One of my long-term students joined me shortly after I started teaching virtually. She and I live on opposite coasts, so without this virtual option we wouldn’t have been able to connect, and I am so glad we did!
She started knitting not too long after her father tragically passed away from COVID-19. There was a lot of stress in her life personally, and the world at large. She was having a hard time sleeping and wanted to find something that could calm her mind and bring some purpose.
Knitting is a great meditative tool and can give us a way to keep our hands busy, minds focused and have something that is tangible (and often useful!) at the end.
We began by making some “finger monsters” which she could give to her grandchild. She progressed through making washcloths to scarves and is nearly done with her first sweater.
Over time, we’ve become good friends as well as teacher and student.
While she was visiting her mother for the last time, we were able to have a joint lesson and get a doll blanket her mother had been working on back on track. Together, mother and daughter finished this blanket for a granddaughter / niece and the multicolored yarn “pooled” into the shape of a heart, clearly showing their love.
Having a project to work on, and especially making one for someone you love can bring a lot of peace and purpose.
