Connecting through knitting...

 

Hello there! Happy Sunday to you all. :)

 

 

How was your week? Mine went rather fast and thankfully before I knew it Sunday was upon me. Sometimes life likes to throw in those fun treats for you, probably because it knows that Sunday is my favorite day as it means I get to spend some time with you. I have been thinking quite a bit about all of you lately, apologies in advance as this post is going to be bit wordy.

 

 

These thoughts were prompted in large part because of an email conversation I had with one amazing person and a surprise package in the mail. I will get to both of those things in just a moment. First let me show you my latest FO.

 

Pattern~ Zigzagular by Susie White   Yarn~ Woolen Mill St. Yarns in the color Hermione Granger

I finished my February socks. I am knitting them along with My Sister's Knitter Raverly group for our 2017 Personal Sock Yarn club. Basically we are knitting all the sock yarn this year. While I don't need inspiration to cast on the socks, I can tell you that my desire is fueled by all the lovely projects in this thread.

 

 

Some of us are even creating sock journals. It is rather fun to note patterns and memories of the project in a more tangible way. I am hoping to keep this up for the entire year because how fun would it be to look back and see what my favorite song was at the moment, how I liked the pattern, the yarn I used...etc.

Alright, so enough FO chatter. Now to the reason for the title and my thoughts today. Despite having been a part of this knitting community for quite a few years, I am constantly surprised again and again over the connections and friendships that are built through our craft. We share a passion for yarn and somehow turn that into something bigger.  I know that most of you know what I mean when I say that many of your dearest friends are ones you have never met in person. When you step back to think on that, it is something to behold.

Just because you have never met doesn't take away from the fact that you share happy moments with them, worry for them, support them and spend a good deal of time connecting with them.  Yesterday afternoon I went to my mailbox and in it was a surprise package from a friend I made through my Raverly group. We had done a swap a little while back and she sent me some tea and chocolate because she was thinking of me. This touched me deeply because I am with the knowledge that I have a supportive family and friends, but what if I didn't? Can you imagine what this act of kindness would have meant to someone who felt alone? Of course just because I am not alone, doesn't take away the love that I felt when receiving this package.

I had a small email correspondence with someone who despite how they appear on their blog is going through some very rough times. Her family is in a state of heartbreak with a family member battling a disease and she is also dealing with some work stress. She shared this with me all the while knowing there is nothing I can do from afar. Regardless she shared and that is what makes this community so special. There is no judgment, but rather an army of friends willing to do whatever is needed even if it is only to send prayers and positive thoughts.

To know that we are not alone is a strength. I want to thank each and every one of you for visiting me on Sundays and sharing yourself with me.

Enjoy a lovely video and have the best day today!

 

 

XO,

Andi

Comments

[Jacqueline Webb]

A lovely blog once again Andi. I simply live the colour of the sock yarn in the first photo. Well unfortunately life has a way of throwing you a curve ball now and again. My thoughts and good vibes go out to your friend and I'm hoping that all ends well and soon.

[Lisa]

Andi this has such perfect timing with a story of mine.

About six years ago (!!) I was on a Ravelry group for Random Acts of Kindness and posted in a thread about penpals. Someone responded to my post and we began exchanging snail mail. Within the first few letters we became instant friends!

I'm happy to say that that friendship still lasts to this day. We have met in person multiple times and now message each other on a regular basis. She recently went through a huge heartbreak and I was one of the first people she told and asked for comfort from. I'm planning to send her a little box of goodies this week as well :)

The power of knitting, crafting and the internet cannot go forgotten. We have special thing happening within our online communities, and despite all of the negativity towards "meeting people online" I believe that sometimes you just have think positive and trust the community you've joined.

Have a wonderful week :)

[Peggy]

Friendship doesn't exist solely with the people we can see. It exists in the emotional connection that we have with others, however that happens. Sometimes I think people forget that having friends that we've never met, even close friends, is not a new phenomenon. In the past people often had extremely close, personal friendships with people they only knew through mail. It's not the venue that makes the friendship, it's the connection and support we give and receive.

[Dee]

I have found the knit blogging community to be amazingly kind and supportive of each other.

If only the rest of the world could take a cue and act accordingly.

Hope you have a wonderful week THIS week too.

[DIane]

I agree about how some online communities or correspondents can become friends without ever having met in person. I'm pleased for you and for your friend that there is that warm exchange and comfort in sharing. May your week be further blessed.

[Julie]

So true, and how wonderful that she felt she could open up to you! Sometimes just unburdening ourselves on someone knowing that they are far and cannot do anything is part of feeling heard, and cared for. And of course, your February Socks are beautiful. Infused with the sort of caring that radiates from all your do.

[MariposaKnits]

It's great to see the connections that are made through knitting and the warmth and friendship shared by this online community.

[Shirley Flavell]

I think we are very fortunate to be able to knit/ crochet and meet like minded people through great groups and blogs.Always love seeing your sock ventures Andi. These are so inspirational:)

[Tien]

We really are blessed to have such a supportive and caring community of on-line friends. It's quite amazing to be able to make special connections with people all over the world. And thank you Andi for creating a welcoming space for many of us to visit every Sunday, with your positive words and beautiful yarn & projects.

[Stefanie]

Hear, hear. Our knitting community is supportive and thoughtful. In the Box of Sox KAL thread I had expressed a sigh because everyone is zooming along and here I was still working on the first sock of the first pair. One participant shared she was finishing up gift knitting first and then will cast on her first sock for the KAL the first of March. She was sweet and asked me how was my first pair going! I was immensely touched.

[Maryse]

So true and amazing :)

[Monica]

Oh Andi, is not a surprise that we all deeply care about you. This is more than a blog...it is a visit with you. It is getting to know about your week and those you link here. Thanks for every Sunday post!!

[Lisa]

Hi Andi, I love your completed socks! the color is pretty. I know what you mean, I find myself wondering how people are doing that I met through our craft of knitting and I love the connections we make through our blogging. I feel so happy connecting with people through my blog, discussing our passion of making and creating through knitting. It is so nice of your friend on Ravelry to send you the package, that is very thoughtful. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Lisa

[Newknitter2]

Hi Andi
I believe knitters don't judge they just show love and support if only the rest of the world would follow, have a wonderful week

[Tahnee]

What a beautiful message! It is so amazing to think of this connectedness so many people share over the entire globe, all started through a mutual love of crafting.

[tanna]

Oh, Andi. You've said it so well. I stepped away from my blogging for an extended time... but, thought daily about my "friends" and kept them in my prayers. Returning this past December was like "coming home". There is a wonderful connection and support that just must be experienced to fully understand. Well said... and done... connections are the lifelines that hold us in hard times and the wings that let us soar in the good. blessings ~ tanna

[steph]

I think in some ways, these 'unknown' friends can be some of our strongest connections BECAUSE they aren't with us daily, or know us intimately. Having a trusting ear to listen when that's what you need is the sign of a true and loving friend. I'm so glad you are blessed....and I know I've been blessed....to be part of this community.

[Juliann]

I look forward to your Sunday blog post so much. Like a letter from a friend - a treasure.

[Neulisti]

An army of knitterly friends is truly what can be found on Ravelry and through knitting blogs. <3

[karen]

hello! I have "met" some wonderful people through my blog and cherish our friendships. It's like pen pals through the blogsphere :) Lovely socks and I love your sock journal.

[Natalie Hoppe]

Lovely, lovely post. so well put. I look forward to your Sunday posts.

[ellen]

I'm so focused right now, I'm troubled to commit to any knitting groups these days, and I'm okay with that. On the other hand I'm in love with the sock knitting journal concept. Brilliant and cute.

[Kat]

Thank you for sharing these stories about our amazing community! I love the connections we all make and how close we become, and it's lovely to hear stories like this :)

[Andrea @ This Knitted Life]

So touching and true. Through the internet, people do become real.