My apologies for the gaps in time between our postings these days. Fall, my favorite time of year, always ends up being the busiest time. Also I don't write as often as I could because I worry I'll bore you with whining about time passing too quickly and always feeling behind the eight ball. So having said that, forgive me the following...
Time has been a popular topic for several of us lately. Have you ever noticed that other peoples' time seems more expansive than yours? I am a faithful reader of the wonderful blog from Finland, Dances with Wools (www.lenealve.blogspot.com), and I let myself get swept up in the fantasy that this wonderful woman does nothing but knit and spin, all day long. I long for the hours she spends, quietly knitting by her lake or woodstove. I long for the serenity she appears to have cornered. I fantasize that I am cranking out lace shawls and beautiful knee socks at the (perceived) rate she does. When I get really overwhelmed, I long for the days when I had nothing to do but stay home and spin and knit all day.
Then I remember that this woman has three teenage daughters, a husband, pets, and undoubtedly has to go to town to shop, make meals, and clean a house like the rest of us. And while she may be an expert knitter, knitting lace still takes time, no matter how awesome you are, and she really doesn't probably crank these out on a weekly basis, as per my fantasies. Last, but not least, I remind myself that when I had nothing to do but spin, weave, knit, read, nap and whatever else all day long, I was BORED, because I lacked the stimulation that having the shop and so many wonderful, creative people to share it with has provided. So dang! Where's the balance?
Speaking of someone who gets lots of projects finished, here's a picture of my friend Nancy. She kept coming in and buying oodles of skeins of Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino, and I was wondering what the heck she was doing with all of it. She appeared the other day with this gorgeous baby afghan as proof she's not just stuffing the sofa with it. As is always the case, the photo doesn't let you see how absolutely precious this was. It was crocheted using a pattern we don't carry (one of those on page flyer patterns from Hobby Lobby, sorry, can't recall the company or name). I'm sure you all know this, but you can click on these pictures I post and see them in larger format; perhaps then you can see the delicate colors she has chosen for this.
I have managed to squeeze in some knitting after my hours at the spinning wheel each evening...and here's my latest creation, my "play" sweater for winter made of the new yarn from Berroco, Keltic. The way it changes colors keeps me interested and the knitting is fast and easy. This is my favorite all time sweater pattern, the Neck Down Pullover from Knitting Pure & Simple. I decided, since fall is already definitely in the air, to add a turtleneck (comfort for my chins) and lots of ribbing on the cuffs to keep the warm in. A blend of wool and acrylic, I think this will be the perfect sweater for me, not too hot.
The newsletter is almost done. With any luck at all, it will be on our website by Tuesday. I'll be sure and let you know, if you aren't already on our e-mailing list. For those of you coming for Wool Festival, please make note of our special hours for that weekend.
Before I forget...Terri Ranck's class has now exploded into two classes, one on Thursday 10/5 and the second on Friday 10/6. If you haven't registered yet and are still trying to decide, this is my final warning that you probably should decide soon, because we won't be scheduling a third class! ---Martie
