March 13 when we left the office, we thought it was only for two weeks. Then we were told to shelter in place. Two weeks has become more than two months and we are still working remotely with no clear end date. Being able to continue to work remotely and receive a paycheck is a blessing.
I had met with a new friend who gave me some yarn the day before the initial two week working from home period began. We had coffee and talked about what was going to happen. There was a lot of speculation but we didn’t know and weren’t too worried after all it was only for a couple of weeks. Restaurants hadn’t been closed yet, things were still open, it was surreal.
Two and a half months later, we are ending still sheltering in place in Chicago for a few more days and while restrictions have been lifted in other parts of Illinois. Now we have a mandatory curfew because of protests that became riots over the killing of George Floyd. Now we wait.
The virus is still here, racial injustice is still here, people who still have a need for warm items when the weather gets colder are still here.
Between all of the posts, articles and ads regarding COVID-19, protecting yourself, and other affects – joblessness, emotional issues etc., there are still posts and pleas from organizations. These groups are expressing a need for items because unlike sewn items, crochet and knit items take longer to make. Scarves, hats, gloves, and other items will still be needed when the weather turns cold, the need hasn’t gone away, it’s just that the other requests have become louder in the short term. Several organizations that offer warm items to people are asking because the need hasn’t gone away, and some people have time to make things.
Unrest, stir crazy, insecure, anxious – many words could express what is happening now and has been happening. Not just to me, but to other people. There is a rush to get back to normal for people. Should we? What will normal be like? Yes, I miss seeing friends and family. I miss going for an impromptu coffee or meal. I miss walking along the lakefront. I miss getting together with my knitting/crocheting group and chatting about everything and nothing. I miss going outside without wearing a face covering. I miss going to church, the symphony, museums and concerts.
Those are some of the things that I want to return – not the hatred, inequality and injustice that has been an unspoken part of our society.
Crocheting and knitting can be more than just an escape, it can be political and emotional: remember the Pussyhats/Women’s March or Ravelry taking a stand to ban speech supporting the Trump administration, hate speech and white supremacy? The resurgence of crafting in the past couple of months hasn’t been about politics or race, they have always been there. Just as people with a need have always been there – just not in the forefront. Crafting during the pandemic has made a way for people to quell anxiety, be productive, escape and survive. In other words say maintain sanity.
Whenever we are able to get out and freely move about unmasked – literally and figuratively, remember there are those who are still in need of things beyond the basics of food, shelter, employment, but justice and fairness.
Be safe and happy crocheting!
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