Traveling Afghan #24 -- The Potential Butterfly Square

First and foremost, I would like to start by thanking the incredible Alexandra of Two of Wands for coordinating and executing this incredible collaborative project. A huge thank you to the Lion Brand Yarn Team, for sponsoring each maker with their gorgeous Wool Ease Worsted weight yarn for square completion. Lastly, a thank you to everyone who joined the KAL/CAL and showed your support through posts, tags, and comments- it is truly appreciated. To get started on your own kit, click here. 

When I submitted to be selected for this project, I had a completely different concept for what I would like my square to look like. It had originally started as a dramatic and bold square with triangle motifs. As 2020 arrived, everyone including myself were impacted by the novel coronavirus and new adjustments in traveling, living, and socializing. As a health care worker, I entered the field with a bold face and hopeful spirit as I watched the hospital systems bow beneath the strain of patient influx. It was in mid April, that I myself was diagnosed with COVID 19. Until publishing this blog post, I kept this diagnosis to myself. I quarantined at home for four weeks, telling only those closest to me what was going on. While at home, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy. I couldn't work on my business and I couldn't be on the front lines - so who was I? Despite these feelings, it became quite clear that there was a lesson to be taken from my time in isolation. "Stop, take a deep breath, and rest. It is okay to just be". As difficult as it may feel, it is the truth. I realized through all of this that we are allowed to simply exist. We do not need transformation constantly despite what our normal routines have trained us for. In this mindset, the "Potential Butterfly" square was born. Learning that my potential and growth did not have a timeline, that I would one day soon return to a new normal - was refreshing and brought feelings of hope. So-- embrace your inner caterpillar. Embrace the cocoon of isolation. Use this time for self reflection, for mental growth, and for taking the time to just exist- something we so desperately craved in our old "normal". Not every caterpillar transforms overnight, but every caterpillar gets there eventually. Love, Jake. 

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The Potential Butterfly Square

Materials: 

Lion Brand Wool Ease Worsted Yarn - 197. Yards per skein. (1) or any other worsted weight yarn. 

US8/5mm Knitting Needles

Tapestry Needle

Scissors

Finished Dimensions: 

10” x 10” / 25.5cm x.25.5 cm

Gauge: 

Gauge: 

15 stitches x 24 rows. 

Abbreviations: 

CO: Cast On

K: Knit

P: Purl

BO: Bind Off

Pattern:  Cast on 38 stitches. 

1. (RS): K4, P2, *K6, P2; repeat from * to end. 

2. P1, K2, *P6 K2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, P3. 

3. K2, P2, *K6, P2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, K2.

4. P3, K2, *P6, K2; repeat from * to last stitch, P1. 

5. P2, *K6, P2; repeat from * to last 4 stitches, K4. 

6. Purl across. 

7. Repeat these six rows, until your work measures 10 inches. Measure as you go!

Happy Knitting! 

Love, Jake