A Giant Pink Hug for us All!

It is time for a year end blog post... in past years I have done a recap of all my projects, but I'm worried if I do that this year you'll all just see me for the over achiever I really am. So this year I'm sharing something a bit different.

One of the things I love about my chosen profession is that is a place for all souls to come and take a break from politics, religion, hardship and focus on our passion for creativity together. It means I get to meet a lot of people who think like I do, and also many who do not, but we find out common ground and build friendships from there. For me, it was a good year, and I'm looking forward to another, but for others I know that this year was HARD and that the years ahead are scary. My heart goes out to them, whether they be close by to me, or half-way around the world. My family and I are giving support in ways that resonate for us, and I urge you and yours to do the same.... and in that spirit I have a little story to share with you!

This fall, Anzula sent me their new bulky MCN yarn, Burly, in Petals to knit a giant ALL-Ways Cowl. The day following the election I was in shock (I know I'm not the only one who experienced this), and decided to deal with it by casting on the cowl and knitting until I felt a little stronger and more in control.

I thought about how far down in the sand my head was (politically), and how little I understood what many people in our country were thinking, and I knit. True yarn therapy.... while I knit on it I realized I wanted to share it with other people, in fact as many as possible, something like the Sisterhood of the Giant Pink Cashmere Hug.

I started wearing it when I traveled, convinced that I would see someone who needed it and I would pass it on... I had it with me on multiple trips and somehow just couldn't give it up (or face the awkwardness of giving a complete stranger a pink cowl...) . Where ever I wore it the color would make people around me smile, and as a result I was smiling. This pink demands happiness.... and happiness it will have! Also, cashmere is a good travel companion.

But, now it is time to send it on it's mission around the world.

I'm going to start by sending this to Sabrina, the genius who created this gorgeous yarn! I'm hoping she'll wear it, find joy in it, take a photo of herself (and hashtag it #giantpinkhug), and then pass it on to another in need of a hug! I LOVE this idea of this traveling hug, and I hope you do too!

So, if you find yourself down in the dumps this winter, might I suggest you find some pink cashmere yarn and whip yourself up a Pink Hug! When you are done getting your hug, you can pass it on! Just imagine TONS of pink hugs making their way around the world.  (You can read about how I adjusted the pattern on my Ravelry project page.)

(I'll also be knitting pink pussy hats between now and Jan  21st when my daughter and I go to the Women's March on Washington... I'm starting them tomorrow, I have more pink cashmere from Anzula, it seems I was stashing it for a reason!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! xoxoxo