Holiday Traditions, One Stitch at a Time
Do you have knitting or crochet traditions that come around every holiday?
For the last several years, I've spent the Fourth of July weekend working on a sweater knit-along. Somewhere along the way it became my own little tradition. This year, though, I'm changing things up. Instead of casting on something new, I'm planning to finish a couple of projects that have been patiently waiting for me. I'll be finishing a new store sample and hopefully putting the last stitches into my Light Bright Tee. It feels like the right time to enjoy completing something instead of starting over.
The Fourth of July has always been a holiday that I celebrate a little differently. I'm perfectly happy to relax, knit, and watch everyone else enjoy the excitement. I don't feel the need to be on the go all day anymore.
That wasn't always the case.
Growing up, my family belonged to a saddle club, and the Fourth of July was one of our busiest days of the year. We would load up the horses before daylight and ride in two or sometimes three parades in a single day. It made for a very long day, but they are some of my favorite memories.
Looking back, I realize that what made those days so special wasn't just the horses or the parades. It was the people. The saddle club was my community. It was a place where I knew people, where people knew me, and where I always felt accepted. There was comfort in knowing that someone was looking out for me and that I belonged.
When my daughters were growing up, I hoped they would experience that same feeling through 4-H. Every young person deserves a place where they can simply be themselves and know they are welcome.
As I've built Serenity Now, I've realized that creating that same sense of community is just as important to me as selling beautiful yarn. Of course, I love helping someone find the perfect yarn or pattern, but I also want the shop to be a place where people feel comfortable walking in, sitting down, and spending some time with their craft.
Sometimes I'll be busy helping customers or working on shop projects and won't be able to visit much, but you're always welcome to come in, find a chair, and knit, crochet, spin, or weave for a while. And if you're looking for company, don't forget about our Open Fiber Times on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Those gatherings have become one of my favorite parts of the week because they remind me that fiber arts are even more enjoyable when they're shared.
Community is a wonderful gift. Family is where our story begins, but I think it's healthy—and important—to have a community beyond our family, too. Whether it's a saddle club, a 4-H group, a knitting circle, or your favorite local yarn shop, those connections enrich our lives in ways we don't always notice until we look back.
As we celebrate Independence Day, I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July filled with whatever traditions bring you joy—whether that's fireworks, family, quiet stitching, or simply taking a few moments to slow down.
Thank you for listening to my musings.
Happy Fourth of July!
— Betty Jo