Why do we craft, truly?
In the busy hustle of life, modern technology and its conveniences, this question may seem a little out of sorts. You may think, well, we craft because we are looking for something to do.
I am interested in dissecting this idea a little further. I believe we craft because we have always done so. It is in our nature, and engraved within our DNA. Everything we know today, the device on which you are reading this post, the ceramic mug from which you drink your steaming morning coffee, ideas both big and small are thanks to our enate nature to craft and to design, where we are as a society today is because humans have a drive to create something which is better than what we know, but I also think, this becomes our downfall. 
Crafting was a slow process which we used to keep ourselves warm, create shelter or perhaps create small conveniences for ourselves to make life just that little bit easier. Crafting sustained us, and we were sustained because we crafted. But what happens, when crafting is no longer a slow, intentional process, and with the flashes of ideas on our devices, the trends, yarn hauls and huge craft stores, does the very thing we once did to maintain a slow-made lifestyle now become just as indulging, overconsumed and troubling as the factories and mass-produced consumerables we tried to stay far away from.
Perhaps we have to remember that crafting and creating are intentional processes; they were never meant to be fast-paced. It may be what keeps us sane in such a busy world. This is why I have started telling myself, craft more, create less. What does this mean?
It means simply crafting for the enjoyment of it, not necessarily to tick boxes or lists. Craft because you need a new shawl, or jumper, not because a yarn AD told you you should. How do we craft more but create less? By crafting slowly, intentionally, be mindful in your choices, save up your hard-earned pennies for a quality, ethical yarn, think about your projects before you start them, map them out and measure them so you can be sure they will fit and the result is up to your expectations. Allow projects to take time so you can craft longer, but create less.
I have been following this motto by embarking on The Gratitute Blanket course by The Homemade Mothers. Even for an avid crocheter like myself, starting this course really amplified my desire to slow down within my crafts. The course touches on important subjects such as intentional colour palettes, how to craft gently, as well as walking you through the steps from beginning to finishing your blanket slowly. There is no time-frame, no set expectation, just the opportunity to get crafting, slowly. 
Can you imagine what this approach would do to your mind? The anticipation of mapping out a new project, measuring it thoroughly, choosing your colours with intentions and working for weeks to perfect this piece. You will be filled with such creative peace, you will be so proud of your efforts and how intentional you were with your choices.
I highly encourage everyone to slow down, there is no need to measure your skill or level of creativity with a project tally. You are just as worthy and creative even if you only completely 1 project. If that project took up all of your crafting time, how special that it gets to shine.
Craft more, and create less.
To get started on your own gratitude blanket and learn how to crochet, use code SOPHIALOVE at check out
Beginners Guide to Crochet Course - The Gratitude Blanket – The Homemade Mothers
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