Alberrr-t

Return of Pandemic Bear

During the lockdown(s), I, like many others, embraced creative projects to distract and fill my solitary days with something other than doom-scrolling and obsessively watching the news. Painting, needlework, colouring, baking, sewing, writing, podcasting and gardening were my many pursuits. Some I continue still.

I also reconnected to knitting. I sought easy patterns online and gratefully followed YouTube tutorials as I refreshed and upgraded my skills. When shopping was allowed, I hunted for yarn. I made (most of) this bear. (I somehow couldn’t bring myself to add a nose. I felt I couldn’t do it “right”.) This cozy bear was a pleasure to create, and I was proud of us.

You see, I tend to be a starter but rarely a finisher. I have the bins of craft supplies and half-finished projects to prove it.

Decluttering my ‘dump-and-run’ room recently, I found many incomplete craft projects. I’ve clung to many of them for years — moving them from place to place, telling myself ‘someday maybe’ I’d get back to them. I finally packed up two boxes of supplies, from crayons and paints to pompoms and yarn. I gifted them to the local thrift store for someone else to enjoy.

I also found the knitted pieces for a second bear that was more than half-finished — I only had to knit two arms and a leg to finish, stuff it and sew it together. I also discovered a bear-sized sweater that required a bit of sewing and a button to complete. I pulled out these projects and got to work. The sense of calm and purpose I’d sought during ‘pandemic times’ returned.

What is fueling my desire to knit again? Perhaps it’s a need for control, the same impetus as it was then. It’s a project I can complete that feels like a bit of optimism. It makes me smile to work with my hands and create. Knitting rather than writing uses a different part of my brain. Creating something tangible to cuddle and bring comfort when I feel the harshness of the world. Maybe it’s the pre-gardening season use of my hands. Digging in the earth will consume me soon — if this snow ever disappears.

For now, I’ll complete my second bear, as well as the accompanying sweaters, hats and scarves. I’ll also plant some seeds for my garden. As my knitting projects conclude and the seedlings strengthen, I will be ready for Spring.

Here is my bear with a completed sweater and nose! I named this bear Albert — with a French pronunciation = AL-BEARrrr.

Albert dans son pull bleu-foncé. / Albert in his dark blue sweater.

I’ll offer a part two when these parts come together into a second bear.

Second bear in process.

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How are you keeping your hands and minds busy these days?