Your boundaries are not for keeping others on the outside, but for protecting your peace on the inside.
Deanna Talwalkar
INTRODUCTION
Background Story
The Peace Framed Decor is a crochet pattern worked with tapestry crochet and cross stitch technique. Along with the Joy Framed Decor, they make a matching set.
When I was younger, I used to think that inner peace is entirely an inner quality. Something you feel on the inside despite what happens in the outside world. This might be true, but now I believe that inner peace is something that can’t be achieved unless you set proper boundaries. And these boundaries can be both internal and/or external.
These past two years have been very hard on everyone. The pandemic turned the world upside down. Many lost loved ones. Others got their health jeopardized. At a very personal level, the snowball that has been rolling for many years finally got too big to bear, and my entire believe system came crushing down. Anxiety, depression and resentment took over my life, and I started to question everything… every decision that I’ve made in the past. I lost peace. And that was a scary thing to feel.
The lockdown and social distancing that happened with the pandemic were a blessing in disguise. They gave me the time I needed to do counseling, to face myself and my fears, to reflect and to settle my soul. Counseling gave me a new perspective on the things that happened in my life. Being able to talk to someone without them judging you or diminishing how you feel helped a lot. I can’t thank my counselor enough for all her wisdom, patience and guidance. She made me realize the importance and the necessity of boundaries, whether they were internal or external. And that you are not a bad person for setting up boundaries. Boundaries are necessary to protect the peace on the inside. Boundaries are healthy, boundaries are necessary for you to grow and learn.
A year later, peace started to come back. I’ve set many physical and emotional boundaries to get where I am now. There is still a lot of room for improvement, and I am still a work in progress. But now I know what are the tangible steps that I can take to guard my heart and mind.
Meaning of the Chinese Characters 平安
The Chinese characters “平安” (píng ān) together means “peace” or “safe and sound”. The character “平” (píng) means “flat” or “level”, and is often used to describe a state of being calm or peaceful. The character “安” (ān) means “safe” or “peaceful”, and is often used to convey a sense of security or well-being.
Together, “平安” represents the idea of a peaceful and safe state, both physically and mentally. It is often used as a greeting or well-wish to express a desire for someone to stay safe and happy.
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PATTERN DETAILS
The Peace Framed Decor is an advanced beginner tapestry crochet pattern with a touch of cross-stitch. The Chinese characters 平安 (ping-an) are worked with the tapestry crochet technique, while the English word “Peace” and the hearts are worked with cross-stitch.
The pattern guides you step by step through tapestry crochet and cross stitch, with clear written instructions, pictures and video tutorials.
If this is your first time coming across a tapestry crochet project, I have a series of Tapestry Crochet Tutorial that I would suggest you check out before you start this project. The tutorial provides simple patterns for you to practice as well. The type of tapestry crochet that I used for the Peace Framed Decor crochet pattern is the one that I called Two-Directional Flat Tapestry Crochet.
If this is your first time trying cross stitch on crochet, take a look at this quick video. It is really easy! Besides this video, I also have very detailed written instructions and picture tutorial in the pattern to guide you along the way.
MATERIALS NEEDED
To work on this pattern, you will need:
- Peace Framed Décor crochet pattern by Haven Crochet Designs
- Caron One Pound yarn (this is a thicker #4 worsted weight yarn; 454g/16oz, 742m/812yds per ball)
- Main Color (White) – approx. 250 yds
- Contrast Color A (Black) – approx. 100 yds
- Contrast Color B (Country Rose) – approx. 10 yds
- 4mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- (1) 20” x 16” picture frame (I used RIBBA frame from IKEA)
- Blocking mat, pins, spray bottle with water
DIMENSSIONS
The finished project measures approximately 20″ (W) x 16″ (H). It fits perfectly in a 20″ x 16″ picture frame. In the event that you cannot find a picture frame, I give you some suggestions in the pattern to make this project frameless!
COPYRIGHT
This pattern and associated images are copyright protected and the sole property of Haven Crochet Designs. The pattern is for personal use only and may not be redistributed, transferred, or sold. Please do not alter the pattern in order to claim it as your own. Items produced from my patterns may be sold at your discretion. However, I kindly ask that you credit me as the designer and provide a link back to my site www.havencrohetdesigns.com, or provide my social media handle @havencrochetdesigns. For more details, see Terms and Conditions.
