Connections...

Do you ever have those moments when you notice how everything is connected? Many of us walk around every day going from place to place in our usual routines providing us with structure and a sense of day-to-day rhythm. It's what we do and it feels right. Then, one day you look up and see something you've never seen before yet it feels familiar. And then, events unfold right before and you find connections you never knew existed.

I live in Iowa. A predominantly rural state with less than 3 million people and the majority of the residents live along the I-35 and I-80 corridors. Yet this relatively quiet state plays a vital role in the well-being of the rest of the country due to agriculture. This state is the leading producer of corn, pigs, chickens, eggs and rates right up there for soy.

My parents live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A land that is as diverse from Iowa as one can possibly fathom. Last week I had the chance to visit them. A walk with a long-time friend along the Rio Grande River revealed a trail system I had not previously explored. I kept walking passed trail signs indicating to whom the trails were dedicated, Aldo Leopold. 

Now this name seemed awfully familiar...on campus we have the "Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture." Could it be the same Leopold? If so, what could possibly be the connection? 

Yes, it is the same Aldo Leopold and I can't believe what I've learned about this man that relates to peace, nature and knitting. Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) was born in Burlington, Iowa and attended the Yale University School of Forestry. He worked for the US Forest Service in Arizona and the New Mexico territories for many years and was then transferred to Wisconsin.

His passion was the land. He wrote and published over 500 works but is best known for his final collection of essays, A Sand County Almanac which has compared to Henry David Thoreau's Walden, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and the works of John Muir. In this work, Mr. Leopold defined a concept he coined known as "land ethic" which is a call for moral responsibility to the natural world. A land ethic is essentially caring about people, the land, and strengthening the relationships between the two. 

I feel as if I've stumbled upon a concept that captures the essence of knitting, walking and peace. Connecting people with the land and strengthening that relationship. We knit from the fleece of animals that live on the land; one stitch at a time we weave together that fiber into something incredible that brings joy to you, the knitter, or the recipient. We walk through the land and gain strength from the beauty that surrounds us. It is our responsibility to honor the land that we inhabit. The land nourishes us and for this we should be grateful.

Along the Rio Grande River on the Aldo Leopold River Loop Trail.

When I walk, my mind wanders. I look down far too often. Yes, for safety but many times I'm just in a daze. I'm glad I looked up on my walk and started to wonder about the connections between the Aldo Leopold trail in New Mexico and sustainable agriculture in Iowa. Who knew that there was the connection between a man from Iowa that left an incredible footprint both in Iowa as well as New Mexico. 

An intriguing door to a New Mexico home

Land ethic. How beautiful. It's our job to continue to honor the land where we live that feeds us, nourishes us, clothes us, and provides us with warmth and shelter. 

A sign of spring on the desert

Mindful Monday Tip #6.

Go for a walk today, long or short no matter. Take the time to look up and view your surroundings. What do you see? What's one thing you can do to strengthen your relationship with the land? Think about tredding lightly on trails, recycling, using less water, purchasing food that will be used and minimizing food waste...what ideas do you have?

Peace from New Mexico. Notice the wooden lamb wearing a red scarf.

A give-away and upcoming events.

With any luck (and a lot of cooperation), I'll be releasing a new pattern that pulls together many concepts I've previously mentioned relating to peace, strength, direction, and courage. I can't wait for you to see it. Additionally, I've been working hard on several other new patterns that will be forthcoming within the month. Exciting times for peaceful knitters!

Next week I'll begin releasing something I've been working on for awhile. It pertains to purchasing "ethically-sourced" yarns. What does that mean you ask? Well, that's what I'm going to being revealing next week. I need your help. I have a question that I'd like you to answer. In return, I'll be giving away a limited edition Healthy Knitter project bag made from vintage fabric by my mum and I over many cups of tea last Christmas.

Leave a comment by the end of the day on February 12. If there are more than 50 comments, I'll give away a 2nd bag. I'll announce the winner(s) on Monday's blog post. Here's the question:

What is the most important factor that you consider when you buy yarn? Or what influences your decision most when you buy yarn (same thing just stated differently).

Enter the forest...

“Come to the woods, for here is rest.
There is no repose like that of the green deep woods.
Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill.”

— John Muir

A summer mountain meadow in McCall, Idaho

The forest beckons. A call to venture deep into the heart of nature. Is it to escape from troubled times? To find peace? Connect with all that is good. Maybe it's all of these reasons.

There is a stillness that can be found in the forest, yet, ironically there's no silence to be found. The rustling of the leaves, the lull of the wind as it moves through the needles on the tall pines. The trees standing firmly grounded yet swaying with whatever storms come their way.  There's a comfort to be found in the melody of the forest. It's as if the trees are whispering.... sssshhhhhh, pay close attention and listen very closely, "be strong and supple" says the mighty forest.

“I hear the wind among the trees
Playing celestial symphonies;
I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument.”

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Unfortunately not all of us have easy access to the forest so finding solace in the woods isn't a daily or even weekly option. Here's a way to create your own peaceful forest to wear any day you may need to find peace. I've reworked Project Peace using a worsted weight yarn ("Ringmaster") with the colorway "Tree Beard" from KnitCircus Yarns.

Knit your own peaceful forest with the pattern "Project Peace" in "Tree Beard" from KnitCircus.

Modifications to Project Peace:

Yarn: KnitCircus Ringmaster (worsted weight) in "Tree Beard," 100 grams

Needles: size 7, 24" in length (or size to get gauge)

Gauge: approximately 20 stitches per 4 inches in waffle-stitch pattern

I cast on 120 stitches, knit 16 repeats of the pattern and then did Rounds 1-3. I used the i-cord bind-off method and did not put an i-cord on the bottom of the cowl. You can knit however many repeats you choose. Ultimately I knit this many repeats to maximize how much yarn I had. My pre-blocked measurements were 8.5 inches (high) by 25 inches (circumference). I wet-blocked my cowl and laid it out so that it would be a little narrower and taller post-blocking. My post (wet)-blocking measurements were 9.5 inches (high) by 23 inches (circumference).

A note about Knit Circus Yarns. This small-business is truly amazing. Jaala and her crew have the most incredible colorways that really speak to my creative spirit. She's able to translate life events, feelings, and locations into yarn. She always has yarn in the shop (referred to as ASAP) but many more colorways are available as "dye-to-order." I just looked and there was only 1 skein of Tree Beard in-stock but this is usually a dye-to-order colorway. Jaala provided 2 skeins of yarn as give-aways during Project Peace and was inspired to host a kindness knit-along (find details here) as a result of Project Peace.

Mindful Monday Tip #5

Taking care of "self" is always important. During stressful times it becomes even more important yet self-care is often the first thing we lose. Many people are finding themselves very stressed with these global tumultuous times and rightly so. The desire to choose peace during your day may seem like a distant memory.

Before we get too far into the week, take a moment today and write down one way you will keep peace at the forefront of your day. The forest represents peace. How will you bring that peace into your day, every day this week?

Commit to it and leave a comment here. 

Snow and peace...

Have you ever stopped to think about how easily our mood can be influenced by the weather? How this influence varies from person to person? The sun, rain, snow, wind can bring joy, frustration, gratitude, despair, relief, or anguish depending on one's perspective. And it really is about perspective isn't it? The rain may bring relief from a hot summer spell yet the timing of the rain for the farmer may decrease crop yield. A snowstorm may be soothing and comforting whereas to a traveler it threatens one's safety. Yes, it's all about perspective and remembering that so many things aren't right or wrong. It's all a matter of opinion.

I love all the seasons. Each one provides something so unique. While I'm in the midst of each season I find myself always declaring..."this is my favorite." And then the next season comes. Call me fickle but perhaps it's an example of "living in the moment" and appreciating the here and now. Most likely it is the former.

And here I am in the throes of winter without much snow with lots of ugly weather...ice, frigid temperatures, nasty wind, grey skies and a few dreary days. This is not the pretty picture that decorates the images of winter I have painted in my head. To me, winter is all about snow. I grew up in a land filled with a winter that spanned months on end...October to May and sometimes June. Despite the length of time it was a wonderful place because the land was covered by magical snow. In January it was so cold the snow was as light and fluffy as the finest angora; we called it "champagne powder." Stunning. No one really complained at least not until the snow started melting leaving a messy, messy place; oh, the mud. At least that was my perspective and I know it differs from others.

As I sit here dreaming of white, fluffy flakes I'm reminded of my blog post from the 2016 peace-along about snow as a metaphor for peace. A winter wonderland that soothes, nurtures, comforts, and provides a time to rest and renew. We retreat inside to escape the elements, wrap ourselves in textured woolens, stoke the fire, and place our hands around a warm cup filled with our beverage of choice. Yet the winter landscape provides us with the most amazing playground, to ski, snowshoe, skate, or take a walk. While the earth is in a slumber there's still so much to enjoy, to view, to appreciate.

I'm seeing more and more knitwear designers, indi-dyers, and yarn companies promoting spring. No not yet, it's only January. We've got months left and I still want to rest, retreat, play in the snow and dream of white fluffy snowflakes. So, I'm going to continue to knit for winter because after all, let's live in the moment and not yearn for what is to come.

To say that I was inspired as a result of Project Peace would be an understatement. I've not yet figured out the best way to synthesize all my thoughts, dreams, and future action items so I continue to move forward bringing to life pieces and parts that moved me during the peace-along. One idea was to create a collection of knitted items themed on snow. I'm working diligently on these patterns but just like a magnificent snowfall, grand things take a bit of time.

For the first pattern themed on snow, I've reworked one of my previous patterns called "Snowy Walk" using a yarn that is from a US company that was one of the first to use American wool, mill and dye it in the States. At the time the company began this really was a new idea. For this reason, I LOVE Quince & Co. yarns but the added plus is that the yarns are wonderful. In "Snowy Walk" I've used Finch, a fingering weight yarn that shows off the stitch definition amazingly well. Plus you can make this project for under $25.

Snowy Walk is a lightweight, cozy cowl with a relatively simple lace pattern inspired by pine boughs covered with snow. It's knit in the round and is the perfect knit when you want to practice being attentive but not at the expense of committing to a really complicated project.  The lace instructions are provided in a chart or written format. One of my dear knitting friends that test knits for me said "this is my all time favorite Healthy Knitter design." 

Grab a warm cup of tea in your favorite mug, get cozy on the sofa, and treat yourself to a fun to knit, lace project.

And as I mentioned at the beginning of the year, blog subscribers will receive bonuses not advertised elsewhere. For a limited time, please use the coupon code "SNOWYWALKBLOG17" to receive 20% off. You'll need to enter the coupon code prior to checking out on Ravelry. Coupon expires on 1/29/17. To purchase Snowy Walk, click here.

Whether or not there is snow in your neighborhood, wear your Snowy Walk cowl wherever you are and dream of a winter wonderland.

Photo: Gallatin National Forest, south of Bozeman, MT.

Photo: Gallatin National Forest, south of Bozeman, MT.

Mindful Monday Tip #4

January can be a rough month for a lot of reasons but the weather can play a major factor. As I look outside it's grey...a dreary, depressing grey and I love the color grey so for me to describe it as depressing must really mean it is blah! Take a few minutes and listen to this soothing piece of music by Yo-Yo Ma. Shut your eyes and daydream about all that is good about the season you are currently in...anytime a less than cheery thought enters your mind, mentally sweep it away. Find joy in your current season's weather.

Listen here

Near Mammoth, Yellowstone National Park.

A Snowy Walk...where will it take you? Think of all the possible peaceful adventures that await.

May each step and stitch bring you peace,

Christina

Dream big...

In the US, today is a holiday, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Typically a day when school's, banks, and many businesses are closed but it always seems to be just another day to be busy, catch up and make use of the extra day. Yet we are in the midst of an ice storm so the normal hustle and bustle has ceased, leaving it a quiet, peaceful day...as it should be.

Today we honor a man that inspired many to collective action to end segregation at least as it existed in the '60s. MLK is remembered as a peace activist and a pivotal person in the civil rights movement. He had a dream, a dream that we would all live as a community in peace (his words were "brotherhood").

Before we get to the Mindful Monday tip, I wanted to share an update with you. Last November, I conducted the Third Healthy Knitter mystery knit-along and walk-along. Over the holidays I was able to get some excellent photos of the cowl with much gratitude to my son for taking the photos and my daughter for "modeling." I am pleased to reveal the consolidated pattern with new photos.

Stravaigin is a word used on Shetland, a collection of islands north of Scotland, and means “to wander about idly without purpose; to roam.” Walking on Shetland is different from the US where most walking or hiking takes place on predetermined paths. On Shetland there are walking routes, but there’s no clear path. There are little signs with arrows pointing you in the direction of travel located here and there . . . and you hope that you’ll find the next one without getting lost. The motifs used in this cowl represent the arrows and the crooked path one might take while walking on the peat bogs covered with heather. This quick-to-knit colorwork cowl is the perfect size for wearing on a chilly walk.

This pattern is meant to be a nice little side project that allows you to knit each day yet still find time to stravaig. I've heard from several people that Stravaigin was their first colorwork project and they are now hooked on all things stranded!

This pattern is available for purchase on Ravelry. And just for blog subscribers, I've created a special coupon code for 20% off. Enter the code "BLOGSTRAVAIG17" at check-out. Just so I'm being very clear, you have to enter the code before you "check-out" to receive the discount. Coupon will expire in 1 week ( end of the day on 1/22/17).

Stravaigin, a colorwork cowl that is simple and quick to knit. Click on the image to purchase the pattern.

Mindful Monday Tip #3

As I mentioned at the beginning of the blog, it's MLK Day in the US.  I've been thinking about how to incorporate MLK Day into a tip. Certainly, MLK is well known for many speeches and quotes but none perhaps more famous than the one below.

“I have a dream. One day my four little children will live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28, 1963

Last week I was writing about "world peace" in my own journal. What is it? What does it really mean. I wrote this:

Has there ever been a time in history when world peace existed? Is it within the human capacity to achieve a peaceful state? Perhaps peace can be defined as:

• the absence of war
• the absence of conflict
• the ability to disagree respectfully without malice or negative consequences
• to live without fear
• to have basic needs fulfilled...food and water, clothing, shelter
• to treat self, neighbor and stranger with compassion and respect without bias and judgment.

It was on this last thought that I stopped and felt I'd come full circle. Treating self with respect brings us back to peace begins within. As I've thought about my possible descriptions of world peace I'm brought back to the famous MLK quote above. Living in a world where our outwardly appearances do not define us.

So, here's something to try. How would you describe yourself (or think of any person you like) to someone that cannot see. If we are trying to describe a person to someone else and cannot use physical descriptors we have to look deeper than appearances.

And finally, MLK had a dream. What's your dream? And as always, please leave a comment. Your thoughts are always so inspirational.