The fall session snow make-ups are finally done. So, now we have a two-week break before the spring session starts. Two weeks to tackle unfinished projects, type up some newly designed patterns, do lots of knitting, and lots of reading---but, I'm missing my students already! So, I decided to write a tribute to all my wonderful students past and present.
The picture above shows lots of creativity going on in class which I love. But, there is also lots more going on at that table during each class. My students constantly inspire and uplift me. Here are just a few examples:
Several students have gone through illnesses, difficulties with children, thorny divorces, and other life crises. It is wonderful to see how their classmates rally around to support them. Sometimes it's just a hug from another student. Or, a student may share their own experiences with a divorce, kids, or illnesses to give hope and direction for that student in crisis. And, the courage of students going through crises is strengthening to all of us. Each student has been a "wounded healer" at some point, sometimes without even realizing it. I feel so blessed to be witness to these "sacred moments".
The friendships that develop between students are always so much fun to watch! For instance, two students who are normally in different classes met in a workshop and discovered that they live very near each other. Now they are walking partners, encouraging each other to get exercise. Several of my classes get together for lunch or dinner because they want to get to know each other better. A number of students have had a friend sign up for the same class as theirs in order to spend time together on a regular basis.
Getting to see photos of new babies, new grandchildren, weddings, and other joyous occasions as they are being passed around in class is always a thrill! Of course, the biggest thrill of all is seeing photos of someone wearing something one of my students has knit or having a student walk into class wearing what they have recently finished knitting!
In addition to my students being an inspiration, sometimes something going on in my life has inspired me to come up with a new design. This happened recently. Many of you know that I am dealing with chronic iron deficient anemia and have been having periodic iron infusions. Sometimes, while receiving an iron infusion, my arms get chilly. Once the infusion has started, it's almost impossible to put my arm through the sleeve of a jacket. So I have designed a shawl that can easily be buttoned around my wrists. Here are some pictures:
Last week I wore it for the first time to an iron infusion and it felt very cozy and comforting. In tribute to the courageous patients and wonderful nurses in the infusion room and my ever inspiring students, I am going to offer the pattern for my "Buttoned Up Sleeves Shawl" for free for a limited time to anyone who posts a comment on my blog or e-mails me at notesfromknitclass@gmail.com . I hope you enjoy knitting and wearing it as much as I have.
Mary
