Wow! In just over 5 hours all 110 bags were sold. I'm amazed and oh so grateful. My mum is back to work and sewing the next batch. I anticipate it will take about a month considering the time it takes to order the fabric, sew the bags, ship them to Iowa and then have them screen printed.
If you would like a bag, I'll add you to the wait list.
Please send me an email: thehealthyknitter@gmail.com with the following information:
Name, email, and how many bags you want. I'll then send you an email when they are ready so that you can purchase them online.
Thank you again for your interest in peace!
Peace, one stitch and step at a time...
Christina
The bags are ready...
First, I'm sorry to have missed Mindful Monday...let's call today Tardy Tuesday. I've been busy getting everything in order to sell the Project Peace bags. What a journey. I know it seems like a simple thing...get some bags screen printed and sell them in an online shop. Yup, that sums it up. But what happened in between creating this wonderful idea and writing this blog post has taken a couple of months to work through.
They need to be "ethically sourced" said someone. "They can't come from a place that doesn't practice fair labor" said another. "Organic, sustainable, low carbon foot print are all worthy descriptors for a bag that promotes peace." It was honestly a bit mind boggling. I searched high and low for the right bag. I ran into poor quality (fabric and work product), customs issues (costs, high carbon foot print), fair trade concerns, high prices for bags, and a lot of concern that I didn't really know what the final product would look like. My head was spinning.
After exhausting my abilities I came home from yoga one day and told my husband "I think I figured it out; Gamma needs to make the bags." He said "funny, you should say that, I was going to tell you that as well." Gamma, my mum, has become "grey grandmother" (read the Three Sisters story from 12/20 and 12/21). She opened her own peaceful "sweatshop" and made every bag. I must say they are the finest quality project bags I've ever seen. Each stitch is sewn with love and peace. The fabric is not organic as I had to make a decision on my priorities (because that's ultimately what ethically sourced means). I prioritized quality and knowing where the bags were made.
I knew that I wanted this bag to be special. I wanted people to open their package and know that it embodies peace. From the bag to the packaging, it's all about peace. I didn't want anyone to open the bag and think "hmm, ok that's just another bag."
So, that's not the end of the story because as it turns out that part was perhaps the "simple" one. I'm happy to say that The Healthy Knitter is now an official business...I've been to the accountant, opened a bank account, been to the County Courthouse to record my business name and then tackled developing an online shop. Keep in mind...I'm both a scientist and creative...nowhere in my being has there been any flicker of a business-self. But you've all helped me climb a huge mountain and today I feel truly amazed at what's been accomplished.
The "store" is open. Click on the "Project Peace bags" link at the top of the webpage. The photos are marginal but that will get better. I'll ship world wide. I've added in for VAT and GST tax for people living in countries I thought might purchase a bag. For Iowa folks, you'll see a tax charge as well. I've attempted to keep shipping and handling costs minimal. Right now there are 110 bags available for purchase. My mum and I decided to see how this went before making more. So, if we run out I'll consider how to proceed.
I can't thank you all enough for leading me down this path, this path of peace. I've tackled a lot of tasks I never thought possible. I've felt really challenged, uncomfortable, frustrated, yet never did I throw in the towel. How could I? Because sometimes striving for what you want takes you out of the comfort zone.
The store will grow. I've already ordered more Project Peace items that I'll add to the store. Next week, I'll have wooden rulers (just a few) with Project Peace artwork and some custom buttons and stitch markers with a knitted peace symbol. Watch for more items to be added to the store.
Thanks for your patience. Thanks for your commitment to peace. Thanks for being on this adventure together.
Updates
More items will be added to the store as I proceed. Let me know what types of things you'd be interested in. I'm looking into different bag types, some stickers, pins, and maybe even t-shirts. I'd love your feedback.
Don't forget that pre-orders for the mystery knitalong and walkalong will begin next week.
Next tuesday is March 21....equinox. Please remember to knit in peace on this very special day. Perhaps spread a little peace to a friend, neighbor or stranger in need or maybe this is you.
I'm a bit delinquent on the surprise I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. It got a little pushed to the side as I worked through the bags, dealt with work, sick kids, oh, and don't forget about those caffeine withdrawal headaches.
Speaking of those headaches, you'll be happy to know that after a week it subsided and was so worth it. Honestly, many of my middle-aged aches and pains have diminished. Seriously. I did add back in a cup of decaf here and there because I really enjoy my morning ritual and find simple pleasures in wrapping my hands around a cup of coffee.
Give-away
Ok, so I'll send out a Project Peace bag to anyone (world wide) if you leave a comment with an idea for how we can create more peace...inner peace, in your community, country, or internationally. If you have any links for resources, include them in your comment. Please leave your Ravelry ID (if you have one) in your comment. Entries close on sunday 3/19 at 11:59 pm. I'll announce the winner on next week's blog post.
Mindful tip #11
What have you been wanting to tackle that seems a little out of reach? What's stopping you? Take a few minutes today and reflect on something you've wanted to do but had lots of reasons it won't work. Why can't it work? I challenge you to think of how to make it work rather than why it won't.
Mindful knitting...
The term "activism" is being used a lot lately; more specifically, craftivism. I finally had to ask someone "what does activism really mean?" And finally, I heard a definition I could wrap my mind around... "working to make the world a better place." Oh, then I'm all in when it comes to activism. It just needs to be focused on peace. To take this one step farther, this doesn't mean you have to get involved with lots of different organizations; you can work on creating peace in your own life and that in a small but very important way, will help to make the world a better place.
Last fall I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a new book called "The Mindfulness in Knitting" by Rachael Matthews. I still don't know how this happened because I ordered it via Amazon and it was unavailable until just a few days ago. I guess it was just meant to be. This book speaks to me in so many ways. It's all about being a mindful knitter. Rachael has done an amazing job at tackling so many angles about what it means to be mindful and connected it to knitting. A lot of what's presented in the book is in line with Project Peace. But there's a whole chapter on craftivism. And this particular passage just makes my heart sing...
There are so many people around the world that are really struggling right now. I know this is nothing new but it's recently become more real for lots of people that previously felt "safe." Many people have written to me expressing that this is a very dark time for them and focusing on their knitting AND peace has helped; for some in a small way, for others it's been a life-saver.
Thinking about this passage reaffirms my commitment to spread peace throughout the global knitting community. I care deeply about the fate of this world, both the people and the earth. I'm not one to protest and create a lot of noise but I do want to make this world a better place. I've often felt that if I wasn't "active" then I wasn't making a difference.
So, it helps to hear that we can make a difference one stitch at a time. My designs will continue to carry greater meaning and that message is peace. It's a choice, at least as we still know it, and there's never been a greater cause throughout our history...it's always peace.
Updates
Great news! The unprinted project bags arrived from the "manufacturer." I delivered them to the screen printer on Friday and expect them back by next Monday. That means...drum roll please, they should be available for purchase sometime next week. Next week's blog post will discuss the making of these bags...a truly special story. Plus, it connects with our theme of "ethically sourcing" our purchases.
Don't forget that pre-orders for the mystery knit-along and walk-along will begin the 3rd week of March (last week I accidentally said April). I'm really excited for this "-along" as the pattern is made with the peaceful wanderer in mind and there will be lots of inspiration to encourage walking during these challenging months that transition us from one season to the next. During the pre-order there will be a special coupon code for all of you if you decide to participate.
Mindful Monday Tip #10
How often do you pick up your knitting, turn on the television and just tune out? You are blindly knitting along and in a bit of a knitting fog? Now, sometimes we need this as a little bit of a get-away and that's a good thing when it's done with intention. But how many times do you do this and the knitting just passes by? Perhaps you just want to get this project finished and you're over it.
Let's try a different approach. For me, my knitting is sacred time although I don't always appreciate it as such. But if I'm being honest it's a V.E.R.Y. important part of my day and identity. So, let's find a way to honor that time with knitting, with self, with peace.
Find a project that requires a bit of thought but perhaps doesn't require that you follow a pattern...Project Peace comes to mind. Maybe you need to cast on another one just for this purpose. Locate a comfortable place to sit, if you'd like some music to soothe your soul add that as well. As you begin knitting, notice your breath, the inhale and exhale. Next focus on the rhythm of your needles and notice if your breath coincides with your stitches? If not, take a moment to put the two together. Now continue knitting while inhaling and exhaling. Once you find that sweet connected spot between breath and knitting you may even begin to feel as if you are swaying like the waves on a lake as they hit the shore.
(Today's tip modified from The Mindfulness in Knitting with permission).
Enjoy...when the knitting blends with the breath you'll find peace. If at first you don't succeed, practice.
If you have other ways you connect with your knitting to create peace, please share.
Ode to coffee...
Last year, I wrote about coffee in a post titled "Essence of Coffee." I love coffee. The rich, robust, bold flavor brings my day to life. I pull myself out of bed in the morning, make my way downstairs and prepare my coffee. It's my ritual.
Sitting in the morning stillness, listening to the birds chirping, the garbage truck beginning it's route, the footsteps of early morning exercisers...I'm in tune with the outside world and myself. I love wrapping my hands around my "favorite" mug, feeling the warmth inside and out. Each day, I carefully select the mug for the day which may be my "go-to" mug for weeks, months or perhaps just today. I'm fickle that way. My mug captures my mood.
And here's where we take a sharp detour in the topic for today. You probably thought I was going to carry on about my love for coffee but no, not today. Last week, I gave up drinking coffee or rather, caffeine. It's been a dark 7 days...filled with massive headaches, lethargy, even some chills and shakes. But it's starting to look a little brighter. The headaches are gone, I'm sleeping better and my energy is slowly returning.
And there's a reason I'm sharing this with all of you. It relates to peace. Without health there is no peace. Perhaps it's better to say that maximizing the most of your health regardless of what that might be for you is an important component of peace. Self-care is SO important. It's not selfish to make sure you are taking care of you.
So why did I give up caffeine? Certainly this is temporary as it's more to me than just a cup of brown-flavored water. There comes a time when our relationships with "things" isn't as it should be. I was drinking more and more coffee to keep up with some poor sleep quality that may or may not have been caused by the caffeine. I was drinking more and more coffee every day at the expense of other liquids (aka water). And I was constantly thinking about where and when can I get another cup of coffee. Taking a coffee break had become an avoidance tactic.
I'd lost that connection with my special early morning routine. It was just about getting more coffee. And I'm on a kick to get rid of those things in my life that are about having "more" unless we're talking about peace. Plus, the scientist in me says that any substance that can make you feel that wretched when you don't have it seems like it might not be best consumed in excess. Finally, the cost of coffee does add up. It was time to take a break.
More on coffee as it relates to today's Mindful Monday Tip. See below.
Updates
- Several people have asked regarding the status of the Project Peace bags. They are on their way. I know I said this awhile ago but then I ran into some issues with the company that I was buying them from. I came up with another plan that took a little longer and has a very special story to accompany it. I expect to receive them the middle of this week and then I'll be off to get them screen printed. So, if all goes according to plan I should have them ready for purchase the middle of next week. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I had no idea how challenging it would be to make this happen.
- I've also been exploring getting some other Project Peace related knitting accessories. I'll share more once I have a firm commitment from the two companies. These will be fun
- The Peace calendar for March will be posted on the Ravelry Healthy Knitter group this Wednesday. If you know of any peace-related activities occurring around the world during the month of March, please let me know.
- Don't forget that during the month of April I'll be hosting another mystery knit-along (mKAL) and walk-along (WAL). Pre-orders for the pattern will go on sale the third week of March. Even if you don't want to engage in another knitting project there'll be lots of inspiration and community support for walkers of all levels and abilities. In April and November, I host a mKAL and WAL but I'm always changing the walk-along approach. I have a few new ideas up my sleeve. So, if you've done one before please note, it's a new pattern and a new WAL.
Mindful Monday Tip #9
It's really hard to change habits. R.E.A.L.L.Y. hard. What habits do you have that you want to change? If you make that change will it help you create more peace each day?
The key to success is to make small changes that focus on health. Don't expect big results from small changes but do think of those small changes like climbing a huge mountain. Each step forward matters but you can't get to the top with one big step from the bottom to the top.