“If today were the last of your life, would you do what you were going to do today?” ~ Steve Jobs
Hi there,
It’s the beginning of a new year and a new decade! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season 🙂
Looking back, the last ten years of my life have been an incredible roller-coaster ride. I became a mother. I birthed, loved, and nurtured three beautiful beings into this world. To say that this has been life-changing would be the understatement of the century!
At times, I struggled. I burned out. My mental and physical well-being suffered. I was pushed to my limits. But, I also recovered, and in the process, I learned some valuable lessons.
I learned a lot about myself, my values, and priorities in life (i.e. health, happiness, & family). I discovered my passion for therapeutic knitting, meditation, and conscious living.
Finally, I launched Knit Om to help others discover the joy of knitting and conscious living, by sharing what I have learned (and continue to learn).
I am sooo excited for this next decade. I have more time and headspace to dedicate to Knit Om than I have ever before. So, it can only get better from here.
I can hardly wait!
How about you? What is this next decade going to be for you?
Now, I invite you to find a quiet moment this weekend to curl up with a cup of your favourite beverage to enjoy these hand-curated knitting and wellness articles.
Love,
Becky x
:: Knitting – Wellness – Conscious Living ::
Four Bosnian Women are Knitting Wollen Socks Free of Charge for Migrants
In the small Bjelimići villages, women are knitting and gifting socks to hundreds of migrants desperate to cross the border into the EU. The migrants have travelled far and suffered a perilous journey seeking a better life free from the dangers of war, oppression, and the despair of poverty. Earlier this month, the International Organization for Migrations received over 100 pairs of Bjelimici socks to give out in the Blazuj migrant camp.
I’m A Psychologist & Here’s The Biggest Mistake I See People Make With Self-Care
Some really solid advice about how to properly practice self-care. Based on this psychologist’s recommendations, I can say with confidence that knitting and in particular Knitasana (mindful knitting), could be a beneficial self-care practice for you to schedule consistently into your daily life. Definitely recommend this read.
5 Reasons Why You Need to Teach Your Loved Ones to Stitch
If you have shied away from teaching a friend, family member, or significant other to knit or crochet, it’s time to end the excuses! Here are 5 reasons why you should teach everyone you love to stitch, even if you don’t think you know how to teach knitting or crochet, plus tips for getting friends and family on board.
Fix Up, Look Sharp: How to Mend More and Buy Less
Visibly repaired clothes might once have been considered a sign of not being able to afford new ones, the mending movement celebrates the ingenuity our forebears deployed to make old things last. It is surprisingly easy and satisfying to repair everyday textiles. This article shows you how…
Knit Your Way Through Anxiety
During a stressful time in her life and while knitting her husband a sweater in the quiet hours of the evening, the author, Rachel Simmons accidentally discovered the powerful practice of meditation through knitting.
Knit for a Prince: Archie’s Kiwi Beanie Takes World by Storm
A community knitting enterprise in New Zealand has been catapulted into the spotlight after Prince Harry put one of their beanies on Archie. The hats are stitched in libraries and cafes around the country by volunteers. There are 11 groups stitching hats for Make Give Live, including one for newly arrived refugees at the Mangere resettlement centre in Auckland. (Want to knit your own “Archie hat”? See below for the pattern).
How I Use Counted Cross-Stitching to Help My OCD
Needlecrafts such as cross-stitch, crochet and knitting are effective forms of art therapy because they are soothing, and each requires mindfulness and counting when completing a pattern. They are also excellent for coping with counting forms of OCD as they help individuals deal with their impulses in a productive and positive manner.
2020 Is the Year of Using Your Stash
Do you have plans to use your yarn stash this year? Check out this post (and the links within it) for more inspiration and ideas about how to go about organizing and using up your stash this year.
:: Knitting Techniques:
How to Make a Needle-Felted Steek
If you’ve ever been tempted to try steeking, but have found it all too intimidating, this might be the trick and inspiration you’ve been looking for to finally give it a go! Needle-felting a steek makes so much sense! Why have I never heard of this before! Mind-blown.
:: Pattern Inspiration ::
Coco Bear by Melanie Pianta
|
|
Knit your very own Coco bear hat (inspired by baby Archie). For every pattern sold a ball of wool is donated to the community groups to knit hats for elderly and homeless people in New Zealand. For more information visit our website http://makegivelive.com/
Sunshine in my Pocket by Lisa Chemery
|
|
An adorable little tunic featuring cute rainbow pockets and details on the neckline and sleeves. The garment is knit seamlessly from the top down and has a buttone closure at the back. Adorable!
Baby Yoda for Babies by Arianna Soloway
|
|
What’s the only way to make a baby even cuter? Dress it like Baby Yoda, of course! This pattern is made in one baby size designed to grow with your baby up to a year. The sleeves roll up and the hood cinches down for an adjustable fit.
:: Noteworthy Deals and Steals ::
Knit Picks – Sweater Weather
When you purchase 10 or more of the select yarns, you get 10% off your purchase* (affiliate promotion).
|
|
:: Final Thoughts ::
The first 30-day Commit to Knit Challenge of the year has already started, but it’s not too late to join us! Head over to the private Facebook group and Ravelry forum to connect with other knitters in the community.
Finally, if you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please pass it along. It may be just what they needed to receive today!
If you enjoyed this newsletter and you’re not yet subscribed, [sign up here]
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Becky
xo
*Full disclosure: This email contains affiliate links. All this means is if you make a purchase using one of my links, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you do make a purchase, I truly appreciate your contribution to Knit Om and my work in this way.