Knitting is hope that we stitch together
Our precious only world is often filled with chaos and discord. But also beauty and meaning. Knitting is a small act of creating joy with our own hands.
It can teach us that even when things seem tangled and complicated, with patience and perseverance, we can untangle the mess and create something new. Knitting teaches us that every stitch, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays an important role in shaping the bigger picture.
Knitting is not a solitary act; it can be a shared experience that brings people together. Individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences converge, our hands moving in unison to create a tapestry of oneness. These, often virtual, gatherings foster understanding and empathy as people share stories, triumphs, and struggles while knitting side by side. When we watch knitting podcasts or read each other's letters, we don't just share our knitting projects, but also our lives, our ways of thinking. Knitters teach me about the world.
Knitting is thus just the medium through which we learn about each other's lives and perspectives, building bridges of empathy and compassion.
The act of knitting is hope that we stitch together. So don't give up on your acts that make things better for all of us. Every stitch counts.
What I am making
I'm supposed to be de-stashing, and instead I am frogging everything, thus adding back to my stash. I had a moment this week in which I was asking myself if I'm going to love and wear what I am making… or just knitting mindlessly. I'm still working slowly on my DRK everyday sweater, on the first sleeve, the rest is all under close questioning.
I'd like to knit more of what I actually need. Like cardigans. I finished a Harvest Cardigan, a free pattern by Tin Can Knits, at the end of the summer, and I am wearing it as I write. It's perfect, and I am thinking to make another version with some modifications so that the front edges are in 2by2 rib instead of garter stitch.
This perfect cardigan used to be an imperfect, unworn cardigan. The first version taught me fisherman rib grows beyond any imagination. And the second just reiterated my belief that things can be given another chance and remade better.
Book of the week
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
These last few weeks, I have witnessed and heard things that have made me doubt my faith in that Good that is in all of us. Both recent world events, and also some events I have personally witnessed, have made me feel lost and sad and afraid. Yet, I want to climb up and feel hopeful. Try to understand what comes from a lack of understanding and patience, from fear of “other”. And hope for a better world, where there is care and space for all of us. Where our otherness can be togetherness.
This book is one of those that gives me hope that the world can be like this. That it will be like this.
This book is about learning empathy, building friendships and community, about connecting with others. It's a wonderful story, it's funny and sad at the same time, a book that leaves that sweet aftertaste of hope. Good medicine for the times we live in.
May your days be filled with mindful moments. Until next time, be present.
Sky
Every stitch counts, I agree. Knitting communities matter, however small. I am lucky to have been / be part of active crafting communities with people from varied backgrounds. Otherness and fear of others is complex to navigate but I believe knitting (and other similar pursuits) can a tool to stitch us together. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written piece and the lovely book recommendation.
Lovely words. I just think of unraveling as restashing.
Our physical knitting group is vital to my well being. We have been meeting for quite a few years and our membership has varied over that time. Folk have come and gone but the stalwarts remain. We met on video chat all through the lockdowns and that really was a lifesaver.