Creating Calm: The Power of Craft for Mind, Body and Baby

Jenny Clark
Jul 15
2 min read

There’s something deeply soothing about using your hands to make something.

Over the past few years, I’ve found myself returning again and again to macramé, weaving, and simple sketching... not for any particular purpose, but for the stillness they bring. Each time I sit down with my hands busy and my thoughts quiet, I land softly into the present moment. The knots, the lines, the fibres, they tether me back to myself.

There’s a reason we describe things as “handmade with love.”When we work with our hands, we tap into something ancient, a connection between the heart and the body. The gentle rhythm of movement, the repetition, the way our minds soften as our fingers take the lead. Creativity like this can become a form of rest. A quiet rebellion against the endless doing.

When I was weaving during pregnancy, I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was nesting. Not folding muslins or packing bags, but settling my nervous system. My hands were making something and in doing so, they were also making peace.

That’s why I’m so delighted to share our upcoming Mindful Crochet Workshop here at Nest.

A Mindful Afternoon of Crochet

You’re invited to spend a few slow, gentle hours with us on a Wednesday afternoon de-stressing, relaxing, and learning to crochet something truly special for your baby: a cosy granny square blanket.

Crocheting a blanket for your baby is more than a sweet project.It’s a keepsake that your family will treasure for years. And when you’ve made it with your own hands? It becomes more than just a blanket. It becomes a memory of quiet anticipation, of soft connection, of the love already growing between you and your baby.

In the months leading up to birth, it can feel like life is all checklists, things to do, buy, wash, and prepare.This workshop is a gentle reminder: you’re allowed to pause.To sit. To breathe. To simply be.

Why Crochet?

Crochet is a wonderfully mindful craft.It promotes a sense of calm quickly, even for complete beginners. Granny squares are especially ideal, there’s just one simple stitch to learn, and once you find the rhythm, it becomes meditative. Like a quiet mantra repeated with your hands.

It’s the perfect sofa activity for those final weeks of pregnancy.And the result? A handmade blanket, woven with time, care, and love.

What to Expect

A beginner-friendly crochet session with full guidance and support
Time to connect with other expectant parents in a small, welcoming group
All materials provided — you’ll choose your yarn colours in advance (Pinks, Blues, Grey, Purple/Grey or Rainbow)
A cosy afternoon at Nest, Glasgow’s family wellbeing centre, with tea and biscuits, of course