While there are plenty of messages telling us all to pick up a new skill, learn a new language, etc. while in quarantine, I have been focused on preserving my sanity. Maintaining mental health in a time like this has become the priority (the emotion we are feeling has been described as grief). For me, knitting has become even more important in my life than ever. I became an avid knitter in graduate school to help cope with panic anxiety, without even realizing that there was research showing that it had actual physical mental health benefits including lowering blood pressure, causing a release in serotonin in the brain, reducing depression and anxiety, and even helping with chronic pain. Now while attempting to manage the barrage of stressful news stories and the crushing anxiety of owning a retail business during a pandemic, I am reaching into my bag for my needles more frequently, particularly in the morning as a grounding start to my day and then in the evening after my daughter is in bed for the night.  We’ve made it a bit easier for you to also enjoy the health benefits of this craft, even if you are completely new to it. We’ve created a three part learn to knit series, using the amazing Knit How book. Knit How is a friendly and easy-to-use introduction to knitting that includes ten numbered knitting patterns for accessories and garments, along with illustrated techniques and essential tips. Project one is intended for complete beginners, with each subsequent project moving up in skills.  Kit One contains a copy of this book, yarn and needles – everything you need to get started. We’ve packaged it up in a nice cotton tote for you to keep it all in. The yarn in the kit is lovely Merino, hand dyed in the U.S. and enough to complete project one in the book - fingerless mitts.  Kit Two builds on the skills learned after completing your mitts. The kit includes yarn and needles to make one of three cowl projects in the book. The chunky weight Merino yarn is dyed locally in Baltimore and comes in a variety of color options on our site.    The third kit in our learn to knit series is for this adorable hat project! This kit includes a 100% American Wool, all three sets of needles required to make the hat, an adorable macaroon shaped pom pom maker, and a leather tag to sew onto your finished hat. You can use your leftover yarn from all three kits to make pom poms for kids or gifts or even holiday decor!   In the coming weeks, we will have free video content on our YouTube Channel and Instagram to help you learn the various skills as well. And once we are all out of isolation, I do hope that you will bring in your finished projects and join us in the lounge for the support of staff and the benefit of our community space, filled with other stitchers!