Photo credit: A. H. Shepard

Saturday in yoga class, my teacher Shannon shared a ssweet story I’d like to pass on to you, because I think it could be super helpful for us to hear as makers at this time of year.

I’ve searched and searched for the original story and can’t find it, so I’ll paraphrase for you…

Pooh is having a not very good day. He has made a lengthy to-do list, but he hasn’t gotten to any of the to-do’s. He’s starting to feel stuck, sad, and “small.”

But then Piglet comes along and asks what’s wrong. After Pooh explains, Piglet is thoughtful for a moment and then says,

“Let’s make a different kind of list, Pooh. A list of what you’ve already accomplished.”

Then Pooh starts to make the list and realizes that, why yes, he’s already done a lot. He got up. He made his bed. He fixed “hunny” for breakfast. He looked at the clouds.

And just like that, Pooh began to feel much better.

So today, let me encourage you to let go of guilt about what’s on your to-do list, and to recognize all that you’ve already done.

And let me also gently encourage you to “be a Piglet” when you have a chance, and reflect to someone else how much they’ve accomplished. Because sometimes it’s hard to see it in ourselves.

And lastly, if you’ve been busy scurrying around doing stuff for everyone else, let me encourage you to take some time for you.

A great way to do this is to cozy up with our newly-released Knitflix: Season 10. It’s all fifteen mini-documentaries from Season 10, strung together in one inspiring, beautiful movie.

My hope is it will become your new “comfort watch.” Like It’s a Wonderful Life, or the Harry Potter movies, or your favorite meditation…you can pop it on anytime you need a gentle reset. Watch it in your Knit Stars portal or on YouTube (so you can easily stream to your smart TV).

Wishing you a cozy week,

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P.S. If you purchase Knitflix: Season 10 for yourself or as a gift by Sunday, December 21 (extended from 12/15), you’ll automatically be entered to win one of 5 cheerful, hand-dyed yarn sets and my Rising Scarf pattern. I’ll announce the winners in a future newsletter.

I have one gift knit going right now – a blanket coat in super-bulky yarn that’s turning out really cute, but now that I’m to the arms, it’s kinda like wrestling an alligator. So I’m craving a simpler project on smaller needles…which is probably why I impulse-bought this Paper Chain Garland kit when the email from Quince + Co. hit my inbox.

It’s incredibly simple, but that sounds so incredibly good to my fingers (and biceps, jeez!) right now. Pattern and kit available here.

And while we’re in the festive mood, here’s a great little stash-busting pattern from Season 7 Knit Star Summer Lee.

Sure, there are tons of sock ornament patterns out there…but this one is from the current queen of socks. Plus it’s free! Find it here.

Protein-boost Chicken Salad

My go-to lunch these days is chicken salad. It’s so easy to whip up with a rotisserie chicken from the grocery, and it stays good in the fridge for days. I’ve been playing around with ingredients lately, and tried using Greek yogurt in place of mayo. It’s a game-changer! Gives the meal a protein boost and, along with the lemon juice, it has a really zippy flavor. Dried cranberries add a festive feel, too.

Ingredients:

• Rotisserie chicken, shredded (breasts and thighs) – about 3 cups 
• 1 cup celery, diced
• Half bunch green onion, diced
• 1 small apple, diced (I’m loving Sugar Bee apples right now!)
• 1 / 4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 / 4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 / 2 cup plain Greek yogurt (add another 1 / 2 cup if you like more dressing)
• 2 T Dijon mustard
• Salt and fresh-ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Serve on a bed of lettuce, with pita chips or in a wrap. Yum!