If you want a bit of a diversion, maybe I can help.

It is remote enough here in Kodiak, Alaska, that I can get out with my family and not worry about breaking the social distancing requirements. When this video was filmed, I went more than four hours on the sandy stretch without seeing another human apart from my family and two surfers in the ocean—miles and miles of beach and thoughts of how it would be good to share it with you. As it was impromptu, the content is just a friendly chat. I don't share techniques or groundbreaking ideas. I do, however, create a new name for Brooklyn Tweed to use for their Shelter yarn. I was hungrier than I thought. I do share what I hope to be ideas to occupy any anxious energy you may want to put to use. The free patterns I mention are under the tab marked as such at the top of this post or under podcast if you're going to knit the February's Cosy sweater.

As the weather is getting warmer (we hit 42 degrees the day I videoed & I was beyond stoked!), I will be recording and sharing more podcasts. In the winter, I think of you and take you along on walks via Instagram stories, but sitting down for a chat like in this podcast just doesn't happen. Not because I don't want to connect, but because my hands and mouth and brain can't engage when I get cold, which would happen if I stopped the hike to sit and talk.

I should be upfront and clear regarding the content in all of my podcasts. You are a brilliant knitter with skills and talents the same as me, probably much further along if we were giving ratings. I am not going to provide you with incredible knitting revelations, and very rarely do I break down patterns for in-depth discussions. My goal is to sit with you for a little while because I like you. You are worth my time. I am happy to connect and share.

I film these podcasts on the go, one take, minimal (usually no) editing, with the focus of our time on a beautiful location that I want you to enjoy. There are background noises associated with the outdoors: wind, waves, animals, every so often people... So I get it if this podcast isn't for you. But maybe you know a person stuck inside that could use a bit of fresh air, even if it is by way of the sights and sounds of the internet. Maybe share it with them.

And for those of you this does sit well with, THANKS! I sincerely feel as if I am talking with you when I sit down to film. You may want to like the video and click to subscribe.

Looking for days ahead to sit together and share,

Kindly,

Mel