A sad heart benefits from knitting salve

I want to thank everyone who stopped by and offered words of comfort to us.  The loss of Wiji was sudden and unexpected.  We mourn her, but sharing stories about her, and cuddling Hazel and Ranger have helped a lot.  Wiji's passing marks the end of an era for RM and I.  We adopted her and Ashe a year after we were married.  They were my first pet cats, and our first pets together and as adults.  Now, they are both gone, and RM and I are coming up to our 10th anniversary.  We know we aren't newlyweds anymore, but for me, Ashe and Wiji reminded me of those early years, before the kids.  I will always miss them.

Wiji's loss sent me to my knitting.  I'm so thankful to have crafting to help me when I'm feeling sad or anxious.  The stress and sadness of the week led me to complete my Shalom Cardi in record time. 

Project Specifications:

Pattern:  Shalom Cardigan by Meghan McFarlane (Ravelry Link)

Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky (6 full balls)

Needles:  Size 11 circs

Modifications:  I shortened it up, as the pattern designer states that this cardi is for someone who is a tall 6 feet.  In order to do this, I took out 2 rows between the decreases and increases in the body section of the cardi.  I also have a garter stitch bottom hem of 6 rows rather than 10.  The other thing I did was a single crochet edge on the bottom edge of the armhole.  This tightened up the stitches and makes it look more polished.  Also, I decided to forgo putting in a button and buttonhole, and am using a pretty pin to close the top instead. 

Thoughts:  I really like this little cardi.  It's the perfect little something for a spring day.  I like working with the Cashmerino too.  It's really soft to the touch.  Plus, with a pattern name of Shalom which means peace, I got a little solace from this sad week.   

Comments

[Elysbeth]

Very pretty! Just the right thing to toss on.

[Gena]

Very pretty! I love the color. Sorrow is what brought me to knitting in the first place. I think the idea of creating something slowly and with our hands helps to even out the helplessness we feel with loss.

[stephanie]

That cardi is really cute - and believe me, I agree about the healing benefits of knitting!

[Chris]

What a cute little cardi!

Another round of *hugs* to you and your family...

[Charity]

I'm so glad knitting brought you comfort during your sadness. The new sweater is really lovely. :0)

[Nonnahs]

Very cute! And I'm glad to hear that knitting it brought you some comfort last week.

[Chris]

The cardy is wonderful and I'm so glad that knitting it brought you some comfort. And what you said about your pets is so true - our first pet was a Golden Retriever and we brought him home six months after we were married. We will always remember those early years and miss him, too.

[Jeanne]

Very cute cardi!

[Kim]

Glad you could knit and smile again. How are the kiddos doing?

[Nicole]

Very pretty! I like the decision to close it with a pin instead of a button band.

[Phoebe]

So sad to hear about Wiji. I know how it feels to lose pets from the years before kids...we lost Koze 4 years ago but at least still have Yaffa. Thoughts for you and the family.

[mrspao]

Your cardi is very cute. I was thinking about you over the last few days when Perdita was at the vets. Sending you lots of hugs.

[Knitnana]

What a darling cardi! Great color for you!
(((hugs)))

[Amanda]

How appropriate that Shalom brought you some peace. :) It looks like you were able to make it fit just right. Nice work & beautiful color!

[Felicia]

What a beautiful memorial for a sweet kitty.

[JessaLu]

I'm sorry to hear you lost your kitty. :o( Pretty cardigan. :o)