On the Ninth Day of Sock Yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me.....
four balls of West Yorkshire Spinners DK!
To have a chance at this new yarn, ColourLab DK, simply answer the following question in the comments below: If you could choose a mantra or phrase that has served you well this year, what would it be? If no mantra, then perhaps a lesson you learned this year that really struck home?
This year I focused on "Integrity in all things." Basically, do the right thing in all circumstances, even when no one is looking. I find that we all know what the right thing is to do, but sometimes default to whatever is easiest or most comfortable instead of what's right. So I am taking time to pause (and sometimes it's a long pause so I can explore what I really feel) and choose the right thing for me, which often is uncomfortable, but best.
We've just started offering a DK weight, all British superwash wool yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners, and we'd love you to give it a try! This yarn would be perfect for socks (there's no nylon, which is fine if you knit a dense fabric) but also great for sweaters and accessories. The colors and price point are just divine too- dozens of options and just over $10 a ball. Consider it for a simple kid sweater, festive holiday socks, or this really cute hat.
We also have a great restock and new hues of the 4ply Signature Sock Yarn from West Yorkshire Spinners too this includes the new hues from UK designers Zandra Rhodes and Winwick Mum.
Sock color 1026-Forest Stripes
If you want a cool project for 2022, how about this wrap? I do believe we have all the solids and multis to make this work with multiple color ideas! It looks like it uses 1022 Bluebell and Juniper. We can help you pair other colors too if you like. As always just e-mail Allison at [email protected] if you need personal shopping help.
We have 3 more Days of Sock Yarn coming up, so do stop here at the SSYC blog (our shop journal - I've been writing/sharing shop and life news here for over 16 years) every day until Christmas Eve so you can win. Full details of the contest can be found here.
My mantra for all the years that I can remember came from my grandpa. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. This went from the smallest chore to the biggest and no chore was unimportant if it needed done. He was a farmer and lived this every day.
Posted by: Sara Moening | December 21, 2021 at 10:05 AM
My mantra is, "Not only am I enough, but I am FABULOUS."
Posted by: Bonnie | December 21, 2021 at 10:07 AM
Flow has been my intention this year. As a way to remind myself that I can't control many things and sometimes all you can do is go with the flow.
Posted by: Kate | December 21, 2021 at 10:07 AM
Mine is similar along the integrity line. I’ve definitely had to rely on God to let the truth be shown in certain situations and to make sure I have been as upright as I can be so that my character stands as a testimony when these things come up. Kind of hard to explain without going into all of the details. But, it was a definite reminder to do the right thing no matter who is or is not watching.
Posted by: Michelle | December 21, 2021 at 10:10 AM
Life lesson from my mom…If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
Posted by: Renee S | December 21, 2021 at 10:13 AM
Mine is not suitable for public publishing😁
Posted by: elissa schoening | December 21, 2021 at 10:13 AM
I dont think I have had a mantra for this year but this year of covid where its working in a store and then home because of things have been closed and or canceled I think it has shown me how important my knitting is to me. Keep my sanity I guess. Getting alot of ideas and even making socks etc for gifts for special people.
Posted by: Yvonne Evans | December 21, 2021 at 10:15 AM
Just keep swimming.
Posted by: Kathy | December 21, 2021 at 10:24 AM
Less stress. That's it, just less stress. Or maybe Stress Less. The message is the same, either way.
Posted by: Carol Rice | December 21, 2021 at 10:26 AM
Baby steps.
Posted by: Labrista wadkins | December 21, 2021 at 10:26 AM
Keep on keeping on!
Posted by: Laurie Bowman | December 21, 2021 at 10:30 AM
I know this isn’t politically correct but if you understand that I have spent much of my adult life trying to keep people healthy you might understand. The only way I can wrap my brain around what is happening in Indiana with COVID and keep this whole situation from driving me bat shit is to realize that I can’t fix stupid. Sorry if it offends but you aren’t walking in my shoes.
Posted by: Penny | December 21, 2021 at 10:32 AM
this too shall pass.
Posted by: Denise | December 21, 2021 at 10:36 AM
I’ve been reminding myself that all things are temporary. It helps get through the tough times, but also a reminder to appreciate the good times!
Posted by: Erin | December 21, 2021 at 10:37 AM
Mine has been to take a long slow breath and to remember this too shall pass
Posted by: Beverly Shearon | December 21, 2021 at 10:37 AM
My prayer is to gain wisdom and to be more compassionate
Posted by: Trudy | December 21, 2021 at 10:39 AM
My Mantra this year has been to Inspire not require! Just do your best and take the time to reach out and lift up others and help them.
Posted by: Kila Day | December 21, 2021 at 10:41 AM
Do not criticize. Show acceptance instead.
Posted by: Patty Sheridan | December 21, 2021 at 10:45 AM
Very simple,"Be kind"!
Posted by: Denise Walsh-Horowitz | December 21, 2021 at 10:47 AM
I think for the past couple of years my phrase has been let it go. We get worked up over such inconsequential things and let them stress us out when it really isn’t necessary.
Posted by: Sharon Randolph | December 21, 2021 at 10:52 AM
“Get back to nature” I walk, hike, garden and camp for the love of nature. It centers me.
Posted by: Diana Byrum | December 21, 2021 at 10:54 AM
"designers, make it work" (to be read in your best Tim Gunn voice. So much went awry that we had to just roll with it, make to, and get creative. We're just making it work!
Posted by: Jenn H | December 21, 2021 at 10:55 AM
Be kind to one another. Take time, slow down and be in the moment.
Posted by: Susan | December 21, 2021 at 10:56 AM
Kindness matters
Posted by: Rose Birchall | December 21, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Mine has been “Just keep swimming”. It’s been a tough year at work this year, and all I can do is just keep going. Hopefully the New Year brings a fresh start!
Posted by: Jodie Walton | December 21, 2021 at 11:01 AM
Doing nothing is ok.
Posted by: Diane | December 21, 2021 at 11:02 AM
Everything is fine
Posted by: Filomena | December 21, 2021 at 11:04 AM
Two come to mind. I keep telling my kids, "we'll make it work" and my two yr old constantly says, "oh well, now what?." Both have come to represent our 2021.
Posted by: Lisa | December 21, 2021 at 11:06 AM
Taking a deep breath and trying to find peace.
Posted by: Anne | December 21, 2021 at 11:06 AM
Life is suffering.
This is one of the four Noble Truths of Buddhism, and I find it easier to deal with the COVID times when I recognize this truth of human existence.
Posted by: Lisa L | December 21, 2021 at 11:11 AM
My mantra this year has been all about my job..."Just keep your mouth shut". I work in a very toxic environment for those who are not fans of our last president (I'm the only one) and my boss hired an assistant for me (without my knowledge) who follows along with his beliefs. When she came in for an interview I was blindsided, especially when he said, "Leave your coat on, this is your replacement". Every day I tell myself to keep my mouth shut, as the office becomes more toxic and he tries to get me to leave, praising everything she does and finding fault with everything I do. Apparently after 10 years I suddenly know nothing and after 7 months she knows everything. I will be handing in my resignation on Monday and retiring.
Posted by: Carolyn | December 21, 2021 at 11:14 AM
I have really struggled with doing emotional work for others in the past. This year I have really tried to embrace the Polish proverb "Not my circus, not my monkeys." It reminds me that not everything is mine to solve.
Posted by: Stephanie | December 21, 2021 at 11:16 AM
Do the best you can and love one another. That is all anyone can ask for.
Posted by: peggy | December 21, 2021 at 11:17 AM
This year has been better than last year. My school schedule last year was a nightmare. I got out of having to travel to three schools. I only have to travel to two. I just go with the flow. That’s what I tell my students. You just have to take it as it comes and go with the flow. It makes for less stress and a better attitude! I’m excited to see my new students in January! They’re not new, actually but I’ll have them again! I’m really optimistic that the second part of the year will be fantastic! Remember…. Go with the flow!!!
Posted by: Dana Snyder | December 21, 2021 at 11:22 AM
BE KIND
For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know absolutely nothing about.
Posted by: Gail L. | December 21, 2021 at 11:23 AM
Always come back to the breath. The Calm app has made me a better person
Posted by: Joyce | December 21, 2021 at 11:23 AM
Take care of myself, so I can give of myself to others.
Posted by: Susan Mercy | December 21, 2021 at 11:24 AM
"Remember to breathe."
Posted by: Teri P | December 21, 2021 at 11:26 AM
Be grateful every day! It works!
Posted by: Lynn B | December 21, 2021 at 11:27 AM
Do the next thing…I.e. just do something. I get caught up in the mindset that if I can’t do “it all” or do it perfectly then I don’t do anything. Doing something is always more than doing nothing. Can’t walk 30 min today, then instead of not going out at all just walk for 10 min. Knit one round, respond to one email, pull one weed, make one family dinner. Whatever it is, just do a bit of it instead of doing nothing because you can’t dedicate a certain amount of time or energy or money.
Posted by: Lara | December 21, 2021 at 11:29 AM
I've been focusing on "Progress, not Perfection"
Posted by: mellenknits | December 21, 2021 at 11:31 AM
I sometimes realize, to my dismay, that I'm more patient and pleasant to strangers than I am to my own family! Family loves us unconditionally and are witnesses to all the good and bad and hard in our lives, so perhaps that's why I find myself not always treating my family in the way I really want to. I've been working on it, though, and improving. My mantra is: "Be a patient, kind, positive person whom your family loves."
Posted by: Gloria | December 21, 2021 at 11:31 AM
Flexibility! Boy did I learn to be flexible. I swear things changed at my job and life by the hour during the past year. And railing against the system was utter useless.
Posted by: Jessica McConnell | December 21, 2021 at 11:36 AM
Don't get in your way. Sometimes just take the win. Not everything has to be hard to be successful.
Posted by: stephanie prigoff | December 21, 2021 at 11:37 AM
Several have mentioned this already - be kind to others. Smiles are free to pass on :-). Now back to frantically knitting last minute Christmas items!
Posted by: Donna M Norris | December 21, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Do not judge because you have not walked in their shoes!!❤
Treat each other with kindness and respect!!
This too shall pass!❤❤❤
Karla
Posted by: Karla | December 21, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Be kind or keep your mouth shut. We all have problems to deal with. It’s too easy to be critical when we could all use decency and kindness.
Posted by: Lisa Anderson | December 21, 2021 at 11:40 AM
I don’t think I have a mantra, but my Grandmother always used to say “Waste not, Want not”.
Posted by: Susan | December 21, 2021 at 11:44 AM
“All I see is green lights” was my Sagittarius sign for 2021.
Posted by: Deb Adams | December 21, 2021 at 11:47 AM
Be kind.
Posted by: Dana | December 21, 2021 at 11:49 AM
These days, it's "Knit what and when you feel. And if you don't knit, that's fine too."
Posted by: Melissa | December 21, 2021 at 11:54 AM
My mantra has been "You are enough"
Posted by: Jennifer | December 21, 2021 at 11:55 AM
I'm better at respecting others' opinions and activities, particularly in the face of Covid. Along with that is practicing patience with myself and others. For me, this is going to be life long learning and I do see the value on working on these things.
Posted by: Marilyn H | December 21, 2021 at 11:58 AM
Be kind and one day at at a time.
Posted by: MrsDtoo | December 21, 2021 at 11:59 AM
My son has reminded me many times that we agreed on "No Fussing" this year. I'm still learning, but it's beginning to make a difference!
Posted by: Bonny | December 21, 2021 at 12:06 PM
I have been doing a lot of deep breathing and reminding myself of past obstacles I have overcome and comparing them to obstacles I now face. I shall overcome.
Posted by: MarthaO | December 21, 2021 at 12:07 PM
Do what you need to do to stay healthy.
Posted by: Judy | December 21, 2021 at 12:08 PM
Take it one day at a time.
Posted by: Elizabeth Oswalt | December 21, 2021 at 12:11 PM
My mantra, especially when someone or something is upsetting me way too much: don’t let _____ rent space in your head.
Posted by: Robyn | December 21, 2021 at 12:12 PM
Right now it would be “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” There are too many things happening in the world right now that matter to let little inconveniences bother you.
Posted by: Kimberly Payne | December 21, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Reset expectations.
Surges in virus, newly diagnosed autoimmune disorder, incivility of others...these are all out of my control.
Posted by: Larissa | December 21, 2021 at 12:17 PM
Mine this year has been "Take the pause" pause before I speak, think about what I want to say, and be mindful of my words...
Posted by: Natalie | December 21, 2021 at 12:18 PM
My 96 year young mom tells me that,"this too will pass". Sounds right to me,so, no need to stress about it.
Posted by: Diane | December 21, 2021 at 12:18 PM
Mine has definitely been “just do it.”
Posted by: Mary | December 21, 2021 at 12:19 PM
Put one foot in front of the other and breathe into the difficult positions.
Posted by: sprite | December 21, 2021 at 12:20 PM
"Deep breath"
Posted by: Lisa Smith | December 21, 2021 at 12:23 PM
This too shall pass.
Posted by: Kim Holbrook | December 21, 2021 at 12:27 PM
My mantra is also my Six Word Memoir:
"Everything changes. Crap, it changed again!"
My entire adult life (almost 40 years now) has been dealing with the fallout of other people's decisions, so all the changes wrought by the pandemic are just par for the course for me. I've survived everything so far; I can survive this!
Posted by: Linda L. in WI | December 21, 2021 at 12:32 PM
‘One is better than none’ (from bowling), but also equates to ‘every little bit counts’. Being somewhat paralyzed by grief, it’s helped me move slowly along to get things done and recover some joy.
Posted by: Jan | December 21, 2021 at 12:40 PM
The mantra of the year has def been " you can't control it so just let it go, let it go! Repeated to self with good rhythmic breathing.
Posted by: Kevin Griffin | December 21, 2021 at 12:41 PM
Keep smiling and be kind!
Posted by: Jennifer McCarthy | December 21, 2021 at 12:42 PM
This is a harder question to answer than I expected, apparently I don't have a mantra. I guess it's just find and offer joy.
Posted by: Kara Williams | December 21, 2021 at 12:44 PM
Everybody, always. It's also the title of a book by Bob Goff. Basically it boils down to treating everyone, especially those most challenging, with love, respect, and kindness. It is always a good message but especially over the pandemic when we can all use a little grace and reminder of giving grace too!
Posted by: Sarah | December 21, 2021 at 12:45 PM
Patience, patience, patience and This too shall pass have worked for me.
Posted by: Jody Laake | December 21, 2021 at 12:47 PM
Take a deep breath is what I tell myself. It helps me step back from the situation and do a re-think.
Posted by: Hilda C | December 21, 2021 at 12:52 PM
No new, only stash. I have succeeded in stashing down some this year because of it.
Posted by: Brenna Delosier | December 21, 2021 at 12:55 PM
Just keep swimming 🐡
Posted by: staci | December 21, 2021 at 01:09 PM
Hope that we all learn to appreciate the reminders and lessons this event is teaching us about how important everyone is, especially the everyday hidden workers who make our lives livable.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 21, 2021 at 01:22 PM
Just keep swimming (or knitting)!
Posted by: Carolyn Zewe | December 21, 2021 at 01:23 PM
My workplace has become even more stressful during the pandemic. My mantra has become, "Let it go. It's not your problem." It's taken a while to sink in, but I have finally learned to let a lot go and to not waste time fixing others' mistakes. Between that and my knitting, I've felt much less stressed.
Posted by: Donna Gerber | December 21, 2021 at 01:38 PM
For more than 20 years this quote from Linda Sue Park’s novel, A Single Shard, has helped me face times and tasks that seemed overwhelming: “One hill, one valley, one step at a time.”
Posted by: Pat Phythian | December 21, 2021 at 01:39 PM
Set clear boundaries to support my own wellbeing, and don’t feel guilty about it.
It’s easier said than done after a lifetime of being told, explicitly and implicitly, that doing this is selfish, unkind, or hurtful to others. But I’m getting there, and I’m healthier both mentally and physically as a result.
Posted by: Megan | December 21, 2021 at 01:42 PM
I've survived everything else up until now, I'll survive this too!
Posted by: Christine | December 21, 2021 at 01:47 PM
I do like your mantra about integrity. Mine is not as lofty. Actually, I have two: "shut up legs" (I've been cycling a lot more since Covid hit) and one known to most of us "take time for yarn everyday". both have served me well this year.
Posted by: Jeanne | December 21, 2021 at 02:12 PM
It's a wonderful life!
My father died fifty years ago (aged 36, when I was 12) and when I was just out of college I adopted this as my motto. It reminds me to be happy that I'm getting older and experiencing all that life has to offer. And it puts a smile on everyone's face when I use it as a response to that common, mindless question "how are you?"
Posted by: Cheryl | December 21, 2021 at 02:15 PM
If I can count on anything, it's change.
Posted by: Savannagal | December 21, 2021 at 02:21 PM
"Look for unannounced angels. They bring the message of God's compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, and solace. These angels are everywhere if the eyes of our souls are vigilant enough to notice." A quote from Walk in a Relaxed Manner by Joyce Rupp
I don't always get it right every day but her words bring me comfort in these challenging times.
Posted by: Mary Kay | December 21, 2021 at 02:26 PM
That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.
Posted by: Ann | December 21, 2021 at 02:35 PM
This has been a hard year for so many. I know I am not special in that. I lost my mother this year. But I remember a saying that she would recite to each of her 7 children. --learn as much as you can as because it will serve you well. things can be taken away from you but what you have in your head in the way of knowledge will serve you each day. My parents also told us that you will never be disappointed if you worked your hardest and that no one goes thru life unscathed.
Posted by: Maureen | December 21, 2021 at 02:44 PM
“We live the life we choose” has been my mantra for a while, it helps get me through a lot.
Posted by: Nicole | December 21, 2021 at 02:45 PM
Slow down. Enjoy all we have been given. Give to others with a great full heart.
Posted by: Pat | December 21, 2021 at 02:49 PM
Changes run faster than plans.
Posted by: Nicole S | December 21, 2021 at 02:53 PM
Whatever, lol. I don’t know how much of a mantra that is but it seems to fit most things lately.
Posted by: Aimee | December 21, 2021 at 03:07 PM
"Choose to be happy and find joy in every day."
Not new for this year, it has been mine for a
very long time while going through difficult times.
Posted by: Judy | December 21, 2021 at 03:28 PM
We can get through this.
Posted by: Virginia Harnischfeger | December 21, 2021 at 03:28 PM
Focus on the positive.
Posted by: Elly | December 21, 2021 at 03:32 PM
"I guess we'll find out." I keep saying this at my crazy and chaotic job that I started in August. It's my way of saying I'll roll with it, whatever comes my way!
Posted by: Cheryl Bach | December 21, 2021 at 03:52 PM
Take a deep breath. No need to stress, especially about those things of which we have no control.
Posted by: JudyAnn | December 21, 2021 at 03:54 PM
For the past two years really, I’ve been telling myself “We can do hard things.” I originally got it from Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed, and then she made a podcast titled it. On the podcast she teams up with her sister and wife and other to talk about life and everyday hard things and how they get over it. It was also the quote I put on my graduation cap for my commencement this past may.
Posted by: Annabeth | December 21, 2021 at 04:04 PM
My mantra this year has been, “God has a plan, I don’t know what it is, but that’s OK.He’s got everything under control and is allowing it to unfold one day, one moment at a time.” After being diagnosed with widespread, aggressive cancer at the start of the pandemic, my life underwent a radical change. I was home bound due to a combination of the pandemic and having a terrible time with the chemo regimen I had to undergo. I learned to enjoy the simple pleasures in everyday, watching the holly berries go from white to pale salmon to deep red as spring turned into summer, then fall. I learned that what is most important in life are the relationships we form along the way, in our families and with our friends, not everything else that we spend our days on. And over the course of the year, throughout much medical intervention, I discovered that God has put angels on earth in our path in many different places (from the medical clinic, to the hospital, to the grocery store, the wellness center where I now have to exercise, and everywhere), and they are willing to reach out to us even when we try to walk right by. It’s truly amazing and with everyday I am still alive I discover new angels and relationships as God’s plan subtly (or not so subtly) unfolds. So the last part of my mantra is “Life might be far shorter than you ever could imagine, so treasure every day for the gift that it is, and all those you meet within it.” It has really lifted my mood, attitude, and resolve as the pandemic continues.
Posted by: Diane | December 21, 2021 at 04:18 PM