Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Finished/Thank You

I've finished my Hanami. I used Handmaiden Sea Silk in Pumpkin on size 3 needles. I'm so pleased with how it turned out, but these pictures really don't do it justice
I wanted to share why I chose this pattern, aside from the fact that it's just beautiful. I had a miscarriage on Mother's Day of this year, and even though I got pregnant again quickly (and this time things seem to be going just fine), it hit me harder than I ever thought such a thing could. I found that doing things with my hands really made me feel better. I spent the whole weekend after it happened gardening. Then I thought of the prayer shawls that I heard about people knitting for others, where they prayed good thoughts into every stitch they knit. I liked that idea and wanted to do that for myself. When I saw this pattern, I knew this is what I needed to knit, with it's symbolism of friendship and spring, which for me means rebirth. I tried 2 other yarns before I found this yarn in Portland, OR (which is ironic because that's where I was coming from when the miscarriage started) and knew it was just right. I have to say that this was probably the most enjoyable thing I've ever knit and gave me a lot of pleasure while making it. Thanks for the perfect pattern, Melanie.

9 comments:

T. said...

Knitting is the most therapeutic thing in the world for me so I can understand what you mean. I hope you wear your Hanami and think wonderful, beautiful, peaceful thoughts.

Mary in VA said...

Beautiful shawl, and beautiful story. I hope it continues to comfort you and a beautiful new baby is with you soon.

Anonymous said...

I too loved the story and the shawl. May it always bring you happy thoughts and best for the soon to be baby.

pieheart said...

That is so beautiful! The story and the stole. Thanks for sharing them both!

catknip said...

You, the shawl and the baby are the most perfect things. Thanks for taking the time to talk about it.

Kristina Plaas said...

How generous of you to open your heart and share your experience with us. I can't think of anything more wonderful to honor the life of your child than a shawl. There's something unique about the love that emerges from shawls knit under special circumstances--I have my own version. May that love embrace you always :-)
Kristina

AnnieBee said...

How brave and generous of you to share this intensely personal story! Thank you. May time, yarn, and love heal all your hurts...

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for all of your kind words, they mean so much.

Janis said...

So lovely, and what a healing thing to do for yourself. All best thoughts your way for the new little one.