I sat down a few times to write something and really struggled. Somehow, it is hard to go about the small day to day things that we take for granted and not think about those that no longer have that luxury…..I have found my thoughts have been so scattered. I am way behind in blog reading and responding.
Sadness and tragedy will always be a part of life, but in order to go on with living, sometimes all we can do, is to do the best that we can for those that are suffering, and then give ourselves permission to keep on living, without guilt.
What I did on the first day of school…..
Now there are moms who really lament the end of summer and the children going back to school………..but………..I’m not one of them! I love my children very much, but I also enjoy the ability to think an entire thought without being interrupted, so I relish those first few days of stillness and quiet when the kids board the school bus again…….
here’s what I did during school hours….
I showed you a picture of some very pretty mountain color alpaca yarn that I have been saving last week. I went back and forth trying to decide whether to use it in a sweater or use if for a Ruana. Because I am menopausal (eeekkk……i can’t believe I am using such a term to describe myself!!), and am suffering from the random attacks of the hot~flash monster, I rarely wear worcestered weight sweaters. I lean more towards vests and jumperweight sweaters, so the Ruana won out.
I am using 2 strands of the alpaca blend and one strand of cascade. To make a ruana, you make one shawl on the loom, push it back against the frame, make another shawl over it and then stitch them together. It is tedious keeping the 3 strands from splitting, but I think it is going to be worth the work in the end. I like the way the colors are working up against each other. A Ruana is more like a jacket than a shawl and stays on your shoulders so much better. It will also give me a chance to use the lovely celtic shawl pin that I purchased last year in Rhinebeck as well.
I have also started another lotus blossom scarf. This time I am trying a larger sized knitting needle and like the way it is coming out. Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture the pretty colors in this Mint Chocolate Roving. It is much prettier than in the picture.
The pattern is a little more visible and the softness of the fingering
weight yarn shows a little better, with the larger needle and I can
still get a full scarf out of 2 oz of roving..
I am getting a wee bit sick of knitting it, as I have done 3 in the last few weeks, but I want to work out all of the bugs before I put the kit up on my website. One thing I can say, is that it has a nice rhythm to it and the pattern is easy to memorize.
and a peek………
The Woolen Rabbit 
Lotus blossom scarf is so beautiful!
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Me too! Happy when they go back. Good for them/good for me! But the change can be unsettling and make us feel disoriented. Fiber adventures always help. 🙂
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A ruana for your new little black dress! (I’m a trouble-maker, aren’t I?)
The scarf looks yummy.
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I imagine it is lovely in that chocolate mint – since I knit a version in that myself for a friend!
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Boy, am I with you on the scattered thing (also, unfortunately on the menopausal thing!). How can one focus when there’s this big calamity going on?
I have been thinking about a ruana for ages now – it really does sound like a good idea 🙂
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I’m feeling scattered, too, and I appreciate friends like you do post. Every time I try, it turns into a rant.
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I understand the scattered feeling as I am in the same place. I get comfort from knitting, but have a hard time settling on other tasks. I read knitting blogs very sporadically now, and can’t seem to find sufficient words to post. It’s hard to go about every day life when others are so displaced and grieving their loss of home, family and more. You’re right though that we need to go on, for our suffering does not aleve their suffering. We must find a way to give what we can to help and go on, aware that they will need our prayers and help for a long time to come.
A handknitted ruanna has been on my to-do list for awhile. I think they are marvelous to throw on during those in-between weather times.
I miss my kiddo when she goes back to school, but I also enjoy the uninterrupted time to accomplish more.
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I’m not one of them either! Fancy that. 🙂 I can’t believe how much more energy I have once they go back. More for them, more for me. The ruana is beautiful. I salute your patience!
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You and your blog are a real inspiration … you do such amazing work. I never cried when school reconvened either!
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ooooh!tell me more about that triangle loom… although I shouldn’t be asking as I am supposedly downsizing the equipment and stash but your shawl looks cushy!
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Sometimes I think, after I’ve done all I can for those in terrible trouble (which is far too little), all I can really accomplish is to make my work and space as peaceful as I can. Maybe, somehow, that helps, too.
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A ruana. I have learned something new today. And I just love it! I cannot wait to see the finished item. On you, of course, menopausal or not!xox
Enjoy your time while the kids are at school. It goes by way too fast! The hours slip away and they are walking through the door again.
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I haven’t been up to much recently, but whatever. I just don’t have much to say lately. Basically nothing happening to speak of. So it goes. My mind is like a complete blank. Such is life.
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