🌧️ Finding Sunshine in the Storm: How Crochet (and the Joy Bag) Help Me Through Rainy Days 🌈

🌧️ Finding Sunshine in the Storm: How Crochet (and the Joy Bag) Help Me Through Rainy Days 🌈

Here in the Midwest, April is known for its moody skies and endless rain. While we often say “April showers bring May flowers,” the truth is, all that gloom can take a toll on our spirits. The lack of sunshine and constant gray skies can bring on feelings of sadness, sluggishness, or even seasonal depression. And if you're like me—someone who deals with chronic pain or anxiety—this time of year can feel even heavier.

But over the years, I’ve found a powerful tool to help me cope: crochet.

Crochet has become my safe space. When the world outside is wet and gray, I reach for my hook and yarn. It grounds me. It calms my racing thoughts. It gives me something beautiful to focus on when everything else feels overwhelming. There’s something so soothing about the rhythm of each stitch and the feeling of soft yarn in my hands. And when I finish a piece, that little sense of accomplishment gives me a boost of confidence and peace.

Lately, when I’ve found myself drifting into a darker headspace, I’ve made a habit of looking for a new pattern—something I’ve never tried before. It’s like giving my mind a little adventure, something fresh to explore.

This week, that “something new” was the Joy Bag.

The Joy Bag is a scrunchie-style crochet bag designed by Evvia Gonzales, and it’s just what my heart needed. I chose to use Red Heart’s Favorite Stripe yarn mixed with a bright white, and oh—what a burst of color it created! Every stitch felt like a little ray of light breaking through the clouds. It made me smile so much while I was working on it that naming it “Joy” was the only thing that felt right.

This bag isn’t just a bag—it’s a reminder that even in the stormiest seasons, we can create our own sunshine. With every row, I was reminded that creativity is healing. That even in moments of sadness, we can make something beautiful.

If you're struggling this spring, especially with the emotional weight the weather can bring, I encourage you to pick up a hook. Whether you're a beginner or a lifelong crocheter, crochet can be a gentle, powerful way to care for your mental health.

Because sometimes, joy isn't something we wait for—it’s something we stitch together, one stitch at a time.