This article originally appeared in Happily Hooked Digital Magazine, March 2015.
Salt Lake City crafter Ashleigh E. is the maker behind MonkeesYarns, which she describes as “a small, momma run business selling hand crocheted and knitted goods geared towards the family and home.” This busy 20-something woman crochet toys, blankets, purses, hats and more to keep herself active and upbeat despite struggling with depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia. In this interview she shares how she learned to crochet, how it became a business and the ways in which it helps her.
How does crochet help to heal you?
Crochet has always been my fallback when my Fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety are at their worst. When I just want to hide from the world, I pick up a hook and yarn and each stitch I do brings me out to a more normal state. If it weren’t for crochet, I would be a no-functioning mess.
Depression and anxiety have been a part of my life almost as long as crochet, and crochet is always the way to lift my spirits. This is especially true when I am making something for someone else. The knowledge that I am making something that someone will be able to enjoy for a lifetime and likely pass on to their kids lifts my spirits like nothing else can.
So is gifting to others the most healing part of crochet for you?
That’s an important part but the most healing aspect for me would have to be the repetitive nature of crochet. Repeating the same steps over and over again really helps me to clear my mind. Having a goal (the finished product) also helps to distract me from whatever aches and pains I may be having.
Who do you most like to crochet for?
I mostly crochet for my shop. I enjoy knowing my skill and talent are being enjoyed by people all over the world! But, I most enjoy crocheting for my kids. They fall all over themselves with appreciation for projects I’ve made for them. My oldest daughter still sleeps with the blanket I made her as a baby.
That’s so sweet. How did you learn to crochet?
I learned to crochet out of a book with help from my mom when I was just 5 years old. I’ve always needed something to keep me busy, and crochet enabled me to keep my hands busy and me calm.
It’s so wonderful that your mother was able to give you this gift of crafting at such a young age. Have you ever taught anyone else to crochet?
I’ve taught a few of my friends the basics, and they’ve gone from there!
So you are usually working alone when you crochet then?
Alone, but not; I always have my kids around, but generally not other crafters. I’ve tried to find groups in my area, but most are knitter-focused groups, and I just haven’t made the leap to see if I could join.
What’s the story behind MonkeesYarns?
I have always crocheted and suddenly a lot of the people in my life started wanting me to crochet for them. I began to sell my handmade goods in the winter of 2010 when I was pregnant with my first child. However, after her birth, it took me awhile to figure out the balance of being a mom so I took a break. When she was about a year old, I crocheted her a pair of barefoot sandals and once again everyone wanted a pair. That was when I decided to open my Etsy shop, MonkeesYarns. In 2014 I started knitting again and began adding knit items to the shop as well.
Paint a picture for us … what does it look like when you crochet?
I’m usually crocheting in the living room in front of the TV or while watching my kids play. I also bring a small project with me if we are going somewhere that I anticipate having a long wait. I’ve even been known to bring a small project to a movie theater to keep my hands busy.
What types of crochet projects do you find most healing and why?
You know, I would have to say it’s a fair mix of different projects. I enjoy small projects like washcloths and hats because the instant gratification makes me feel accomplished. But, I also enjoy longer, complicated projects for the challenge they give me and the long-term distraction they offer. The long projects are often the ones I pick up when I’m having a bad day, then I put them down and save for the next bad day.
Are there any health issues that crochet does not help with?
The only health issue I have yet to see helped is pregnancy woes! But, I also get very sick during pregnancy, and it’s hard for me to do anything, let alone pick up the hook.
What crafts do you do besides crochet? Do they offer similar benefits?
I also knit and sew. Knitting helps a little, but it’s just not the same for me since knitting works up so much faster than crochet does for me. Sewing, definitely not. My skills are limited to cloth diapers, and pulling elastics to tack down KILLS my shoulders.
Besides crochet, what other things do you do to heal?
I have finally sought out therapy after years of suffering alone and in silence. I exercise when I can, but keeping myself busy has just been the best possible way to give me relief.
Finish the sentence: “The number one reason that I crochet is ….”
The number one reason I crochet is distraction. It gives me an escape to my own little world where none of my problems exist.
Visit MonkeesYarns on Facebook.