Finding Comfort and Connection Through Knitting: Embracing Cozy Getaways and Slow Living

by Heidi Field-Alvarez

2 min read

Writing at Perk in Richmond, VA with inclusivity and warmth.

I am sitting at Perk, a locally owned, inclusive coffee shop in Richmond, VA, enjoying a delicious Chai Latte. It's the perfect warmth for winter. Truly inspiring. Recently, I've been considering how the concept of "slow living" encourages us to embrace winter by slowing down, wrapping ourselves in warmth, and finding connection in simple activities. I'm committed to adopting this new mindset because, in my younger years, winter made me feel a bit down as it seemed to slow me down and keep me indoors. I'm appreciating this shift in perspective, especially since I've rediscovered knitting! For me, knitting has become more than just a craft; it's a way to weave comfort and a sense of belonging into every chilly escape. Whether I'm traveling to a serene cabin or hosting guests in a cozy rental, knitting provides a tactile connection to others and to myself. Let me share how this timeless fiber art influences my winter travels and fosters a sense of inclusion and tranquility.

Threads of Comfort: What Knitting Truly Means

Knitting is a quiet magic made visible. Each stitch, twist, and loop builds on the last, creating fabric that feels like a gentle hug. I often think of knitting as a language without words—where the rhythm of needles and the softness of yarn speak of care and patience.

Knitting has carried meaning through generations. It is a practice that often involves creating tiny hats for newborns in hospital nurseries, symbolizing hope and new life in every loop. Additionally, shawls crafted for hospice patients serve as a silent message of comfort and presence. These moments illustrate that knitting is more than just the creation of objects; it is a gift of love that transcends time and circumstance.

The tactile sensation of fiber against skin evokes warmth like a close friend’s embrace. A hand-knit blanket or scarf holds the memory of hands that worked it, the quiet hours spent, and the intention behind each row. In this way, knitting mirrors the bonds we build with others—each stitch a connection, each row a story of nurturing.

Embracing Inclusion: More than Just a Mineral Term

In science, an inclusion is a foreign particle trapped inside a mineral, often adding character and uniqueness. I find this idea beautifully mirrors how guests become part of the spaces we share during travel. Strangers arrive unknown, but through shared moments, they become warm inclusions in our lives. Take a look at this very fascinating article, "Rocks of Ages", written and photographed by Katie Griffith about the geology in West Virginia. I love this idea of linking to our history embedded in rocks. The world and our place in it is all about inclusion when you think about it.

This large calcite mineral is displayed at the WV Geological and Economical Survey in Morgantown

When I host travelers in my winter rental, I see them as cozy inclusions wrapped in the hospitality of a grandmother’s knitted blanket. Their stories and laughter blend with the quiet crackle of the fireplace and the soft texture of hand-knit throws. This blending creates a sense of belonging that feels as natural as the fibers intertwined in a scarf or fossicles and particles embedded in our earth.

Inclusion, in this sense, is about welcoming others fully, offering comfort and connection. It’s the essence of what fiber art teaches me: that every knot and loop, like every person, adds value and warmth to the whole.

Slow Living and Knitting: A Welcome Resurgence

Knitting fits perfectly with the slow living movement, which encourages mindfulness and presence. In a world that often rushes by, taking the time to knit becomes a deliberate pause—a moment to focus on the here and now, creating something tangible with our hands. This practice not only nurtures our creativity but also mirrors the delicate process of making new friends and forging connections. Just as we knit together strands of yarn, we weave our lives with those around us, from our closest circles to the wider community that surrounds us. When we allow ourselves to slow down, we uncover new depths in the people we love. We become open to vulnerability, embracing the beauty of learning about new friends and exploring new crafts. In these moments of stillness, we find not just the joy of creation but also the warmth of connection, reminding us that we are all part of a larger tapestry.

This winter, I’ve found myself returning to knitting patterns and communities online, especially on Ravelry, a vibrant platform where fiber artists share projects, ideas, and support. It’s a place that connects knitters across the globe, blending tradition with modern connection.

Knitting during travel, especially in winter, becomes a ritual of calm. Whether on a train, in a cozy cabin, or by a frosted window, the repetitive motion of needles slows the mind and deepens appreciation for the journey itself. It is a connection to both past and present. It's a reminder that connection—whether through fiber art or shared stories—is what truly enriches our travels.

Knitting has taught me that comfort and connection are woven from simple, intentional acts. As you plan your next winter getaway or cozy evening, consider how fiber art might bring warmth and inclusion into your experience. Pick up your needles, explore communities like Ravelry, and let each stitch remind you of the bonds that hold us together, no matter where we travel.