Shared Passion (short story) by Leanne Dyck

Like-minded women meet in the forest to engage in their shared passion.

photo by ldyck

Shared passion

A black blanket envelopes the earth. All is quiet…and still I am drawn by a wordless call. I am careful to wake no one as I leave my slumber. I wrap my shawl around my night-gowned shoulders, grab my purse. Slipping into the night, I leave the familiar and travel deep into the forest. My footfalls are quick and sure. I come to a

natural clearing in the woods. Here they wait. Their skin tone ranges from milk to butter to cinnamon. Some faces have been touched by the graceful brush of age. Other faces time has yet to alter. All are my sisters. I join the circle.

Our craft is ancient. Our magic is strong. We draw from our purses that which unites us. We begin to chant faintly at first and then louder and louder until our words echo from the treetops.

I pledge my knitting for social action,

My yarn for greater warmth,

I knit for the neglected, abandoned and abused.

I knit for those with no voice, no home, no one.

I knit for those with greatest need.

Suddenly from the sky travels a streak of light. It flies from sister to sister briefly touching each knitting needle. Enlivened by the light our needles dance. Sweaters, gloves, scarves, toques, blankets fall from our needles. As quickly as they appear they vanish. Our love sends them to those in need. All too quickly that which drew us bids

us part. Exchanging a smile with my sisters, I slip from the circle back to my bed. The sanctity of this place remains deep within my heart.

More...

Knitting for charities

What groups or individuals would benefit from your stitches?

Ask your friend, coworkers, family members, local hospitals, doctor's office, public health nurse, shelters, transition houses, hospice, local nursing homes, day care centres, police officers, victim assistance programs, social worker, places of worship, food distribution centres, local government officials

Snuggles Project:  Knit blankets for homeless animals
This is a United States-based charity
Contact your local animal shelter to volunteer to knit for them. 

Project Linus:  Knit blankets for seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0 to 17
This is a Canadian based charity
Do an online search for a Project Linus in your area.

Blankets for Canada Knit blankets for Canadians who need warmth

Where can you find free or inexpensive yarn?

Ask your knitting friends, thrift shops, yarn shops

What kind of yarn should you use?

When knitting items such as toques, mitts, gloves or socks choose a yarn that is durable and easy care. When knitting blankets or baby clothes choose a yarn that is soft.

I found Shared Passion while sorting through computer files and thought you might like it. It was written in the early 2000s (possibly 2005)--and included in my self-published audiobook. I recently polished it, slightly.

my dad circa 1940s

Next Post:  Sunday, November 11 (approximately 5 PM PST)
My dad's Remembrance Day speech
(I couldn't think of a better way to remember than to re-post my dad's speech from last year)


My Top Secret Christmas Knitting Project

Knitting Groups (guilds, circles) by Leanne Dyck

Knitting groups are important not only because they ensure the survival of our craft and give much to our communities, but also because of what they give to individual members. Groups help members through life crisis, celebrate life rewards, and help to develop hidden talents.

Knitting guilds
To become a guild member you must complete a registration form and pay a registration fee. Once membership is acquired dues become payable annually. In the guild, formal meetings are held regularly and presided over by a president.

Guilds usually have an educational component. During this education, your knitting skills are judged and you must perform to a set level of competency. Upon successful completion of this education, you gain the status of Master Knitter. Participation in these educational programs is voluntary.

Guilds exist mainly in urban areas. Rural knitters may become affiliate members. Active participation in a guild for most rural knitters is sadly impossible.

A brief history
In the seventeenth century, knitting guilds were the mainly male domain of professional knitters. To join, you had to embark in seven years of study the culimation of which was a demonstrated prowess in the craft. Work was subject to strict regulations as a form of quality control. As a member of the guild, you belonged to a family who would care for you when you were in need and discipline you when you stepped out of line.

***

Knitting circles
Knitting circle is a term coined to describe any knitting group that is not a guild. Membership is free or not necessary. Socializing, not educating, is the focus. The environment in which participants meet is created and maintained by the facilitator. Any knitter anywhere can form a knitting circle. Simply find a place to meet and ask your knitting friends to join you there.

What are the origins of the meeting circle?
King Arthur and his knights of the round table are legendary. The round table was chosen to ensure that all knights were equal--all voices heard.

Historians speculate that the round table was adopted from the biblical last supper. During the last supper Jesus and his apostles feasted from a round table. Yet, the meeting circle is even older than this biblical reference. It dates back to the nature spiritualists.

Nature spiritualists revered females as the giver of life. Mother Goddess was the creator of all. They didn't dominate but sought to live in harmony with Mother Goddess' creations. From the harvesting of plants, they learned of the never-ending circle of life. They formed a sacred circle to celebrate Mother Goddess and to pass on knowledge of her.