If you step outside early these mornings, you can feel the sudden, crisp shift in the wind. The last of the golden autumn leaves are blanketing the frozen ground, and the trees are finally standing bare against the pale November sky. It is that beautiful, quiet time of year when nature coaxes us back indoors, urging us to light a candle, put the kettle on, and settle into our warmest spaces. For crafters, this chilly transition is our favorite season of all - it is the ultimate excuse to get lost in our favorite textures.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing a timely biblical reflection on foundations, diving into a quick tip corner for your winter crafting, and sharing a cozy, free pattern gift to challenge your hands this season. Grab a warm mug and let’s catch up!
November Biblical Thought:
The Weight of Your Foundation
"According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it." — 1 Corinthians 3:10
Reflection: As the year winds down in November, it is easy to shift into cruise control. We tell ourselves we will fix our discipline, our prayer lives, or our habits once the new year starts. But spiritual maturity isn't a switch you flip in January. You are building right now
Every compromise, every lazy excuse, and every ignored conviction is a cheap brick you are laying into the foundation of your character. When winter storms hit, a flimsy structure collapses, no matter how pretty it looked on the outside. Stop waiting for a better season to get serious. Take care how you are building today.
Newsletter Takeaway: Look at your habits this week. Are you building a structure that can actually withstand a storm?
TIP CORNER: Micro - Tips for Yarns and Beads
Static-free bead trays: Wipe your bead mat or plastic tray with a dryer sheet before pouring out seed beads. It stops them from jumping around from static cling.
The taped-needle trick: Wrap a small piece of clear tape tightly around the end of your yarn to stiffen it. It acts like a temporary needle, making it incredibly easy to thread wide-hole holiday beads.
Keep yarn clean: Drop your skein of holiday yarn into a clean, empty glass fishbowl or a deep mixing bowl on the floor while you work. It keeps the yarn from rolling away and collecting dust or pet hair.
Featured Pattern: The Rectangle Celtic Shawl
Looking to stay warm this winter? This Aimsir Celtic Shawl will be oh so cozy and stylish.
Beautiful stitches bring dramatic texture to this fashion accessory, and Hobby Lobby offers an incredible array of colors in their Love This Yarn collection. It features a nice rectangle size of approximately 20 inches wide by 64 inches in length.
Please note: this free pattern is not for the faint of heart and is for the Advanced Crocheter.
Trilogy Teaser: Stay Tuned for Part 2!
The Aimsir Celtic Shawl is only the beginning. Because I love the unbeatable warmth and texture of these historic stitches, I have designed an exclusive three-part series! This month, challenge your skills with the rectangular dimensions of the Aimsir. Then, keep a close eye on your inbox next month for Part 2 of the Celtic Shawl Trilogy, featuring a brand-new silhouette and an entirely different combination of intricate Celtic stitchwork. You won't want to miss it!
Pour a warm cup of gingerbread coffee or peppermint spiced mocha and cream, take comfort in the season, and happy crafting!
Warmly,
Robin Harley, Threaded Flair