you need peace and quiet to do your crafts?

Hi,
I have a question.
When I’m really stressed out and have a lot to do, it’s enough for me to just surf the internet a bit in the evening and then go to sleep at some point. But I don’t have enough peace of mind left to knit or crochet. For me, crafts are something that require concentration, so I need to have my head clear enough. And that’s not possible when I’m juggling a thousand things from morning till night.

I’ve noticed that for others here, crafts are a form of relaxation that feels really good, especially after a hard day. For me, it just doesn’t work that way. I’d rather go to the forum and read up on what’s new here, but I don’t pick up any crochet hooks or knitting needles myself. I’m not a seasoned pro, of course. I’m not a complete beginner either, but I still have to be careful about how I handle the needles and make sure everything fits together and comes out even. I can’t watch TV while I’m doing it at all. It just confuses me, and then I might as well not bother.

How does it work for you guys?

I always have some needlework with me, no matter where I go! When I’m on the go (waiting rooms, car rides, things like that), I like to bring something simple that doesn’t require too much concentration. In the evenings, when everything’s done, I turn on the TV or an audiobook, and then I can tackle something more complicated! For me, it’s truly pure relaxation, and I wouldn’t want to do without it anymore!

I feel the same way, and I’m always coming up with new ideas
 

Who can help me? What can you make with crochet rings? 

I always have two or three projects "in progress"—some simpler, some more complicated—and then there are also pieces that have already been knitted or crocheted but still need to be finished off. Depending on my "mood," I choose one or the other to work on.
In my experience, it’s a matter of your "inner mindset." Back when I was still working in the "professional business world," there were many situations where I would have liked to do some needlework, but without that inner calm, my own answer came very quickly: "Later, Gritt, that can wait till later, now is not the right time for it," even though I would really have liked to do it! Today, now that I’m retired, I say very clearly: "There is no later!!!!!" That’s cheating yourself out of your own life. Back then, I put everything second to my job, including my social life, because there was no time. Today I have the time, but I no longer have any social contacts, so now I do a whooooole lot of needlework. Of course that’s not really right either, but it satisfies me, and thanks to the internet I’ve managed to make one or two contacts. Still... don’t do the same... make time for something that satisfies you; it gives you the self-confidence and strength you need for your working life too (or especially for that) ;-)
Best regards

What are crochet rings?

I crochet complex projects with full concentration. Everything else works fine with the TV on, etc. Back when I first started, I always had to concentrate to get everything right. It just sorts itself out over time ;)

Mistakes happen every now and then, and you might have to redo everything or part of it. The good thing about knitting and crocheting is that you don’t lose anything except time :). With sewing, for example, a lot more can get ruined than just your time.

I can’t really do it on the side or anything like that either. Maybe in a few years, once I’ve had more practice.

Wow
thanks for all the replies to my post :)

On the topic of the crochet ring:
do you mean a magic ring?
as a base for further crochet projects?

Learning to Crochet * Starting with a Magic Ring

http://youtu.be/NAqp6Kg7u1Q

I listen to music or audiobooks while I’m crafting. That works really well.

I do that too, but no more audiobooks—now it's radio music (WDR4) or current affairs programs (WDR5), all via the internet because I live in the Netherlands. Another alternative is the daily soaps on ARD or, on Sunday evenings, the "Herzfilm" on ZDF. All via the internet.
A nice talk show is good too, like Kölner Trepp or Plasberg. Both on WDR television.
Of course, the pattern can't be too complicated then.
Well, I have to get back to work. In the next few days I want to present my own webpage, and that still takes some work. When the time comes, I'll announce it.

Those are wonderful cats, Gritt_88
I also like listening to the radio while crafting, and relaxation CDs too, as I just wrote in the music thread.
I don’t like too much commotion while crafting, but it doesn’t have to be completely silent and calm either.

Wow
those kittens are great, I hadn’t even seen this post yet.
I love animated pictures of kittens.

Thanks for the cats—you’re all warmly invited to stop by and take a look at my place. I opened my virtual café, my gallery, and my shop two days ago.

http://www.mcw-gritt-mittler.eu

I’m still putting together a list of links because there are so many interesting sites related to crafts—it’s just great.