Making my first potholder in years, was gratifying and enlightening. During my last contract in Stuttgart, Germany; I was making potholders with the middle school children during crafts. I'd always loved making potholders as a child. My Mom was a great teacher, and had the best technique for making sure all those loops didn't fall off at the end as you're trying to pull all the edges together. I thought I'd brought my loom to France, but no-it was tucked away in the basement boxes in St. Louis. I brought it to New Orleans with me and I'm glad I did. After a 12 hour drive from St. Louis into New Orleans in Saints traffic, I was tired but wired. I brought all my stuff in the house from the rental car, wandered around a bit, called everyone to let them know I'd made it safe, and sat for a minute. My bag of loops was staring at me, et voila! I made the potholder you see above. It had been a while, so there was a little trial and error around the edges, but by the time I was finished: I was relaxed; I was a little sleepy; I felt accomplished and happy in a very short period of time. Potholder Therapy!
Social Work can be a field where it is difficult to hold the results of your work in your hand, or in some instances, even have a chance to know what the results are. There's something to be said about using your hands, having a product, and reducing stress all at the same time. I'm sure these results extend to other weavings and activities. Looms and Looper Clips for All! SOAR to Success in SOCIAL WORK with me, Laury A. Bourgeois, LCSW-BACS, 2617 Columbus Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, (504) 261-2895, and Chatette Cadrieu, Les Hortes, Route de Cajarc, 46160, Cadrieu, FRANCE, 05.65.11.01.72, [email protected]
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