I've been following the Occupy Wall Street Movement since it started and admiring its creativity from afar. I enjoyed reading about their Millionaire March and seeing the photos of Pete Seeger lead a crowd through the city to the tune of "We Shall Overcome." I love that when they had their generators removed by the city, they began using bicycles to power their electronics. It's a movement with spunk, for sure. I mean, spunk: anyone who is willing to camp in New York City for months at a time has some grit. Even with the finest, driest sleep and camp gear, it would be more than uncomfortable.
It's cold out right now, and I'll knit a second pair of these for an occupier. I'll wear these to a protest, and to just quietly protest in my own way--while going to the post office or riding the subway. I cannot think of a more peaceful way to protest than putting on a pair of cozy mittens.
While I worked on these, I also thought of all the people who've lost their homes to foreclosure. It makes me terribly sad to imagine someone losing a home. Owning a home stands for something to us. It means we've achieved a societal goal. To own something is to be a bit of a king or queen--no matter how small our house or plot of land. Some of those kings and queens will be homeless this winter--maybe for the first time and having never imagined such a fate would find them.
You can find the free pattern on
Ravelry and on this blog. Enjoy your mittens. Stay warm. Occupy.
