NeuroDivine

reflections on faith, church life, and the holy in unexpected places

Otto holds the first stitch

Wooden knitting needles crossed on a soft blanket with loose blue yarn, no stitches yet, gentle light and calm setting

Written during dialysis, where even slow stitches can begin 

I long to learn the knitter’s art,
   Though clueless where to start;
My needles wait within their bag,
   And wool tugs at my heart.

But Otto sits beside my chair—
   His calm is soft and true;
He says, “We’ll take it slow, my friend,
   One loop is all we’ll do.”

If dialysis must claim these hours,
   Then let them gentle be:
A place where paws and patient hands
   Can learn collaboratively.

So teach me just the first small stitch,
   The rest will slowly grow;
With Otto’s steady, plushy faith,
   I’ll find the row to go.

Reflection

Miriam’s gift waits patiently beside me—wool, needles, and possibility.
I haven’t begun yet, but perhaps today is the day: one small stitch, gently, enough.

Anyone any ideas? Let me know.

© 2026 Michael McFarland Campbell. This work may be shared for non-commercial use with attribution. For other uses, please get in touch.

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Michael McFarland Campbell

Michael McFarland Campbell is a neurodivergent liturgical writer, organist, and storyteller living with chronic illness and fierce compassion. Rooted in Benedictine spirituality, his work transforms everyday routines—dialysis, knitting, walking, pain management—into sacred reflections. Through humour, advocacy, and creative care, he uplifts the dignity of the misunderstood and inspires inclusive acts of hope, connection, and healing.

3 responses to “Otto holds the first stitch”

  1. fortunately37094ed5aa Avatar
    fortunately37094ed5aa

    Has anyone shown you how to cast on? The first thing you need to do is create a row of loops on the needle. I prefer crochet – I cope better with one stitch at a time xx

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    1. Michael McFarland Campbell Avatar
      Michael McFarland Campbell

      Not yet, this is part of the problem. I will look on YouTube. There is bound to be advice there.

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      1. fortunately37094ed5aa Avatar
        fortunately37094ed5aa
        1. Pull out a long tail of wool and, keeping the ball on your right side, grip the tail in your left fist. keep your left thumb up as if you were trying to hitch a lift.
        2. From the ball of wool side take the free wool in your right hand and wind it clockwise around your thumb.
        3. Take the needle in your right hand and insert it upwards through the loop so needle rests on your thumb.
        4. Grip the needle to hold it in place with left hand’s forefinger – it makes a kind of needle holder
        5. grip the free wool on the right side and curl it around the needle between the thumb and needle clockwise
        6. holding the needle shaft in right hand draw it backwards, keeping the loop of wool on the needle and ease the loop that is still around the thumb across the point of the needle from left to right and pull it tightly but not too tight
        7. repeat these steps for each new stitch.
          I practised this just now using a pen and a spare ball of wool because I’ve no idea where my knitting needles are! Hope this helps xx

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Cover of "A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses.
March 2026
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