why you should make a mental health blanket 💌 all about my blanket, advice, and what I've learned

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  • Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
  • whether it's for helping with depression, anxiety, etc, I hope this project is something you'll consider. it can be crocheted, or knitted, or anything you'd like! the sky is the limit! :)
    please excuse my slightly scruffy appearance, as I'm currently in bed most of the time recovering from a surgery. I can't believe the entire second half of this video I have ahoge, whoops. I hope you have a lovely holiday season!
    💌 Timestamps
    1:12 About my blanket
    4:49 Why I decided to make this blanket
    5:25 What I learned from working on it
    10:39 Advice for making your own
    TL Yarn Crafts temperature blanket
    • Linen Stitch Square - ... (The pattern/plan is discussed here)
    • Catching Up On My 2021... (you can watch her work it up here)
    A great guide for getting started
    • Crochet a MOOD Blanket...
    Yarn I Used:
    Creme Cotton by Loops & Threads (Michaels!)
    bit.ly/3XeLw0r
    My instagram:
    / whatnikkimade
    Music by demongummies
    • breath of the wild ~ a...
    #crochet #knitting #actuallyautistic

Комментарии • 674

  • @jerseydick
    @jerseydick Год назад +493

    Hi! Does anyone have any other ideas that follow the same concept but aren’t necessarily knitting/crocheting?

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +200

      would it be alright with you if I pinned this comment so more people can see it and give any ideas they have? :)
      I once saw someone make one big embroidery piece with something that symbolized each day of the year on it! maybe a cross-stitch mosaic could be an idea too!

    • @hobbymoth
      @hobbymoth Год назад +163

      I've seen someone do something similar with beads! Like in a necklace or garland, depending on what size beads you use. You could probably come up with a cool design on a canvas with a space for each day to paint as well

    • @silverfox9648
      @silverfox9648 Год назад +87

      Or filling in a mandala with colors

    • @rinsuu9848
      @rinsuu9848 Год назад +82

      The first thing I thought of was maybe some sort of patchwork quilt? You could use smaller squares of fabric to represent each day, or maybe condense it to a week? And have different fabrics for the different moods?
      I will say, I have little experience with sewing so I don't know how viable this idea is... It just popped into my head when I read your comment lol

    • @eevesjunkyard
      @eevesjunkyard Год назад +31

      I’ve seen people do this with cross stitch :)

  • @lane95
    @lane95 Год назад +1312

    I loved the part where you said "but when I look for that horrible day it blends in with the rest of them" this video is so helpful and just nice to listen to thank u

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +20

      I’m so glad!! thank you very much for watching! 🥺💗

    • @Violexie-wb7op
      @Violexie-wb7op Год назад +4

      Same! I couldn't have said it better myself. 🥹 This is the first video I've seen from this channel but I am in my feelings. This is such a powerful video.

    • @vickirasmussen4791
      @vickirasmussen4791 Год назад +4

      I just realized I have done 3 of these blanket. They don't look like anything like yours..but making help me at that point in time and now I have them to stay warm

    • @lane95
      @lane95 Год назад +1

      @@withlove_nikki starting today, I'm making my own mental health blanket, thank you for your inspiration 😁😁 everyone does these year blanket things but it was your video that I was like yes!! Finally something's different

    • @RaspberryRenegade
      @RaspberryRenegade Год назад

      Agreed!! Thank you (and bravo) for taking the risk of being vulnerable by sharing your process and personal motivations.

  • @wheatgerm1208
    @wheatgerm1208 Год назад +579

    Twice I crocheted a divorce blanket. By the time I'd completed each project, I'd worked through the feelings and was in a much better head space. Both times I took the completed blanket and added it to a clothing donations collection. Finishing was good; disposing was even better.

    • @RaspberryRenegade
      @RaspberryRenegade Год назад +7

      That's brilliant!!

    • @AbiFranklin
      @AbiFranklin Год назад +18

      I'm sitting here in my feels on the what would have been our anniversary if he hadn't divorced me last year and this sounds like a great idea.

    • @wheatgerm1208
      @wheatgerm1208 Год назад +13

      @@AbiFranklin If you do it right, you might even forget what date your anniversary was. Hang tough. Life gets better!

    • @valisesgourmandises2571
      @valisesgourmandises2571 10 месяцев назад +1

      Can you share how you made it? I've been wanting to make a mood blanket but i was afraid it would just show how sad I've been 🥺 maybe a divorce blanket could be something.. 😌

    • @wheatgerm1208
      @wheatgerm1208 10 месяцев назад +3

      @@valisesgourmandises2571 It was nothing so complicated as a mood blanket. I just found a standard pattern for squares that were later stitched together. For me, it wasn't about the pattern or the colors, it was just the therapy of the needlework. I hope you find a project that will do the same for you.

  • @leviscozyworld
    @leviscozyworld Год назад +296

    Learning to crochet gave me something physical to do when i sat down and watched tv or did something not considered "useful" which both helped me feel busy but also made me examine why i need to be useful 24/7. a mental health blanket is such a beautiful idea

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +18

      !!! very true, the need to be productive is so ingrained in us. like sometimes I just want to sit and make a silly crochet worm or whatever. it’s peaceful 💗

  • @drodlaren
    @drodlaren Год назад +358

    The sentiment about choosing nice colors for lower days is very beautiful! Makes you appreciate those days since it all adds up and brings life to the piece

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +17

      thank you! every little bit to lift spirits is a help 🥰

  • @raevynwoods9403
    @raevynwoods9403 Год назад +302

    I don't know if this idea would work for me since I am so bad at tracking anything, but I love the idea of a mental health blanket! And the neutral-low and neutral-high categories are genius, I'd never thought of that. I often have days where is just feel slightly different nuances of ~eehhhh~ and I've never really been able to put those days into a good word. But the different neutrals clicked!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +36

      ahh I feel this so much. the days where I open my notes app and see that I’ve forgotten to mark like, four days in a row are horrible 😭 honestly it was a struggle and a half to get into the habit, because I forget anything and everything, so I don’t blame you! I’m glad the neutral categories clicked for you! sometimes I feel a little silly explaining it to people but it really is just like that some days. like “ehhhh (affectionate)” and “ehhhh (derogatory)” 😅

    • @Violexie-wb7op
      @Violexie-wb7op Год назад +7

      Same. I'm adhd and anxious 😟 so keeping track would really stress me out.

    • @ArDeeMee
      @ArDeeMee Год назад

      NEVER use grey for neutral days. I have a mood tracking app, and the suggested color schemes are red-grey-green. That‘s such an insulting way of treating neutral feelings.
      Neutral is NORMAL. It is the base state of mind.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +6

      @@ArDeeMee while neutral is normal and nothing to be ashamed of, I think it’s also worth noting that everyone’s base is different, and everyone’s relationships with those states are different too. my own base state was lower for a long time, and my relationship with “neutral” has changed along with it. plus, since this is an artistic project, I think there’s no shame in picking colors that resonate with you, and if that’s gray, so be it. I think whether it’s an insulting choice or not is up to each individual person and their own relationships with mental health :)

    • @ArDeeMee
      @ArDeeMee Год назад +3

      @@withlove_nikki Oh, a blanket entirely in grey tones would look lovely. It‘s my favorite color, alongside dark red and blue.
      My problem is with a lot of people thinking that neutral is somehow BAD and NEGATIVE, and therefore MUST be grey like rainclouds. Like… no. Just no. That‘s the opposite of reality. Thinking like that artificially drags you down and devalues actual feelings. And if you‘re already dealing with depression, declaring the having of feelings as bad is destructive.
      That‘s what I meant.

  • @finnmelville
    @finnmelville Год назад +353

    I am also autistic and struggle with alexithymia. I love that you added in the neutral highs a lows ! and I really think doing this project in 2023 will help me to identify how I am feeling, name those feelings and process them ( as well as working with my therapist ). thank you for sharing this amazing video

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +22

      I hope it helps!! 💗 it’s been such a good learning experience, I hope it can be a lovely time for you as well. and I hope you’re having a lovely day too! 😁💗

    • @xethecat
      @xethecat 9 месяцев назад

      Heyy did you end up doing it? If so did it help you?

  • @florentrighi907
    @florentrighi907 Год назад +122

    I've been working on one of these!! It's not strictly to 2022, since I didn't start it until April and intend to do a full 52 weeks, but it does cover a full year! I do starburst granny squares - they look like little flowers 🥰 so I split them up into a system of 1-10, where roses are 1-3, sunflowers are 4-7, and dandelions are 8-10. I like thinking of it as my garden!! ❤️

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +14

      this sounds *beautiful*!!! I’m so in love with this concept, I bet it looks incredible so far!!! 🌻💓

    • @caesiumtea
      @caesiumtea 7 месяцев назад

      That idea is so beautiful!! I hope you have a wonderful full blanket by now!

  • @morganunraveled
    @morganunraveled Год назад +155

    this is so good for awareness of emotions & also for accepting emotions as they are, especially in a ‘good vibes only’ society… its so valuable to allow yourself to make space for a full spectrum of emotion 💕

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +14

      oh my gosh YES! one of the things I’ve been practicing this year is really sitting with my sadness/negative emotions and letting myself feel them before I rush to make things better. of course nobody likes to feel bad, and of course self care is important, but it’s just as important to let yourself process and feel things as they are, since we’re not meant to be happy all the time. otherwise how would we grow? it’s been on my mind a lot 💗

  • @weirdrabbitgirl
    @weirdrabbitgirl Год назад +16

    This has really gotten me thinking, and honestly my only hesitation is that I don't particularly like things with a lot of busy colors or patterns. The way that temperature/mental health/mood blankets seem to require so many colors (even if they all pair well) means it wouldn't really fit in with my style.
    But I've had an idea, and I think I might try this: I'm going to do it in only one color; or I'll pick a design with pre-determined colors and act on that. instead of tracking using colors, I'll track using different stitch patterns. I think that for knitting, the easiest way to do this would be to do a scale going from all knits, which is the best, to all purls, which is the worst. Then I create a scale going through the number of different emotions I need to track, but from this general 'good to bad' scale that these mostly seem to follow. Like from 'purl every 5th stich', 'purl every 4th stitch' etc. And I can look at the piece, and depending on how much texture it has, i'll be able to tell the patterns by seeing how many of those bumpy purls are showing up.
    Also, for me, I think I might make a mental health scarf, to also lower the bar for myself in being able to knit a row for each day and having a smaller project than a blanket in front of me. And I'll decide on some sort of lacework or unique border to be a divider between months.
    For anyone else who is feeling the same way that I do, I hope this idea helps. I"d love to hear more ideas for knitting/fiber ideas for these that use segments other than rows as well.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +3

      I adore this idea! I’d love to see how it works up with different textures, and it will especially look great as a scarf in my opinion 💕

    • @nefertitimontoya
      @nefertitimontoya Год назад +1

      I'm the same way and I don't knit or crochet but this idea makes this project a maybe in my future!

  • @ScoundrelChestnut
    @ScoundrelChestnut Год назад +191

    i am watching this and i feel like crying knitting is my only physical comfort, i feel grounded when i knit dare i say even safe, i'm so thankful this popped up to me, been having very difficult two years of unemployment duo to my mental health struggle but now i'm trying to power through, i'm totally planning on starting the blanket in 2023, i'm actually brain storming colors right now, i'm so happy i found your channel nikki so looking forward for your videos , damn i'm actually way too emotional now >:(
    happy early new year and have a lovely gentle day

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +18

      oh my gosh, are you me, writing this comment in january this year?? like I was in the exact same position, 2 years unemployed due to mental health and massive burnout. I’m so sorry things have been rough for you. I hope the blanket can bring you comfort and be a source of relief for you when you need it! and I hope your situation will turn around soon, in the best of ways, so you can feel your best 💗 I’ll be cheering for you!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗

    • @cosmictwin8514
      @cosmictwin8514 Год назад +7

      Hang in there hon!

    • @ishitaarora281
      @ishitaarora281 Год назад +6

      More power to you sister! I'm rooting for you ❤

    • @PurpleTechWiz
      @PurpleTechWiz Год назад +5

      I've been struggling myself lately and I hope you feel better

  • @erisisthename
    @erisisthename Год назад +38

    Thank you for this idea! I have PTSD and struggle with anxiety on a daily basis which affects me in so many ways. I’ve crocheted for. 30 years, and love the craft. This is such a unique way to study myself almost objectively to figure out my head and heart. I can’t wait to make one.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +2

      I hope you have a lovely time working on your project! I wish you the best and the most comfort and peace in your crafts and life ☺️💗

  • @bobbieaubel2064
    @bobbieaubel2064 Год назад +12

    I love this idea! I jotted down something you said “one bad day does not ruin your month/year”. I appreciate this because when we are in the worst of whatever, it is so easy to focus on the bad and forget to see all the good around us (or days before). I have depression, and I am going to use your blanket idea to help me maneuver through my days. Thank you for sharing this idea!!!

  • @amystuge4110
    @amystuge4110 Год назад +22

    I think I might try to make a blanket like this but instead of my mental health it would probably be related how tired I am(I have a sleep disorder so it affects my life alot) it would be cool for me to see how it changes throughout the year and then also eventually be able to sleep with that blanket on my bad day.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +4

      !!! that’s an incredible idea! the fact that it’ll be used for exactly what you were tracking it for is especially sweet. I hope it’ll be a comfort for you on both bad days and good 💗

  • @evawestendorp9757
    @evawestendorp9757 Год назад +60

    I think I found my project for 2023! I have autism and a panic and anxiety disorder and since september 2021 struggle with PTSD and on top of it I have long COVID. 2023 will become a difficult year in terms of therapy (A lot!) So this souds as a great project to help dealing with it. My PTSD therapist asked me numerous times of crocheting will help me getting through a session to help me staying more relaxed and for stimming. So I'm definitely going to give it a try! Thank you very much! And I love it is in big granny squares 😍. Love from The Netherlands ❤

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +3

      that’s so sweet of your therapist!! I think that’s a great idea, and something I’ve thought of asking for for difficult sessions myself. I’m sorry things have been rough for you - it sounds like a lot is ahead in 2023 but I hope it all goes well and you’ll be able to come out of the year stronger than ever!!! 💗💗💗 I’m sending you lots of strength, warmth, and virtual hugs!! 💗💗💗

    • @evawestendorp9757
      @evawestendorp9757 Год назад

      @@withlove_nikki thank you so much! I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023! Maybe I can give an update of my blanket.

    • @ishitaarora281
      @ishitaarora281 Год назад +1

      Love you sister. Thank you for sharing. I heard you and I am rooting for you ❤

    • @NeekkeKayla
      @NeekkeKayla Год назад

      I can imagine taking the project to a therapy session lol. If you're going every week, it's a good way to remember things went!

    • @evawestendorp9757
      @evawestendorp9757 Год назад

      @@NeekkeKayla I think I'm gonna do that. My therapist thinks it's a gratis idea to cope with all the stress and anxiety during a session.

  • @CozyWithRaven
    @CozyWithRaven Год назад +5

    "looking back at all of the days i made it through" made me tear up. Your blanket is beautiful!!!

  • @Jessica-yy5wm
    @Jessica-yy5wm Год назад +2

    Thank you for sharing this! I started crocheting again to help with my anxiety, so this is perfect. I turn 39 this year and plan to do this from my 39th to 40th birthday.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      I love this idea!!! happy early birthday!! 🥳💓💓💓

  • @Kat-tc8bc
    @Kat-tc8bc Год назад +26

    Im autistic as well and I really struggle with alexithymia, as well as just regulating myself in general. Crochet is one of my comfort crafts/hobbies right now so I think that this would be an amazing idea for me to do in the next year! I've been meaning to try and track my meltdowns specifically in a way that makes them a little easier to deal with and look back on, and I think this is the perfect way to do so :)

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад

      I'm so glad to hear it!! 💗 the blanket has been so helpful with spotting my meltdowns, and the days around it too. I can catch patterns and be prepared ahead of time sometimes. I hope you have a great time with your project!! 💞

  • @verenamichel2447
    @verenamichel2447 Год назад +13

    I love this idea! I don't know if I could actually keep it up - I struggle with routines - but the project is great!
    If you have to reach for the lowest color again, please remember that you have survived 100% of your worst days!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +2

      this is such a beautiful and needed reminder, thank you so much 💓

  • @karlijnscorner
    @karlijnscorner Год назад

    3:30 is honestly a mood. I don't think I have ever heard a sentence that summed my life up so well 😂😭

  • @SimBits
    @SimBits Год назад

    I swear I get so excited when I see creators making videos I like and i find out they're autistic like me! I'm starting my blanket tomorrow, thanks for the great idea

  • @cayleetornado
    @cayleetornado Год назад

    I thought you were gonna talk about hugging a blanket because you were sad, but I find this video very wholesome!

  • @pamcarter4980
    @pamcarter4980 Год назад +7

    Took notes , gonna give it a try.
    Depression is ruling my life right now .This may be a way to acknowledge it and put it away

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад

      I’m so sorry to hear that :( I hope the project helps, and that you’re able to feel better soon!! I’m sending you lots of warmth 💗

    • @RaspberryRenegade
      @RaspberryRenegade Год назад +1

      I hear you. Sometimes just getting through the day with depression is a win, and acknowledging that has helped me fight against the hopelessness that can seem so overwhelming sometimes - this seems like a project that could help keep things like that in perspective in a tangible way.

  • @vincentnicholaslupin
    @vincentnicholaslupin Год назад +5

    Your neutral score changes the way I think about my mental health completely! I have BPD so pinning down an emotion for a day is so hard for me but having a neutral high and low score is amazing!
    I'm new to crocheting (so a bit scared by this big project) but I love this idea!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      I’m so glad to hear that! it’s been great seeing that other people relate to the neutral scores; it can feel so lonely wondering if I’m the only one who feels things in between, when others seem to be able to pin down one single emotion. thank you so much for watching, and I hope your crochet journey has been fun so far and continues to be! 💗

  • @ASMinor
    @ASMinor Год назад +6

    I am an avid mental health awareness advocate and spoken word performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my RUclips channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💚💚

  • @secrecy3915
    @secrecy3915 Год назад

    I clicked thinking this was gonna be something about cozy=happy. But this is way smarter than I anticipated.

  • @clh24x36
    @clh24x36 Год назад +10

    Your video showed up in my recommended and I assumed it was from a big creator due to the quality of it! This is a great video and you're very enjoyable to listen to/watch. I love this idea and have been wanting to try crochet for a while so this is a great start. Thankyou! 😁

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      oh wow, thank you so much, that’s so sweet! 🥺 (I worry about this a lot when I edit, you have no idea what a relief it is to hear this haha) I hope you have fun crocheting!!! 💗

    • @megept
      @megept Год назад +1

      I was just about to comment to say a similar thing! Your whole persona is so calming and I love the concept of this blanket. I was looking for a similar project to keep me more grounded in my emotions this coming year and this seems like the perfect thing. Thank you so much- you’re wonderful! 🥰

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +2

      @@megept oh no, I might cry hahaha thank you so much! I hope you have fun making the blanket and a great year ahead as well!! 💗💗💗

  • @deathraydoll
    @deathraydoll Год назад +1

    Thanks so much for this video! I'm 10 days in and have managed to surprise myself by tracking everyday and keeping up with crocheting. I used bulky (Bernina blanket) yarn and am now realizing that each month is going to be 3 ft. wide, so it may end up only being a 6 month project 😆
    Regardless, I look forward to working on it each day and am already starting to see patterns (like that lower days tend to be when I'm alone all day and higher days tend to be when I'm with friends. I'm an introvert, so I always thought I was happiest alone, but it seems I need to incorporate a bit more social time into my life.) I'm grateful for this insight and look forward to seeing how it all comes together!

  • @Chronicallyiconicgay
    @Chronicallyiconicgay Год назад +20

    I’ve been thinking about doing a mood blanket for the past two months and this video is the final push I needed to accept doing this for 2023. I downloaded an app that came recommended from a friend that does mood tracking and I’m going to use that to record everything. I struggle a lot with placing how I feel and I hope that after a year of working on this project I’ll be in a better place with that. Thank you for sharing 😊

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +3

      I’m so happy to hear that!! 💗 oh wow, it didn’t even occur to me to try an app with a mood tracker. does it have a lot of moods to choose from? and best of luck on your project next year!! 💗💗💗

    • @Chronicallyiconicgay
      @Chronicallyiconicgay Год назад +2

      @@withlove_nikki the app is called the daily bean. It has about 6 moods to choose from and you can also add what types of feelings you were having that day and more plus a journal option to write about the day. I’ve been finding it helpful to describe the whole day and then at the end give it an overall rating. I’ve only had it for a couple of days so far but I think it’s going to be a really great part of my nightly routine now 😊

  • @elinarirhodan3760
    @elinarirhodan3760 Год назад +8

    The blanket (and all the suggestions other commenters have made!) is absolutely something I'm now going to start planning for next year. I already use crafts of various sorts to help settle my mood and clear my mind, so this will tie that *and* prompt me to keep up with the mood tracking I started in September. Thank you all for the ideas!

  • @Firewind1969
    @Firewind1969 Год назад +9

    I'm bipolar and I love your idea for a mental health blanket. I think I'm going to start one for 2023. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. ❤️

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      thank you so much for watching! I hope it will be a fun and rewarding experience for you and that you’ll have a great 2023! 💗💗💗

  • @krystlepoulin6382
    @krystlepoulin6382 Год назад

    I feel like using my favorite colors as the happiest colors would encourage me to invest more energy into my own happiness so I could use those colors more often.

  • @Notesofcitrus
    @Notesofcitrus Год назад +2

    Bless the RUclips algorithm today, I’m so happy I found your channel!! I just was diagnosed with autism and recently started crocheting so I’m excited to binge watch your stuff 🥲

  • @emmaleemiller3355
    @emmaleemiller3355 Год назад +20

    oh my therapist is going to LOVE this idea!!! this is a fantastic mindful activity and i’m so excited to start my blanket next year :) thank you for the idea!!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      I'm so excited for you!! I hope you have a lot of fun with your blanket next year! 💓 (and sharing this with your therapist makes me so very happy~)

  • @hammondemily2241
    @hammondemily2241 Год назад +1

    I love your idea. I’m making an English Paper Piecing version! Thanks for sharing the inspiration and and organization ideas! I love your awareness and it’s helping me a lot already! Thank you! Best wishes!

  • @spacebunstudio
    @spacebunstudio Год назад +21

    I love this idea so much! Crocheting is a stim for me too, especially with a relaxing pattern and comfy yarn. I love everything you said about mental health too, very spot on, thank you for sharing! 💜✨ It's so hard to remind yourself that a bad day doesn't mean a bad life when you're in the middle of it, but the blanket is such a nice reminder of that~

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +3

      it’s the *best* with a comfy yarn isn’t it!? I’m knitting up some wool socks for christmas currently and my hands despise me lol I can’t wait to get back to the blanket 💕 and I agree!! even while editing and listening to myself say it, it feels almost empty, like when people say it while trying to make someone feel better; but idk, seeing it worked up a different way makes it click for me somehow! 💗

    • @spacebunstudio
      @spacebunstudio Год назад +1

      @@withlove_nikki omg everything you said is so relatable lol; I'm making my husband a dragon scale scarf in weight 1 yarn and my hands hate it 😪 and I too feel like it sounds empty when I try to share mental health 'advice', even though I mean it with my entire being lol. But know that your video and words didn't seem empty at all, the blanket is a great idea, and this video was super comforting to watch 💜✨

  • @stellarsteph7
    @stellarsteph7 7 месяцев назад

    I'm only seeing this video at the start of 2024, but I love it! I've also had a really hard time tapping into how I feel (for a lot of reasons) and I started keeping a bullet journal where I track my mood throughout the day. It's so helpful to have a physical/external thing that reflects your mood back to you and, similarly, it helped me realize that my days are actually usually better than not. Thank you so much for sharing this idea and your own journey with emotions and mental health

  • @baileescott401
    @baileescott401 Год назад +4

    This video is so beautiful. I've been seeing connections between accepting my art, and accepting myself. The idea of being worried about something, but realizing the bigger picture, and seeing that it's all okay. Nothing ever has to be perfect, the unexpected things are prettier than being perfect

  • @wren5452
    @wren5452 Год назад

    alright, you’ve convinced me! this is such a good idea. i love the idea of having a year-long project, but nothing has really stuck with me until now. thank you so much for sharing! it’s hobby lobby time :))

  • @myshavikes6263
    @myshavikes6263 Год назад

    I love this idea! Thank you so much for sharing.
    I am also autistic and have been working with my therapist on expressing how I'm feeling. She showed me the feelings wheel, and that has helped me a ton! I'm thinking of using that wheel to journal how I'm feeling and then using a color according to which broader category it falls into.
    It is already color coordinated if anyone is reading this and wants to do it but has a difficult time choosing colors!

  • @bluejay5531
    @bluejay5531 Год назад

    what a lovely way to practice mindfulness and selfcare and healing...I loved the description of how the bad day blends in with al the rest, it is so profound and really helpful...I am a bit ambivalent about doing this because of the long term commitment and because I just forget to track things but also because my mood shifts so much in one day...plus I have been struggling for so long with chronic depression that I wonder about the colors, I actually love the neutrals because that is truly helpful...will give this some thought, thank you so much for sharing and wishing you much healing, serenity and joy 🧶💚

  • @miakawakami4119
    @miakawakami4119 Месяц назад

    I usually don’t comment on videos, but thank you! I was just thinking about making something like this for myself (to track anxiety and depression, and maybe how often I do certain self-care habits) and it was amazing to find a reference for exactly what I’d like to do. This video really touched me, much thanks, and I wish you the best!! ❤❤

  • @allbirdsloverock
    @allbirdsloverock Год назад

    i absolutely love the way ur thumbnails look. they give off the perfect comfy vibe ^_^

  • @madisuey
    @madisuey Год назад +8

    this is such a wonderful idea!!! the only thing i'm worried about is having a lot of emotions throughout the day, and trying to determine what the *whole* day was like seems a bit difficult since it could be a range of things. BUT i think this is a wonderful thing that i can physically do in order to work on tracking my mental health. thanks for the idea! i will probably do this!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +2

      I feel that, it can get really tricky really fast! whenever I have a day like that, where there’s too much to pin down just one, I try to figure out which was the strongest of all of them. it works more often than not, but there are definitely days where I have to pick a middle ground because it’s too much. I hope you have fun with your project!! 💗

    • @madisuey
      @madisuey Год назад +1

      @@withlove_nikki thanks, that's super helpful!

  • @openorwap5412
    @openorwap5412 Год назад +5

    Such a lovely idea - a visual representation and reminder of how things may have changed, hopefully for the better. I start group therapy soon, so I'm not quite at the 'identifying my mood' stage, but I have decided to make a temperature blanket starting January 1st. I've only been learning Tunisian and traditional crochet for a few months, but in-keeping with my usual all or nothing approach to life, I figured why not 😆 Good luck to everyone starting their projects in the New Year! 🥰

  • @karlaargueta4303
    @karlaargueta4303 Год назад

    Not cheesy at all ☺️ you said everything beautifully and clearly. Thank you so much for this idea 🥹🫶🏽

  • @lavendertownvip1908
    @lavendertownvip1908 Год назад

    The zelda music made the video even cozier I love your vibe too. ✨️

  • @teria9919
    @teria9919 8 месяцев назад

    What a fantastic idea! I love this both as a therapist and an avid crocheter who loves to share the craft with others as a way to relax. You have such wonderful insights and I am thankful you shared them with us. Will definitely do this and perhaps share with some of the people I work with! BTW it is a beautiful blanket!

  • @jegan9074
    @jegan9074 Год назад +2

    I don’t think I could realistically commit to this but instead I would do the equivalent of a mental health blanket but with little crocheted ?magic circles? squares? and put them in a jar just to cut down on the time it would take. Also as someone who’s neurodivergent I very much relate to the alexithymia thing and I love that you put multiple neutrals.

  • @amypalladino2584
    @amypalladino2584 Год назад

    I love this idea. I was planning a temperature blanket for this year but I have a mood disorder so I track my moods on a daily basis anyways. This would give me something useful and cozy

  • @salems.bytche
    @salems.bytche Год назад

    I’m going to have a very turbulent year. I had a hell of a lot of a things happen last year and it has been a year since a very significant change in my life. I have a lot changes coming my way: moving out, graduating, starting testosterone, getting my first full time job, and more. I really wanna be able to have this to track and keep myself grounded within my emotions. Thank you so much!
    I still have to finish my extravagant temperature blanket from 2022, but it’s good I started tracking now! I also really like your scale with that neutral zone, cause it really helps me describe the fluctuations between that zone that I’m within a lot of the time.

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад

      you’ve got a LOT on your plate this year! is it a little weird that reading this gave me a tiny burst of excitement for you? change can be so overwhelming at times but also so rewarding to see your growth and I think especially with a year like this one, it’s going to be extra beautiful. best of luck with everything!!! I’m wishing you an extra lovely year, with as little stress as possible 💓💓💓

  • @andreacrumbs
    @andreacrumbs Год назад

    your voice is so soothing. I really needed something like this for the new year. Thank you for making this video!!

  • @caesiumtea
    @caesiumtea 7 месяцев назад

    I love this idea and everything that you shared about what it's meant to you! I also have alexithymia and it sounds like I went through a similar journey to yours a few years ago, where I started logging moods in my journal and really trying to get to understand my emotions better. I've been trying to do some kind of routine mood tracking ever since. So, when I found out about temperature blankets today, I immediately thought "cool idea, but I don't care about logging the weather, I'd rather use it to track something that actually matters to me... like a mood log blanket!" So I searched to see if anyone had done that and wound up here, fantastic inspiration! And I think I'm gonna try to do it!! Thanks for linking to the pattern you used too; I like the idea of working in squares instead of just long lines.
    Btw, this is the first video I've seen from you but I followed immediately! I love your vibes haha

  • @clairebear787
    @clairebear787 Год назад

    i really like this idea! it allows you to reflect and be more in touch with your own emotions. i also struggle to put into words what I feel I can more relate to a colour. Thank you for sharing I might try to make this! it's only day 2 of 2023 so it's not too late XD

  • @jor3844
    @jor3844 Год назад

    Wow this is such a great video! I just got home from buying my yarn for my temperature blanket and put this video on and now I’m going to make a mental health blanket

  • @potaytopotahto7892
    @potaytopotahto7892 Год назад

    thank you for such a thoughtful and inspiring video! i've already bought my yarn for my 2023 mental health blanket haha, this was such a great idea and i'm so grateful to you for sharing your experience with us.

  • @dearpruddence
    @dearpruddence Год назад

    I saw the tittle and I was like... yes, why should I??? so I watched the video and I want to do something like this so baaad, I love the idea so much, I like the idea of learning from that about me and my mental health. Thanks for sharing this for us, I love your energy

  • @antisocialh8159
    @antisocialh8159 Год назад

    Just found my comfort channel

  • @alexj4239
    @alexj4239 Год назад

    so helpful to hear you talk about working on this in chunks! I also work in big chunks and I always thought these year long projects would be impossible for me but this procedure sounds great and so doable!

  • @tothestd4222
    @tothestd4222 Год назад

    this is a beautiful idea. I was thinking about doing a temp blanket for 2023 but I think I’ll do this instead. thank you!

  • @lunar4638
    @lunar4638 7 месяцев назад +1

    this is such a good idea!! i’ve decided to do this (as of Jan.10th, so i’m a little behind already 😅) mainly because i already know i have some big life events coming up that’ll change the flow of my blanket which’ll be interesting to document :)

  • @liferenewal
    @liferenewal Год назад

    This is such a great idea! Just what I needed. I recently started crochet several months back, but after finishing a few small pieces, the crochet fever just came to a stop. I couldn't finish the projects I started. :( This one is less pressure and seems more manageable. Thank you for sharing!

  • @HidingMonkeyCatNinja
    @HidingMonkeyCatNinja Год назад

    this appeared on my timeline randomly and I’m so glad it did. I want to make this my mission this year. thank you for sharing❤️

  • @Luna..44400
    @Luna..44400 Год назад

    This I’m all for it I’ve seen temperature blankets but I’d love to see how my mental health goes throughout the year ✌️🫶

  • @MugethiGitau
    @MugethiGitau Год назад

    My goodness! I love this so much! ❤ive been thinking about doing a half year temperature blanket from June coz of watching @tlyarncrafts all the time and then this video popped up! Perfect combination for a neurodivergent yarn fiend like me ❤ Thank you so much!

  • @cadamson2012
    @cadamson2012 Год назад

    Thank you, Nikki, for sharing this wonderful concept with us 💖 Jennifer @ Cinnamon Stitches shared your concept with us on one of her videos and linked it there, so I followed it to find out more. I love this concept and really wish I could afford the yarn to make one for myself. It's definitely going on my bucket list because it's a fabulous idea. Lots of love and yarny hugs 💗

  • @ashlynonline
    @ashlynonline Год назад +1

    love this idea. i’m also autistic and in therapy to help navigate and process my emotions. i love that it shows even if you had a bad day and during those days it may seem you cant get out of that feeling, you still got something out of it, which is a beautiful comfort blanket. thank you for sharing, your blanket it really beautiful!! and you gave me a new 2023 project :)

  • @chzn156
    @chzn156 Год назад

    This sounds a really great idea! I'll have to see if there's a knitting pattern out there that would work for me and then figure out all the subsequent items. Thanks for sharing this neat idea and also sharing your blanket with us!

  • @maianadeau6794
    @maianadeau6794 Год назад +1

    I've been using an app for over a year that I think would be super helpful for this project! It's called Moodflow (it's free), and one of its features is that it essentially takes your average mental health of the day from the number of entries you put in. You can also set notifications to track how you're feeling, along with a lot of other customizable features. I genuinely feel like it's been super helpful in trying to become more conscious of my mental health, especially when it comes to learning how to better name the emotions I'm feeling (which is something I struggle with a lot). Not to sound like a spokesperson for the app, but I really recommend Moodflow even if you don't want to make a blanket and just want to track and be more aware of your mental health. I hope this helps :)

  • @ladykarolyn1
    @ladykarolyn1 Год назад

    I made a temp blanket a few years ago and have thought about making another, but kept feeling it wasn't exactly what I wanted. This idea is really interesting to me. I'm definitely putting this on the future projects list!

  • @Elias-pr3cf
    @Elias-pr3cf Год назад

    I love this idea, if I were to try it, I would want to add a second colour set and crochet 2 yarns at a time. The second colour set would be highlighting specific struggles of the day: dysphoria, food, loneliness, motivation, etc. Or specific strengths of the day, like, exercise, wonder, triumph, etc.

  • @aflashofmemory
    @aflashofmemory Год назад

    i'm so delighted that this came up in my recommended videos :'--) this is a really sweet idea , i'm so interested in doing something like this ! i'm kind of new to crochet/long projects in general , and it's been a while since i consistently checked in with my feelings , but those are both things i'm sure would not hurt to try to make habits of . i hope i can make time+space for it ! i'll try !! thank u for sharing this !!!

  • @itsonlyaproject
    @itsonlyaproject Год назад +1

    I’m doing it! I saw this video on the 30th and bought my yarn the next day! Im a fellow autistic person and I’m already noticing how I’m checking in with myself throughout the day. Thank you for this idea ❤

  • @amberlym3474
    @amberlym3474 Год назад

    definitely going to be making one for 2023. my #1 resolution is for 2023 to be present and keep memories by journaling, pictures, etc, and this is an awesome project i think will help!

  • @LittleFu68
    @LittleFu68 Год назад +1

    This is such a lovely idea! Sounds like a great way to reframe your perspective on bad days especially. I’m definitely going to save this for later and share it with my fellow anxious crafty friends. Thanks for sharing with us!

  • @viisiege2622
    @viisiege2622 Год назад

    i just found this but i think i’m gonna do my best to backtrack these past few days and make a blanket for 2023 :^) this is a wonderful idea

  • @Raksacker
    @Raksacker Год назад +1

    Thank you for posting this! I struggled so much with my mental health and now I’m trying to be more conscious of my mental health. I think I’m gonna do this project for 2023!

  • @CallieTheCaring
    @CallieTheCaring Год назад

    I’m doing this! I’m using the same pattern, and I started my first square today, I’m really excited about it!

  • @TheBookTreeReads
    @TheBookTreeReads Год назад +10

    I love this so much. I've wanted to do a project like this for a long time, but have never actually committed to it. Maybe 2023 will be the year I actually do it

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      yes!!! I hope it’ll be fun for you! you can always do it in little pieces at a time, or even just do the noting down your well-being and ignore the actual act of putting it together for a while. I definitely spent a few months and weeks doing that this year, when I couldn’t muster the strength to actually crochet 😅

  • @liladuvendack9931
    @liladuvendack9931 Год назад +1

    I think this is a really cool idea and am doing it this year!
    One thing I’m also adding is based on the way some people will add a silver thread if it rained/snowed in temperature blankets. There was one fic I read where a character collected a rock whenever something made them super happy and then be able to look at their rock collection and think about those moments. For multiple reasons doing actual rocks is impractical for me, but I really liked the idea, so I’m combining these two and doing that with my blanket instead.

  • @ippeunknits
    @ippeunknits Год назад

    absolutely love this pattern and the whole idea of it!! i've been keeping track of my moods and haven't decided what yarn to use yet, but i'll definitely be making this! thanks for all the info and advice :)

  • @paulavance5096
    @paulavance5096 Год назад +2

    Hi. This is really awesome! I learned something today about what it might be like to be Autistic. I have several mental health issues/ disorders. I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to feeling emotions. I feel them deeply and I'm also an empathy which can be confusing and extremely exhausting. Like you I don't leave home very often, usually only when it's necessary. Thank you so much for sharing your blanket and especially your story! You're very inspiring. Happy New Year!

  • @SarahMaeBea
    @SarahMaeBea Год назад

    A great idea and great color scheme. Thank you for sharing!

  • @tabbylovesmath173
    @tabbylovesmath173 Год назад

    Thank you so much for this idea. I just realized that I probably have c-ptsd, and im currently seeking treatment. I think this will be a great way to track my mental health journey. Thank you so much once again and Happy new year!

  • @conkey509
    @conkey509 Год назад

    my sister taught me the very basics of crochet a decade or so ago and i’ve been very inconsistent with working on it since but i’ve been getting back into it recently and i’m so happy i found this video! i am definitely doing this for 2023 thank you so much for sharing

  • @rhondabarlow860
    @rhondabarlow860 Год назад

    Really good idea. Appreciate the video. Nice colors. Yes, it's agood way to tap into your feelings.

  • @withcindy
    @withcindy Год назад +1

    so cozy and cute like YOUUUUU

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад

      i hope you’re imagining me doing that little hands-under-chin-with-one-foot-popped pose, because that’s me rn 🥺

  • @chuuvenus
    @chuuvenus 8 месяцев назад

    i’ll be starting this project for the new year! thank you for inspiration i think it’s such a beautiful idea!!!

  • @negin9232
    @negin9232 Год назад

    Wow!
    Your voice is so peaceful 🥺💕🌿

  • @yrfavgilf
    @yrfavgilf Год назад +4

    i absoloutely love this idea! i live in a tropical climate so a temperature blanket wouldn't be interesting and i feel like a mood blanket would be difficult for me to do as most days i just feel neutral but the concept of a mental health blanket could be really fun/help me a lot. Thank you so much!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад

      I hope you have fun while making it! 🥰💗

  • @bellavoo
    @bellavoo Год назад +1

    I watched this, subbed, and immediately went out and bought my yarn for this. Thank you for making this video!!!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      thank you for watching it!!! and I hope you have a great time making yours! 💓

  • @JenLester-yo9oj
    @JenLester-yo9oj 4 месяца назад

    I’ve never thought of this. I’m going to do this.

  • @RinkShadow
    @RinkShadow Год назад

    I think I'm going to do it! I've really fallen off of the habit of doing my daily journaling in Daylio, but when I was doing it consistently it was very helpful and I love crochet, so I think this would be a lot of fun and a cool goal. I think I'll try to work on it every Sunday for the week before.
    Now to hunt down a pattern I like. Kind of tempted to do rice stitch squares or something like that. I will probably be using I Love This Yarn from HobLob since I bought a ton for my cardigan.

  • @evajawidzk2068
    @evajawidzk2068 Год назад

    Great idea thank yes keep my mind busy helps with depression and anxiety.

  • @kira-2
    @kira-2 Год назад

    this is such an amazing idea!! it reminds me of the app "Daily Bean" or "EMMO: mood calendar" but a lot more fun and easier to stick with. im going to buy me some pretty yarn for this project asap! so glad i found this on January 1st haha

  • @Chr0chet_Obsessed
    @Chr0chet_Obsessed Год назад

    I am TOTALLY doing this!! This idea is so good and feels like it'll really help me. :)

  • @leannedelux
    @leannedelux Год назад +2

    This is such a cool idea. I've thought about making a temperature blanket, but there didn't seem to be enough motivation for me there...but THIS would be so helpful, I think. Thank you for sharing your project!

  • @swagerthanu
    @swagerthanu Год назад

    you seem like such a sincere n lovely hooman thanks for the video what a great idea and your input on it was really insightful and inspiring :)) Its really nice to see how many ppl that struggle with mental health in the comments were inspired and now have a potential new healthy coping mechanism/ long term project that could help with their mental health in emotional awareness and self reflection and other ways .
    you did that dude u rlly made a positive impact n it just restored my faith in humanity a bit

  • @TheOwlQueen
    @TheOwlQueen Год назад +1

    I tried to do a mood blanket last year to get in touch more with my feelings, but narrowing it down to happy or sad or whatever was so hard that I gave up. I too find myself feeling neutral mostly, so this scale seems more doable to me. I think I will give it a try!

  • @bluemaiden5
    @bluemaiden5 Год назад

    I love this!!! Thank you! This year was a mental nightmare for me. I really struggled but am working on it and am feeling better. I'm definitely planning on doing this, in fact choosing my colors now and will share this on my Facebook page. As well as giving ideas for those who don't knit/crochet as listed below. Wonderful!!! And I wish you the best in 2023!

    • @withlove_nikki
      @withlove_nikki  Год назад +1

      I’m so sorry to hear it’s been a rough year, but I’m glad you’re already feeling better! I hope the coming year will be gentle and kind to you 💗