‘Tis a joy to be simple,
tis a joy to be free,
tis a joy to come down where we ought to be…’
an excerpt from Simple Gifts.
Earlier this summer Ken and I became supporting members of the Canterbury Shaker Society in Canterbury, NH. As the shaker community ages, it’s membership is sadly dwindling. In order to preserve the rich history and impeccable workmanship of the Shakers, many of the old New England Shaker communities have become working museums.
Canterbury’s Shaker organization not only offers tours of the many buildings that were and are still used by the few shakers left, but also many wonderful workshops and entertaining programs. To read an interesting article about the New England Shaker communities, take a visit here.
Today we ventured down to see the Enfield Shaker Singers, from another Shaker society in Enfield, NH, who were performing in Canterbury. What a treat! The singers, all very talented, performed what would have been a typical church service and let me tell you, those Shakers knew how to have fun in church! Many of the songs were reminiscent of Irish pup songs, only with words of course that reflected their beliefs. The audience was toe tapping and clapping along. The words of those from years ago, still hold many truths for today.
Shakers believed in living a simple and useful life………….very inspiring!
………….
And yes, even a little knitting……………..
Lest you think that I have completely forgotten that this is kind of a fiber blog :-)…..I have been knitting.
I must admit that I am a bit happy to be knitting something other than hats…LOL On the needles is a scarf of my own creation using a skein of my Red Maple Sock yarn and a skein of Doucuer et Soie. I am working the scarf lengthwise, alternating rows of knit and purl ribs and I will put a ruffle along the bottom edge (if I can figure out how..)
I love the combination of the 2 yarns…..it is making for a very soft and colorful scarf!
The Woolen Rabbit 
Such beautiful pictures of NH. I love the way your scarf looks as bright and beautiful as the maple trees in the background. Can’t wait to see it done.
Ruinwen
🙂
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Such beautiful pictures of NH. I love the way your scarf looks as bright and beautiful as the maple trees in the background. Can’t wait to see it done.
Ruinwen
🙂
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I went to the Shaker Village there once and really enjoyed it. I’m sure I’d enjoy it even more now, with my interest in things of the fiber-y world.
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I went to the Shaker Village there once and really enjoyed it. I’m sure I’d enjoy it even more now, with my interest in things of the fiber-y world.
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When you are ready for the ruffle, knit into the front, back and front of each stitch, then knit as long or wide as you want the ruffle and cast off…loosely!
great scarf and lovely colour.
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When you are ready for the ruffle, knit into the front, back and front of each stitch, then knit as long or wide as you want the ruffle and cast off…loosely!
great scarf and lovely colour.
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Hello,
I d love to visit a Shaker church
service.I liked it when you said those Shakers know how to have fun in Church.
It is good to have fun in Church.
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Hello,
I d love to visit a Shaker church
service.I liked it when you said those Shakers know how to have fun in Church.
It is good to have fun in Church.
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I’ve always liked the simplicity and craftmanship of Shaker furniture. There is beauty in simplicity. Enjoyed all your photos.
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I’ve always liked the simplicity and craftmanship of Shaker furniture. There is beauty in simplicity. Enjoyed all your photos.
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That is one of the cleanest sheeps ever. It even looks like it was brushed recently.
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That is one of the cleanest sheeps ever. It even looks like it was brushed recently.
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Oh, LOVELY, Kim…..
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Oh, LOVELY, Kim…..
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Lovely photos – you and Judy are making me very very homesick for a proper New England fall!
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Lovely photos – you and Judy are making me very very homesick for a proper New England fall!
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I love the Shaker Community. When I made a trip to Massachusetts a few years back, I really enjoyed our visit to the Shaker community there. I’m so glad you are involved in preserving this very unique, simple and interesting lifestyle.
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I love the Shaker Community. When I made a trip to Massachusetts a few years back, I really enjoyed our visit to the Shaker community there. I’m so glad you are involved in preserving this very unique, simple and interesting lifestyle.
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