Thank you so much for this post! I started knitting socks last year and it was a revelation. They are a project that you can take anywhere and knit a few rounds to calm down. Having a sock to knit has helped me through some dark days, including the past two weeks. ❤️
I'm finishing up some socks and about to start a light cardigan. I'm doing these for me because they give me peace, and I appreciate your words that say I'm helping to put good in the world. Even if it feels like I'm stitching in a room that's on fire. If I stitch fast enough, maybe I'll blow the fire out!
Thank you for your post. I love the idea that we are a lighthouse for others. That's become highlighted for me because of recent events that have stripped the inclusion, diversity, and equity labels (and official actions) out of so many environments. Trying to figure out how best to be that source of support and community. Definitely going to knit my way throughout. And spending more time on the puzzle pages of NYT than the front pages. (Which should improve my problem-solving abilities, along with the knitting!)
I socialize with a knitting group that tips rightward. Ordinarily the conversations are as you would think: health matters, latest movies, grandchildren, etc. Light-hearted, shared knitting and crochet. Last week, one of the knitters commented in support of the letter sent by Caroline Kennedy to dissuade confirmation of the candidate for HHS. There was an immediate raised voice (pro current administration) insisting “no politics here”. Mind you, we meet in a public room, in a public building. I took a breath and reminded the protester that at our post-election weekly gathering, some of us had to listen to rants on what a “bucket of sh**” Robert DeNiro has become and the disgust at the idea of listening to any more Springsteen music (he supported Harris). Merely pointing out goose/gander. I was the only one who spoke up. Someone winked at me, I guess in support. My point? I have little confidence that it matters. I understand using the group setting as an escape mechanism. We do need some things that bring joy and release. But it also tells/shows me how too many people just want to bully some of us into keeping silent. There will be no calm conversations allowed and make sure you keep your head in the sand. Maybe after a few months pass and the problems in our country move further away from being the fault of Biden, Obama, and probably Truman, or even Elvis we will begin to have a turn in the tide. Maybe when the wallets don’t have enough cash for the raised prices coming from the tariff wars there will be an opening of the eyes. 1447 days to 1/20/2029. Hopefully the dawn will come sooner.
Bravo, Carol Ann. I would love to knit with you and discuss goose/gander topics. No politics, indeed. May that person be cursed to knit only splitty knotted yarn with blunt needles.
I look so forward to your posts. Such calming, actionable words when I feel like nothing is being done to stop the current tide. And you are so right. Protests will be ignored (or worse). Being the voice of peace and change and welcome in our own area. Time to bring that out safety pin and wear it proudly!
Thank you for this message of peace. Your ideas of how to cope and how to help are important messages in these days of purposeful chaos. Thank you, keep writing to us!
I so needed this right now. To remind me that to live a creative life is to protest in its own way. That what I do, the community i embrace, the way I feel matters. That I will be okay. That I am a safe person for others. You're a gem.
So,so true. Knitting and creating is my life. It has helped and guided me through so much of my life. And it continues to do so. Your posts are so inspiring and help to validate all my feelings about surviving these difficult times-both for
me, my children, and grandchildren in the days and years ahead. And love your yarn. Am making a shawl with a skein of it now. Carol
Love the birk-n-sock so much! You rock it.
Thank you so much for this post! I started knitting socks last year and it was a revelation. They are a project that you can take anywhere and knit a few rounds to calm down. Having a sock to knit has helped me through some dark days, including the past two weeks. ❤️
I’m here for it! Thank you for making this space.
I'm finishing up some socks and about to start a light cardigan. I'm doing these for me because they give me peace, and I appreciate your words that say I'm helping to put good in the world. Even if it feels like I'm stitching in a room that's on fire. If I stitch fast enough, maybe I'll blow the fire out!
Thank you for your post. I love the idea that we are a lighthouse for others. That's become highlighted for me because of recent events that have stripped the inclusion, diversity, and equity labels (and official actions) out of so many environments. Trying to figure out how best to be that source of support and community. Definitely going to knit my way throughout. And spending more time on the puzzle pages of NYT than the front pages. (Which should improve my problem-solving abilities, along with the knitting!)
So true! Thanks for putting this sentiment into words! If nothing else, knitting, crocheting, creating something with our own hands keeps our sanity.
I socialize with a knitting group that tips rightward. Ordinarily the conversations are as you would think: health matters, latest movies, grandchildren, etc. Light-hearted, shared knitting and crochet. Last week, one of the knitters commented in support of the letter sent by Caroline Kennedy to dissuade confirmation of the candidate for HHS. There was an immediate raised voice (pro current administration) insisting “no politics here”. Mind you, we meet in a public room, in a public building. I took a breath and reminded the protester that at our post-election weekly gathering, some of us had to listen to rants on what a “bucket of sh**” Robert DeNiro has become and the disgust at the idea of listening to any more Springsteen music (he supported Harris). Merely pointing out goose/gander. I was the only one who spoke up. Someone winked at me, I guess in support. My point? I have little confidence that it matters. I understand using the group setting as an escape mechanism. We do need some things that bring joy and release. But it also tells/shows me how too many people just want to bully some of us into keeping silent. There will be no calm conversations allowed and make sure you keep your head in the sand. Maybe after a few months pass and the problems in our country move further away from being the fault of Biden, Obama, and probably Truman, or even Elvis we will begin to have a turn in the tide. Maybe when the wallets don’t have enough cash for the raised prices coming from the tariff wars there will be an opening of the eyes. 1447 days to 1/20/2029. Hopefully the dawn will come sooner.
Bravo, Carol Ann. I would love to knit with you and discuss goose/gander topics. No politics, indeed. May that person be cursed to knit only splitty knotted yarn with blunt needles.
I appreciate the kind support. We won’t have to conjure curses - people like that rot from the inside out.
I look so forward to your posts. Such calming, actionable words when I feel like nothing is being done to stop the current tide. And you are so right. Protests will be ignored (or worse). Being the voice of peace and change and welcome in our own area. Time to bring that out safety pin and wear it proudly!
Thank you for this message of peace. Your ideas of how to cope and how to help are important messages in these days of purposeful chaos. Thank you, keep writing to us!
May Peace Prevail on Earth
Marla
I so needed this right now. To remind me that to live a creative life is to protest in its own way. That what I do, the community i embrace, the way I feel matters. That I will be okay. That I am a safe person for others. You're a gem.
Thank you for this newsletter and for the suggestion to realign my thinking through a process I already love!
I’m sock obsessed! I ♥️ knitting socks too.
Hi Anne,
So,so true. Knitting and creating is my life. It has helped and guided me through so much of my life. And it continues to do so. Your posts are so inspiring and help to validate all my feelings about surviving these difficult times-both for
me, my children, and grandchildren in the days and years ahead. And love your yarn. Am making a shawl with a skein of it now. Carol
I want to find a group of stitching learners I can join. My machine sewing is too space consuming right now, and I need to be in community.
I crochet and want to be part of this liberal community. In dark times like these. Community makes a difference