. . . for those whom they love will keep warm.

 

Last October, I learned how to knit. Or rather, I relearned how to knit. My mom taught me when I was younger, but I never made any kind of project, not even a scarf.

 

When word went around on a neighborhood listserve that local parents could knit or crochet hats for premies at a hospital, I thought I’d give it another shot. I wasn’t sure I could make something presentable, but it was worth a try. I’ve always liked to make things out of string (friendship bracelets in middle school, hemp necklaces in high school, etc.). Strange, but true. And I knew how grateful I was to have my healthy baby Jacob. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to send love, prayers, and support to families who were struggling.

 

Not to brag, but seriously, picking up knitting (again, kind of) was like riding a bike. Actually, I probably knit way better than I ride a bike, especially in terms of speed.

 

Now I have become borderline obsessed with knitting. Part of that is the weird loves-to-make-things-out-of-string situation. The larger part is that knitting is therapeutic for me. I choose patterns that require only enough focus that I can think about other things, too, if I want. It lets my mind slow down like nothing else does these days.

 

Often, my de-stressing comes in the form of a book, a glass of chocolate milk, and an English muffin with peanut butter. I’m currently reading seven different books, and intend to start on number eight soon. Settling into someone else’s story isn’t working for me right now.

Knitting is. Somehow, I have been able to limit myself to two projects at a time. I like the creative, productive aspect of it. The real reason I keep coming up with more projects is that each one gives me time to think about and appreciate someone in my life. The hats for premies are great, and I’ve taken steps toward the prayer shawl ministry at our church. But what I really need right now is to knit headbands for my sisters (in-law, but what’s a label?) and girlfriends. A golf club sock for my brother-in-law (here you are again, Michael!). A teddy bear for Jacob.

 

Each of these things is my own kind of prayer. As a stay-at-home mom and at-home freelancer, I have the flexibility to work knitting into my day. It’s keeping my mind in a positive place, and it’s letting people who are near and far know I love them. That’s they kind of therapy I need right now.

 

This t-shirt wouldn’t hurt, either: