Hard to focus in Trump times

[get the red out]

I am having a devil of a time focusing on a knitting project (a throw with changing shades) that would have been relatively easy for me when Obama was President, but I can't deal with changing yarn colors as much as it calls for now. I also can't seem to put the iPad down and pick up my needles. I may try starting an even simpler project to see if that will work for relaxation. But my focus away from work is suffering terribly with the state of the country right now. I want my brain back! My other hobby is training my dogs in things like agility and obedience, at least they demand their time.

Has anyone else had trouble committing to craft projects during this past, anxiety-ridden year? Found a way to overcome it?

I am going to dig into my stash right now and see if I can even focus well enough to make a darned scarf!

[Arkansas Granny]

1. I understand your frustration. It's like constantly waiting for another shoe to drop.

Maybe you could try making something that makes your heart feel good.

There are several organizations that collect handmade items and distribute them to people in need. My favorite is Wool-aid.

https://www.wool-aid.org

You might want to consider doing something closer to home. Last year I made several hats and donated them to a local homeless shelter. It warmed my heart and warmed some ears, to boot.

These small projects give me a chance to use up small amounts of yarn, try out new stitch patterns and almost instant gratification of finishing a project.

[get the red out]

3. Thanks

This could definitely be something doable. I will have to set that goal. I went ahead and got some colorful yarn to use to make a little shawl for my 10 year old niece, I am using a simple pattern so that I can get some relaxation out of it. I am going to have to keep patterns really simple for a while, my attention span is not what it was when we had a stable government.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Yes, between the dismantling of the country and my sister's suicide, the

year has sucked the life out of me.

[get the red out]

4. I am so sorry

God, I am sorry about the loss of your sister. I have had another battle with depression this year also, there is nothing that can be said to make sense of pain and loss like you have experienced.

[csziggy]

5. I turn off the news and watch other programming while I do my needlework

I recently subscribed to Netflicks and have been watching murder mysteries: Midsomer Murders, Miss Fischer Murder Mysteries, Murder in Paradise, Longmire, etc. The farther away from current times and national politics, the better.

Since needlework is a zen activity for me, watching shows and stitching relax me a lot!

[secondwind]

6. I can't seem to finish knitting the baby blanket I started a while back... I'm hoping that election

day will give me some UMPH!!

Same for painting, I work in watercolors, and haven't painted since my Xmas card last year.

[MissMillie]

7. I actually find that working on blankets

is very therapeutic.