The Restful Stitch: What 7 Days Away from My Needles Taught Me

There’s a certain kind of guilt that creeps in when we don’t make. Not because we don’t want to, but because life, in all its fullness, temporarily asks us to step away.

Two weeks ago, I didn’t knit a single stitch.

And not because I wasn’t feeling creative. In fact, I’ve got what feels like a dozen projects on the go, ideas flowing, deadlines (mostly self-imposed) keeping me on my toes.

But the truth is, I needed to be somewhere else entirely.

We were celebrating what my family lovingly called our “70-50-40 weekend”...an open house at work for our 40th anniversary, and an incredible weekend full of family and friends to honor my parents’ 70th birthdays and their 50th wedding anniversary.

My amazing parents in a moment of laughter during their celebration.

I had out-of-town guests staying with me, big moments to host, small ones to savor. There was joy, chaos, hugs, shared meals, and so much love. And in the midst of it all, my needles sat untouched. Not forgotten...just waiting. And still, I felt the guilt creep in.

“You should be making something.” “You’re falling behind.” “What about your deadlines?”

Even though they were milestones I was deeply grateful to be part of, I found myself mentally apologizing to my yarn. How wild is that?

What I’ve realized since coming back to my worktable is this:

Rest is not a disruption to creativity, it’s part of the process.

It’s the soft inhale before the next wave of making begins. It’s the space where ideas simmer, where your hands recover, where your heart resets.

We live in a world that makes us feel like if we’re not producing, we’re falling behind. Or failing. But creativity doesn’t work like that. It doesn’t disappear when you pause. It waits patiently. It blooms in the quiet.

When I finally sat down with yarn again, it didn’t feel like a restart. It felt like a return. A homecoming.

Always special to share an evening with your childhood best friend you've known since you were 4 years old...

What If We Treated the Pause as Sacred?

If you’ve been away from your making, whether for a few days, a few months, or longer, I hope you know: You are still a maker.

Even in rest. Even when your needles stay still. Even when life is busy and full and beautiful and chaotic. Your creativity is still there. And when you’re ready, it will welcome you back with open arms.

A Gentle Way Back In

If you’re looking for a soft way to re-enter your making practice, I have a project that’s as joyful and low-pressure as it gets: The Cactus Bloom Coasters are now available as a stand-alone pattern! Originally part of the Spring Maker’s Box, these are quick, fun, and perfect for summer knitting!

No pressure, just play. → Get the pattern here

Wishing you softness, stillness, and the kind of rest that refills your well. 💜

Cheers & Stitches,

Crystal

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