Five For Friday 3/19/21
Starflanket
I currently call this blanket “the blob” because it sure doesn’t look like a star at the moment. I had a couple projects I bought yarn for that I didn’t like knitting, so I frogged them. I was able to combine the yarn from those projects plus a couple additional skeins to have enough for this blanket. I’m super enjoying knitting it so far, but we’ll see how it goes once I get further out towards the edge. Pattern is Starflanket by Stephen West.
Wash Me/Wear Me Bag Update
Bag construction is complete! It was a little tricky to understand how it all went together, but the videos from Vanessa were super clear. Now just need to wait for my aunt to make the iron-on labels for the outside to designate which side is which.
OCD
While at the salon getting my first haircut in 2 years (thanks COVID!), I overheard the phrase “OCD” used in a way that clearly simply meant “particular.” Having Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is more than just preferring things to be neat. OCD consists of obsessions, which are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings, and compulsions, which are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease his or her distress.
When a person with OCD has to lock and unlock a door a certain number of times, it’s not because they just want to make sure it’s locked, it’s because their mind has convinced them that if they don’t do it the correct number of times, then something bad is going to happen to them or their family or their house. Locking and unlocking the door is a way to reassure themselves that the intrusive thought of harm to things they care about is assuaged.
Simply wanting your desk to be a certain way or always cleaning up any stray bits of things does not mean you have OCD. Words mean things and it’s important to use the appropriate language when talking about mental health.
Gifts!
Sometimes when I’m not posting a lot, it’s because I’m making gifts for people who know my account. :D I’ve given these presents, so now I’m able to share.
First up is a cool telescoping pencil case for my sister Megan. It stands up, zips at the top, and you pull the tabs on the sides to pull it down. That way you can easily access whatever you’ve got inside. She’s got some short pens in there right now, but it would be even more helpful if you had taller pencils or even paintbrushes. It uses some leftover fabric from a bag I made her previously, so it even matches! The tutorial I used is from Sew Can She.
Next is a cute cardinal, bat, and ball plushie set for my friend Karen who loves the St. Louis Cardinals. The ball and bat have embedded magnets and the cardinal’s feet have magnets glued to the bottom so it can sit on the bat just like the Cardinals’ logo. Cardinal pattern is by Laura Sutcliffe.
Lastly is a gorgeous crochet shawl with pockets for my Aunt Karen. It accidentally perfectly matched her top (and jacket!) so I know I picked the right color. :D Pattern is Perfect-Pockets Shawl by Sonja Hood.
Anti-Racism
The racially motivated killing spree in Atlanta this week that killed 8 people, including 6 women of Asian descent, has further amplified the obvious issue that America has with racism and white supremacy.
While I try to keep my focus on crafts and mental health, it’s also important to shine a light on crucial issues happening in our communities.
Loops of Gray will always be anti-racism. I do not condone violence or discrimination based on, well, pretty much anything. I try to maintain a place that is based on love and acceptance. It’s just heartbreaking to hear of senseless murders simply because of the color of their skin or cultural background.
You can learn more about how to help in in the fight against AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) hate at stopaapihate.org.
