Nearly ten years ago, I picked up my hook and poured my heart into a Sunday Shawl, a beloved pattern by Alia Bland (https://www.thelittlebee.co.nz/patterns-2/sunday-shawl/) for my late husband’s wife—a tangible hug in yarn form, a way to say, “You are not alone.” Since then, this pattern has become my go-to comfort gift, a woolly whisper of support for those facing life’s most challenging moments. I’ve crocheted it for friends in the thick of illness, for my mother just because, and for others who needed a soft reminder that they are deeply loved.
But this month, I made one for me.
Life lately feels heavy. The world, especially here in the U.S., is spinning with uncertainty, and I’ve realized that I, too, am in need of a shawl’s embrace. So, I chose the colors of The Yarny Way—colors of my yarniverse and creative heart—and stitched them with intention. This Sunday Shawl is not just any project; it’s a love letter to myself, a declaration that I am worthy of care, warmth, and beauty.
I used Bravo Sport yarn from KnitPicks, a sport-weight blend that makes this version a little lighter than some of my past shawls. It drapes gently over my shoulders, reminding me to rest, breathe, and exist in the moment’s softness. With every stitch, I wove in a promise: to be kinder to myself, listen to my needs, and remember that self-love is not selfish—it’s necessary.
As February unfolds, bringing with it the cultural noise of grand romantic gestures, I’m choosing to celebrate a quieter yet just as powerful love: the love we offer ourselves. The kind that says, “I see you. I honor you. I will care for you.” Whether it’s through yarn, a favorite cup of tea, a slow morning in bed, or simply allowing yourself to rest, I hope you find a way to wrap yourself in love, too.
Because we all deserve a shawl—literal or metaphorical—that reminds us: we matter.
Do you have a project that feels like a hug to you? I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep stitching love into the world, starting with ourselves. ✨
