When my severest #CrohnsFlare started 5 and a half years ago, my mum taught me the very basics of knitting. I don't know how I would have gotten through the last 5 years of isolation and having to rest so much if I didn't have my craft! I have since taught myself many many knitting techniques and last year taught myself to crochet. I also started designing my own patterns and selling them online, some of them for charity. The picture featured above is all my current designs with another coming very soon!

The simple patterns are a great way to relax and the more complex are a great distraction to concentrate on. It also provides a sense of achievement and gives me something to show for my time. I love to listen to TV shows and movies or audio books while I work and the online knitting community help me to feel less alone.

As my list of chronic conditions increases it's nice to have something I can do despite my illnesses. Even if somedays the fatigue and/or pain is too much, I might still do a row or look at a crafting magazine, it's good to have something to occupy my mind between naps.

I love love love colour and using bright hand dyed soft yarns helps lift my mood and sooth my anxiety for a little while. I am a self confessed yarn addict and proud!

Yarn craft is for anyone and everyone of any age or sex and I cannot advocate enough for its health benefits. 👍🏻🧶

#DistractMe #Crohns #Ileostomy #Fibromyalgia #InterstitialCystitis #LivingWithPOTS #ChronicPain #Anxiety #knitting #distractiontactics #chronicwound