“When you’re in a rut, you have to question everything except your ability to get out of it.” – Twyla Tharp
My dear knitting friend,
I hope you are safe and well.
But, given the current goings-on (and as I said in my last newsletter), it is totally reasonable for you not to be doing so well. If this is the case, then today’s quote is for you.
If you are feeling stuck in a rut, trust that in time, it will pass and that you know intuitively what you need to do to get out of it. Take all the time you need, and make space to listen to your intuition.
I encourage you to use your knitting time to reconnect with yourself and the present moment.
Remember, the rhythmic and repetitive motions of knitting can help you relax. It reduces stress and anxiety and can offer an opportunity to process your thoughts.
If you feel like you can’t knit right now, find yourself some beautiful yarn and simply knit for knitting’s sake. It doesn’t have to “be” anything.
For inspiration, see the article below How to Audition a Yarn.
Be patient, have compassion for yourself, and trust the process.
All will be well.
Peace, love, & Knit Om
xoxo
:: Knitting – Wellness – Conscious Living ::
Body Conscious | Does Your Body Drive Your Pattern Choices?
An inspiring body positive blog post by Gaye Glasspie from GG Made It. One of the wonderful things about knitting is that you can easily adapt and customize a pattern to fit your unique body. Let this post inspire you to embrace the body you have and to choose patterns to fit and flatter.
How to Protect Your Mental Health in Tough Times
This article offers several great suggestions for taking care of your mental health, including hobbies like knitting. Remember, whatever you’re going through, your mental health matters. Make time for yourself and do what you have to in order to conquer stress.
A good reminder to take daily pauses throughout the day to simply rest. I’ve talked about this before, and encourage it throughout the 30-day commit to knit challenge. Many of us have forgotten how to rest and properly relax.
“Certain Assets” of Bluprint Acquired by TN Marketing
FYI, Bluprint has been acquired and you will continue to have access to your Bluprint/Craftsy knitting classes. Furthermore, CEO and President of TN Marketing, said his company is bringing back the Craftsy brand with a new website set to launch in September – stay tuned!
Craft As Elevating The Mundane
The societal narrative that a state of permanent happiness awaits us, once we achieve our extraordinary goals, is a pervasive one. And yet, that is not what life is. By chasing the extraordinary we miss out on the ordinary – the small things, the mundane moments, and the quality of those moments are what sums up to our life. And our craft is about enriching the moments of our lives; it’s about making it slightly richer, slightly more abundant, more connected.
Three Tips for Using Your Precious Stash
Do you have a ‘Precious’ stash? I’m talking about capital ‘P’ precious – that box of yarn, fabric, fibre, or craft supplies that you love so deeply you can’t quite bear to actually use them. With the world feeling more than a little upside down right now, maybe it’s time to crack out your best vintage and really savour the beautiful things you have at hand. Rummage through your stash of precious yarns, fabric, paper or fibre, and get started making with the special materials you love.
Summer is a great time to consider the yarns in your stash that you are not sure what to do with. You might have bought yarns for projects that you no longer want to knit, yarns that you fell in love with in-person and bought, yarns that you read about and bought without touching. When you have a yarn that you’re excited about but unsure what to make out of it, don’t swatch. Instead, make like Jillian Moreno and audition the yarn. Have fun!
:: Pattern Inspiration ::
Gaius by Merri Fromm
About this design:
This cardigan is knit flat from the bottom up and seamed for a sturdy structure. For smooth and snug shoulder caps, set-in sleeve stitches are picked up at the armholes and worked top-down. An easy to work Barbara Walker pattern with fun twisted stitches decorate the fronts and back.
Sunwake by Wencke Pertermann
About the design:
Sunwake is worked in the round from the bottom up to the underarm, then the front and back are worked separately back and forth in rows. When the front and back are complete, the shoulder seams are joined using a three-needle cast-off. Finally, stitches are picked up around the neckline and armholes and these are finished by working in the round. The length is easily adjusted.
Striped Wedge Pullover by Kristina Ingrid McGowan
About the design:
The point-down triangle centred across the front of the Striped Wedge Pullover symbolizes strength, endurance, and all things feminine. The sweater is worked from side to side in garter stitch, with an interlude of short rows on the front to form the triangle.
:: Noteworthy Steals & Deals ::
Knit Picks Book Sale! (Up to 40% off)
Hi. My name’s Becky and I’m a bookaholic 🤓 📚 (yes, I’m also a yarnaholic, but you already knew that 😜). I cannot get enough of books and knitting books specifically! Knit Picks is currently having a sale so now might be a good opportunity to add to your collection
Here are my top three recommendations:
400 Knitting Stitches by Potter Craft
Custom Socks by Kate Atherley (affiliate)
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book (affiliate)
:: Final Thoughts ::
Thanks for reading!
One of the things I love most about writing this newsletter is follow-up interactions with readers. So please, share any thoughts, questions or ideas. I would love to hear from you.
Thoughts and feedback on the newsletter or on anything covered within are always welcome, just comment below.
Chat soon,
Love,
Becky
Full disclosure: This post 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 my work in this way.