WellBeing Craft

"This is a magazine that is dedicated to a range of beginner- to intermediate-level craft projects that are designed to inspire and delight. Some are practical projects and some are whimsical wonders that will capture the imagination and leave you filled with delight. There are many known links between creativity and our mental state of health. When we sit down to create, we become singularly focused on the task at hand. We are often able to shut out the noise of the outside world for a moment and just be present as we stitch, as we knit, as we sew. This is mindfulness. This is wonder."

WellBeing Craft

Dear reader,

Creativity for the soul • Being creative is good for the soul, but when was the last time you made it a priority in your life?

Hooked on the flow • Studies have shown that craft exercises such as crochet can help improve your mental health. We find out more on why this works.

Calming crochet • (n) needlework consisting of the interlocking of looped stitches formed with a single thread and a hooked needle

Crocheted market bag • Grab your crochet hook and a roll of recycled cotton and start hooking! This market bag consists of just four crochet stitches, and makes up in very little time.

Rustic circles scarf • This soft and cosy crocheted scarf worked in genuine Irish Donegal wool will keep the winter chills out on long country walks.

The hanging gardens • Time for the great art masters to share a little limelight with Robyn Hicks – crochet artist extraordinaire. Her composition of multicoloured flowers made from yarn grabs hold of your heart and just won’t let go. Frame it and hang it as a centrepiece.

Clan McCrochet • Sue Pinner can turn her hand (and hook) to any crochet, so we ordered a tartan rug. She called on the Macleod Harris Tweed for colour inspiration, with a blend of blues and greens overlayed with red and mustard stripes. Ach, it’s great!

Crochet flower necklace • A thoughtful gift or a must-have accessory – you can modify this crocheted necklace to your own liking. Make the strands longer or shorter, add more or use less, add more flowers – have fun!

Kendy Crochet Beanie • Featuring fluffy puffs, this terrifically textured beanie will keep you and your little ones warm on even the coldest days.

Crocheted circular handbag • Add lots of ‘pop’ to your outfit with this round bag crocheted with 1.5mm (1/16in) cotton string in a zingy mandarin colour.

Knitting

Knitted headbands • Baby alpaca yarn is soft and fine, breathable and warm, and just perfect for these pretty headbands, or ear warmers as some people call them.

Lime green Knitted Baby Blanket • Use cotton-blend yarn to knit up this lightweight baby blanket, perfect for the warmer months.

Cascade knitted throw • Snuggly and super gorgeous, this throw can be knitted in a weekend.

Kids shawl collar sweater • Nothing beats a home-knitted garment and knitting for children can be extremely satisfying. This Primo yarn is a wool blend that is perfect for kid’s garments (it’s machine-washable) and comes in a variety of colours.

Summerweight sweater • Create the perfect summer sweater featuring a delicate lace stitch that is open and airy with a modern look. Wear it casually with jeans or light pants or dress it up with your favourite skirt.

Stitching • (v) to fasten, join, close, make, mend or decorate with stitches

Purrfect Paris • You may have wandered its boulevards, climbed its tower and sampled its cuisine, but have you ever crossstitched its wonders as seen from an artist’s (and cat’s) garret? Steph Chard has. Now you can too.

Modern String bag • This project was inspired by a lunch bag, a traditional drawstring bag featuring a busy print. Minki has created a...