You may have heard of the Bayeaux Tapestry but have you heard of the Lockdown Roddestries?
A Staffordshire University professor has spoken of how her crafting experience has helped her chronicle life and times through the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the first lockdown in March, Professor of Health Psychology Karen Rodham has sewn a felt image each day to help deal with anxiety and to make others smile.
She explained: “I could see lockdown coming, that this situation was going to be with us for some time and that it was probably going to be anxiety-inducing. So, I began to think about coping strategies and thought it would be good to learn something different.
“I started dabbling with felt and trying to sew because I know that when I use my hands, I’m not engaging the worry part of my brain and I have to be in the moment.”
It became part of Karen’s daily routine to capture a moment from each day in felt and she has been sharing her ‘Roddestries’ on social media. While working from home, this mindful practice at the end of the day has also acted as a boundary been work and home life.
Since her first embroidered image of the ‘What If Monster’ being put back in its box, Karen has shared candid reflections on her life, ranging from the laugh out loud to the political and the personal.
Family, friends, George the cat and even strangers feature in her hand sewn stories which now number more than 250.
“I decided to share the images on Twitter in the hope they would provide a moment of light-hearted distraction for anyone who stumbled upon them. I think if you are having a bad day or if something happens that is really tough then I think it’s ok to share it as well as just the fun, silly things.
“I’ve been quite taken aback by the reaction. It has been heart-warming and surprising to learn that it is having a positive impact and resonating with people.”
Karen compiled the first 100 days and the second 100 days of her sewing diary into two booklets and plans to continue until she has completed a full year’s worth.
Commenting on the psychological benefits, Karen explained: “Focusing on where my hands are, how to thread the needle, what colour thread to choose and so on. It all forces me to be in the here and now – there is no chance to worry about what might be.”
Students have also been turning to crafts throughout the pandemic and Keavy Devonish, studying BA (Hons) Film, Radio and Television, found that knitting helps her to concentrate during online classes.
The 20-year-old from Essex said: “I started knitting with my mum when I went back home this summer. It’s kept me so calm and it has been a big stress reliever. Because I’m dyslexic I fiddle around with things a lot so knitting while listening to a lecture really helps.
“I just make scarves at the moment! I’ve made one for my dad for Christmas and for my housemates. I’d definitely recommend it to other students. Yes, old ladies may do it but it’s actually really fun!”
Fellow student Lynne Rothwell, who is completing a Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, is also a keen knitter. She explores the cognitive benefits of knitting - such as reducing stress hormone cortisol - in this article.
Lynne wrote: “This is similar to meditation, which has been suggested to lower stress levels and promote a greater sense of wellbeing in people who practice regularly.”
During lockdown, people across the nation also embraced crafting with retailer Hobbycraft seeing a 200% increase in online sales. Many people are also opting to make handmade Christmas decorations and presents this year.
Health Psychologist Karen added: “By engaging a different part of the brain, it is a way of switching off the anxiety and the darker side of this whole experience. It is a way of coping through mindfulness.
“My advice for anyone taking up crafting is to not worry about the end product. Just enjoy the process, that is the main thing, and if it doesn’t work out how you imagined (and it probably won’t at first) then you can look at it and chuckle!”
Follow Professor Karen Rodham on Twitter @ProfRodham to see more of her crafty creations.
Amy Platts
Media Communications Officer
t: 01782 292702
m: 07799 341911
e: amy.platts@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University is the Connected University; connected to the needs of students, academic partners, business and society. Our main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent features excellent learning and teaching facilities and good transport links. We have specialist Centres of Excellence in Healthcare Education at Stafford and Shrewsbury.
We were recognised with a Gold award in the 2019 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) for delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for students.
We have been shortlisted for University of the Year at the THE Awards 2020 and were named ‘Midlands University of the Year’ at the Midlands Business Awards 2020.
Staffordshire University has signed up to the Civic University Agreement, pledging to play a leading role in improving the regional economy and enhancing quality of life in local communities. We were recognised in the top 15 for social inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021. We aim to be a leading university for digital technologies building on our proud computing heritage and in 2019 launched Staffordshire University London’s Digital Institute which is committed to preparing students for careers in new and emerging tech industries.
We are a Top 250 Young University (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020) and are connected globally, with more than 11,000 people studying Staffordshire University degrees overseas.
