Basket Living

Basketweave Stitch
(multiple of 6 stitches)
Using size 7 needles, cast on 38 stitches, and knit 3 rows (garter stitch border)

Row 1(RS): Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: k1, *k1, p4, k1*, repeat * * to last stitch, k1.

Row 4: p1, *p1, k4, p1*, repeat * * to last stitch, p1.

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 4.

Row 7: Knit

Row 8: Purl

Row 9: K1, *p2, k2, p2*, repeat * * to last stitch, k1.

Row 10: P1, *k2, p2, k2*, repeat * * to last stitch, p1.

Row 11: Repeat Row 9.
Row 12: Repeat Row 10.

Repeat Rows 1-12 for desired length.
Knit 3 rows. Bind off.

This simple basketweave pattern has become on of my favorite quick and easy "go-to" patterns because it's a nice variation on the knit and purl square boxes that i first learned to knit.  I like it because the textures seem to jump off of the cloth as the stitch falls away from the needles and for a minute here or there i feel more like i've just woven something, rather than knitted it!  (i know, it doesn't take much to entertain me these days! )

However, one of the best parts of this pattern is that it is easy to memorize and often affords me the time to let my mind work through other parts of my day .. my schedule, my shopping list, my children, my friends .... it's a sweet pattern to sit and knit and pray with .... for health of a sick friend, for school or work issues that my family may be dealing with, for wisdom and guidance for me even . . when my hands are busy i often find that my mind focuses more intently as well ... and the sweet fellowship that i have found in spending time with the Lord and pouring my heart out to Him while i'm knitting .... and to sense His Presence and the Peace of His Replies as He leads me .... instructs me .... forgives me for the things i confess and seek restoration for.

Once again, knitting is so much like my Christian walk .... the good AND the not so good!  the mistakes i make in my knitting can never be dismissed unless i have LOTS of buttons to cover up the holes or patch the missed or dropped stitches ....  and my daily life and time with the Lord are no different!  Sins i've committed don't go away by 'avoiding' them ... burdens i refuse to let go off don't melt away because i refuse to acknowledge them .....  it's only when i come and confess the sin, or lay my burden down at His feet that i find true Peace.

Frogging ... Rip it!  Rip it!  Rip it! was one of the scariest things i have learned to do as a knitter.  Ripping OUT all those stitches i just spent all that time putting IN .. and now i'm removing them because of one dad-gum hole 4 rows down! ~  ~  ~  REALLY!   Yes, Virginia!  REALLY!!!  The freedom and pride as a knitter in a project that is complete and mistake free because i took the time to re-do ... to re-learn ... to correct it ... it's amazing!  and even more so, in my own heart and life ... when i humbly confess the mistakes i've made and ask for His forgiveness i find the sweetest of fellowship, the Peace that really does Pass understanding .... the serenity of knowing i am a project that He will be pleased with and proud to call His workmanship ...

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens.

Ps. 68:19

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light,

we have fellowship with one another,

and the blood of Jesus, His Son,

purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without ins, we deceive ourselves

and the truth is not in us.

I John 1:7-8

Grace and mercy are two wonderful threads that He weaves in and out of my day ... and i can't have one without the other.  So perhaps, i am that simple basket or cloth that He works on each day.  How i long to know the Peace that comes from simple living in the "basket" of His love and forgiveness, steps and stitches that reflect His design for my life ... to be His new creation ... one row at a time!