There are many talents I admire in women around the world, but one that really makes me smile is the ability to knit.  I imagine knitting to be a most peaceful undertaking, as most of the people I’ve watched seem to be transported to a place of serenity by the task.  It is a joy to watch them as their hands move in a gentle sort of ballet of yarn and needles, accompanied by soft rhythmic clicking that marks the passage of time.

 

A dear friend talks about how therapeutic knitting had been in the face of illness and how she credits it with being one of the main factors in her recovery.  Indeed, I have been in many a hospital and medical clinic waiting room where I have watched patients and caregivers turn to knitting for respite and diversion.

 

The knitting process itself seems to have so many benefits, but best of all is the product of love that it produces.  Whenever I see a knitted scarf, hat or a sweater (which is truly impressive) it is like looking into the face of love itself.  Somebody put a lot of time, effort and love into that handmade treasure and I am always happy for the person wearing it.  It just makes me feel good inside.

 

For those of you that knit, or have a deep appreciation of the art, I'd like to introduce you to the Land's End FeelGood Campaign that donates yarn to the One Heart Foundation's Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity that knits clothing for the homeless across the country.  If you're an experienced knitter, you can participate by donating your time and talent.  But, if you're a non-knitter, like me, you can still help by purchasing a Land's End sweater that will help donate yarn to the organization and each cone of yarn donated is enough to make approximately 28 hats.

 

I encourage you to visit www.landsend.com/feelgood to learn more about how you can help warm the homeless and displaced in America through the feel-good gift of knitting.