The curtain is about to go up! Will we pull this off? The pre-performance jitters....the excitement, the nerves, the doubts, but oh, the sheer determination that one feels right before the show. The music begins and it's show time. Once that curtain's moving there's no going back. There you are, on stage, exposed, vulnerable, yet committed to the experience. You move forward with every ounce of determination and even if there are mistakes, you finish off the performance with a smile...
Here we are on the eve of the kick-off of Project Peace 2017 (PP17) and I've got those pre-preformance jitters. I suppose it's because I want to make sure that everything is just right and that the entire 21 days runs without any hiccups. But, life is full of bumps in the road so I'm sure we'll encounter a few; even with the best plans created. But we can always fall back on "hey, this is what cultivating peace is all about." Acceptance of how things are regardless of whether or not it's all proceeding to plan.
Some great news. We are off to a fantastic start. Peace is spreading through our global knitting community. The more people we can make aware of this peaceful movement, the better. Earlier this fall, Vogue Knitting promoted Project Peace on Instagram, Facebook and their electronic newsletter. On Tuesday, there was an article on the Interweave website, learn more about the history of Project Peace here.
As we draw closer to the beginning of PP17, there are a few items that I wanted to share.
- Thank you to all that have purchased the pattern. If you haven't yet had a chance, please consider doing so. Every purchase helps to create a more sustainable healthier future for our world as a large portion of the profits are being donated (read more about this on the Ravelry pattern page details). You can purchase the pattern here.
- Just so everyone is clear, only the pattern details are available right now. So, you'll only get 2 pages when you purchase the pattern. There's been a bit of confusion about this.
- Tomorrow, 12/1, two versions of the pattern will be available in your Ravelry library. There will be a DK version (with 2 sizes) and a fingering weight version (1 size with instructions on how to modifty).
- I've heard a few comments that this looks like too big a project to tackle right now. Rest assured, the smaller size as shown in the photos is made out of DK. I'm affectionately referring to this size as the "finish me in December size." With that said, there's no rule that says you must finish this by 12/21. That would sort of be anti-peaceful. Knit this as you have the time, a little bit each day is best and soon, you'll have a beautiful knitted accessory representing ripples of peace.
- Some have said they'd like to donate their shawl to someone in need. Suggestions on how to find that person? I have two ideas but others may have more. I often volunteer at our local food bank. I know the manager is very connected with the individuals that frequent the food bank and she knows their story. Reaching out to managers of food banks or shelters may help you find just the right person in need of a shawl. The other idea is to contact a local church/temple/mosque and ask them who might appreciate/need this shawl.
- I'll be sending an email each morning (approximately 7 am central time) so some of you will get this in the afternoon, the next day or in the middle of the night, depending on your location. In order to get this email, you need to subscribe to the blog. Otherwise, just check in each day on the blog to read the daily tip about peace.
Pin your location on the map. We've created a map and would love everyone to pin their location to document our global efforts to spread peace through knitting. Right now, there are over 20 countries represented with pattern purchases. Let's get all those countries pinned on the map. Here's a direct link to the map or you can access it through the Healthy Knitter Ravelry group.
I wanted to share with you another option for yarn ideas. KnitCircus, a wonderful shop in Madison, Wisconsin specializes in hand-dying gradient yarns. Jaala and her team were very involved and supportive of Project Peace last year and are doing so again this year. She has a limited number of kits (n=14) available (on Monday) which would make an extra special project. If you're interested, you can order the a kit here or if they run out and need to dye more, order here. There'll be a wonderful give-away at the end of the 21 days sponsored by KnitCircus. Thank you!
This is the "frog" kit.
This is the "easy peasy" version.
And in closing for today, might I remind us all that Project Peace isn't about the numbers or the finished project. It's about a platform to promote peace, to build community, to find light in a time of darkness, and to slow down to appreciate our surroundings, environment, family and friends. It's about finding the joy in the process. We are all busy but we only get less busy when we stop to pause, breathe and honor each stitch, each moment.
