“Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.” ”
Today, the world celebrates International Day of Peace on Sept. 21, a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001 for people to come together to observe a period of non-violence and ceasefire.
For me, this day serves as a reminder that peace is a choice... my thoughts, my words, my actions to self and others have the power to promote peace. While not a simple task and perhaps one of life's greatest challenges but certainly, in the scheme of life, these peaceful choices may be one of my greatest contributions to my family, community and beyond.
I became aware of International Peace Day last December, during Project Peace. I've been thinking (and planning) for this day since that time. I wanted to create a knitting pattern in honor of this very special day to serve as a reminder that we must continue to choose peace...not lack of action or a passive life but small and simple ways to be kind to self and those around us.
Earlier this year, I discovered the International Peace Park, a union of Waterton and Glacier National Parks in Canada and the US, respectively. In 1932, the park was formed to demonstrate how two countries can manage land collaboratively. I've used this park as the theme for the newest Healthy Knitter shawl pattern, International Peace Park. I was inspired to create a shawl that would be accessible to most knitters so you'll find this to be a relatively simple knit with a few features to keep your attention.
I hope you enjoy the pattern as much as I have thinking about how to integrate the United States, Glacier and Waterton National Parks, Canada and the International Peace Park into a shawl. If you read the pattern description on Ravelry, you'll see that the shawl is really a map of the area.
In this design, I wanted to utilize yarns from Montana and/or Canada. I've used some lovely hand-dyed yarn by Sharyn at the Yarn Scout. All her colorways are inspired by the Montana landscape; I've chosen Alpine Lakes and Lichen to remind me of my camping trip to Glacier National Park with my daughter this past summer.
International Peace Park Shawl now available on Ravelry
Alternatively, Sharyn has some very special and limited Montana Targhee yarn paired with some fingering weight Koigu (Canadian based). Her color combination is stunning. If you are looking for that extra special yarn and connection to Montana you'll want to contact the Yarn Scout to find out more about these yarn bundles (info@yarnscout.com).
Targhee-Koigu version of the International Peace Park shawl
The pattern is now available on Ravelry. Through Monday September 25, use the coupon code (IPP2017) at check-out to receive 20%. This discount is only being offered to all of you on the blog so the discount will not be automatically applied; don't forget to enter the coupon code.
May your day be filled with peace, knitting, walking and a few moments to slow things down. Perhaps consider lighting a candle this evening to reflect on the meaning of peace in your life.
Christina
