I am an avid crafter. In particular, I love to crochet. Crochet is the art of interlocking loops of yarn or thread using a hook. It has quite the calming effect, and the process of creating a piece of art is extremely rewarding. My love of crafting began as a child when my mother taught my brother and me the art of macramé—the knotting of cords or string into patterns to create decorative items—which was all the rage at the time.
There are many crafting techniques that involve creating fabric from yarn, thread, cord or other mediums. Knitting uses two needles and yarn. Spinning is the weaving of fibers into thread. Weaving is the art of interlacing long threads to form fabric.
I am struck by the similarities between these processes and life.
Weaving the Royal Fabric
Life pulls and frays our yarn. Events twist our cords. Circumstances stretch our fibers, at times, to a breaking point. Mistakes tangle our thread.
Yet we continue to weave our fabric.
A single strand is capable of holding several pounds, but once woven together with other strands—a family of threads–it holds exponentially more weight. The weaving process, life itself, makes us strong and durable.
The tangles are sometimes removed but more often, they are woven in along with loose strands–abruptly cut, harsh and painful endings–tucked into the crevices, hidden away and blanketed by stronger, unblemished fibers. I like to think they make our fabric even stronger, and imperfection is beauty; art.
The fibers, in the hands of a child at summer camp during the obligatory craft hour, become a small, loosely knit sample of fabric only a mother could love; but, oh, does she cherish those knots of exploration and learning!
The fibers, in the hand of the highly skilled fisherman, unfold into a net with which to feed a family and earn a living.
The fibers, in the hands of The Master, are a creation to behold!
Ultimately, we are all a series of twists and turns, loops and knots woven into an unfinished fabric; at various lengths and stages of completion; equally beautiful, yet unique. Not appreciated and admired by all, but fiercely loved and guarded by those who know and accept us without judgment, whether or not we are cut from the same cloth.
Desired and adored by the one with the coordinating, complementary pattern.
As life unfolds, you continue to weave your fabric. Take pride in the color, texture and thickness of your threads. Own the tangles! Admire, respect and applaud the solid cottons, weathered jute and exquisite silks of those around you. Cherish your intricate patterns and fall in love, first and foremost, with your own fabric. Your Beautiful Knots.
