I believe knitting makes the world a

better place -- a warmer, softer, more beautiful place.  I will ramble on at length about the heartwarming benefits of a little fiber therapy to anyone who will listen and I am overjoyed when someone asks me to teach them to knit.  Sharing something that has been such a big part of my life and which has brought me so many hours of creative fun gives me a lot of satisfaction. 

Perhaps my Scottish ancestry accounts for the fact that my fingers itch to be in constant contact with yarn.  My paternal grandfather worked on a fishing boat off the northeast coast of Scotland, where I understand the fishermen, as well as their wives, were experienced knitters.

  I can’t remember when I first learned to knit but I have been knitting away enthusiastically for well over four decades now.

Something about the knitting process is inherently relaxing.  Without fail, once a beginner works past the initial awkwardness of learning to hold the needles and yarn in a way that feels comfortable and natural, there is an “aha!” moment.  Their hands begin to move in sync with their thoughts, and one can almost see the mental unwinding take place.  I know that knitting isn’t the end-all solution to personal or world problems.  But I do maintain that a little time spent knitting by yourself or with friends goes a long way toward helping us lighten up in the midst of challenging times. Slowing down to smell the roses -- or the wool -- makes your corner of the world a little bit brighter spot to be. 

I hope you will check out my blog and my patterns.  If you have a knitting question, a design request, or something you would like to share on my blog please contact me at harveyjb@cox.net. 

Josey