What Are You Focusing On?
We are all keenly aware of the uncertainty and hardship that is around us and within us, but how are we responding to it?
I whole-heartedly believe that our response to a situation can entirely change the way that we perceive the experience. For example, if I respond with fear and panic, I will quickly become exhausted and miserable. If I respond with hope for the future and a desire to see good in even the worst of situations, I can find growth in myself and beauty around me.* I think one of the most prominent "good" examples right now is how communities, families, and friends are coming closer together via virtual mediums. At least for me, I have been more social in the last month than I have been in a long time! Those of us that are crafters and knitters also have something special that we can turn to for some joy and comfort.
Guiding Principles
As I was contemplating how I am thinking, feeling, acting, and responding to the world right now, I realized just how applicable my Guiding Principles Shawl Collection (designed for the New Year) is to this experience. These are exactly the same principles that I think are useful today: hope, trust, patience, and endurance.
Hope for the future, for things to get better.
Trust that something good will come out of this.
Patience as we do our little part, waiting for things to get better.
Endurance through the hard days.
A Gift to Help You
(Plus, a little secret: there are more gifts at the end of this post!)
In an effort to encourage you to seek what brings you peace, comfort, hope and joy, I am offering 30% off of each of my Guiding Principles Collection patterns. I truly hope that, as you knit these shawls, you will find a sense of grounding and be reminded of the valuable things in your life. Just enter the coupon code GUIDINGPRINCIPLES2020 at checkout from my Ravelry shop! You are welcome to use the coupon code as many times as you'd like, but it is only available on the single patterns (not the collection as a whole). If you think that one (or all) of these patterns is just what a friend is needing right now, you can also use the code when gifting the pattern! View the Collection Patterns on Ravelry!
Shawls Included in the Collection
If your comfort knitting is looking simplistic, mindless, and squishy, the Endurance Shawl is exactly what you are looking for!
A simple, asymmetrical triangle knit in garter stitch using 3 colors.
Designed using 3 skeins of DK weight yarn (Dramaturg base from Leading Men Fiber Arts).
Need color or yarn recommendations? Visit my Endurance Shawl Color Inspiration blog post here!
The Hope Shawl captures the essence of hope: lively, calming, uplifting, and freeing. This design is comprised of open, simple textures that are a joy to knit and easy to memorize. If you're looking for a simple knit more interesting than garter stitch, let the Hope Shawl remind you of what gives you hope and fills you with enthusiasm!
A lightweight crescent shawl created with a simple 2-row lace repeat and accents of garter stitch.
Designed using 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn (Barley base at Six and Seven Fiber).
Looking for color recommendations or yarn suggestions? Visit my Hope Shawl Color Inspiration blog post for some ideas!
The Trust Shawl originates from my desire to trust that everything will work out, that good can come out of every situation, and that it is ok to relax. If you're looking for simplistic techniques but something that will require a little attention, the Trust Shawl fits the bill! It is designed as a ¾ shawl, representative of a big hug that you can trust on for comfort and coziness.
A large, warm, cozy 3/4 shawl using 2 simple knit-purl textures.
Designed using 3 skeins of DK weight yarn -- Arctic DK from Native Fibers.
For more color and yarn recommendations for your Trust Shawl, visit my Trust Shawl Color Inspiration blog post!
If you're looking for a distraction via a more complex pattern that requires your full attention, the Patience Shawl is the answer to your quest! The lace motifs encourage you to slow down, enjoy the details, and press forward with patience.
A triangular shawl composed of two lace motifs contrasted with up to 6 tassels.
Designed using 2 skeins of fingering weight yarn -- Sparkle Sock from Tippy Tree Yarns.
For yarn recommendations and color suggestions, don't miss my Patience Shawl Color Inspiration blog post for ideas!
More Gifts
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I have even more gifts for you!
I'd been struggling with trying to decide how to help the knitting community at this time without feeling like I was taking advantage of the situation or being too sales-y/pushy. What I decided to do was to create some additional coupon codes, but I have been trying to not over market them. I don't want you to feel like I'm begging for your sales; I just want you to be able to use them if finances are hindering you from buying the patterns you are interested in. All of these codes are scheduled to run through the end of September, 2020. I also have a note in my store with all of this information for your easy access!
First of all, I have a coupon code applicable to any single pattern in my Ravelry store. Use FREEBIE2020 for one free pattern of your choice.
I have also created 4 codes, each with a different discount, for those struggling financially.
JOY10 = 10% off your pattern purchase
JOY20 = 20% off your pattern purchase
JOY30 = 30% off your pattern purchase
JOY40 = 40% off your pattern purchase
Finally, I also have 4 free pattern PDF downloads available on my blog: My Favorite Simple Knit Hat, My Favorite Cable Headband, Lovely Heart Dishcloth, and Super Simple Ribbed Headband.
I wish you much comfort and joy in your knitting. I'd love to hear what is bringing you joy and comfort right now! Just comment below this blog post, send me a message on social media, or join my Happiness Make-A-Long on Ravelry!
*Disclaimer: I do want to acknowledge that all feelings are valid. If you are in a difficult space emotionally, please don't feel responsible for that. Sometimes it is necessary to work through these things. But once we've worked through these things, I think it can be helpful to also work to improve our perspective.
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