In this new blog series, Case Files: Creative Coping, we are highlighting the creative coping practices our community members enjoy outside of our programs. If you have a hobby or practice that you’d like to tell us about, please email programs@cactuscancer.org.
Today we’ll be hearing from Danielle, one of our amazing Cactus Cancer Society community members, and one of her many creative coping practices. Read on to learn more about how she got hooked on crochet (pun totally intended), the projects she’s enjoyed most, and how she’s turned her work into gifts for family, friends, and loved ones!
Please introduce yourself! What’s your name, what are your pronouns, and where are you located?
Danielle, she/hers, Washington D.C.
How did you first find Cactus Cancer Society?
I found CCS from a cancer friend towards the beginning of my recovery from treatment.
What creative practice are you sharing with us today? How did you make your way to this hobby, and how long have you been practicing it?
I learned crochet in middle school, but I was forever losing stitches and not getting very far. I picked it back up again during treatment. Specifically, I tried one of those Woobles training kits, it worked really well for me. With Amigurumi being in a circle, it’s much easier for me to not lose stitches. I’ve been hooked ever since treatment. I have been doing it for about 3.5 years now.
What is it about this hobby that you really enjoy?
One that was a lot of fun and challenged me was a sensory/fidget cat. I was trying out someone else’s pattern so they could work out the kinks. The reason I love it is that it’s so detailed. It has squish ball fidgets in the arms and legs. In the ears and tail, it has hair clips that you can open and shut. It’s collar is made with beads and also glows in the dark. There’s just so many details and so many things for people to fidget/play with.
Another one I’m super proud of is a kangaroo with it’s joey that I made for a friend. It was one of those moments were I felt like I really have a talent for amigurumi when I got compliments from friends and family. It also had a lot of fun details that challenged me.
What do you feel is the relationship between your cancer experience and your work?
It’s a helpful distraction. It really supported me through treatment and kept me engaged during the chemo zone outs. It was the first creative pursuit I’d done in awhile. It helped me start to embrace creative coping in a new way, then programs like CCS cemented my love for creative coping.
Have you monetized your photography, and why or why not?
I have not monetized it yet, mainly because it would be a lot more work and I do it for fun and to make friends and family smile. But I do have an Instagram for my work: @tia.ash.crochet.
Does your crocheting hobby involve others? Is there a community, online or in person, surrounding your hobby?
I would say a little bit. Mainly through having a crochet instagram. It’s opened me up to crochet challenges and stuff like that. I have also attended some in person craft nights. I have also definitely bonded more with some cancer friends through crochet.
Is there any advice you’d give to someone who would like to start amigurumi?
So much info on youtube. There are so many people that walk you through it there. It definitely may take a few tries. The beginning is the hardest part. I don’t necessarily think you need to go the Woobles route -there are other more cost effective methods.
Do you practice any other creative mediums?
Not as regularly as crochet, but I have gotten into lego from CCS. I have done a few characters on my own (none of the big structures – no space for them). I would like to do some of the art projects we’ve done in CCS and other cancer art groups more regularly. I would love to give diamond painting a go again.
Finally, give us a shameless brag, and tell us something you’re proud of! This can be an accomplishment, a piece of cool news, or something you’re really good at doing.
I’m really proud of how far my crochet has come in such a short time! I am also a kick ass social worker, kick boxer and cat mom by day.
Thank you so much for sharing your time, energy, and work with us, Danielle! If you’d like to follow Danielle’s work, you can follow her on Instagram @tia.ash.crochet.
