These are very, very unusual times. This is supposed to be my spring break. I planned to catch up on some of my readings, write a paper and get prepared for the rest of the school year. Instead my inbox has been overflowing with messages about the Coronavirus, messages asking me to outline how I’m moving all my courses online and messages about social distancing. I can’t concentrate on my research paper. I don’t want to read a journal article and the news is just depressing. To say it is all overwhelming is an understatement. I don’t even know what to expect next week when school starts again and everything is online. My University just announced that commencement ceremonies will be cancelled and I know my seniors will be devastated. It all just seems so very surreal.
Although I don’t always seem like it, I’m a hermit. My home is filled with the things I love, I’m comfortable and I have knitting to keep my hands occupied and help calm my nerves. But it all definitely feels off. I’ve been FaceTiming my mom and sisters because I work at a university filled with college students who (unfortunately) didn’t see the big deal about washing hands and being vigilant about germs. I don’t know if I have Coronavirus (testing seems to not be a readily available thing) and I would hate to pass it to my family, friends or neighbors so I’m staying indoors for now.
In spite of all of this, I’m still hopeful and thankful that I’m here and I’m ok. Even if I get the virus, I’ve been staying home and staying away and I know I’ll be okay. I’m still teaching, so I’ll get paid and I’ve saved up money for the summer, but I can’t help but worry about so many people whose livelihoods will be impacted by all of this. I’m hopeful that everyone will be okay. So if you’re getting stressed or freaking out, pick up a ball from your stash and start knitting. If you feel claustrophobic, step outside and take a walk. If you’ve got a dog, spend an hour just playing with them and their toys. I’ve seen lots of virtual knit nights and lots of designers doing pattern sales in an effort to help boost their income. Let’s do what we do best, knit. Knit a present for your neighbor, a gift for your Mom, a blanket for a new baby. Make something that will make you smile and know that we will get through this.
Yards of Happiness 
Thank you dana..be safe..your posts make me smile
Always love your posts. Walking a dog helps nearly everything (including the dog) and the knitting is good therapy. Stay well and healthy. Thank you.
Your words were inspiring…thank you.
I a new knitter. I’ve tried at least 4 times over the last 20 years. I subscribe to the at first you don’t succeed try, try again and guess what I finally succeeded. Now like you in times of confusion, or world stress, I knit and hope for change. Your blog brings me calm and a sense of normal. Thank you
Thank you for this meaningful post. I felt I could breathe better after reading it. And I am off to see what is in my stash!
So true! We will all come out the other side of this little bend in the road, prayerfully. Keep knitting!
I enjoy your posts so much! This is a surreal time we are living in and I welcome all the uplifting posts! Keep Jellybean safe!
Thank you for your words and inspiration…always! Best wishes for staying healthy!
I work at a University as well and worry about the student’s disrupted academic year. I am lucky to be told that I’ll be working from home until further notice. Trying to come up with a personal agenda that includes exercise, and checking in with a colleague or 2 during those 8 hours.
Thank you for this, Dana❤️
Let’s say that you do not have the virus… You have expressed what most of us are feeling. We are caught in strange times. Sci-fi-ish (made up word). Take care.
Your words are a lovely reminder that we are all in this together, even when we are apart physically. Be well. Take care. Enjoy all you can. Dogs really are blessings!
So true Dana. Let us go on knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, baking, writing, drawing, painting. Filling the world with beauty however we can.
Stay safe, Dana. I retired 3 years ago and never did I think my retirement would include something like this. I’m knitting daily and watching movies, and I can’t help but think that everything might be a little easier to take if someone could muzzle the press.
The photo of your knitting has made my day brighter! I’m off to check out my stash. Thank you for staying in touch.
Thank you for the message. Well put. These are trying times indeed.
Thank you for this.
I also work for an university that’s gone online for the rest of the semester, and I’m having a horrible time concentrating on anything (I’ve seen this referred to elsewhere as “cognitive load”).
I a new knitter. I’ve tried at least 4 times over the last 20 years. I subscribe to the at first you don’t succeed try, try again and guess what I finally succeeded. Now like you in times of confusion, or world stress, I knit and hope for change. Your blog brings me calm and a sense of normal. Thank you
You should do step by step knitting instructions. I can crochet but knitting seems so backwards.
Glad I “accidentally “ read your article…we live in Central Nebraska and don’t have easy access ( unless we travel 35 miles) to get yarn, etc.
Thank you again ❣️
There are so many good knitting teachers on YouTube that I don’t feel the need to do that. Check out Very Pink Knits, her YouTube channel is great!
Hi Dana! What’s on your needles in this pic? Happy colors! I’m working on a baby blanket, mindless garter stitch 10 ridge stripes. Also happy colors. I am blessed to have my knitting. Blessings to you.
Kristine
Check the last two posts, it’s the Fantastitch shawl I’ve written about.
This post has accurately expressed what I and many of my colleagues have been feeling. Transitioning from the familiar to this that has little precedence has been challenging for us all.
Knitting has been my peace for years, and reading how you have allowed this art form to accompany you into the university classroom and bless others has inspired me to do the same. Thank you for freely sharing your experiences.
I said to a friend the other day that if all you needed to weather this thing were knitting and reading materials, I’d be all set. Thanks for your post and the pix. Stay well!
Thank you Dana!! Knitting will get me through this. Your posts always bring me joy and inspiration. Thank you!!
Thank you for your words and thoughts – much appreciated!
Have you considered knitting hats for the Hat not Hate promotion from Lion Brand Yarn? It’s to help combat bullying.
Agreed. I also work on a University campus and I feel like I have emotional whiplash right now. Communication and messaging has been less than ideal. Every time we make a plan the rug gets pulled and we have to make a new plan. I told my students to just chill for this week and that I will be in touch next week. I think we all need a breather and some time to readjust. Expecting things to move on seamlessly is not realistic. At least for me. 🙂 Knitting definitely helps and I reordered my queue last night so I have some brainless projects to get me through the insomnia and some more complicated things to work on when my brain is functions. Big hugs. We will get through this.
First time reader of your comments. Please share the name of the pattern in the opening photo….it is a joyful-looking project. Is the pattern still available? Enjoyed your insights. Thank you for sharing!
Check the last two posts, it’s the Fantastitch shawl I’ve written about.
Thank you for your words of calm and caring. We are all effected. Good luck. What is the piece you are working on and the yarn. Love the stitch pattern and the colors.
Check the last two posts, it’s the Fantastitch shawl I’ve written about.
I’m still trying to knit a single sock. Not a pair, but ONE. I get so engrossed in what I’m doing I forget to tune in to what’s going on in the outside world. So being an introvert who loves being alone is a perk.
Our backyard is where I go to be amazed. We have wildflowers and new-to-me weeds growing since their invasion a couple of years ago when it flooded. I get to take pictures, Google the descriptions to identify with the idea of doing watercolors when it’s too hot to be out and about come July. Baking bread, cooking lengthy, complex and complicated dishes and meals feel like perks that come with being isolated. There’s always a blessing in a storm. Plus, I get to discover new bloggers. And I can knit as long as I want and not feel guilty.
Be well.
Thank you for your wonderful article! I am retired. A wife mother grandmother. Still am fortunate to have my mom and step dad. Knitting has always been a gift to me. It keeps my mind active and I love giving hats and sweaters and blankets away. My grand kids hug the blankets and love wrapping up in them. Reading is also a passion of mine. As an only child it has always been. We have to stay upbeat as much as we can. I drove a school bus for 26 years and developed COPD asthma and other conditions. Never smoked. I know that if I get this virus it will be rough. Or worse. My faith is strong. Just reaching out. Thank you for all you do! Blessings to us all. Knit on knitsters!
Thank you for your post! I too work for a University and what happened with you, also happened at my school. Decisions either happening quickly or stewed about for what seems like eons…sigh.. Thank you for being here with a calming voice, even if you are just as shell shocked as the rest of little birds. I keep telling myself and anyone who listens, we have to stand strong together or we won’t make it. I mean hold each other up spiritually as well as emotionally because it is Sooo overwhelming….
Thank you!
I work at a university that has moved all classes online also, but I work in IT, so my job is to help all the instructors move everything online. To say it has been a stressful week would be a MAJOR understatement. I’m working constantly and by the time I sit down at the end of the day, I have an hour or two before bed and I don’t have the energy to knit. I’m glad that I’m able to help so many people through their fears and get them up and running, but I’ll be glad when things finally slow down enough for me to relax and get knitting again!
I typed a whole statement and then my furbie moved and I lost it. Stay positive and everything will work out. Give Jellybean a belly rub for me!
Thank you! Just your choice of colours was enough to cheer me up!
You go girl 💪🧶❤️
Take care of yourself. These are such strange times.
Loved reading this. I just made a blog on knitting too.. please check it out😁