Stress crafting...

[hippybngstockng]

Once upon a time I came to the realization that when I get stressed I make things. I will stop doing anything else I am doing, and make something, often something too large and time consuming to make, but I feel utterly compelled for no good reason, and do it anyway. I realized finally, when I spent an entire weekend making a sweater vest that didn't fit, that it was often the result of stress, specifically not being able to deal with something. That particular moment involved the need to talke a stand at my job, and the fact that I didn't want to face my boss... Hello sweater vest!

So yeah- I've cranked out 3 shopping bags in short order, and have been obsessing about making myself a purse. I started it a couple days ago, and yesterday I did so much on it I think I hurt my right hand. When I woke up this morning I couldn't make a fist, and my ring finger is sorta swollen. This is after I had uniquecrash5 rub it with tiger balm, and then I fell asleep holding an ice pack. It feels mostly better now, just the one joint on the ring finger is still upset.

And what do I want to do right now??? Crochet the rest of my purse. I want to finish it. Now.

What's really up with that? Well, duh.. I still can't make up my mind about whether Betty is ready to go or not. She's still clearly having trouble, but she's actually trying harder, and we've been feeding her human food and she's really excited about that. She even did some begging. None of this improved attitude will stop her tumor from growing though, and that's getting in the way of some really fundamental functions, so yeah... Anyone want a shopping bag?

And of course I already bitched about the limbo... It's a really itchy feeling to be unemployed, and be totally ABLE to work, and not be allowed to do anything about it (since I'm not legal enough in Canada to count as employable). Then, when we do get solidly employed, which is stated to happen possibly as early as October, our lives will become a logistical nightmare...

The last time that kind of tension came to pass, which happens to be the time Crash got the evil job that allowed us to move to this great land, I made 4 afghans. Granted, I used 2 strands of a rather bulky yarn, and just about the biggest crochet hook you can find, but still- These were not throws, they were BLANKETS you could actually use as a bedspread... NOT small.

My urge, after the purse is finished, is to go even further and start something experimental that I totally don't need, just because I thought of it. I want to crochet an easily washable, fleece lined cat bed. I'm a nut-bar... A frenzied crazy nut-bar.

Especially considering I am not DONE done with the stuff I want to do before we move, which I know will happen soon even if I don't know when. I'm only "done" in the sense that there are very few total nonsense boxes of crap left to be sorted, and they've already been started. If I wanted to be DONE done, I would now take a week and go through everything that's left with a really critical eye. Really go tossing crazy, be a total clutter bitch, finally. Then, ya know, start packing because I know I need to, even if I only put the shit in the garage for now. I should especially be going through my many half finished projects I started in times of stress, and throw a lot of them out. That's how I imagine a normal person deals with it, by diving in and getting shit done.

I'd still rather make more purses.

Comments

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Honey, you need to stop for a while or you won't be able to crochet - that finger is getting 'trigger finger' and it will incapacitate you if you don't let it rest and heal.

That said, I'd love one of the shopping bags - but only if you don't make a new one for me...

Will we get a chance to see you folks when we come up to Toronto in September?

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

I am dead sure we'll still be here through then, so yes!

As for shopping bags, they're so dead easy and quick... They're barely cramp provoking! I think you should just tell me your favorite color(s) and if I haven't already made one, I will make you one, since it won't hurt me at all, and I've been looking for excuses ;)

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... maybe I'll tell you...


...tomorrow.

Rest, oh impulsive one.

[hippybngstockng.livejournal.com]

Actually, you could tell me whenever you want because I'm not anywhere near done with the purse yet. It will likely be at least a few more days, some of which will be working on the lining which is going to be just some easy machine sewing. ;) I will have a nice break from the cramps putting it together, I'm sure.

[djinnthespazz.livejournal.com]

:(

don't want to see you in pain.

[adrienne-j.livejournal.com]

Just make sure you put down the crafts so you can come over on Sunday and relax and eat bbq :)

And I know the move will be hard, but where you're going isn't that far, and I spent four great years there during university, and, if you think this would be beneficial, I am more than willing to journey there with you at some point and show you guys around so you can get orientated.

[uniquecrash5.livejournal.com]

Well, crafting relaxes you, and you make such cute stuff! So I don't discourage it.

I though those afgahns where pretty quick to knock off; you sure enjoyed doing them and they're ever so comfy.

[veggiemama2003.livejournal.com]

I can be the mistress of distraction, too, when I'm stressed. At least you found a healthy outlet and seem to enjoy it, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just don't hurt yourself in the process!

[troy-duffy.livejournal.com]

Well, if you find yourself *actually making* that cat bed and still not *needing* it, well, I know a certain kitty that would be quite grateful :) Currently my Max uses the clothes basket before I get to putting the clothes away. I keep saying I really should get him his own bed... :)