Choose joy. Say no more often.
How many times have you found yourself knee-deep in commitments you never really wanted to make?
We’ve been conditioned to say yes to everything—yes to more tasks, more social commitments, more obligations—while our own needs get pushed to the bottom of the list.
So you said yes because you didn’t want to disappoint others or rock the boat.
But here’s the truth: every time you say yes to something you don’t want, you’re saying no to yourself.
Saying no isn’t about being difficult or selfish—it’s about knowing your worth. You don’t owe anyone a yes. Your time, energy, and focus are yours to protect. No one else can do that for you.
The power of saying no lies in this: it gives you back control and puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s a radical act of self-respect. No more people-pleasing, no more guilt-tripping yourself into commitments that drain you.
When you say no, you’re also setting a standard for others. Your no can be a wake-up call. It reminds people that they can say no, too. That they don’t have to drown in commitments that don’t serve them.
Your no empowers others to take back their time and live on their own terms. That’s a powerful message in a world that glorifies overextending ourselves.
Next time you’re asked to take on something you’re not feeling 100% excited about, try this:
- Pause. Give yourself a moment before responding.
- Check in with your gut. Does this bring you closer to your joy, or pull you away from it?
- Practice your ‘no.’ You don’t owe long-winded explanations. A simple, “I’m not available for that, but thank you for thinking of me” is all it takes.
So go ahead, embrace your inner boundary-setter and make more room for what brings you joy.
You’ve got this.
P.S. Ready for more joy? Download the Cloud Gazing shawl knitting pattern and start saying yes to what lights you up.
No more yarn stash guilt
It’s hard to resist the lure of a beautifully dyed skein in your favourite yarn shop, isn’t it?
You don’t know what you’ll use it for, but it’s impossible to leave without it.
So you take your new treasure home, excited about the possibilities, but somehow, it ends up neglected in your stash.
Every time you see it, there’s a familiar twinge of guilt, like that unread book you promised yourself you’d read last summer.
Let’s change that, shall we?
The Citadel shawl knitting pattern is your invitation to take a deep dive into your stash, pick up that gorgeous skein you couldn’t resist buying, and finally put it to good use.
Citadel is all about the joy of effortless knitting with beautiful results.
The subtle interplay of garter stitch and dropped stitches keeps things interesting without overcomplicating the process.
Citadel transforms a single skein of fingering weight yarn into your new favourite accessory with meditative ease.
Ready to turn your stash guilt into knitting joy? Download the Citadel knitting pattern and cast on today!
Knitting through the elements: Windborne shawl
The wind races across open fields, a natural force full of energy and potential. It moves freely, unbound by any limits, internal or external. Each gust tells a story of adventure, of paths yet to be discovered.
Inspired by the Air element, Windborne celebrates freedom and movement, wrapping you in the promise of endless possibilities.
This asymmetric triangle shawl knitting pattern features delicate texture and beautiful lace.
You work the textured body in stockinette stitch and horizontal garter ridges. The eye-catching lace plays with left and right slanting decreases to create movement and flow.
Pair it with your favourite yarn, and you won’t be able to put your knitting down.
I knitted mine with Knitting for Olive Merino (100% Merino wool; 250 m / 273 yds per 50 g) in the colour Fennel Seed.
You’ll need about 650 m / 710 yds of similar light-fingering to fingering weight yarn.
Windborne is exclusive to members of the 2024 Shawl Club, and now’s the perfect time to join!
The 2024 Shawl Club is a collection of four shawl patterns, each inspired by the four elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire.
By joining now, you get instant access to the first two patterns, Earthsong and Windborne. Then, as a 2024 Shawl Club member, you’ll receive the remaining two shawl patterns in September and December.
Read more and join the 2024 Shawl Club here!
Knitting: Better than retail therapy
Who needs retail therapy when you’ve got knitting?
Knitting is a much better (and more sustainable!) way to get that dopamine boost are brains are hard-wired for, than buying more stuff we don’t need.
It’s also the perfect way to de-stress and feel accomplished at the same time.
There’s something magical about the rhythmic click of needles and the feel of yarn sliding through your fingers.
The repetitive motion is like a meditation session. It quiets the monkey mind and brings instant peace.
Plus, nothing beats the thrill of turning a skein of yarn into a beautiful shawl.
And let’s be honest, there’s no better feeling than finishing a project and saying, “I made this!”
Ready to knit your stress away? Subscribe to my emails and get 25% off your next knitting pattern!
Unputdownable knitting: Spotlight shawl
Are you in the mood for a knitting project that’s both relaxing and varied enough to keep things interesting?
If you love playing with colours to create the perfect palette, I have just the thing for you.
Spotlight shawl is a tried-and-true favourite that’s won the hearts of knitters for a reason.
This pattern strikes the perfect balance between simple and interesting, keeping you captivated from start to finish.
The mix of different stitches and textures ensures you never get bored, but with a finished shawl that maintains a clean and modern look.
Experienced knitters will love the meditative flow of this pattern, while adventurous beginners will appreciate the clear, easy-to-follow instructions that make skill-building a breeze.
Whether you opt for vibrant, contrasting colours or soft, harmonious tones, Spotlight lets your favourite yarn take centre stage. What’s your perfect colour combo?
Download the Spotlight shawl knitting pattern here and cast on!
Riding the wave of the hottest trend in the knitting world
Are you on board with the small scarves craze that’s been taking the knitting world by storm?
Suddenly, my Orbit scarf pattern is as hot as Jon Bon Jovi in the ‘90s.
Since its debut in 2013, Orbit has always been a firm favourite and top seller. But recently, its popularity has skyrocketed, and it’s flying off the shelves like never before.
More than a decade after its release, it’s become the knitting pattern du jour.
Small scarves are the hottest trend in the knitting world, and Orbit is perfectly on point.
If you haven’t come across this gem, let me fill you in.
Orbit is an asymmetrical triangle scarf with garter stitch and simple eyelets.
It’s a breeze to knit and perfect for everyday wear.
And the best part? All you need is one skein of DK-weight yarn.
I knitted my sample in a lovely muted green Madelinetosh Tosh DK (100% merino; 206 m / 225 yds per skein).
You’ll need the same amount of DK-weight yarn to knit your own.
Ready to dive in?
Download the Orbit scarf knitting pattern and cast on today!
Is yarn insurance a thing? Asking for a friend…
You know you’re a knitter when… You’ve considered getting insurance for your yarn stash.
And honestly, why wouldn’t you? We’re not talking about a couple of spools from the bargain bin; your stash might just be worth a downpayment on a car—or even a house!
What started as a modest pile of fibres has blossomed into what any financial advisor would call a ‘substantial asset’.
It’s not just yarn; it’s a high-value investment portfolio. And protecting our assets is smart planning, right?
Is it just me, or does yarn insurance suddenly sound like a pretty savvy idea?
Ready to put that investment portfolio of yours to good use? Subscribe to my emails and get 25% off your next knitting pattern!
The perfect warm weather knit
Does this sound familiar?
You love knitting shawls.
You adore exquisite wool yarns.
But when the temperatures rise, you find very little use for all those gorgeous shawls in your closet.
As much as I love the warm spring sun and the promise of the approaching summer, it also means that it gets too hot to wear my larger shawls.
And that’s exactly why I designed the Open Skies scarf.
For the days when all you can imagine draping around your neck is a sleek, little thing that’s as light as a summer breeze.
Something that pairs equally well with your favourite linen dress or a tank top and denim shorts.
And is just enough to ward off the morning chill and keep you comfortable in air-conditioned spaces.
Open Skies is a lightweight rectangle scarf with bias construction and tapered ends.
You work it in garter stitch and simple lace, playing with vertical and diagonal eyelet bands.
You could also knit your Open Skies with linen or silk yarn to make it even more summer-heat-appropriate. ☀️☀️☀️
Ready to cast on? Download the Open Skies scarf knitting pattern here!
Discover the joys of simple knitting with the Citadel shawl
Are you in the mood for a knitting project that combines relaxation with chic simplicity?
Citadel is a modern shawl that’s designed for anyone who knits to unwind.
Ideal for cosy evenings or lazy weekends, this knitting pattern transforms a single skein of yarn into your new favourite shawl with meditative ease.
Simple knitting with beautiful results
The Citadel shawl is not just another knitting pattern; it’s your invitation to slow down with a project that’s as relaxing as a hot lavender-scented bath after a long day.
The subtle interplay of garter stitch and dropped stitches keeps things interesting without overcomplicating the process.
Perfect for the days when you want to chill and let your knitting needles do the work — with minimal complexity but maximum satisfaction.
Minimal and modern knitting
The Citadel shawl is designed with modern minimalism in mind.
With a top-down construction and triangle shape, row by row, stitch by stitch, you’re gradually creating a piece that’s both versatile and wearable.
The subtle detailing creates a contemporary look that fits seamlessly into any wardrobe.
Perfect knitting project for any skill level
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy project to boost your confidence, or a seasoned knitter needing a meditative escape, this shawl meets you where you are.
The simple and effortless pattern allows you to focus on the feel of the yarn and the growth of the shawl under your fingers.
This knitting project is all about celebrating the calm that comes with creation.
Reclaim your time with knitting
Knitting is so much more than just making another project—it’s an intentional pause from the hustle culture. It’s you taking back your time and putting pleasure over productivity.
Citadel shawl is a relaxing knitting project that promises beautiful results with every stitch, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures.
Grab your knitting needles, choose your favourite yarn, and discover the joy of effortless knitting with the Citadel shawl.
Simple knitting: Unwind with the Underwater shawl
Are you craving a deliciously simple shawl on your needles?
If you’re looking for a knitting project that’s simple but still leaves room for a bit of creativity, the Underwater shawl is just what you need.
This pattern is all about a sleek, minimal shawl that feels as good to make as it does to wear.
Simple knitting, beautiful results
The Underwater shawl is a bias triangle with diagonally moving eyelet bands on stockinette stitch.
The look is modern and understated, making it an accessory that goes with just about anything.
You’ll need three colors of sport-weight yarn—how bold or subtle you go is up to you.
Deliciously soothing knitting
There’s something genuinely soothing about working on this shawl. Maybe it’s the repetitive motion of the needles or the way the pattern emerges almost effortlessly as you go.
Plus, finishing up with an I-cord bind-off gives a neat, tidy edge. It’s satisfying to see such a polished result from such a relaxing process.
This knitting pattern is great for both beginners and seasoned knitters.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and simple stitches.
If you’re a more experienced knitter, you’ll love the meditative rhythm and the chance to experiment with colour.
Whether you want to unwind after a busy day or spend a lazy weekend morning with a cup of coffee and your favourite podcast, this project will perfectly match your pace and mood.
