Monika's Crochet Contribution to Mandalas for Marinke

Here is the next of the beautiful, inspiring, special contributions coming in to the #MandalasForMarinke remembrance project. I am grateful for each and every amazing contribution. You are invited to join; learn more here.

Beautiful Crochet Mandala

This magnificent crochet mandala is made using Wink’s crochet pattern for the spoke mandala, arguably one of the favorites of her crochet patterns. It’s made using shades of red, purple and blue. I love the strategic placement of the white in the shells near the border; they add a pop that appeals to me.

Meet the Maker

This crochet mandala was made by Monika in Germany who shares:

“Several years ago I read the book Crochet Saved My Life. Being in a bad condition, feeling worthless after mobbing at work, I was impressed by all of those stories and how they women fought for their life and happiness. And how Wink contributed to the happiness of other crocheters with her astonishing patterns. I’m so sad. May she rest in peace and may her family and friends find consolation.”

Words by Wink

In January 2012, Wink shared some of her favorite items:

“Always on my tray are my thrifted deer cup with my most used hooks; a little cup with scissors and such; two bowls that I really just got because they color coordinate so well, and I keep my scraps in when working on a project; my gifted wooden box which holds my needles and stitch markers; and some other random stuff, like a little notebook and a crochet covered stone that I won in a giveaway, which I love to have around because it inspires me always.”

About Depression

One purpose of this project is to raise awareness about depression so each post will end with some facts, thoughts or quotes about depression, suicide and/or mental health. Today I want to share an excerpt from an article by Victoria Connell from an article she wrote for Rebelle Society about her battle with depression. I chose this excerpt because it reflects how I personally have felt at times as someone living with chronic, recurring depression.

“Depression feels like a parasite that latches on to your inner fire. It feeds off of your light and love, slowly diminishing it.

At first you fight it with all you’ve got. You stoke the fire and call for help. You forcefully try to pull it out, getting angry with yourself and the cards you’ve been dealt. You ignore it for a while, hoping it will burn up on its own if you just refuse to acknowledge its power.

With all of your preparations, all of your self-love and growth, you think it’s just a scare, there’s no chance the Depression will win again.

And suddenly it does. You wake up one morning, or realization sets in on another drive home from work; in one unremarkable moment, the fire goes out. You feel dead. Nothing matters and you could not care less of what becomes of life.

Leaving you to pick up the pieces of the person you thought you had finally become; having to start all over again. Or quit.”

All contributions to Mandalas for Marinke are welcome and will help raise awareness about depression while honoring her work in the same way that this great contribution has done today. Details to join here.