'Hey you guys!' Name the film reference? Ok, so this isn't how I thought I'd be starting this blog post but I've not written a chatty post for a while and 'hey you guys' just felt right. Bloody love this film too, my sister and I would watch it on repeat as kids. Have you seen it? Its a classic, wouldn't you agree?!

I'm going to start by saying sorry for the radio silence of late. If you follow me on social media you may have noticed I've not been posting much lately. I feel like all I talk about these days is my mental health and feeling rubbish and this is definitely not the tone I want for my little business. Its very moany and miserable so rather than beat myself up and add any unnecessary pressure, I have made the conscious effort to just stop! Have you even noticed? Probably not!

Why have I made this decision? Well who wants to hear someone moaning all the time? Not me, that's for sure. After a mega meltdown a few weeks ago I thought it was time to take a break... again. I feel like I say this all the time and that's not healthy. I'm clearly not learning my lesson, am I?!

I have suffered with my mental health for the past few years and its progressively got worse. Late last year I took a leap, asked for help and completed some cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The therapy worked wonders but I've got complacent and things have slipped again.

When things started to come undone again a few weeks ago I contacted my support worker at the Wellbeing Hub, arranged a visit and instantly began to feel better. Having the support of someone who really understands me is invaluable. From there we got the ball rolling for some additional counselling. I'm currently on the waiting list but just knowing that its going to be available soon is a motivational force. I have an incredible network of people around me, fantastic friends and family but sometimes having an unbiased ear to hear your voice helps change your mindset more effectively.

For anyone that needs to chat to an outsider, an unbiased ear then I would highly recommend Wellness in Mind, they have been fantastic.

My anxiety and low moods have affected all aspects of my life. I get low, I cry a lot, I have little patience and get angry. I am an over thinker and constantly put additional pressure on myself unnecessarily. So what does this mean for my business? Well, at this present time I am not achieving what I set out to do and its making me ill. My family is suffering and my moods are filtering into my day job. Not good!

My mega meltdown has made me stop in my tracks and reevaluate my creative world. I spread myself way too thinly and its got to stop. The summer is always a time when the cracks begin to show, my workload increases and I feel torn to do all.

So, who am I? Crochet designer, crochet tutor, graphic designer, marketeer, community artist, volunteer, wife, mother, home keeper... right now I'm trying to be all of these things and I can honestly say none of them are getting the best of me. Something has got to give!

My family, my home and my mental health are where I have to focus right now. Crochet for pleasure will follow closely behind. Crochet has such a positive effect on my mental health and I love it so much but I seem to have turned that into an anxiety as well. So I'm stripping things back to basics!

I'm trying to be more present and embrace each moment. I'm limiting my time online and focusing on the here and now without the distraction of social media and all the pressures I put on myself to be present. Funny that, isn't it? I strive to be present online but then I loose the ability to be present in real life. I'm sure we can all relate to this.​ Being consistent with my planning, working on one project or activity at a time, setting small achievable goals and communicating well with those closest to me are all things that are going to help me stay level headed and focused and in turn, help me feel happier and more empowered to live my best life.

I'm a good graphic designer, it often comes easy to me after twelve years of experience and is the thing that pays but is it really what I want to be doing outside of my day job? No, I don't think so... my heart lies elsewhere. It is, however, very satisfying to help people/organisations create an identity and transform their brand into something more relevant, current and eye catching.

I have been a volunteer for the Bulwell Arts Festival for the past three years, volunteering my time, creative input and graphic design skills and have had some great feedback for the work I have created. I have rebranded the festival, given it a clear defined identity and produced all the visual elements associated with it. Everything with the Bulwell Arts Festival logo and design style on since 2017 has more than likely been created by my fair hands.

Each year the Bulwell Arts Festival grows in size and popularity, we're getting our message out there and people are loving what they see and take part in. Wow, what an achievement for such a small team of volunteers. I feel passionate about everything the Bulwell Arts Festival is trying to achieve and feel proud to be a part of that. Unfortunately, with my head the way it is, I'm loosing my way a little bit. Most of my time is spent on the graphic design work. I'm lucky enough to be a designer and a maker and have, for the past couple of years, hosted a community based yarn project as well as produce the marketing material. Yarny stuff often comes secondary simply because the graphic design side takes up so much of my time and energy. Next year I intend to switch the priority level of these two around and make 2020 my year for yarn. I'll still, no doubt, be the main (only!) graphic designer producing the programme and stuff but with a different mindset I hope its a more enjoyable process.

Since meeting my friend Nicola Curzon, the Bulwell Arts Festival Coordinator and being apart of creating something amazing in my hometown of Bulwell, I have gained a new found love for community.

I love to share what I know, I love engaging with people and I love where I live.

I have lived in Bulwell all of my life and my opinion of the area has changed massively over the past few years. During my teen years I was very much influenced by the thoughts of those around me, I just lived where I lived because I had to, it wasn't by choice. Growing up, my sister and I would say we lived on the outskirts of Bulwell or the upper part of Bulwell in a bid to make it sound like we lived somewhere different, somewhere better. Why? Who knows! I guess it was learnt behaviour, a generational thing, many of our peers would do the same.

It wasn't until I became a wife, homeowner and mother that I really began to embrace where lived. Bulwell has got so much going for it and if the people that live there can't take pride, talk it up and look after it, how can we expect outsiders to do the same. Its even more important now that I have children because I think its so valuable to teach the next generation about heritage, tradition and belonging.

​​Joining Lines the Beginning of Change
My involvement with the Bulwell Arts Festival and the people I have met along the way has meant I have had the opportunity to work on some incredible projects and meet some amazing and inspiring people.
My most epic opportunity to date was being commissioned, as an artist, to run a community project and exhibition. My Joining Lines project opened my eyes to a whole new world. The world of an artist and the world of community.

Let's Yarn Bomb Bulwell
Joining Lines, the installation, maybe packed away nicely in my loft but the values of it live on in a lot of the other things I do. I have hosted, for two years in a row, a yarn bomb event as part of the Bulwell Arts Festival which has brought members of the local community together in a colourful, yarn filled day of decoration. Both years have been a make and attach kind of event with colour and texture being the main focus but after some great feedback and participants interest this year there has been a request for a themed yarn bomb next year which is very exciting, watch this space. ​

Crochet is wonderfully portable and is great for shoving in your bag and taking anywhere. I’ve crocheted in all sorts of places; on the train, at the park, at kids’ parties, on the beach and even in the bath!

Small projects or projects that are made of small parts are most definitely the best types of projects to work on whilst travelling, here are my top ten road trip projects. ​[Click on the image to be taken to the pattern]
​

Crochet scrubbies and soap bags are environmentally friendly and a great stash buster. Make flat pads for removing make up and applying cleansers, go crazy textured and create shower scrubbies or crochet a cute little soap saver to house your favourite soap.

I love a good pot holder, the're super useful and are a great way to add a splash of texture and colour to your kitchen. I have a simple treble crochet, double layered, dishcloth cotton one I made years ago in my kitchen and it still looks and performs as well as it did the day I made it. Here's a few fancier ones I've got my eye on making.

If you have ever met me before you will know I almost always have a crocheted necklace around my neck. I'm not one for delicate either, the bigger and bolder the better. Most of my necklaces were made by the wonderful Rhea Clements who runs Handmade Nottingham and are made from t-shirt yarn. I've made a couple for myself too but I'm excited by the mustard beaut below so may just have to make myself a new new.

We all know how versatile the granny square is, from the humble granny original to a fancy pants cactus one, creating squares make fabulous travel crochet. My last big travel project was my Porthminster Cardigan, made up of traditional granny squares, its a statement piece that took over a year to make and spent a lot of time in the car and at the beach.

Amigurumi is my all time favourite. I tend to make all the body parts whilst travelling and then stuff and join together when I'm home. Its such a satisfying feeling when it all comes together. Most amigurumi is made up of small parts so they're ideal projects for transporting and working on whilst out and about. 

Crochet bunting and garlands make great gifts and are another wonderful stash buster. I crocheted bunting for my wedding table and have made lots for new babies in my time. The possibilities are endless as well. Bunting doesn't just have to be made from triangles now does it?! Look at these beauts.

Doilies can often be overlooked and catagorised as being old fashioned. Not in my house. I love to make brightly coloured ones and use all sorts of yarn types. Doilies don't just have to be used to sit under a plant pot either, why not supersize and make a giant rug, or attach to the front of cushion or as part of a garland.

There are soooo many different ways to crochet a phone cover, it was hard to choose just three. Most of these patterns can be adapted and applied to tablet covers or laptop covers too. I love a good rainbow but just look at that unicorn!

Oh my word, look at those feathers! Flowers and appliques make lovely additions to clothing, attached to a key ring or like these adorable feathers used as bookmarks. How would you use crocheted appliques?

Everyone needs a hat and there are so many different types to choose from. The summer holidays are a great time to prepare for the colder months. You don't want cold ears when the cool weather creeps in.  I'm never that organised mind you but perhaps, after creating this blog I'll be inspired to get ahead and make our winter hats rather than panic make when they're needed.

​Here’s just a few of the possible projects you could have a go at whilst out and about on your travels. I hope you enjoy the examples I have found as much as I did searching the web for them. Let me know what your go to favourite travel project is. Im always looking for inspiration. Where’s the most interesting place you’ve crocheted? As you can imagine, crocheting in the bath wasn't that successful but at least I can say I tried it! One more question, because I'm a nosy parker. If you could travel anywhere right now where would it be? 

Joining Lines is a collaboration between new and experienced crocheters from Nottingham and surrounding areas. Meeting new people, sharing skills and ideas and hearing stories about what got folk into crochet have been a huge motivation for me. I've enjoyed the reasons why people took part in this project and find the research very interesting.

When I originally launched the project I had hoped that it would engage a wide audience and encourage new comers to crochet to get involved. It did just that and then some. After a slow start, I was inundated with doily contributions and words of encouragement which have strengthen my urge to work with the community. I'm excited about where the Joining Lines project will take us and can't wait to work with the community more, share the skills that my Granny Leitha taught me and revive a sense of belonging, building friendships along the way.

Its taken a lot of planning, followed by a lot of waiting (for the deadline to pass and all doilies to be handed in) to a very full on couple of weeks of blocking and sewing. I am super excited to say that, after more than 40 hours of sewing together, the Joining Lines project is ready for the world! (Well it will be once its been installed!)

Joining Lines 2018 will be displayed at the Bulwell Riverside from Saturday 30th June and will showcase the work of 37 crocheters joined together as part of an impressive textiles installation of over 146 crocheted doilies. This is a sight not to be missed. The Exhibition will run until 28th July and is free to visit.

Below I have listed each participant and their comments about who taught them to crochet and why they crochet. Participants are aged from 28-80 years old with only one male taking part... my dad! Many people turn to crochet as a way to escape the chaos of life and unwind. Some even say that it has huge health benefits. I can totally agree with this as crochet is my go to when my anxiety is high.

​Why do you craft? Who inspires you? What are your views on community and skills sharing? I hope that the Joining Lines project helps us to focus on community over competition and allows us to find ways to step away from our screens, reach for a more hands on approach and explore different ways of thinking. 

​​Amy Shore
​Female | ​28
"April Towriess taught me to crochet on our lunch break. I was keen to learn a new skill."

​April Towriess
​Female | ​34
"My granny Leitha taught me to crochet whilst I was at university. I learnt to knit first but loved crochet more and haven'y knitted since! I crochet most days and have done since I first learnt some 12+ years ago. I use crochet as a way to unwind and its the first thing I head to when my anxiety is high. I love sharing what I know at workshops and events and wouldn't be without the crochet community I have found along the way."

Cherise Richardson 
Female | 30
"Taught to crochet by friends and YouTube. I crochet to relax and to feel I've achieved something."

​Claire McCurdy
​Female | ​42
"My Num taught me how to crochet (as well as sew, embroider and knit) but I only learned how to do granny squares. It was my husbands Granny Eileen who showed me how to do Irish crochet flowers that really started me off. She showed me how to recognise stitches and where they should go. I now crocet for fun - I made 250 of the Irish roses to decorate my wedding dress. I used to sell crochet items at craft fairs, I make blankets to keep loved ones warm and welcome babies into the world. Most of all I crochet to keep my hands busy and to de-stress."

​Dawn Priestley
​Female | ​37​
"April Towriess taught me to crochet. I pick up the hooks when I'm supporting her at her crochet events. I enjoy the process and have made a few small items, I'm a master at the chain stitch!"

​Flora McLeod
​Female | ​80
"My aunt taught me to crochet but all of my mothers family were knitter and crocheters. Crochet helps me to relax."

​Gill Sin
​Female | ​​73
"I knit and crochet but favour crochet. I taught myself to crochet back in 1964 after watching my sister crochet incorrectly. Crochet keeps my mind active and I believes that anybody can do it all it takes is a bit of patience."

Grace Elliott
Female | 28
"I taught myself to crochet. Crochet is relaxing and I enjoy making things."

​​Heidi Watts
​Female | ​49
"I taught myself to crochet through magazines and books and YouTube. I crochet for relaxation, to keep me same after a hard day at work and because I love it!"

​Helen Hearn
​Female | ​57
"I learnt to crochet as a child by my mother, the same person that taught my daughter, April Towriess, who is the curator of this project. I am very proud of my daughter and her Crochet Clinics, passing on her knowledge of crochet to others and to the next generation so it does not become a dying art form."

​Jennifer Linzmaier
​Female | ​32
"April Towriess taught me to crochet at the Craft Studio up about 500 stairs!! I use crochet for stress relief and to make gifts for friends and family."

​Jess Kemp
​Female | ​50
"I have attended various crochet workshops with Rosie Pea and April Towriess. I enjoy crochet as it's time for me. It's a creative activity I don't teach and don't share!"

​Jo Morling
​Female
"I have been crocheting for 6 years. I am self taught and crochet to relax."

​Joy Rice
​Female | ​62
"I taught myself to crochet using April Towriess’ YouTube tutorial. I learnt to crochet to be part of this project. ​"

​Judith Watchorn
​Female | 66
"I predominantly knit but have started to try more crochet. I have made crocheted toys and blankets. I thoroughly enjoyed making doilies for this project."

​Julie Willoughby
​Female | ​53
"My mum and my granny 'at the farm' taught me to knit and crochet. I crochet because it is versatile, useful for building structures and 3D shapes. Unlike knitting there is only one stitch to worry about at a time - you can only drop one stitch! It is portable and uses minimal tools. I'm a textiles sculptor (www.zoomorphia.com) but I use crochet and knitting for some community projects."

​Laura Conkey
​Female | ​31
"Eleanor from Knit Nottingham taught me to crochet. I crochet because it relaxes me. It now feels weird to watch TV without working on a project. There is real joy and satisfaction in creating something. I crochet because it's faster and more forgiving than knitting."

​Laura Croft
​Female | ​33
"I was taught to crochet by my mother-in-law and consider it a gift. I never thought I would get the bug for it as much as I have. I crochet as a stress reliever and to make things for my daughter."

​Lisa King
​Female | ​29
"I started to learn to crochet 8 years ago. A lady at work could crochet and a few of us were interested to learn. This lead to us having little daily crochet lessons during our lunch hour! It didn't take long for me to catch the crochet bug. After mastering the basics I soon ventured onto the internet to find more complex patterns. I find crochet a good way to unwind from a stressful day at work. It's a fun thing to focus on and forget about everything else that may be going on at the time. I love seeing my creations come to life and work up quickly. I've also made some great friends through crochet activities and groups."

​Margaret Pugsley
​Female | ​67
"From being small I have loved crafting. I learned to knit at age 8 but didn't learn to crochet until I was in my early 20s. A neighbour taught me. I have loved it ever since."

​Maureen Hutchinson
​Female | Old!
" I have limited understanding of crochet patterns. I am self taught and like to crochet."​

​Nicky Robinson
​Female | ​43
"My mum, Pamelia taught me to crochet when I was a kid. I like making things and crochet gives me the freedom to avoid using patterns and go where my hook takes me. Doilies, using a pattern, were a challenge!"

​Pamelia Robinson
​Female | ​69
"My mum, Josepha taught me to crochet when I was 13 because I wanted her to make me a skirt and top. She said she didn't have time so taught me. I love the freedom of design and flexibility crochet gives, next to singing and my dogs its the best relaxing thing I do."

​Rachel Williams
​Female | ​30
"My mum taught me to crochet but only 2 years ago. Before that, I just didn't get it! It's a relaxing and rewarding way to spend my evenings. I enjoy doing something tactile after using a computer all day at work. I also like the idea of keeping traditional crafts alive in the modern age."

​Sarah Copson
​Female | ​28
"April Towriess taught me to crochet on our lunch break. I was curious to try and get involved in the Joining Lines project."

​Sarah Green
​Female | ​46
"I am self taught. I am a first time crocheter and wanted to join in with this community project."

​​Sarah Manton
​Female | ​48
"My daddy (with numerous refreshers from April Towriess) taught me to crochet. I love the lacey detail that can be created with just a few titches on almost anything!"

​Sarah Pownall
​Female | ​54 (just!)
"I think it was my mamma who taught me to crochet when I was young, 7-8 years of age perhaps. All I can remember is making circles, I never seemed to do rows and rows or squares, just circles. Crochet went nowhere after that until one day whilst I was out with a friend. We were looking at craft magazines and I saw an elephant on the front of a crochet magazine. My second granddaughter, Ella, had not long been born and I decided I would have a go and make the elephant from the magazine. I purchased the magazine, went in search of yarn and hooks and then realisation dawned... I'd never used a pattern before. Never even looked at one! "Oh well, how hard can it be" I thought. Well, it was a bit hard, such a small project for bug clumsy hands that hadn't used a hook for years, let alone made anything other than a circle. I persevered and it is still in use today, nearly 8 years on. I keep meaning to find the magazine and remake it as I am far more established a crocheter now, still untidy but confident enough to take on projects. I mainly make accessories, toys and garments, though when I put it like that, there's few categories left that I haven't tried!"

​Stephanie Fox
​Female | ​68
"I taught myself to crochet 50 years ago. I crochet for pleasure, mostly blankets. I haven't made a doily for years as sadly they are no longer desirable."

​​Sue Manterfield
​Female | ​57
I can't actually remember how and when I learned to crochet. I know I was quite young and it may have been via a member of my family. I remember my Step Grandmother crocheting very intricate cotton thread book marks, so it may have been her. I retaught myself to crochet early last year when I found I had time on my hands following a bout of flu. This was the start of my new addiction, fed by the internet and all it's wonderful suggestions, patterns and instructional articles and videos. My iPad is my best friend and I am pretty sure I would not have taken up this craft again without it. I find crochet very rewarding, therapeutic and also quite lucrative since I have started to sell a few items. Initially to family and friends but now via my Etsy shop, Hooked Creations by Sue."

​Susan Clissold
​Female | ​62
"My aunt taught me to crochet. I enjoy making gifts for people and also giving my work to local charities."

​​Theresa King
​Female | ​​74
"I knit and have always wanted to learn to crochet. April Towriess attended our local Knit and Natter group and taught me to crochet. I like to keep my hands busy."

​Vicky Sorsby
​Female | ​38
"I was first shown how to crochet by a girl called Mish who I had worked with in Nottingham but I also did a winter season with her in a resort called Wanaka in NZ. She made beanies for her instructor mates (ski and snowboard). I left crochet there until several years later when I finessed my skills using books and YouTube videos. I used to visit the knit and natter group at Knitworking in Gedling. I find crochet easier than knitting and it seems to make up more quickly which is obviously great! I still haven't been able to make a garment and don't often finish items but I enjoy the process."

​​Wendy Hallam
​Female | ​63
"My mum taught me to crochet, knit and sew when I was about 10-11 years old. We made dishcloths until I got the tension correct. I love crochet as it's so versatile, colourful and easy to do, and each project takes you on a journey. I belong to a knitting and crochet group and also a machine sewing group."