Friday, 12 September, International Crochet Day, has been a chance to celebrate a timeless craft that brings calm, creativity and community to people all over the world.
The Benefits of Crocheting
Crocheting is more than a hobby. Research and lived experience show that it offers:
- Stress relief and mindfulness, much like meditation.
- Improved fine motor skills and concentration, as every stitch builds focus.
- A sense of accomplishment and creative expression, seeing something beautiful grow from just a strand of yarn.
- Social connection, whether through crochet circles, community projects or simply sharing tips with fellow makers.
From Waste to Worth
At Re.Bag.Re.Use, the aim is to take crocheting a step further. Instead of using store-bought yarn or wool, their makers work with plarn (plastic yarn) made from repurposed materials. Every ball of plarn, which is equivalent to 10 empty bread bags, gives waste a second life, keeping plastic out of landfill and oceans. Each stitch transforms waste into functional art and creates extra pocket money for local women who cut, roll and crochet these materials into unique, multi-functional products. The result is functional art with both purpose and impact, says the initiative.
Get Involved by Purchasing a Blue Ribbon Starter Kit
Re.Bag.Re.Use aims to make crocheting simple with their plarn and crochet hook starter packs, designed to help take those first steps. Sponsored by Blue Ribbon, step-by-step tutorials are available on all social media platforms to guide aspiring crocheters with the basics that can be taken at their own pace. Creators are encouraged to share their photos and stories with the initiative using the hashtags #rebagreuse #wastetoworth, concludes Re.Bag.Re.Use.
For more information, visit www.rebagreuse.com. You can also follow Re.Bag.Re.Use on Facebook, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor