ClassicCableKnits

I finished the lovely Noro sweater I was working on over Christmas break. It was so much fun to knit and came out really comfy.

 I love the pockets. I’m finding that I adore pockets on my cardigans. I suppose it’s a phase – but it’s a wonderful phase.

I wore the sweater one day and then thought, “You know, my mom would really, really, really like this sweater”.

Doesn’t she look just fabulous in it? Very artistic and cozy! So the sweater found a new home. Isn’t that just the best thing about knitting though! I love giving it away to friends who really enjoy it.

I gave a shawl away to a neighbor on Sunday. She came over and was really discouraged because she had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. I went down and got one of my shawls and told her she must put it on whenever she feels alone to remind herself that she’s in a community.

It’s a reminder to knit for those kind of occasions. Knit and put things away to give for special moments.

I felt like I could afford to give things away because I had just finished my beautiful Ravi. Oh, it is lovely. If you haven’t made one – you should. The pattern is beautifully written.

Just lovely, isn’t it. I love the yarn too – it is a discontinued Garnstudio Angora/Wool blend, sport weight and it is just too gorgeous to knit with. (And wear).

What am I reading? Oh, my. “Farewell to the East End” by Jennifer Worth of “Call the Midwife” fame arrived in my mailbox and I have been eating it up. Again, it’s not for the timid or young children. It has some strong, disturbing stories that remind you how grateful we should be to be living in the hear and now. It has certainly reminded me to be grateful for every comfort I have and take nothing for granted. I’m eager to get back to it….

Happy Knitting and Happy Yarn Along

Joining with Ginny and all the other lovely knitters….

One of the reasons I love winter is you don’t feel bad for snuggling down in the living room with pots of tea and knitting. When summer is upon us there are always lots to do in the garden and lovely farmer’s markets to attend. But the winter just beckons you to sit down and rest a bit.

And that’s exactly what I did with Heather and our friend Janet on Saturday.
I had received four teas from my sister in law in Germany for Christmas. I had tried several of them and found them remarkable. So I decided to set up a Saturday tea where we could leisurely have a tea tasting. It was so much fun!

As the tea flowed our crafting mess came out. There was lots to show for we hadn’t met in December or November (I think) =)

Janet had a beautiful granny square blanket to share that made me just want to go make one right away! Isn’t it beautiful! And the perfect size for a lap or a sweet little baby!

The tea kept flowing and we kept talking. Heather shared her knitting goals for the next few months. And I thought how fun that would be to list some knitting goals for yourself. Later in the day I sat down at my computer and went through my Ravelry favorites. I printed off the ones I really wanted to knit and have saved them in a pretty folder I am not keeping in my knitting bag. It’s kind of fun to look through!

We had so much fun tasting all the teas and talking about them we decided to form a “tea tasting” group. After all the three of us are already a knitting, crochet, book club; why not add tea tasting to the club’s description! =) So, we put a few teas on order for the next three months!

When the morning that had slipped into the afternoon was drawing to a close the room looked like this – books, fiber, yarn, knitting all around.

And the three of us left filled to the brim with inspiration and contented happiness.