Top 7 Benefits Of Finding Your Making Community

Last month the mill shop open day brought me such joy. The shop was full of not only shoppers but lots of makers from all different towns who came to sit, chat, make and share. I remember looking up and seeing several women standing around another who was showing off the blanket she was making. Everyone was so supportive and excited of her endeavor it truly hit home how important our fiber community is to so many of us.

I realize it is a bit crazy in the world and not everyone is comfortable being out in public but luckily there other options to in person meet-ups. Being part of a vlogging community or even joining a local guild or yarn shop via zoom can help give you energy and social contact. In my most recent Being Ewethful vlog episode I asked viewers why fiber community is important to them and I thought I would share everyone's thoughts in hopes that it motivates you to find a community that supports and connects.

Benefits of Being a Part of a Fiber Commuity...

1. Gaining inspiration from what others are doing and being able to inspire others with your projects.

2. Introvert friendly One of the great things about making in a group is that if you don't feel comfortable speaking no one cares! Everyone is so busy working on their projects and just enjoying each other that there is no awkward silences or silence... because you just work right thru them!

3. Sharing knowledge and learning from each other is one of my favorite things about social making. I always garner some new piece of information that makes my projects easier down the road.

4. Vlogs and blogs are always there. Whenever you are feeling a little lonely or are needing a little inspiration you can always go online. Finding a fiber friend is as easy as clicking play on a vlog on YouTube. Even in the middle of the night, no matter your craft, you can always find someone talking about and sharing what they are working on.

5. Seeing what others are making. Whether online or in person it is always fun to see what projects other makers are working on. You can get an idea for future projects, see different materials, yarns and wools in action and sometimes even decide you are absolutely not going to do that!  Let's face it, even though we want to do it all, there just isn't enough time in the day.

6. Staying connected. This seems especially important during these pandemic times. Staying connected helps keep our moods up and our brains working. This is also true for those of us living out of town and/or those working from home with less social interaction. Plus as socializing is an important aspect of keeping our brains healthy as we age.

7. Getting help. Stuck on a project or don't know how to fix a mistake? There is always someone in a group that has an idea of how to move forward. Of course be mindful not to take up too much of someone's time, but helping each other out is part of being in a community.

So there you go! I hope this has given you some room for thought and inspires you to throw on your mask and venture out to a local meet-up. Or maybe click onto zoom or YouTube to find your online place. This is a such a wonderful community and you will be welcomed with open arms and ideas!!!