you never know

I know that I am always talking about how rug hooking changes peoples lives. I know I say it over and over again. And I want to tell you again that I know it is true. One simple stitch can make things a little better. In some cases, that stitch can change your life. 

How can I be so sure of this? Well, people tell me. In the last two days three people told me their story about how rug hooking has changed them, enriched them, or helped get them through a difficult time. These are their personal stories and not mine to share. But those confidences that my community shares is enough for me.

There is also the research. In one scholarly article from the University of Finland, Sinikka Pollanen, in a qualitative study of 59 people and a research review, "Elements of Crafts that Enhance Well-Being" describes the positive results that people have from working in the textile crafts. She also includes many other studies and explains that the evidence that creative hobbies lead to well being in people of all ages is well documented. This is just one study and there are many more.

There is something to this making thing that we are all caught up in.

We do it because it helps us.

We do it because it makes us feel better.

We do it because it brings us community.

We do it because it offers us opportunity.

We do it because it relaxes us and reduces stress.

We do it because it brings beauty to the world.

We do it because it helps us find ourselves.

We are not just passing time. There is nothing trite about making. We are living our lives well and full and with intention when we choose to hook rugs or make. This leads to good things for us, and for those around us. And that goodness comes in just the making.

Then there are the rugs we make. It is not just the process of making that enhances our lives. We also get the thing itself, the rug, that warm wool rug that we can hang on the wall, make a pillow with, or walk upon. We have something tactile and beautiful for the time we spent. We can enjoy it ourselves, we can give it as a gift, we can sell it. We can hold the results of our time spent in our hand.

I love that part. I love having something to show for my time. I love making art. I love making the imagination real. So, I'll keep saying the same thing over and over again and again. Because there is so much truth in it. You never know what you are teaching someone when you teach them to hook rugs.