Sock it to Me

Some people are sock knitters and some people are not. I have to admit up front that I am closer to not being a sock knitter. I’ll make hats, cowls, and mitts till my house is so full I can’t fit anymore, but I have a very limited number of socks that I have made. Most of the socks I’ve knit are yoga socks, which are more like leg warmers than socks.

That said, I am a fan of hand knit socks. I have fantasies of being a sock knitter and wearing only hand knit socks. Why then, you may be asking, do I not knit socks? It is the simple hurdle of me getting over the fact that I am always afraid that I won’t make the second one. You may be saying at this point, then why not do magic loop? Because, I am making excuses and so just bare with me here.

It is like those who have never tried yoga or meditation, there is a hesitation, there are millions of excuses as to why not. But I ask you this – Have you ever imagined that knitting yourself a pair of socks or practicing yoga for 10 minutes a day could be the greatest act of self-love? February is the month of love. In the media it is all red hearts and kisses for you to share with the one you most truly love. However, for me over the years I have treated February as the month of SELF-love.

Self-love or self-care are acts of nurturing oneself. Taking the time to make sure you are well rested, eating well and keeping yourself overall mentally and physically healthy are all parts of self-love. Knitting can be an act of self-care and so can yoga or Zumba – whatever you find helps you reduce stress and feeling good.

If you find that you mostly knit for others. See if the next sock project you make is just for you. Knit love into each stitch. The repetitive motion of creating each stitch, be it with a crochet hook or knitting needles, creates something special just for you. Not only are you making each stitch, but you are also creating a meditation.

So this month, think of all the things you can do for yourself for self-care and self-love. Knit yourself a pair of socks and get on your yoga mat (or chair) every single day. I’m partial to yoga, but if for you it is zumba, pilates, or going for a run. Whatever it is, make an effort to have it be a part of your daily life. No matter what it is, focus on your breathing and be present with it. As my yoga teachers say: “everything you do is yoga”. With grace and intention everything can be mindful.

Need help with an idea of a self-love practice? Try this out:

Get a pen and a piece of paper. Write down three very specific things you love about yourself and are grateful for. Try that every day for the month and see how it elevates your mood.

Pick out your next sock pattern and knit yourself a pair of socks. Use a gorgeous skein of yarn and wear your socks with pride!

ABOUT THE Author: Liza Laird

Liza is a spinner and knitter of wool and a lover of handstands. Liza started knitting at the wee age of 8 and hasn’t stopped since. She received formal yoga training in her early 20s in NYC as a 500 HR Registered Yoga Teacher and an 800 HR Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist. She taught at studios for nearly a decade in NYC and Boston, including Yoga Works and Harlem Yoga Studio.

Liza leads yoga retreats worldwide in places including Bali, Thailand, Italy, Peru, and locally in Vermont and Texas. She also hosts workshops on yoga and knitting in the eastern United States when she’s not taking care of her husband and daughter, Tom and Isa, or her dog, Cosmo.

Liza can be found at raglineknits.com.