Mood Tracking Progress
When I wrote my original post on mood tracking in 2022, (I revised it in March), the idea to create a Mood Tracking Knit Kit was well on its way. The goal was to create something other than a blanket. Something unique that could be transformed into an art piece. I settled on various shapes, knit individually with the corresponding mood color. Then the shapes could be pieced together in any way the maker desired. I created a pdf with knit patterns for each shape and a list of emotions with it's color partner. Yarn was dyed and kits were put together with notions and journals. Because I was VERY new and had not gained a large enough following, only a few sold. Regardless, I knew I had a solid, creative idea to work with. Fast forward to 2024. Lion Brand yarn was advertising a mood tracking blanket kit in the beginning of the year. I became deeply disappointed in myself for not putting more time and effort into building my brand in 2022 and aware now my idea would seem like a Lion Brand imitation. To be clear- I am a Lion Brand fan and in no way am I implying their creativity stemmed from an idea I had years ago. That is not how I want to go viral. Seeing the kits LB put together I was inspired to participate in #moodtracking. I decided to give it a try using my original knit ideas.
Years ago I was gifted a large set of 25 bon bon type mini balls of acrylic yarn. There are multiple shades of each color. Colors were already assigned to emotions making the getting started process easy. I chose to start with triangles because I had a vision of creating a fun, colorful pennant banner for my daughter's play area.
With my palette set, I began knitting a triangle at the end of each day, reflecting on the predominant emotion I felt. This practice quickly became a cherished ritual, a moment of reflection and creativity. Some days, my swatches were bright, a testament to the joy of time spent with loved ones. Other days, I chose moodier colors reflecting on the complexity of navigating life's challenges.
I journal regularly and have for years. I wondered if I would learn anything new about myself since I've long since developed a ritual of self reflection. To my surprise this journey has been enlightening. I've discovered patterns I hadn't noticed before—like Monday's seem more challenging days after the weekend. No longer because I am required to drag myself into the office to a job I don't enjoy. But because being a parent is demanding. I also work from home. On the weekends, my husband is home, neither of us are working and the extra set of hands as well as the family time is vital. I've also found comfort in the tangibility of my emotions, knitted into something real.
The benefits of this unique form of mood tracking have been abundant. It's fostered a deeper mindfulness about my emotional well-being, encouraging me to engage with my feelings in a creative and constructive way. However, it hasn't been without its challenges. There are days when the last thing I want to do is pick up my needles.. Yet, I've found that these are often the moments when the practice is most beneficial, serving as a gentle nudge towards self-care.
Halfway through the month I changed course. Instead of knitting triangles, I would add the corresponding mood color as i-cord edging to a triangle. My goal was to make a more polished, colorful piece. The process sparked another creative idea. For next month, I decided to assign different stitch patterns to various emotions. For example, a simple, breezy stockinette stitch to reflect happier, lighter days. Stressful, hard days a cable pattern, mirroring the tangled thoughts that often accompany this emotion. I envision a colorful combination of squares...I'll be sure to post my progress.
If you are curious about integrating #moodtracking into your knitting practice, here are a few tips:
Choose Your System: It doesn't have to be stitches and colors. Maybe different types of yarn or knitting techniques resonate more with you. Tailor your mood tracking to fit your unique self.
Keep It Simple: Start with a small project, like a scarf or a blanket made of squares. The key is consistency, not complexity.
Reflect and Record: Take a moment to jot down a few thoughts about your day alongside your knitting. This can deepen the process and provide valuable insights over time.
Be Kind to Yourself: Some days, you might not feel like knitting, and that's okay. This practice should be a source of comfort, not stress.
Using knitting as a tool for mood tracking has been a journey of self-discovery and much needed me time . It's a way of making the intangible tangible. If you're looking for a creative way to connect with your emotions, I encourage you to give it a try. Who knows what beautiful patterns you'll discover within the tapestry of your own life.
