Midnight Mayonnaise
This week I watched a video clip of British comedy legend Stephen Fry talking about his preferred cure for insomnia, which is not, maybe, what you’d think it is. If he can’t sleep, Fry gets out of bed to whisk eggs and oil into creamy mayonnaise. There is something, he said, about the repetitive motion and concentration that puts his mind at ease.
As someone who turns to craft to calm myself down or to think through a problem, hearing about other people who make things (be that mayonnaise or wooden spoons or quilts) brings me a sense of comfort and familiarity. Ah, I think, we’re on the same wavelength. We’re not so different you and I: I’d swap your midnight mayonnaise for a complicated cable knit stitch, but we’re basically the same. (Though if I’m honest with myself, I could probably get into late night whisking.)
It’s been on my mind all week, so I’ve created a short round of up things that other people like to make when they want to relax or de-stress. If you’re in the throws of the end-of-year madness and need a little break, here are a few people to take inspiration from:
Head of NASA science Nicola Fox really loves building LEGO.
Olympic swimming champion Tom Daley famously knits and crochets.
Actor/writer/director Seth Rogen makes pottery.
While another triple threat, actor/writer/director Michaela Coel roller skates. I know this isn’t technically making anything, but she’s very cool and I think it’s very cool that she’s taken up roller skating.
Actor and comedian Nick Offerman loves woodworking.
It’s a shortish list that I’ve compiled this week, but I’ll keep sprinkling in influential people (loosely defined) who love a craft (even more loosely defined) over the next few mail-outs. In the mean time, I’d love to hear from you about when and why you make.
If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, I think there is a good chance you might be in the “making things to relax” club, and if you are (or aren’t), I’d love to hear what you do when you’re stressed out. Are you a ritualistic coffee brewer? An early morning embroiderer? Do you take out your frustrations by kneading (or pummelling) dough? Leave a comment and let me know.
The photo: My dad and I putting up drywall in my Uncle Earl and Aunt Judy’s sunporch in May. My Aunt Judy fed us fresh lobster rolls and hot coffee in exchange for our labour. I’ve never met a making project I didn’t like, but this one was particularly satisfying.