It's been far too long since I've reached out via the blog. Rest assured, I've been hard at work preparing several knitting-focused, peace-related activities just for you. I've even created a calendar of events to give you some insight into what's coming in the next 3.5 months.
Despite our current high temperatures and humidity, the leaves are turning, the corn and soybean fields are drying up, and there's been the most delightful crispness in the air. Our family meals are shifting from summer harvest (e.g. greens, tomatoes, berries) to root veggies and roasted meats. I'm always pleased when I can begin making more soups and a loaf of homemade bread here and there.
I've come to realize that while there are four seasons and so many aspects of life are quarterly, I find myself in a natural rhythm of 'threes;' fall, spring, summer. Odd, as my favorite season is winter but my life is structured by the academic year. Creating goals centered around quarters isn't working for me. Therefore this schedule of events is for fall, taking us through December. I'll create a new one for spring and then for summer. If you'd like to print the fall event schedule, you can hover over the image to access the pdf.
As a child, I loved fall and the thrill of returning to school. As an adult, I still love the weather, the fading of the environment from vibrancy to dormancy, and the increased opportunity to knit but it seems less care-free. Perhaps with the increased utilization of social media, the ability to hype up fall and "knitting season" has been enhanced. While I love the fact that there's so much excitement about knitting, I find myself a wee bit overwhelmed with all the possibilities. I've found about 5 sweaters I want to make now (and wear tomorrow) and this number seems to increase daily. This influx of new knitting patterns by so many talented designers is making knitting a bit stressful. What to do?
Well, I certainly don't want to overwhelm anyone with more knitting possibilities so I decided to be transparent with my plans for the fall. The patterns are appropriate for an advanced beginner wanting to learn a new technique or two or someone wanting to tackle their first color work pattern (e.g. Camino de Paz). The mystery knit-along in November accompanied with the walk-along will be a great 2nd color work project.
All of the yarns used in these patterns have a story; whether it be from a small alpaca farm, organic wool, plant-based, or hand-dyed to capture the landscapes of a specific region. These are special yarns but not so unique that you can't substitute or stash-dive as appropriate. Whether you join us for one pattern or all, I think there's something to please everyone's knitting desires. Most importantly, each pattern was designed with peace in mind.
Speaking of peace...
Did you know that tomorrow, 9/21 is the International Day of Peace as declared by the United Nations? It's also equinox. One of my main projects this summer was to create a commemorative pattern for this very special day. Tomorrow, a new shawl pattern will be released call "International Peace Park." I'll share more with you on the blog tomorrow about the very special place that inspired the design, a photo of the shawl, and provide you with a Ravelry code for 20% off your purchase.
Stay tuned...and the artwork for the pattern cover page is downright adorable. You'll definitely want to print the cover and hang on your work area wall.
Finally, I've been working diligently on Project Peace 2017 including designing the pattern, creating promotional materials, working with a couple of indie dyers to create special colorway(s), identifying appropriate charities to receive proceeds from Project Peace... the list goes on. Oh, and my mum is busy making project bags.
I need your help telling others about Project Peace. As many of you know, this is not just another knit-along...this really is about spreading peace around the world through our communities, knitters and beyond. I'll share more later about this year's theme (all I can say is that I think you'll love it). At the end of this month, I'll tell you about the Project Peace messenger program. For now, please share with everyone you know that PP2017 will begin 12/1. If you're subscribed to the blog, you'll stay current with PP2017 events (and as always receive member exclusive pattern discounts).
Stay tuned for an update tomorrow...a special celebration for the International Day of Peace.
