September 3

Greetings! Autumn is in the air, along with the goldenrod... so many folks are eagerly awaiting the first hard frost. We haven't had it up here yet, though it's been in the 40's at night. As much fun as I've had working on my crocheted blanket of many colors, I've missed my knitting too. So couldn't resist this new shade of Sublime Organic Merino. I'm not even a blue person, but I couldn't resist this color (!) and I have so many stitch markets from Terii (Velvet Hippo, see my Links) that I can color coordinate to any project ;) I followed the pattern called Evangeline Cowl, found here:

http://orinda5.blogspot.com/2009/01/evangeline-cowl.html

I thought it was kind of cute that she wrote the pattern to use a DPN (as some of us do) instead of cable needle, I guess that's what she uses. Whatever works.... I've been known to put out a bobby pin and cable with it ... in a pinch. I used size 6 circulars and was able to complete it with one skein, not bad for all those cables! Color number is 0191. The only thing I changed was to add an extra purl row at each end... I like the cables a bit more 'framed'.

My boys are grown now, though I still knit for them from time to time, but this time of year was always 'mitten time' when they were little. I'd start to look for yarn in August and September, and by the end of September/October they were set for the winter. But I do it now for myself, and will start a hat soon for Paul. I was thinking about it the other day, why we do what we do. The act of knitting itself, I know, is what we all love.... and I've done it for so many years now that it's second nature to me. But many are just as happy running to the store to buy the gloves, scarves and hats to see them through. No idea where they're made, what they're made of... So why is making them important to me/us? I like the idea of being independent, of creating something that's not throw away, that won't fall apart after a few weeks/months. That was created with love and care. Something that could have been purely utilitarian, plain... but instead, color was added, or cables... or beads, and I realize... it's what feeds our souls.

I had another nice afternoon at Northeast Fiber Arts for our monthly 'knit in'. Jen once again created a beautiful felted work of art! She amazes me... her felt work is a feast for the eyes. See her 'fascinator' here! It's not a hat... it's a fascinator (cocktail party hat)! Jen will be holding a felted hat party the end of November... we'll be having tea & crumpets! An excellent baker too, so we'll all be in for a treat. She's having a class so anyone can make their own fascinator, that's one I think I'll do! Even the lovely lace over the face is knit.

http://www.northeastfiberarts.com/gallery.php

I think the berries have pretty much past, but it was fun to pick in the yard and we sure enjoyed them. I did a Baguette for tonight that I just had to show the inside of... sometimes it's fun when it's all about the lining.

Hope you all enjoy the long weekend, do something good for yourself and for goodness sake good women... knit on!

Till next week,
Martha.