Hi everyone, Sunnie back again for another newsletter takeover 😎! I hope this newsletter finds you well.

In last week’s Yarniverse LIVE, I was blown away by our special guest, Season 7 Star Mary Martin, and her story that fueled the development of her innovative Fission and Fusion Knitting techniques.

In case you weren’t there, I’ll let you know what happened…

When Season 7 Star Mary Martin found out one of her good friends was battling breast cancer, she set out to create a hat that embodied the battle – something she hoped would bring her friend comfort and encouragement during treatment. The first cap Mary made was a gorgeous design adorned with iconic pink breast cancer ribbons. Her friend wore this hat frequently on their walks together and when Mary would ask how she was doing, she would respond that she was “OK.”

But one day, when they were having tea together after a walk, her friend shared another very real part of her battle: how scared and how angry she was.

Mary wanted to acknowledge both the courageous battle and the strong emotions her friend was feeling, so she went back to the drawing board to create a reversible hat: On the outside it had the pink ribbons but on the inside it had the very raw message: F*ck Cancer.

“I tried to make a reversible hat, but then I realized it wasn’t easy….Each step I got a little closer, and then at one point, I said “I have it, I know how I can make that.”

The result?

Not only was the hat reversible with a graphic on one side and words on the other, but the letters were cursive which held even more significance for Mary.

“Some people said I could have done simple block lettering…but cancer tries to suck us til we’re drained of anything beautiful and we need to maintain our beauty…[cancer,] you are not taking away how beautiful I am.”

I love what Mary shared in the LIVE about how small, incremental changes can make huge differences – something we all can relate to as makers. She proved how these small changes can make our knits so much more special. Beyond the beauty that drapes on our shoulders, sits on our heads or hugs our body, handmade projects hug our souls.

Then the LIVE zoom chat exploded with Yarnies sharing similar battles of their own or battles their loved ones were enduring. So many words of encouragement and solidarity were flowing so quickly, it was almost impossible to read them all in real time.

And that conversation started because of a hat.

It never ceases to amaze me what can happen when you put together a piece of string, a tool and a bunch of like-minded, creative people.

If you want to experience more of this creative connection and joy for yourself, the Yarniverse Founding Member Launch is happening now, and we’d love to have you join us. Our guest next week will be Casapinka and I know we’re all very excited to see what she is up to! All the details are right here.

Sunnie + the Knit Stars Team.

P.S If you are interested, the hat pattern is called “F*ck Cancer Hat: Inside or Out” and is available on Mary’s Ravelry page. All proceeds benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith via Ravelry

Speaking of the meaning behind projects, I always LOVE knowing the story behind a design and really getting to see the story told through yarn.

This week, we wanted to highlight the Summer Soundtrack: a beautiful knit tee that all music lovers will appreciate.

This simple slip stitch pattern by Elizabeth Smith is methodical and one that you will not want put down (or if we’re sticking with the music theme here, play on repeat!)

“Like a catchy background melody, Soundtrack’s stitch pattern is a bit addictive!” says Elizabeth via her Ravelry listing.

Grab your Loops Luxe Smoothie here! 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Smith via Ravelry

If you are looking for an even quicker project, the Summer Soundtrack also comes in a cowl! This accessory is so versatile and thinking of all the color combinations makes us want to do a little dance.

Knit on size US 5 (3.75mm) needles with a finished circumference of approximately 24 in (61cm), you will need 1 skein each of Color A and Color B.

Shop Loops Luxe Smoothie here.

Sunnie + the Knit Stars Team

“This recipe was already in an email because I share it so often. This is my mother in law’s recipe.  All my favourite cookie recipes are from my mother in law. These cookies became really well known in my kids’ schools because they were a part of every event/tournament that my kids attended.  They are yummy, easy to share and the oats did the trick when the kids were hangry.”

– Season 7 Star, Mary Martin

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
1 C Butter
1 C White sugar
1 C Brown sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Vanilla
1 1/2 C Flour
3 C Quick Oats
1 1/2 C Chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugar.
Mix in eggs and vanilla.
Add flour, salt and baking soda.  Mix well
Add oats 1 cup at a time.  Mix well after each addition.
Add chocolate chips.
Drop by spoonful onto a greased baking sheet (makes 5 dozen)
Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.