Where do I FIT IN?🧶💭✂️finding place and purpose in the crafting community | Wednesday Unwind

[@dennmom]

Good morning Mark. I love how soothing you are. I am 71 and at this stage of my life I have no time for drama. I surround myself with kind people and so am very happy to have found you. I love to learn new things and already have learned some things about knitting from you. So thank you for your kindness and your knitting tips on yarns and skills.

[@klefk9235]

Agreed! I’m 64 and am glad I found this channel. Mark stay on the path- you bring us ❤

[@veldalacoste8186]

Very interesting video. I see you’re a continental knitter- sometime I’d love to see close up how you hold your yarn for color work. Looks like you hold both colors In your left hand and drop the one you’re not using?

[@Kristel280]

No time for drama. Good point.

[@middleworldwitch4810]

If I saw you sitting by a pool and knitting, I would run over there so fast and ask a bunch of questions about your project and compliment your work. You are my people!!! 😊😊😊

[@quil10it]

We have a gentleman who walks in our neighborhood who has the most beautiful voice and sings as he walks. Classical or opera but just delightful and a pleasant surprise when I happen to catch him. I love that he shares his talent with us.

[@andyeisenberg3972]

So happy I found your channel! I live in a small, conservative area with one local yarn shop. I was really looking forward to it but, unfortunately, I don't fit in at all! I'm super liberal and everyone there is the opposite. Luckily I've found online communities where I do fit in. I know that you've talked about zoom knit alongs at your local shop but if you ever start hosting your own, I'd definitely sign up!

[@christenagervais7303]

I really am glad that I have found your channel. I love your "ramblings". You are not alone in your thoughts. We all want to be able to sit at night and to be able to sit with ourselves and know that we are a good person. Mark, you are a great person. Being your own true, authentic self is scary, but worth it.❤

[@maribethclark2798]

Yes!!

[@kimberlysmiley4732]

You were my therapist today. Thank you! Yes to kindness, and belonging, and being courageous to find your path. I’m so glad that I’ve found your channel, where we can journey together. Covid shut my local yarn store, so I’m visiting you and other yarning channels to learn, grow, and enjoy! ❤

[@HomeWithMyBookshelf]

Worked on my nalbound mittens for this video. I got distracted by the good rambling and had to unpick a bit haha. I really enjoy this kind of video!

[@stephaniebenson2501]

I really appreciate the variety you offer in your episodes. Not your standard, FO’s, WIP’s, Acquisitions….Thanks for being unique.

[@ellenlovell5729]

You are wise beyond your years. If I was younger and lived near you, I would definitely want to be in your circle of friends. I have many friends in the crafting community and there is an overwhelming similarity in terms of kindness and generosity. Thank you for being you. As a little aside, I found myself wanting to cool off those halibuts and let them have a swim.

[@darrickwhite1986]

Don't worry about where you "fit in" at. Make your own lane because that's where you fit in the best!!

[@Horslevstrik]

I just love to knit and listen to you talk, so relaxing

[@markknittergal4263]

You do you!! As a 67 yr old woman, I was fighting for Title 9, equal rights and equal pay and had many women to thank ahead of me. We have come a long way towards acceptance with still more road ahead but with everyone being their true selves I see a light ❤

[@dianapulido1807]

Hi Mark, I enjoy your video very much. I was thinking about what you said about not feeling like you were in the right place and I thought of a past experience I had were i wasn't happy with my work situation but I stayed because I didn't see that I had any other options, and that really was not good because it changed my personality. I love talking to people finding things about them sharing things about me. My kids say I talk to everyone (that is their way of saying stop talking so much to strangers). Now I'm rambling. Anyway this job was making me be an angry crazy person who was finding fault with everything and everyone. Till one day I realized that my job was a temporary situation, but it didn't define me. I was letting the fact that while I had a terrible boss at work I was taking my unhappiness with that situation out on every other interaction I had outside of work. I realized I couldn't change the actions of others but I could change my actions and attitudes. I'm now working at a job that I'm much happier in and I get to talk to strangers who come into my job. I hate weaving in ends so I do weave in as I go because the idea of weaving in the ends when the project is finished well it just would never get done. It would be a WIP forever.

[@loiscassels8966]

It seems so strange to see you sitting by the pool under a blue blue sky, palm trees waving, in a long sleeved pullover sweater. Perhaps I’m imagining it to be far warmer than it actually is. Will you ever be singing for us on your channel? ❤️🇨🇦

[@kaycosette]

He posted a link in the description!

[@Stettafire]

@@kaycosette You're replying to the wrong person, cus your reply makes no sense

[@ireneholland7539]

You seem like such a nice person and I'm glad you finally feel happy and more contented with your life xx

[@sammy1269]

Hi Mark, what a beautiful setting, absolutely gorgeous☀️☀️☀️ I really want to find my craft community but unfortunately my work hours and language abilities have restricted me. But I really enjoy being part of the community through lovely creators such as yourself on KZbin land.❤

[@spinningloft]

I hope you find an in-person crafting community. Don' t wait until you're in your 70s like me! This bunch right here is a really good community too.

[@lilidonna]

This felt like more than entertainment. Thank for fostering a sense of connection and such a wonderful and wonderfully human video. :) xx

[@debra7893]

Hi Mark! I want to thank you for being open and vulnerable. My favorite bloggers share themselves as well as their knitting. It often seems that others have everything together in their lives when sometimes they don’t. I believe you will help many people and not with just their knitting. Listening to you makes me feel like you are someone I’ve known forever! Please keep it up!

[@spinningloft]

Thanks for another wonderful episode of community. love love love it. Your videos are helping me be a better me somehow...I was knitting Kate Atherley's Dip in the Road socks with Tina's Twisted Fibers Retreatsicle colorway, watching this and feeling some kind of perfection!

[@patriciagrenner8033]

Hi spinningloft. I wanted to reach out to you and thank you for acknowledging my recent comment (rather, long story). I was so very touched and it’s people like you that help me heal and feel so grateful to be part of this community. You are so kind and thank you for making my day. Patricia

[@birgitpscheid6230]

Dear Mark! It's good to sit and listen to you. Thank you very much for sharing your story and your thoughts!

[@mdlcrochet]

There is always a place in the fiber community. I do Tunisian Crochet Tutorials and while the crochet community is already niche, tunisian is even more niche. Each community has sub groups, explore and find that fits you. It will take time but it is rewarding to have people having your back. It does take some research and looking around, but a community is always there. I love seeing other males in the fiber arts, more men should be proud of what they do and forget stereotypes. Be yourself and be proud.

[@jodiethington245]

Such a beautiful setting I too am knitter in Arizona. Thought knitting in the desert sometimes. Thanks for sharing. I am sooooo loving that reached out and found people who love and care for you and apparently more than you thought. Love the knitting and the podcast.

[@helenoreillylong9497]

What a beautiful speaking voice you have! I could listen to you all day. And I am in awe of how easily you knit without looking! I am loving your very insightful thoughts on your life. Thank you.

[@juliebeannzz]

Ngl came here to gawk at your halibut sweater. Stayed for your story. Figuring out your place in life is stressful. Don't doubt yourself. Keep moving forward 🫶

[@Jacobpdx]

So happy to have found your channel Mark. As many have mentioned, it's so wonderful to hear kindness. It's great to have a craft to bring us all together, but also talk about life and what makes us tick. There is so much anger and division on the internet and life is just simply too short. I won't spend my days in that space. Every once in a while I'm human and it gets me, but I try to let it go as soon as possible. Thank you for inviting us along your journey. Also, unless I missed it in the beginning it says you're in Tucson. If so, welcome to Arizona! I'm in the Phoenix area. :)

[@karenbochinski]

I love your show and your teaching. I hope you keep doing what you are doing. I am attentive with everything you say. Generally, I am not with other programs. Thanks for your transparency and sharing. Your ramblings are fun too

[@nataliecolbert5790]

Sweet Mark, so many beautiful messages in this video. I love that you shared with people that you did not let fear stop you from leaving situations that may have been good enough, but didn’t make your heart sing.. I am always sad to hear stories of people who stayed in jobs and careers that were not fulfilling because they were afraid to take a chance onthem self. This is our one life. Peace to you and yours. 🦋

[@angelagenx6629]

I’m really enjoying your channel, glad to have found it. What I like about your content is your calm demeanor, even with your video on your yarn shop experience, you weren’t dramatic about it, just told a story, one so many of us share. I can remember a time when I was very new to knitting and having an unwelcoming experience in a yarn shop, and while I’m not glad people have those experiences, it’s comforting to know I wasn’t the only one. With finding a place in the knitting community, I wish I had the time to join the group at my local knitting shop, it’s such a cool little shop and would be so much fun to be with people who share the same love of knitting. Unfortunately, my work schedule doesn’t allow me to be a part of these in person groups. That’s why channels like yours are so great, we can get the community online, even share our stories in the comments. I really appreciate that and the stories you share. Thank you!

[@JimPater]

Thank you Mark for sharing the story of your life's journey so far. There have been many times in my own life that have been difficult and I knew I was in the wrong place for me at that time. Like you, I persevered for a while and when the time came where I knew that I couldn't continue I made the decision to head in a different direction. Anyone in any crafting as a hobby or possibly as a job hopefully has the sense to be able to persevere but also knows when a project is not right for them. After all, crafting should bring a sense of happiness and fulfillment, not dread or discontent. I'm glad that you had the love and support of your husband and friends who helped you through your difficult decisions. They helped bring you to all of us who are grateful for your contributions, encouragement and inspiration in our own creative lives.

[@huntersun9]

Hello! Both of your sweaters are beautiful. I love the one you're wearing and the WIP is lovely. I'm a lifelong crocheter, but I am enjoying your videos.

[@susanmarie3723]

Hey Mark from Alabama! I am happy to find you. I really enjoyed knitting with you this morning with my coffee.

[@logical_knots]

I don't think that I have ever resonated with a KZbin video so much, ever. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@starla.]

I’m so glad you found your perfect fit in life, in singing, in fiber, and in community. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. There are plenty of channels that teach techniques, but few of those feel “personal” or create the feel of a community the way your channel does. Keep up the excellent work!

[@rachelconnor2327]

Hi! I’m sitting and winding a beautiful skein of wool as I listen 😊.

[@ninasknotscrochet]

HI Mark thanks for sharing your story and being a part of this amazing fiber community I really enjoy your channel

[@dmcgw2]

It would be awesome to hear you play piano and sing a bit one of these days!❤ I’m trying to make myself knit! I work during the day, and have no local knit groups around where I live, so I really love watching/listening to your KZbin channel and all the others! You are all my inspiration!

[@BC-ez4iu]

I found a great yarn shop in a nearby town and it’s been amazing! I finished my first sweater and posted about it online and on my next visit to the yarn shop, the owner saw me come in, jumped out of her chair and gave me a big bear hug congratulating me on my first sweater. Nurtured by Andrea mowry. It was so kind and what a moment!! I will cherish that reaction & support. This week I was also thinking about your knitting retreat video, and I think it would be amazing if you would host one! I just so love your aesthetic and your calming vibe and I think it would be really fun. Anyway, so glad I found your channel.

[@melissa_pup]

Be yourself in anything you do; do what makes you happy! I'm 43 and STILL don't fit in with most of my ventures. I've done construction: building houses to road construction. I've done mechanical: from diesel mechanic to building\ re-building motors to my own vehicle repairs. I've done various areas in the woodworking field. I've been an instructor in the cake decorating field starting from a total cake decorating newbie. I even went into the Army (biggest mistake yet - won't go there here) in the fields of masonry and vertical construction, as well as diesel mechanic for all equipment that had wheels. I've tried the whole accounting thing and even went into 90k+ debt to have my foot shattered by the slammed doors. On my lastest venture, I got an associates degree in digital design and was 8 classes away from a bachelor's degree when a medical condition ended my chance with a degree in graphic arts. Now in that field; technology zoomed well past my skill sets. But the one thing that never changed was who I am. I still have my hobbies and the lockdown time allowed me to learn how to spin fiber into yarn\thread to keep me in my hobbies 😊 At the end of the day, it's how you feel and are others near you happy with who you are. If not, something should change to create the peaceful balance. Sorry, my rant time 🥴 Thank you for letting me join you for a while in Arizona for some peaceful knitting time. I'm working on my 3rd fiber to finished knitted lace shawl: pattern called Crown Prince Square Shawl, in the book Knitted Lace of Estonia - Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions by Nancy Bush. My hope (🤞) is that this attempt when finished, I get to keep 😂 The others ended up claimed by family prior to being a third to half way 😂

[@JeanKnits]

Knitting along with you. And you DO bring more kindness and Light into the world with your videos.

[@valeriechambers4773]

We all have a story to tell and I enjoyed hearing yours and listening to the music. The hills in the background are similar to some of those we have here in Scotland. I’m envious of the fact you can knit something so complicated and chat at the same time! 😊

[@fivegallonbucket]

Listened to this on the drive home and it was very therapeutic. One of the things that I love about crafting is that the practice is both process AND outcome oriented. There is so much to learn about who we are and how we best function through working on projects, and also, we can apply what we have learned about ourselves (by other means) to the practice and deepen it. I am 56, and I have been knitting for decades, and I can gauge how I have progressed in life by observing what I am capable of in the microcosm of needlework. It's a fascinating study! Kinda hard to explain though ha ha!

[@JS34927]

Hello Mark. I just listened to your podcast as I puttered in the kitchen (getting tasks done but thinking of the knitting waiting for me 😊) and I really enjoyed hearing about your journey that finds you here. You have a very soothing speaking voice. I also appreciate your knitting tips - I will seek out the weaving in method you spoke of today.

[@Tricia123B]

Hello Mark, I LOVE your channel. A breath of fresh air. TY for sharing. Your channel is special in that you are upfront and honest with your journey thru life as well as your fiber arts. I Enjoy your brief outings, kitty spotlights, and all the yarny goodness. You are a delight. Happy Makings ~ Trish

[@KimClinger]

Great video. You’ve got a friend in me. My crafting community is online. Love the vest, it’s looking so classy! Have fun in Tucson. Don’t cook in your sweaters! Beautiful backdrop and sound was perfect.

[@claudiabettinawitt1311]

Hello Mark, thanks for sharing your private, very personal things and also your knitting. 🫂🫶

[@susansouthard]

I’m so glad I stumbled upon you. Life is always showing us a curveball, because people are different situations are different. I’m glad that you are standing to be who you are, and you are walking a path that takes care of you, so that you can take care of others.I look forward to your videos, your stories, and your knitting.

[@Jessica-yy5wm]

I very much enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing your story and for being so honest. I never feel like i really belong anywhere, but at nearly 40, i've finally learned to embrace my own uniqueness and the more i do this, the more i've realized i just want to put joy into the world. You made me feel less alone. Thank you again.

[@christinagarside8548]

Thank you for your video, I really enjoyed sitting with you and it feels like listening to a friend. Crocheting along today having pulled several rows of knitting out due to an inability to count so decided to change direction for a while, relaxing while completing a round 88 popcorn stitches in the CAL I am taking part in.

[@matildafishes9931]

Mark - Your videos are absolutely wonderful. I love your soothing voice and your positive and honest attitude. You definitely belong. I craft more with crochet than I knit. However, I do enjoy both. One thing about knitting that frustrates me is if I miss a stitch and the rework involved. I would really appreciate a video with techniques that work. I saw one of your videos where you unraveled the neck and then picked up the stitches. You made it look so easy. I also saw a video where you used a "stitch saver."" I think that is what it was called. Please keep doing what you're doing. It might be nice if you could share some snippets of your choral performances in the background. ❤ About a month ago, I started teaching two friends of mine how to crochet. It's been a lovely time watching them grow and succeed. I've found that there are so many life lessons within the crafts we do. It would be fun to hear even more about what you've learned personally from your crafting journey.

[@mikelafiddle]

Hi Mark - I taught middle school orchestra online during the shut-down. Trying to do music education online is no joke. I made it through and am still teaching in the same position. Glad to see you happy and thriving!

[@Sandy-lq9xe]

Lovely backdrop and thoughtful commentary. I hope you use the traveling nature of your livelihood as an excuse to buy souvenir yarn everywhere you go. Much more fun than collecting spoons or shot glasses. 🙂

[@alice-claysullivan2308]

It seems like, from the comments, that you are so welcoming, comforting to listen to, and so knowledgeable to all of us. We welcome you into our lives and enjoy your company. I have knitted for almost 40 years and don’t have the skills you do. I have learned much from watching your videos. Thank you ever so much!

[@Shewhoknitsandspins]

Mark - I’m so happy to have found your channel and I’ve liked all of your KZbin episodes that I’ve watched. I also like your spin on your projects. Your Halibut Sweater looks so nice on you. Keep posting.

[@drjuder551]

Thank you for sharing your story. It was lovely and loving. I am a big fan of your Halibut sweater too,

[@Bianca-ql6ou]

Thank you Mark for sharing your personal journey, Its so sad how people are treated and not accepted even in these times. I loved the view behind you and listening while I was knitting and I hope you had a wonderful time there 🙏💕

[@dawnhetrick6556]

I enjoy these Wednesday chats! 1) Do you ever sing in Atlanta? If so, I would enjoy attending to watch you perform. 2) there is no fiber community here in northern Atlanta. So, I keep hoping and praying one will open up. 😊

[@carblarson8868]

I was out of town when a new yarn shop opened in my small hometown. I stopped in as soon as I returned and was very jubilant about the new store and with the quality of the yarn. I immediately felt the iciness from the owner. Another shopper was deciding on a yarn color and the owner was very pleasant towards her. I overheard her asking the young shopper to join them on their weekly gathering of knitters. I bought a bunch of yarn and she was still icy, zero affect when I expressed how beautiful the yarn color was of what I was buying. She didn’t thank me on my purchase, and didn’t mention her open knitting night, either. The shop was beautiful. The yarn selection was small, but I could imagine myself knitting up almost every yarn, but I left the shop feeling kind of sad and disappointed. So, do I suck it up and continue to shop there or do I ghost the shop? I think I will return, but not initiate any conversation with her. The shop won’t last long if she treats customers like she did me, though.

[@KevinMontreal]

Thank you, I enjoy crocheting with you. Your calmness is very relaxing while crafting. I always like to listen to the paths people take as I can always take something and apply it to my journey. I am in my late 50’s and still love to learn and grow…

[@judygardiner86]

Hey Mark we are a crafting family I have quilted for years never be a professional but I’m happy..now I began to learn to knit life is good

[@sparrow120music]

You are an amazing human. I can just feel your heart and kindness. You raise yourself up and spread as much love as you can!

[@lesbigreen]

I love your stories. I love being part of your community.

[@carolhudak3173]

You are a joy! Listening to you talk and share your journey was amazing. Not easy to be so open and honest. Thank you for your kindness.

[@maryschartner4428]

I know you are a good person, Mark. I’m glad you’re happy🥰

[@teadrinkerfication9160]

Watching you knit is insane, it’s so quick and neat! It may be sped up with editing but even so I aspire to knit that fluently 🤩

[@suechristianson5547]

Wonderful video! I look forward to seeing you online. I can imagine you hosting a few-day knitting retreat, that would be something I would really enjoy. Hope AZ went well. We are not strangers.

[@kathleensiegrist2647]

Welcome to Tucson! Enjoy your visit, the weather is perfect right now

[@nanikab.355]

Dear Mark, I love your story and I feel blessed to have found you sharing it. There are so many ways in which our paths seem somewhat similar. I never studied music, but playing the viola reliably in all kinds of ensembles (you don't learn to play the viola with the aim of becoming a celebrated soloist) I was able to finance my rather lengthy time of studies with lots of fun concerts and other experiences. I loved to perform within a huge big crowd of other musicians, I loved chamber music concerts, playing the part that is only noticed, when it is missing. Being a manager today I find it particularly funny, that this is what I loved most about all that experience. I love the U.K., Scotland is my second home. It opened to me by way of wonderful knitting circles wherever I went. Being literally a continental knitter (from Germany) made for lots of good tech talks and fun ("knitting like that must hurt your wrists for sure" "I just thought the same of your technique"). And I was at about your age (I'm roughly double your age now) when I had the hardest time to answer not the question "what now?" but "what for?". I think I never actively pursued the answer, but knew that life would show me. It did and I'm sure is does for you too as long as you go on following your instincts. Then you can't be, needn't be someone different than who you are. I'm looking very much forward to more of your stories, knitting projects and life itself. Thank you for touching our world.

[@joelwilliams5634]

Hi Mark. I’m a yarn store owner in Ohio and I like to believe I treat everyone who walks into my store the same. I sell beautiful silk blends and I also sell acrylic yarns. I want everyone who walks into my store to find something they will enjoy working with. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they buy I treat them all like family because all yarn people are family.

[@ecouturehandmades5166]

You are one in a 1000. Thank you!

[@n0vadr3ams]

🥹🙌 you sound so nice!!! can i ask what your yarn shop is called? i would love to visit!!

[@joelwilliams5634]

@@n0vadr3ams my shop is called Three Kittens Knitting in Napoleon Ohio. Hope you can visit sometime

[@SierrasStitchSanctuary]

Hello! I would also love to know the name of your shop! Always a joy to support my local yarn shops

[@joelwilliams5634]

@@SierrasStitchSanctuary hello my shop is Three Kittens Knitting I’m located in Napoleon OH. about 40 min from Toledo and an hour from Ft Wayne IN. I’d love to see you if you have time to stop in

[@sunnystitcher5400]

Thank you so so much for keeping me company while I seam up a chicken stuffie. He's a very chaotic colored chicken for sure As for community, the only one I've ever found that I even begin to feel like I fit in with is an online community. Never found one in person before.

[@annettemoore8940]

I love the format of your videos. I like the friendly chatty nature. Your voice is so soothing.

[@kathysewon]

Thank you for your videos, I am a retired grandma living in Kentucky. Now that I have lots of time to knit, I love finding fellow knitters on you tube to knit with. You are so kind and calming, I am grateful that I found you. Keep being who you are and thanks for keeping me company.

[@QuietlyCraftyLindaC]

What a wonderful video. Thank you for being so authentic and kind and soothing. I love watching your videos because it always feels like I'm watching a friend be himself. That's super rare on social media and I'm so glad you're here. ❤ you're awesome.

[@dianebark9952]

Life is a journey. Enjoy the ups and downs.

[@lesliem358]

This spoke to me and I appreciate that you share yourself in your videos. I am in my mid 40’s and have had a successful career but I haven’t felt like it was my true calling. I have been a crafter from a young age and I feel that this has helped carry me on. I have met some wonderful people in my craft journey and I am really glad I found your channel.

[@jeanchiusano2861]

Hi Mark. I think your life sounds fascinating. I love to watch and be around anyone who knows how to knit like you do. Who taught you how to knit so beautifully. I’m an old lady and I learned when I was around 50 ish from a knitting club that I joined when I met someone in a drs office knitting while she was waiting. I thought to myself that I would really like to learn how to do that, because I do some crocheting since I was eight yrs old in between working and having kids. I can’t knit that fast wish I could but I surprise myself that I can figure out most patterns from KZbin too. I miss being with other people who knit and crochet. Pandemic 😢. Anyway keep doing what you’re doing. I love it ❤

[@anndunn6775]

I do not even shop at any local yarn stores. I am a beginning knitter and watch You Tube videos and have "Knitting for Dummies" and "Knitting 101" purchased from an online used book service. I try to get information on needles from reviews so I do not spend recklessly or inefficiently. I want to be putting my effort to the best outcome. I love your videos and your openness. I hope to learn from you as a trustworthy teacher and get good ideas. So far so good. Be yourself. I do crochet pretty well and I do have some yarn knowledge, just not the budget to throw money around too much. Thank you.

[@elizabethamis9376]

I am so glad that you feel comfortable with your life. I have only recently found your channel and I look forward to looking at your back catologue. Thanks for sharing. ❤👍from Somerset UK

[@cmaur811]

You have the entire pool to yourself. ❤

[@sunnyw4148]

Thanks for sharing. The fiber community was a nice safe space for me especially when I got laid off at 50.

[@kaylasimmons825]

as someone in the same age range as you, this “finding my place” conversation is so relevant and so important both in the crafting world but also in the real world. so happy to have stumbled upon this video, and your channel as i sit and sip my coffee feeling as though im floating in the open ocean. finding your way, and your place is such a scary voyage, but it’s always worth it when you find your way to shore and can reflect on your journey ❤

[@ByrdieCouture]

Thank you for telling your story. It was very honest and I know others can relate.

[@donnawofner9412]

Thanks Mark. Love the scenery and the music choice.

[@rebecca-72]

I’m so glad I’ve found your channel, thank you for showing up and being such a nice, calming, uplifting, interesting presence! I love this fiber community. I joined during a difficult period of my life and have always received only positivity back. I’m sorry you had such a dark phase but I’m glad you had loving people to support you. Thanks for sharing.

[@leslieberkower8163]

I’m mesmerized by how how you can knit & talk hardly looking especially doing color work 👏👏

[@InquirywithHelena]

I stumbled into a knitting community by accident. I started handknitting back in January 2024, and I was searching online for yarn and I came across this amazing shop in East London called Wild and Woolly which is very community-focused but is way too far away for me to go in person and I signed up for their newsletter. And their fascinating newsletter would often contain patterns and if I clicked on the patterns I ended up in this place called Ravelry which I didn’t understand at first. But then I realised it had a social element and I looked through the groups and I found one called Stash Knit Down which turns out to be a very lively, very friendly and very supportive group of mostly women from all over the world who have too much yarn and who are enthusiastically knitting their way through it, and I’ve never looked back. I hang out there every day and I share what I’m doing and I admire what they’re doing and I learn about their lives and it’s where I go when I’m getting in trouble with my project and it’s a real community. Feel free to come join us if you’re looking for community!

[@pixypunkcraft]

There are soo many great communities here and on other sites such as insta! I am working on a greenscreen green crochet beanie made from my second attempt at spinning yarn on a drop spindle. I absolutely love that there are other musician crafters here! Have an amazing week!

[@GoldenAstroCat]

Hi Mark, just found you! I love your message and calm, soothing style. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on community, belonging and being true to yourself. I think the more we listen to our inner compass the more happy and fulfilled we can be. Looking forward to your next chat and create. I'll either be crocheting, knitting or painting ☺️🧶🎨

[@dpina6340]

Mark, love your channel, you have a soothing voice and demeanor, I find it hard to believe you were ever mean. I would love if you wouldn’t mind, to maybe include a small snippet of your singing or playing. And if you have ever thought about, or looked into getting your Master Knitters? You make beautiful sweaters and I am excited to see where this takes you! Thank you for sharing your story

[@toby________toby]

I love your videos Mark! I had a similar experience going from a not nice kid to a nice grown-up, and a HUGE thing I have learned is that being in the habit of kindness causes you to be kinder to yourself, too. Sometimes, for some of us (especially those of us on the margins), we are projecting our inner voice onto other people or reflecting the way we are treated or see ourselves onto other people....idk if that makes sense, I'm currently sick in bed!!! While I dont take it too seriously, the idea that often other people can be mirrors of ourselves (ie. We see things in other people that we see in ourselves, usually without realising) really sticks with me. Seeing traits you dont like in yourself being performed by other people, you might think excessively negatively of them, particularly if youre in the habit of shaming yourself. On the other hand, if you appreciate the good things about yourself and see those things being performed by other people, you are excited to build a connection and a community, and its really special. Anyway that was a huge tangent, i have a horrible fever which is making me a bit weird.

[@nathalietremblay96]

Just want to say here, while I'm knitting and listen to you, it feel like knitting with a friend. The kind of free flowing sharing that we do, when we feel confortable, sooth, by the rhythmic flow of our craft. Absolutely love it! Take care ❤

[@suzannehutegger4656]

Mark, you are so genuine and kind. I am sitting here knitting along with you. I love your rambling and musing. I’m so glad I found your channel. Continue doing you and be your true self.

[@mycrochetstory7169]

WHAT AN AWESOME EXPLANATION OF WHERE YOU'VE BEEN AND WHERE YOU ARE NOW!

[@miekeverbeeck991]

Thanks for sharing your story, Mark, and for the encouragement to keep looking for connection!

[@catherineweaver3652]

Hi Mark - I’m a new friend to you: CatWeaverCreates in Columbus OH. Your postings here are genuine, interesting, soothing, compelling, & I love your knitting! I’m new to OH and finding my way. Thanks for sharing!! ❤

[@daniellewiser6492]

Thank you for sharing. You couldn't have a more beautiful backdrop to film. I do hope this platform continues to bring you joy because I really enjoy watching. =)

[@lesliegladney442]

That's a fascinating thing about finding a place where you are both the seed and the gardener. I love seeing people finding their place to grow and support other's growth. You are already helping people, odd as it may sound. You have a calm steady prescience in the space and that is a gift. I hope you find joy on this path for a good long time. For the person who doesn't feel they have a place, I'm sorry it feels so hard. Trust me, there is so much room and joy here. I know you will find your way to your own spot. Today was very much a challenge in our weird little family, so the simple super bulky crochet bright red and white striped shawl has come out to keep my hands busy without adding optional challenges!

[@dealred02]

I’m sitting here working and just loved listening to this video. I’m not able to pick up my project but it was super relaxing. Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your life with us.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

I just found your channel and I think you have definitely been accepted into this community! Great video and thank you for being so open. Rosie

[@Kayemwhy]

Hi Mark. It is so refreshing to see someone’s vulnerabilities laid bare. I had a teach who used to say whenever I was confused say, “Excellent, you’re learning!” I carry that with me to this day. Whatever that means to you I wish you all the best. I believe it will make you better and stronger. I’m glad to have someone like you in the crafting community.

[@nuuclei]

thank u for sharing more of ur story, mark :) and thank u for sharing the weaving in technique!!!!