I re-discovered crochet and taught myself to knit during my first year as a high school English teacher. I found that the quiet hours of stitching and watching an item take shape from its conception to its completion provided solace and a sense of calm that I certainly didn't get in my classroom!
Have you seen those shirts circulating on Facebook and Pinterest, something to the effect of: "I knit so I don't choke people. Save a life, bring yarn..."? It's true...(and I might just own one of them).
My students can testify to the fact that having a spare crochet hook or set of knitting needles with me during the school day is likely going to make the difference between the calm and collected teacher they deserve or the frazzled hot mess they might get otherwise. It's not uncommon for me to be working on a small project while I lecture or read or teach small groups. It only takes about a week for them to stop making old lady jokes and realize that this is my normal ;)
Working for 10 years in the field of Education, I find myself needing the quiet and calm, meditative nature of craft more than I ever have before. SweetPurls is my creative outlet, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to share it with all of you!