With all the fighting and unrest in our world today I wanted to talk about something that inspires me…knitting for peace. Even though we can’t control everything going on in the world we can be a light for peace and acceptance with our yoga and knitting.

Years ago, my friend Liz brought a Peace Pal, a small hand-knit doll, to our knitting group. I knew nothing about Peace Pals or the Knitting4Peace group. Liz explained that K4P works with knitters, crocheters, crafters, quilters, and makers of all kinds to create and deliver quality, handmade necessities to people across the world. Their mission is to connect service-minded makers who create and deliver handcrafted necessities to families and communities in need, at home and abroad.

“CRAFTING HOPE, HEALING, & PEACE, ONE STITCH AT A TIME”

Founded in June 2006, they have delivered handmade items to nearly 250,000 people living in communities across the United States and 84 countries around the world. K4P’s vision is a world where every person has access to warm clothing and items of comfort and dignity.

Liz shared the Peace Pal pattern with us and many of us knit the dolls with her. Then she packaged 30 dolls and sent them to Knitting4Peace in Denver Colorado. That was 2017, she continues to work with knitters and sends dolls to the organization twice a year. Her favorite part is seeing pictures of the children holding the dolls they receive on the organization’s website. She also enjoys the community of knitting together with other knitters to make something for others. Many groups who create for K4P meet regularly to knit together and share yarn and patterns.

K4P also has other patterns and resources for knitters. The resources are very helpful and inspiring. You don’t have to be an expert knitter to help. If you have questions about patterns, needle sizes, or yarn just ask. They have a resident knitting expert, Arna! She is just an email away and is ready and willing to help you create something special for Knitting4Peace.

I want to challenge each of you to join me and knit something for Knitting4Peace. Email me and let me know if you’re interested in joining me to create something for someone in need. Pam@mindbodyspirityoga.com

Yoga and knitting are part of my life. I practice yoga every day and knit at least a few rows every day, sometimes it’s hard to knit just 1. Teaching others yoga and knitting is my passion. This is how I stay healthy mind, body, and spirit. If you would like to join me and my students link here: Yoga for Knitters.

Shanti is the word for peace in yoga tradition. It is often chanted 3 times after practice.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,

Pam