Wow, it's been an odd couple weeks. The weather here is very on-and-off. 0 degrees, then 50, then ice and snow, then melted, then all over again. Kid stuff has been similar. James has robotics and clubs (is independent and then not at all), Henry had basketball, three choirs, state solo contests, ALL THE THINGS. Then today they kids are off, we have 6 boys in the house making noise, playing games, sledding.... sometimes it's quiet, sometimes it's definitely not. It's been a year of extremes so far in all the ways. But my kids and their friends all have warm heads at my house, thankyouverymuch.
How about you? Are you feeling similarly? All the politics certainly are one of the ups and downs, and not knowing what's coming. But I have to share that I LOVE that yarning and knitting are there for me however and whenever I need. I seriously think I would be a much meaner and unhappier person if I didn't have yarn in my life. What do you think others rely on when they don't have yarn? I have to admit I do rely on volleyball and a stiff drink and sweet treat here and there. But I don't think I have anything in my life quite like knitting that is exactly what I need when I need it. Aren't we all lucky to be knitters and crocheters and crafters? To have found these crafts so in times like this when our lives and the world seems to be in extremes, that we have this?
We have a huge shipment from Emma's Yarn coming this way to give us a full restock and some new hues on all the bases we offer. We also have a small batch of snarky skeins from A Whimsical Wood. And if you want a super winter deal, I'll have 100 more colors of the Madelinetosh Wool+Cotton DK that I'll still be offering at $20 instead of the retail of $32 for a bit longer. Not forever, but at least the next month. If you want any of these special Valentine's Day offerings before next year, now's the time to grab them! I still can't fathom that all the Yarn Love neon tweed sock sets are not gone! They are so inventive and cool and I adore mine.
Thank you for being here for me and my team and my family through all the times, extreme or not. We greatly appreciate all of you. We enjoying seeing what you're ordering, pondering what you might be making, helping you pick out special color combos from afar. Thank you for it all.
Knitting and crocheting are my therapy. My healthcare provider remarked while observing me knitting while waiting, that I looked calm and relaxed. He said he was going to start recommending it to others.
Years ago,we had a bit of a household catastrophe and a bunch of my yarn got all tangled in the dryer during a heat treatment.I threw it into a trash bag and put it in time out. About a year later, I decided to dig it out and got out a chunky circular knitting needle and cast on a garter squish. I broke all the rules. I cut the yarn out of the tangle. I didn't bother to weave in the ends. I didn't block it. I also skipped the i-cord edging because I didn't feel like doing it. I slip stitched the first stitch of each row instead for a consistent edge. The blanket looks like a hot mess. And I love it. With each stitch, it grew on me literally and figuratively. It has all colors, textures, and some mixed fibers. I knitted until the yarn was almost out, then I bound off.I have it on my bed and use it every night. By the time I was done with it, I felt much calmer about the situation that led to the yarn tangle.
With stressors coming from every angle, I'm so thankful for these creative arts and even more thankful that others who are walking this path are also finding some calm and peace in their creative endeavors.
And I hear you on the kids/teens and the weather, school activities, all of it! Right there with you on that too!
Posted by: J | February 17, 2025 at 07:02 PM
From the very first, I've found knitting to be an amazing stress-reducer. For me it's like meditation and I'm grateful for the peace it has brought into my life. When I'm upset, depressed or anxious, I pickup my knitting and before long I feel so much better. Peace and Blessings.
Posted by: Vickie | February 17, 2025 at 08:13 PM
I don’t need to hear from you about politics. Just stick to your selling yarn. When I go to buy yarn I don’t need someone talking to me about politics
Posted by: Trudy | February 18, 2025 at 08:32 PM
Sorry, Trudy! But this is my house and I'll talk about the things that I like. I'm saying nothing offensive or rude, I'm not hurting anyone. I'm simply sharing of myself. You can't control what I do or say, so I'll continue being me. I hope you have a good day and great knits.
Allison
Posted by: Allison | February 19, 2025 at 09:38 AM
Allison, you have written nothing that is offensive. Kindness is the best tool. I enjoy your posts and wish you and your family the best.
Posted by: SUSAN | February 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Allison thank you for your kindness checking in with all of us in these quickly changing and uncertain times just as you did in the pandemic. Knitting is very soothing during any stressful times. And the kindness and generosity of spirit shared by knitters always shines some hope. Also all of your wonderful and colorful options always puts a smile on my face. And I spend a lot of time looking at your shop and planning future projects.
Posted by: Anne | February 19, 2025 at 01:27 PM