A mix of rage, fear, compassion and determination

Hi...

I can hardly find the words to describe what's happening. I have not been able to focus much on anything else than what's going on in Ukraine. My friends, colleagues, their families in that country are forced to experience such unfair and horrific events.

If you are affected by the conflict, I doubt you have time to read knitting newsletters but know that my thoughts are with you and your close ones!

My heart breaks every time I see a Ukrainian family torn apart as women and children flee their country, going for days on arduous journeys, not knowing if they will ever be able to return to their homes or see their loved ones.

I don't see this ending quickly; it will probably drag on for a while. And, having seen the destruction Putin's forces leave behind, it will take years to rebuild the country. Latvians share this Soviet history with Ukraine, and every third thought in my head is: "My country is next!"

Although the enormous courage shown by the Ukrainian people inspires me, I'm equally enraged and scared, and here is how I'm coping:

I'm determined to help in every way I can. This will become a pattern, and I will donate all proceeds to charities that my Ukrainian friends suggest being the most effective at any given time. I hope to publish in the next few weeks, and I will surely keep you posted.

Today is also when I'm publishing a pattern for a very quick accessory: the companion cowl for A Thousand and One Suns sweater. It's created in collaboration with Spincycle Yarns and uses the same combination as for the sweater, just inverted: Wilder in Light Grey as main colour and Nocturne in Thin Ice as contrasting.

It features various signs the ancient Latvians used for the Sun ☀️ and has two layers, fitting snuggly around the neck. Don't forget to tag your photos with #athousandandonesuns or #trejdeviņassaules on social media; I cannot wait to see your colour combinations!

Stay safe,

Zanete