Move the needle

While we've been preparing this issue of Tuesday's Tonic, it's been snowing heavily outside. Some of us have had 'snow days' off of work or school, where we get to stay home and enjoy the coziness and warmth of the indoors. There's something about cold, blustery winter days and evenings that entice the crafter in us to reach for a skein of yarn, crochet hook or embroidery floss and start making. 

What is your needlecraft or fibre art of choice? If you don't partake, do you have such an enthusiast in your life? Many of us grew up with someone - a family member, friend, or neighbour who we observed enjoying their hobby, or who bestowed the fruits of their labour upon us.

When it comes to the needle arts, most of us are familiar with knitting and crochet (granny squares have been all over social media). However, there are many other crafts, including some that are currently growing in popularity. 

A few examples include:

• embroidery (including crewelwork and sashiko)
• lacemaking
• cross-stitch
• appliqué
• patchwork
• quilting

There are also closely-related and sometimes overlapping fibre crafts. These techniques involve the use of wool, cotton, linen, silk, or other fibres to create an item. Some materials are in a relatively raw form, such as fleece, whereas others use specialized yarns and threads. See our Reverie section for an example of the first two art forms mentioned. 

Examples include:

• punch-needling
• rug-hooking
• weaving
• macramé
• spinning
• felting (including needle felting)

There are many lovely things about adopting any one of the aforementioned crafts. There's the satisfaction of learning new skills, which is great for our brain health. There's the pleasure of the creative process - selecting colours, styles and patterns that appeal to us and then turning them into a real item we can hold in our hands. There's the joy of meeting others in the crafting community, and even the potential to connect with people in our life that share the same interest. It can also bring together people from different generations and backgrounds, which can foster much-needed human connection in our communities.

As with any hobby involving making things, there are tools and supplies required. At Figg Street Co., in addition to stationery items, we also carry a few maker's tools, hobby storage & organizational items, and a few other things that may serve as craft supplies, embellishment or inspiration. Here are a few examples from the shop you may appreciate for your next making session, or to gift someone whom you know enjoys creative pursuits.