Big Change
I’ve tried composing this in my head about fifty million times over the past few weeks and every time it felt too painful, awkward and well… just hard. It was when I was counseling my daughter late last night about some big decisions she’s made in her life that, she’s not only adjusting to, but her circle of friends, family and colleagues are wrapping their heads around, that I heard myself and considered taking the advice I was giving her.
I have experienced whole lot of change in my life over the past couple of years but this latest one is by far the hardest.
As you’ve probably already read on Steph’s blog there will not be another Sock Summit or anymore Knot Hysteria retreats. Our reasons for this are between the two of us, as they were when we started this venture. As I told my daughter, it is so very hard to walk away from something that you love. It just is. Life is full of hard decisions and we just have to step up to the plate and give it our best. I think endings are by far the hardest. Luckily there’s usually hope and beginnings right behind them.
I have been lucky enough to be part of some magnificently wonderful things in my life and Sock Summit and the Knot Hysteria retreats are at the top of that list. Working with wonderful people that one loves is in my opinion a whole lot of grace. I know both Stephanie and I feel privileged to have had this opportunity with everyone we’ve worked with, including each other. Getting to know all of the knitters we’ve gotten to is a gift I will hold close in my heart and feel thankful for forever. Some of my favorite memories are here.
Thank you everyone for the chance to do not one, but two Sock Summits, for all of the Retreats and the love!
Thank you Steph for every single moment.
I think Debbi said it best recently when she quoted Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
Thankful that it happened but still a wee bit weepy.
Tina
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Dear Tina,
We learn and grow from our experiences and you have had some amazing experiences that bring you to where you are today. Who and what you are right now would not have been possible otherwise.
Thank you for your contribution to this world of fiber, for painting the way for so many to experience new things and for simply being you.
Sending you love, blessings and wishes for new things to come.
xxoo Naomi
P.S. Love Debbi’s reference to Dr. Seuss
I’m having a hard time smiling. I read Steph’s post before your blog. I’m so happy that at least I made it to Sock Summit 2011. We’ll all get over this and move forward, but my heart is wrung with pity for all our dashed hopes. It’s going to be some time before I get over this. I miss you Tina already.
Love, cheers and red wine at 3:00 p.m.
Tina (and your wonderful crew(s) who miraculously ran Sock Summit 2009 & 2011) … Thank you, thank you, thank you. I made it to SS11 (with the inimitable Hazel) in person; I “participated” in SS09 by knitting a pair of socks for the Sock Museum. (As well as compulsively reading all blogs I could find that chronicled events there.) Sock Summit was magical, wonderful, fantastic.
I love Debbi’s quote from Dr. Seuss; it’s perfect in this situation.
And Hazel? Think about the SS11 flash mob — guaranteed to bring at least a wee quirk of a smile to your face.
With many a hug,
Sarah
Ok, well. Here’s my current philosophy – two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time (try though we might). In order to create space for something new, you have to let go of the existing. Not especially easy, but the payoff…
I know that you showed me such kindness when I attended Knot Hysteria a couple years back that I can never adequately give back, except to pay it forward. Thanks Tina. You are the real deal.
I have no words. I’ll email you again later. I want to try to express what the retreats have meant to me—not sure there are words that can adequately express that.
Right now I’m too devastated. I love you and Steph both so much and wish only the best for both of you.
Tamara
Tina,
I’m kind of there with Tamara.
Sad that certain events which unfolded in my personal life kept me from attending the last retreat.
Happy though, that I made lifelong friends at your retreats. I’d never have met Connie, Stephen, Rebecca, Tamara or any of the other wonderful people I met had you and Steph not been who you are. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Happy that I was able to get to know you in person. I may not see you often (ever), but I think of you and the retreats often.
Happy that you are who you are, and the best is always yet to come. 😉
Much love,
Lynae
Lynae
Tina, thank you for creating these events at which my mind was expanded to the possibilities of the fiber world and my heart was expanded by all of the new friends I made and have kept close to me.
And thanks to everyone who worked with you to make it possible.
peace,
Ellen
Thank you for all you did in this partnership…and thank you for all you will continue to do! I know it took a lot of courage to reach the decision and to execute it. Best of luck in all your futures!
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt and logo pint.
Hugs for the happy or not-so-happpy times and tissues for the tears.
All of it will always hold a special place in my memories as will Sock Camp.
Those you can’t take away from any of us.
I’m looking forward to the next great adventure.
Always thinking of what the next big thing will be in your world
and know some of it we don’t need to know.
Remember:
Looking forward is a good thing because then you won’t walk into a lamp post or trip over a curb.
Love ya!
Alice
Tina,
As I said on Steph’s blog – I’m saddened that this has happened. I am happy I got to see a Sock Summit and attend a couple retreats – and got to know you and learn from you. Thank you, and whatever you do in the future will be wonderful!
Of course I will miss these things going forward, but only because I was lucky enough to enjoy them in the past. I have shared some really fun, funny, and special moments with you, and I hope (know) our paths will cross again. (And I really think you should have let Marisol and Leslie talk you into some Fluevogs. Just sayin’.)
You and Steph were a class act together, and will be separately. The communities you created at Sock Summits 1 and 2, and the Sock Camps and the Knot Hysteria retreats were a part of my life. I’ll find new ways to get together with each of you. I love each of you and I know that when it is time for some endeavor to end, another will begin with new energy. Take a deep breath and wait for the energy to return.
It’s hard to be the fireworks all the time. Sometimes you have to be the dark sky and let the stars shine through. I’m thinking of you and sending you really big hugs and love. <3
~Sophia
My family’s motto is “Semper Gumby” (Always Flexible!). I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m delighted to be part of any of your adventures!
Tina,
You made history. In a brilliant and vivid way. Your handprint is on many hearts and souls that you’ve touched along your journey. If the bonds you’ve helped make could shine like stars, the world would be covered with the most beautiful web of knitters – you’re a true weaver.
Many well wishes and good thoughts to you and your loved ones. You deserve the best.
Katharine
Sending a huge hug and a wish for peaceful times and new inspiration. I love knowing you all and your shenanigans together have brought others must joy. I believe each of you will do many other wonderful and powerful things.
Tina, best wishes for ever! Follow your heart and your instincts. You brought a sense of joy to everything you did and may you find more in what ever you undertake in the future. Hope you make it to Rhinebeck, I remember you said you were working on it. You and Steph changed my life forever. If we could untangle that skein at camp, we can untagle any thing given enough time and patience.
Jerre
Because of the wonderful community that you two created, it’s quite difficult not to think that this is about US….the folks that attended these events and who were a part of the community you broght together. We all had wonderful experiences, personal growth and made lifetime friends….
But, while we were a part of it, it’s really not about us. It’s about you and Stephanie. And, if now is the time for this segment of your collective journeys to take a left at the fork in the road, then that is the right thing. None of us, not you, not Stephanie, not me or Sam or Marianne, or any of us will ever be the same again. And, that is a gift. We now share a collective psyche. No words can really express how significant this all is. You two have changed the world. I believe that. And I am truly grateful to have been included on the fiber train. Thank you.
And, I know that this is not the last time that we see the amazing and wonderful things that you two will accomplish. I, for one, can’t wait!
Until then, virtual hugs to the both of you! [ ]
Kirstin
Well said, Kirsten…..well said! Those of us who have attended the retreats will never be the same. It can’t be explained to those who haven’t attended, but those who have know what we mean.
Hope to see you again someday.
Tamara
I have to be teary because it’s over before I can move on to smiling because it happened…
I feel very selfish that my first reaction was sadness for myself, when it is far harder for you to let it go… I want to thank you for the two wonderful retreats I was so unbelievably lucky to have been able to go to at Port Ludlow. Those were the best trips I’ve ever had, bar none (including Europe on the Rhine). Your dyeing class was my favorite at both the silk and color retreats (I still fantasize about running away with my dog to come work for you as a dyer). I had planned to go to the next sock camp.
But you know, I’m so grateful I got to do those things, and you’re half of what made them happen, and I am so glad to have met you and learned from you… I’ve been so lucky to have had so many outstanding teachers in my life. What incredible things you accomplished, what incredible gifts you gave to all, with Knot Hysteria.
Wishing you the best in whatever direction you go next.
I love you both. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories. I am looking forward to the future and all of the good things I know it will bring!
Sending love and good thoughts your way. There’s an entire world of color-loving knitters that you have inspired all these years. As things evolve, we learn more about who we are and what’s really important. Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration you’ve offered to so many through your business and collaboration. I’m looking forward to hearing about your next great adventure!
Tina, love and hugs to you also. So sad that both of you have to feel this pain as you move forward but know that we are all behind you and trust that you’ve made the right decision for you. You are both amazing and talented women and we are lucky to have been on the receiving end of your gifts.
I’m sorry to hear this, but cherish the memories of both Sock Summits and the first Silk Retreat. Thank you and your team for making them happen. Best wishes for all good things.
Hi Tina,
I am sorry to hear about the difficult decision you and Stephanie had to make. It has come to an end however there were many seeds planted and many new knitters found, communities created, knowledge shared and friendships made. I got to know you through the hilarious and touching entries on Stephanie’s blog and am glad I have found you here so I can continue to follow your creative adventures.
On to the next adventure.
L
From Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
There’s always tomorrow,
For dreams to come true,
Believe in your dreams
Come what may.
There’s always tomorrow,
With so much to do,
And so little time in a day.
We all pretend
The rainbow has an end
And you’ll be there my friend someday.
There’s always tomorrow,
For dreams to come true,
Tomorrow is not far away.