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.
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