tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20870251364916268022024-03-29T04:41:13.624-07:00Prairie SpiritsJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.comBlogger475125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-40263498667302014422024-03-27T11:24:00.000-07:002024-03-27T11:24:49.085-07:00Sweater Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeWw-vYcgYFbm0HaYsSavW3uP16iLaTIoemHuKmaT07y4R1aYFftzhWgj28aO0DOJx81CKuW7RgTSM3IIHu6AbOVEui6E2w_n_FNNQf3NXQ_PO7pDlDUvNvt-d5gJzSP24Azwgwk86UAluAxaiMhyphenhyphenwiDiyAsA89jFcP2RB8jMAANnNLmutMPWWcSx/s3557/IMG_9844.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="3557" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeWw-vYcgYFbm0HaYsSavW3uP16iLaTIoemHuKmaT07y4R1aYFftzhWgj28aO0DOJx81CKuW7RgTSM3IIHu6AbOVEui6E2w_n_FNNQf3NXQ_PO7pDlDUvNvt-d5gJzSP24Azwgwk86UAluAxaiMhyphenhyphenwiDiyAsA89jFcP2RB8jMAANnNLmutMPWWcSx/s320/IMG_9844.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. This morning is a chilly gray end to March. Late last week rain fell and then a snow shower blew through on Saturday. Yesterday morning greeted us with another dusting of snow. The days are cold, some windy, some still. March is winding down. The winter juncos still flit in and out of the yard but this morning I saw a gold finch sporting his brighter yellow feathers. Small early iris bloomed just before the cold returned. The friend that shared them with me called them "purple flags." Years ago I planted them all around the front of the perennial flower bed but very few remain. My friend, an avid gardener, moved away and then died several years ago. These little flowers are a sweet reminder of time spent with her. </p><p>Today I am happy to be posting with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unvavelers</a>. My computer overheated again. The shop here is very good and ran the second analysis at no charge but couldn't find any malfunction. Thanks to some ideas from my son, it is running normally. He thought a piece of software might be getting caught in endless looping. I also bought a new power strip for good measure. </p><p>Since I last posted, I fixed this sweater. How I ended up with so many extra inches is slightly mysterious. After blocking, both my row and stitch gauge were accurate but I had misread the bust measurement for the size I was making, thinking it was two inches smaller than was printed. That doesn't account for all of the difference though. Maybe the 1.5 inches I added to the yoke depth and the construction also contributed to the extra inches? </p><p>Since the yoke fit fairly well, I ripped back to the sleeve separation and cast on nine fewer stitches under each armhole. I knit two rounds and then decreased two additional stitches, one on each side of the back. Twenty fewer stitches removed four inches. Then I knit about an inch, blocked the sweater, (see the visible line in the photo) and it fit better. I knit the ribbing at the bottom of the sweater twice as the first go-around looked sloppy. Hopefully the visible line disappears on the next blocking.</p><p>Since the number of sleeve stitches is now different from the pattern, I calculated a new set of sleeve decreases. I'll try it on soon to check the sleeve circumference. Although I'd rather not, I'm prepared to rework parts of this sleeve. I've also washed and re-skeined the ramen yarn. There you have it, probably more than you ever wanted to know about this sweater. Who knows what will happen next. It's a good thing I'm enjoying the yarn. </p><p>The light is lousy today for photos. Anyway, I've added a few rows to the Sophie Shawl. While pondering the sweater, I cast on a sock but I haven't made much progress. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uLxr2QTMLFfSRaFMTTSYjEBDSC6ql32Uy228oSfiY_kjp-nMPSWQq25ttS-4pgJUkKln0pu6g0SdyAbmmBiNjzNzpl1GBgskhT3zaw0L1sUL5HFoZMtBCWq64ZtrdYa_iScX99020l95jT-f_X5u3QALfG1q84fjSbyUR9mHxztTrTl81qp1_Ow1/s4032/IMG_9834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uLxr2QTMLFfSRaFMTTSYjEBDSC6ql32Uy228oSfiY_kjp-nMPSWQq25ttS-4pgJUkKln0pu6g0SdyAbmmBiNjzNzpl1GBgskhT3zaw0L1sUL5HFoZMtBCWq64ZtrdYa_iScX99020l95jT-f_X5u3QALfG1q84fjSbyUR9mHxztTrTl81qp1_Ow1/s320/IMG_9834.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Last night I finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52639051-the-seed-keeper?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=0CtQZWmi5W&rank=2" target="_blank">The Seed Keeper</a> by Diane Wilson. This fiction is an example of a small press, Milkweed, publishing a well written book that might not garner attention of the bigger publishers. I loved the story of the generations of Dakho´ta women passing down seeds and caring for plants as a way to preserve their families, land, and history. The characters are beautifully written. Wilson writes a reverence for the land, the water, the plants, family ties, and the people. I will be thinking about this story for a long time. </p><p>I now return to Willa Cather's <u>The Song of the Lark.</u> I finished rereading it last week. I previously wrote about Cather's negative stereotyping of Native Americans and Mexicans. Near the end of that novel is a racial slur in reference to a hotel employee. I reread the section and honestly, nothing in the story depends upon that racist comment. After reading the slur on top of the stereotypes, the book lost much of it's luster for me. I realize that 1915, the date of original publication, was a different time but I hope any modern discussion of the novel includes that material. I am a different reader than I was the first time I read that novel. </p><p>So friends, I hope all is well and that your making treats you well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndoICOI30jND-m3Wn5j-yu_i5omBEPrfk9zwObiiPvH1cNU0GczZyeDWwIY5a8Hy8qu2Pw0HL1IYXaaA6QOGismC274zs8knYGL_GvEOoygWVZQfXySwQ53qd-ZakV6piieTInWIYQcQNO2GqQWBuiuXh7eSJU09xuUpyww5li_SmrJXfTule0b5M/s3769/IMG_9807.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3769" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndoICOI30jND-m3Wn5j-yu_i5omBEPrfk9zwObiiPvH1cNU0GczZyeDWwIY5a8Hy8qu2Pw0HL1IYXaaA6QOGismC274zs8knYGL_GvEOoygWVZQfXySwQ53qd-ZakV6piieTInWIYQcQNO2GqQWBuiuXh7eSJU09xuUpyww5li_SmrJXfTule0b5M/s320/IMG_9807.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/basket-weave-rib-socks-2" target="_blank">Basket Weaver Ribbed Socks</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-6785382568915177092024-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:002024-03-15T10:40:11.921-07:00TGIF 3.15.24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0QRB_JJHfSjLs1t3Q2Pk_KnVqotR5q9uTHOLa8ngsVxcApBO0I-Lm8Kx2kTFin_yjFnV49gQr-MdHGPJQl_ENhbSb8Y0XF9KAzHURGv4iWO2lGScsp9ne5hrCGpVfNdv5EKAXKpDGkZr92befj2BWAZyvhpLQhtnpx12RPmZ5GHr-Ty1L8T9UCc1/s3670/IMG_9808.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3670" data-original-width="2861" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0QRB_JJHfSjLs1t3Q2Pk_KnVqotR5q9uTHOLa8ngsVxcApBO0I-Lm8Kx2kTFin_yjFnV49gQr-MdHGPJQl_ENhbSb8Y0XF9KAzHURGv4iWO2lGScsp9ne5hrCGpVfNdv5EKAXKpDGkZr92befj2BWAZyvhpLQhtnpx12RPmZ5GHr-Ty1L8T9UCc1/s320/IMG_9808.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Spring arrives early here. While walking, I notice the green leaf tips on ornamental pear trees and the red fringe on maple leaves. These daffodils survived onslaught from the squirrels and bloom bravely on this chilly morning. On Tuesday, we drove two hours west of Lincoln to see the spring migration of the sandhill cranes. Once again, we stood on the pedestrian bridge over the Platte River at sunset. It was a perfect evening for being outdoors, warm for March and no wind. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUN5dLKa8oVVymujfe0n2VzY7GlwuCqOU-u0mk1iotubvJ_foddFlGwopeFFAciBMxC-gUwCYG0EO_AMw_9ILWfNP1Gs7wJXhHrPg3uSwtgzDsfQ3e24MMZGB07nSUeaoywfe0ByRO9D5r6JvBtluIdfOTMeAThg4g_9ht-JO6XGb668tnec8e6D4/s4032/IMG_9788.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUN5dLKa8oVVymujfe0n2VzY7GlwuCqOU-u0mk1iotubvJ_foddFlGwopeFFAciBMxC-gUwCYG0EO_AMw_9ILWfNP1Gs7wJXhHrPg3uSwtgzDsfQ3e24MMZGB07nSUeaoywfe0ByRO9D5r6JvBtluIdfOTMeAThg4g_9ht-JO6XGb668tnec8e6D4/s320/IMG_9788.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>This Friday, I am t<b>hinking</b> about the miraculous migration of so many birds. The record numbers of cranes migrating is heartening. The smell of the river, the ancient music of the cranes, the setting sun over the river are all part of the familiar experience. We arrived about mid-afternoon and found a spot to watch them feed and dance in a field. The <a href="https://outdoornebraska.gov/learn/nebraska-wildlife/nebraska-animals/birds/sandhill-cranes/#:~:text=Sandhill%20cranes%20that%20stop" target="_blank">Nebraska Game and Parks Commission</a> estimates the cranes consume 1600 tons of waste corn from nearby fields. Counts vary but well over 500,000 cranes spend time in the Platte River Valley. Conservation efforts to preserve the habitat and educate landowners as well as bird lovers are ongoing. This <a href="https://visitkearney.org/sandhill-cranes/" target="_blank">link</a> will take you to a short video about the migration. This year, just after sundown, birds roosted on the sandbar visible in the distance. That doesn't always happen. Sometimes they roost in another location.</p><p>I am <b>grateful</b> for rain that fell Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Our winter season has been dry. It's good to see damp earth, if only for a day or two. The rhythm of the seasons, this gradual unfolding of the Spring, even if early, is reassuring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMg4snwYwZliPgvuue7AYR1LJBu4z8egwoRlh72WjE99X-22tK0vXnLNrDcnCiUjfZfkZQkveZpp8iy27kKjAumdsDTcPzEHzJ3xrE3fJwlubeUsBhQ5ItRMczCtN_TJfgRGIvtAN_3wEpOlJgd6G8QAvGuIyL4YrJO7RVcVTBg9FA_tbmGUbBzoQ/s4032/IMG_1143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMg4snwYwZliPgvuue7AYR1LJBu4z8egwoRlh72WjE99X-22tK0vXnLNrDcnCiUjfZfkZQkveZpp8iy27kKjAumdsDTcPzEHzJ3xrE3fJwlubeUsBhQ5ItRMczCtN_TJfgRGIvtAN_3wEpOlJgd6G8QAvGuIyL4YrJO7RVcVTBg9FA_tbmGUbBzoQ/s320/IMG_1143.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I am <b>inspired </b>by the gentle comradery of strangers standing on the bridge. From the elderly gentleman pushing his wife in a wheelchair, the persons who made a space for her to see through the railing, the families teaching young children about sandhill cranes and the river, to the gentleman offering to share his binoculars with a fellow observer, everyone was kind. Standing shoulder to shoulder, we engaged in quiet (so as not to frighten the birds) conversation about the evening, the river, the sunset, the cranes, other natural wonders, and home towns. I listened to voices of women from Minnesota eager for a glimpse of Spring, a couple from Colorado, and a fellow Lincolnite who comes every year. A grandmother helped a little girl look at deer crossing the river. There were no raised voices or fraught accusations about red or blue states but instead a quiet wonder in this evening. Perfect strangers spent a few peaceful hours together. Here lies hope. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_7Izx7jAgh0J-yUtY-GTNCc2trParp8bJa-qe4foCV_iqgcUfS3_BtpfSBsgeFrrZHCp3WBl96P5Lis7UqtsqjNnonaW0JvicTyNSMD8277YKxBDjQBi_ZhIsncFGvHMHQoZbF6LeH8rvAIMqyv28X_nYL-Y4y5lRMcZzFKbp69a-nYuD8g9_YXp/s3931/IMG_9811.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2973" data-original-width="3931" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_7Izx7jAgh0J-yUtY-GTNCc2trParp8bJa-qe4foCV_iqgcUfS3_BtpfSBsgeFrrZHCp3WBl96P5Lis7UqtsqjNnonaW0JvicTyNSMD8277YKxBDjQBi_ZhIsncFGvHMHQoZbF6LeH8rvAIMqyv28X_nYL-Y4y5lRMcZzFKbp69a-nYuD8g9_YXp/s320/IMG_9811.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As for <b>fun, </b>I gathered some supplies for a project that's been brewing in my mind. I plan to create a version of a table runner I heard about a few years ago. Recently I ordered a back issue of Taproot Magazine to read more about the project. For me, patterns are only suggestions, so I'll likely adapt it as I go. </p><p>I wish you a good last weekend of winter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp2WdC_QbhwL63Wf6sn2RMz6OKfNQnZMljX1XispVaQAzjjflR3EGToUESpzE0ObC37dSKDEvpUu9FbihTtPnC5pP1z9hSCAw-a27xmzxhow6EeolqyGRUh0quwZVpKACrwbgga_aOUkj40pISSH2-UcDb1w32N6_fKwpDMYc_42zHKOorn8OWNcX/s3744/IMG_9795.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="2808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqp2WdC_QbhwL63Wf6sn2RMz6OKfNQnZMljX1XispVaQAzjjflR3EGToUESpzE0ObC37dSKDEvpUu9FbihTtPnC5pP1z9hSCAw-a27xmzxhow6EeolqyGRUh0quwZVpKACrwbgga_aOUkj40pISSH2-UcDb1w32N6_fKwpDMYc_42zHKOorn8OWNcX/s320/IMG_9795.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-85782956603966889472024-03-06T07:25:00.000-08:002024-03-06T07:25:00.137-08:00Early March<p>Hello Gentle Readers. Early this morning I woke to a flicker drumming on the metal top of the fireplace chimney. He is persistent in the spring, drumming to demonstrate prowess to potential mates. The first time we heard the metallic vibrations we thought we had a critter or a bird in the flue. Thank goodness that was not the case. This morning the wind is quiet under a mostly blue sky. A chickadee and junco flit in and out of the birch. The sun reflects off the brilliant head of the red-bellied woodpecker. The birds have been absent from this area for the last few days so it's nice to see them again. Sunday near sunset, a flock of sandhill cranes flew over, no doubt heading for their rest areas near the Platte River. Spring is stirring.</p><p>Wednesday is the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a> to post about knitting and reading. Knitting is sometimes an adventure. This sweater is too big, as in nine instead of four inches of positive ease around my chest. Good grief! I haven't ripped it out yet because I want to analyze my mistake or mistakes. I've knit other sweater patterns by this designer and never had a problem with fit so I know I've done something wonky. In the next few days, I hope to have some daylight hours to solve the puzzle. The yarn is too nice to knit into a sweater that sits in the drawer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoalmq2B37zuv2l_TCdqvEc657XZ6Wx8qCHSJJtMrchyjGZOJZIf2UA34wThEToabdb3FckEUf7V5ZRb9MkqPVR8E85aS_ATkIpnUD-6Hei2a8o5FINCavBRXE7ymS7IqL7VsUJlFCT2GQf0F8nOyV02xnILFvvvVedddzy-6igjMPVt_ADn-35sNz/s3661/IMG_9760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="3661" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoalmq2B37zuv2l_TCdqvEc657XZ6Wx8qCHSJJtMrchyjGZOJZIf2UA34wThEToabdb3FckEUf7V5ZRb9MkqPVR8E85aS_ATkIpnUD-6Hei2a8o5FINCavBRXE7ymS7IqL7VsUJlFCT2GQf0F8nOyV02xnILFvvvVedddzy-6igjMPVt_ADn-35sNz/s320/IMG_9760.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As a palette cleanser, I knit this little washcloth. I used KnitPicks Cotlin. I added extra increases but it is on the small side. Knit in soft colors, it would be a nice addition to a baby gift. Anyway, I put this one under a soap dish in a bathroom. It's a pattern I have always wanted to knit. Who knows why but it was a quick satisfying project. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dMXE17CryPhE5AGBpHbzh_m7-JhV3MrLhk5SSCq0hpgUQRCftHsp6s-QGloXb5Tq58cYyJYMiCV0f7vuL_1PvTPdB2Tf02hCDWkv_w1SB52qivWtzUT_Joswwiez9NA1ZGMMa9kyj7ItTCsHlb1sVCehCHs32vu_mwnhajGAoMFQL23xfIpC8c2C/s3609/IMG_9763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3609" data-original-width="2949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dMXE17CryPhE5AGBpHbzh_m7-JhV3MrLhk5SSCq0hpgUQRCftHsp6s-QGloXb5Tq58cYyJYMiCV0f7vuL_1PvTPdB2Tf02hCDWkv_w1SB52qivWtzUT_Joswwiez9NA1ZGMMa9kyj7ItTCsHlb1sVCehCHs32vu_mwnhajGAoMFQL23xfIpC8c2C/s320/IMG_9763.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><p>I added a few rows to the Sophie Shawl and finished my Scrappy Socks. I may have enough of the solid yarn of the heels and toes to knit a pair of socks with another yarn for contrast. Does leftover yarn multiply in the bottom of project bags?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnwH2nG13-Lx_0BZmkiXNHNX0gkYeFMpW5s42QQ6Aej7m_0VRhF4zYDnk4uLgr05X_68rQzOvXdEadpujGBHJ48K_yqWN1FKfCo8PbTOnDz8LZ6_kYoDGCpZHpKeQ-waai1tw01wZPNoZG4uXLHwHta8O_amYr_L_pA2CvJg-n_fyMXlE_hZm2NqT/s3445/IMG_9766.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3445" data-original-width="2511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnwH2nG13-Lx_0BZmkiXNHNX0gkYeFMpW5s42QQ6Aej7m_0VRhF4zYDnk4uLgr05X_68rQzOvXdEadpujGBHJ48K_yqWN1FKfCo8PbTOnDz8LZ6_kYoDGCpZHpKeQ-waai1tw01wZPNoZG4uXLHwHta8O_amYr_L_pA2CvJg-n_fyMXlE_hZm2NqT/s320/IMG_9766.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><p>I am about to abandon <u>Night and Day</u> published by Virginia Woolf in 1919. Woolf's writing includes interesting evocative metaphor and character description but the storyline of young adults navigating romantic relationships has less appeal. One young woman, used as a sounding board by other characters, works for the women's right to vote. However careers, men's or women's, are not the focus of the novel. I could also be missing the point so abandoning it might be my best option.</p><p>I continue to reread one of my favorite Cather novels, <u>The Song of the Lark</u> published in 1915. This is the story of a young woman finding her musical vocation and those who influence her along the way. Cather includes Native Americans and Mexicans in this novel. To a certain extent, her depiction of both groups relies on stereotypes but they are not invisible either. Romance in the Cather novel is about music and place. </p><p>Looking at the publication dates, made me curious about these two women. I discovered Cather and Woolf lived about the same time. Cather's letters* provide evidence that she read some of Woolf's work. I found an article suggesting the three part structure based on a house in <u>The Professor's House</u> by Cather may have influenced Woolf's structure in <u>To the Lighthouse</u>. </p><p>I'm off for a walk. I love light jacket or sweatshirt weather. I hope the change of season finds you well.</p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/candy-floss-socks-2" target="_blank">Scrappy Socks</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/bodhi-leaf-washcloth" target="_blank">Wash cloth</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>*<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18811369-the-selected-letters-of-willa-cather?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=j5PVJ64" target="_blank">The Selected Letters of Willa Cather</a></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-18537702207083882452024-02-29T10:38:00.000-08:002024-02-29T10:38:10.824-08:00Explore: February Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHhyphenhyphenOQOT4WErLDXgo9vppEWr9aPKIBk0hxDnHd3lyg1_zBh1YWiD2j4UD8WgM-cKuJ3ge3HywQvsMzeJNWZBB9gafS7ALGwOXeiXKRPNKMgpc2f7i1GKuiRksFDUIOPJTgfPXIG0HNRfccGedBnckEossGxqmbfUSXuioGKVBg2WWp46I244Seru/s4032/IMG_9609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHHhyphenhyphenOQOT4WErLDXgo9vppEWr9aPKIBk0hxDnHd3lyg1_zBh1YWiD2j4UD8WgM-cKuJ3ge3HywQvsMzeJNWZBB9gafS7ALGwOXeiXKRPNKMgpc2f7i1GKuiRksFDUIOPJTgfPXIG0HNRfccGedBnckEossGxqmbfUSXuioGKVBg2WWp46I244Seru/s320/IMG_9609.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hello Gentle Readers. This leap year day, the sky is blue and a brisk wind blows the clouds across the sky. I've picked up sticks and small branches several times. The March roller coaster weather arrived early with seventy nine degrees on Monday, a blustery cold Tuesday, and a low of eight degrees on Wednesday. Today the temperature bounces up to fifty degrees. The juncos are still in the garden and at the feeders. When they migrate out, winter is officially over. I did see a big flock of robins on Tuesday.</span></div><p>This is a post on my 2024 word, explore. </p><p>Since late last Fall, my writing practice felt stale and stuck so I set out to explore ways to reenergize my writing. I have more than a few books about writing that say similar things in slightly different ways. All have value and from time to time, I return to my favorites. I like Natalie Goldberg's freedom and the thoughtful approach in <u>The Joy of Mindful Writing</u> by Joy Kenward. Julia Cameron makes the point that anyone has <u>The Right to Write</u>. An older book that I started with, <u>Writing for Your Life</u> by Deena Metzger is dog-eared, full of bookmarks, and underlining. Although it might not be for everyone, her approach interested me. Most of the books on writing that I own were written by women although there are a few exception. </p><p>To date, I've resisted online writing communities as I prefer pen, paper, and privacy. Once I open a screen, distractions are harder to avoid. In January, I subscribed to James Crews' weekly newsletter, containing a poem and a prompt because I can look at it or not. I admire the poems collected in his anthologies. </p><p>I decided to wander though ideas about creativity. I am reading <u>The Creative Act</u> by Rick Rubin. What he has to say isn't earth shattering but a good reminder of what I have read elsewhere plus some new ideas. I appreciate his beginning statement saying he is recording his thoughts and that some, all, or none of them may be true. In other words, the reader should adopt what is useful to her. </p><p>Coincidentally I'm rereading Willa Cather's, <u>The Song of the Lark</u>, a story about a young girl from a small Western town who grows up to become a vocal music artist. It's a favorite and a way to read Cather's ideas about creative growth. I suspect she drew on her own experiences when creating the Thea Kronborg, the main character.</p><p>The concept of space when creating has appeared in my reading. It came up in both Rubin's book and <u>Enchantment</u> by May. Thea in <u>The Song of the Lark</u>, takes an extended trip to the Southwest to rejuvenate and consider her life as a performing artist. I wonder if Cather's trips in the Southwest did much the same for her. Fiction is another avenue for exploring space and creative pursuits. </p><p>These are my notes for February. I'm exploring ways to incorporate space in my writing practice. Space to be still, space where I can wander, space to write some pieces that should never see the light of day. Space to let poems and essays rest to see what they might want to become. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmj00i73ZxbfQ4rE98jdyLyQSqT36KoGUdv-gnmHiWAALiJVx2ZgZ9Ipl8D72UGsZXDlzGQAGGCwk8ffljtRQUG-RUYKOIU617iincnqb-VKwyYBmZBIXW-7wygAB1xWFHEEEf3DryVh-fA5TuyUP31MCjWA04JVTFjLThHM7qxXVdhdF2fJeShZU/s3215/IMG_9735.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="3215" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmj00i73ZxbfQ4rE98jdyLyQSqT36KoGUdv-gnmHiWAALiJVx2ZgZ9Ipl8D72UGsZXDlzGQAGGCwk8ffljtRQUG-RUYKOIU617iincnqb-VKwyYBmZBIXW-7wygAB1xWFHEEEf3DryVh-fA5TuyUP31MCjWA04JVTFjLThHM7qxXVdhdF2fJeShZU/s320/IMG_9735.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Thanks to <a href="https://youronewordblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a> for providing a link for posts about words of the year. </p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-51534463905343404772024-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:00:00.146-08:00February's End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKFBo3vnezi8-YYjpgFRWnty6LWuQawZcV25OmXZWEPPVlax_wAGwxyafLPYYH5wWJPhahk8aLrL15Uh-bEyvkpjA49CdblNCRT0TBBlwfWahqVmK6mec17FjtIlgLhOoUgdFMEEfDm3tTdMl9bmQe2SJoytIDE4-xSfyiHSvJ2YwehXOwRLyys4m/s3991/IMG_9742.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="3991" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKFBo3vnezi8-YYjpgFRWnty6LWuQawZcV25OmXZWEPPVlax_wAGwxyafLPYYH5wWJPhahk8aLrL15Uh-bEyvkpjA49CdblNCRT0TBBlwfWahqVmK6mec17FjtIlgLhOoUgdFMEEfDm3tTdMl9bmQe2SJoytIDE4-xSfyiHSvJ2YwehXOwRLyys4m/s320/IMG_9742.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. As I write on Tuesday to post on Wednesday, the wind blows a gale. The strong northwest wind brings cloud cover and colder temperatures. Other parts of the state may see snow but there is no moisture in our forecast. The finches and juncos hang on to the feeder as it bobs in the wind. Those tiny feet and claws must be strong. After a string of sixty and seventy degree days, the chives and daffodils are up out of the ground. I hope a few colder days keep plants from budding. If not, lilacs and fruit trees will get nipped. </p><p>Wednesday is the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a>. I worked on this sweater, separating the sleeves from the body, and then knitting a little over an inch. When I try it on, the sweater sits nicely on my shoulders but there is extra fabric in the yoke above the underarm. It may be fine with this amount of ease or it may need some adjustments. I'm wondering about ripping back and casting on fewer stitches at the underarm? Before I do anything, I plan to knit another inch or so and try it on again. Maybe blocking it would be a good idea too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6ioZa3sM75ajUdHQ_CdZ8CPozPdTQFM8T1hqLIx7Gz0R5Ub_wYjvTn5QqjMP7R-z54ieAr4IvhPhkG7rlPbVmRqQ6Q0HlM9conOnxa88GHQxAC3HTi51czuFSYpsRw1OJdcJWXpayiK8CH0Yr-7aclVVKPqCCaW4uiRrYXujn7m5VXcmXmWKrMMI/s3353/IMG_9744.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3353" data-original-width="2659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6ioZa3sM75ajUdHQ_CdZ8CPozPdTQFM8T1hqLIx7Gz0R5Ub_wYjvTn5QqjMP7R-z54ieAr4IvhPhkG7rlPbVmRqQ6Q0HlM9conOnxa88GHQxAC3HTi51czuFSYpsRw1OJdcJWXpayiK8CH0Yr-7aclVVKPqCCaW4uiRrYXujn7m5VXcmXmWKrMMI/s320/IMG_9744.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><p>The heel of the first scrappy sock felt better in the light of day. So while I pondered my sweater options, I knit on the socks and made good progress. Scrappy socks are cousins to those from self-striping yarns. The knitting seems to go more quickly. Not that knitting is ever a race but you know what I mean. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf4r0U5oMgr9eMThIBjKMCs5nEgLtSP87re-OvVZ0uVRv07Q2C7lxDNiHxQllX6uGl0KGEFEJ8bM2QhoYJ2rGjpwieKBwirFgIr8lGFbH9VF1SpNEgOYRlwr0zeXpPp4VYThuGlH_z0prJbU5Nc8eatoOCl7hL3_uV-fYk0l0nFcf9GT61qfhsgsG/s3718/IMG_9745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3718" data-original-width="2929" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGf4r0U5oMgr9eMThIBjKMCs5nEgLtSP87re-OvVZ0uVRv07Q2C7lxDNiHxQllX6uGl0KGEFEJ8bM2QhoYJ2rGjpwieKBwirFgIr8lGFbH9VF1SpNEgOYRlwr0zeXpPp4VYThuGlH_z0prJbU5Nc8eatoOCl7hL3_uV-fYk0l0nFcf9GT61qfhsgsG/s320/IMG_9745.jpeg" width="252" /></a></div><p>I cast on a Sophie Shawl/Scarf using yarn I bought last September with a birthday gift card. The yarn is a bit of a splurge and the blush color makes me think of Spring. It's a good end-of-winter knit.</p><p>This week I unraveled a cowl. I wasn't enjoying the project. Honestly I have a couple of cowls I wear but am more likely to reach for a scarf or shawl. I love the colors in the Fibernymph Dyeworks mini skein set and so I frogged the project and wound up the yarn for another day. </p><p>As for reading, I was listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/91274427-what-you-are-looking-for-is-in-the-library?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=IJkPfhddHN&" target="_blank">What You Are Looking for is in the Library</a> by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison Watts. The narrator for the male voices was driving me crazy. Since this is the selection of my local group and I'm enjoying the story, I plan to pick up a hard copy from the library. The characters' stories are formulaic and maybe a little too sweet but the tie-in to library books is fun. I also love the librarian who is the common thread through the stories. I'm going to finish it. Otherwise, Mary Oliver and Virginia Woolf continue to be my reading companions. </p><p>I kid you not, I just saw a squirrel go by with what looked like a whole round cookie in it's mouth. I sure don't share my cookies with the squirrels. The wind must have blown over a trash can. And so on this windy, crazy day that feels more like March than February, I wish you all a good week.</p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Winter Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/candy-floss-socks-2" target="_blank">Scrappy Socks</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/sophie-shawl-2" target="_blank">Sophie Shawl</a><br /></p><p> </p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-56540333374590738342024-02-23T10:14:00.000-08:002024-02-23T10:14:26.599-08:00TGIF 2.23.24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLY_kIO2fWa56pLfyaQ2OLbsC25RNLAkZ5pj7gbrd7_rIMZtgM9qbAuMiOi6U1YaDOQekmQKORI4g64k96SZsIbmKlcTjSSmFgjgHceMc7RmxeVM8ysfnsO9lKIWFgIvveU9LjKh8UfpyXjieVKjyNm2GovRP-GPJX37mhKBWQVhhHu8efEgHvPKz/s3614/IMG_9734.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3614" data-original-width="2865" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLY_kIO2fWa56pLfyaQ2OLbsC25RNLAkZ5pj7gbrd7_rIMZtgM9qbAuMiOi6U1YaDOQekmQKORI4g64k96SZsIbmKlcTjSSmFgjgHceMc7RmxeVM8ysfnsO9lKIWFgIvveU9LjKh8UfpyXjieVKjyNm2GovRP-GPJX37mhKBWQVhhHu8efEgHvPKz/s320/IMG_9734.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><p>Good morning Gentle Readers. It's Friday under a bright blue Nebraska sky. A bird sings outside my window as we edge our way to the last weeks of winter. Earlier, a robin cleaned up seed under the backyard feeders. Yesterday I walked around the yard, pulled a few weeds (there are many more) and straightened the pile of rocks in the pollinator garden. </p><p>Today I am <b>thinking </b>about the yarn I plied yesterday. Currently, I am spinning commercially prepared Corriedale roving. The fiber has a soft hand and wants to be spun fine. As I plied, the singles kept drifting apart. Sometimes I could add enough twist to join the thread back together but I also tied a few knots. Either the singles are too fine or they didn't have enough twist. This is the second skein from this fiber and more uneven than the first. I have more of this fiber so I hope to make some positive changes. As an aside, while I spun this skein, I was dealing with stress of medication side effects and I wonder if it effected my spinning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z9_EMjvZ2q3XC1-0YyIUtOeuDW4i-P-aD2Ai_m4xPC-l6eL_GM6cKe5HBAH3C_AzBjPQf15YOJ46ZwuXcrUX2e4yR4YtqqOQ9Qx8yjstajNJ-qts3rxnchLtwO9OoTfA5Kbbu-_4NutG-HKaqF1WVpBmeUQ4wcFooZyLFd9alx9p0j04ZOsOaTvn/s3933/IMG_9733.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3933" data-original-width="2949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z9_EMjvZ2q3XC1-0YyIUtOeuDW4i-P-aD2Ai_m4xPC-l6eL_GM6cKe5HBAH3C_AzBjPQf15YOJ46ZwuXcrUX2e4yR4YtqqOQ9Qx8yjstajNJ-qts3rxnchLtwO9OoTfA5Kbbu-_4NutG-HKaqF1WVpBmeUQ4wcFooZyLFd9alx9p0j04ZOsOaTvn/s320/IMG_9733.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I am <b>grateful </b>for my local book group. We met Wednesday evening to discuss <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272658-murder-your-employer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&q" target="_blank">Murder Your Employer: The McMaster's Guide to Homicide</a>, a tongue in cheek novel with lots of word play. The hostess greeted us with warm hugs and served some lovely treats. We had a lively discussion about a variety of topics, including the book. We consoled a member who recently lost a dear loved one and spoke of things near to our hearts. I look forward to that gathering every month. </p><p>I am <b>inspired </b>by migrating birds. This week I was on the edge of town picking up a friend for lunch. I had a magnificent view of the eastern sky and saw several flocks of geese. Then far in the distance was another group that looked like a handful of black pepper thrown in the sky. That flock was too far away to identify but just might have been sandhill cranes. The natural cycle is rejuvenating and means Spring is on the way. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1_N3HTO5Rv8HTrEkndTDJzWYAYDHAv7ZlNZnBgz5-AMv7hF-rZXrlrRPpGp_77t8y0qEh0nLz5xh2s8gmCY4PUFV1ju2x7EyQsKNflkn33fIM5cyppT1a96O8w4BgWUsIe5ILwi5g428JUCyc7U2CzmltXlGnjm0a_ixoPQw-xjoxlQiwhvtXINf/s4032/IMG_0232.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1_N3HTO5Rv8HTrEkndTDJzWYAYDHAv7ZlNZnBgz5-AMv7hF-rZXrlrRPpGp_77t8y0qEh0nLz5xh2s8gmCY4PUFV1ju2x7EyQsKNflkn33fIM5cyppT1a96O8w4BgWUsIe5ILwi5g428JUCyc7U2CzmltXlGnjm0a_ixoPQw-xjoxlQiwhvtXINf/s320/IMG_0232.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><p>As for <b>fun</b>, we are beginning to think about Spring trips to visit our children. Jonah tried one bite of each chocolate in his Valentine candy. Last night the two of us had an interesting conversation about two different editions of <u>Curious George Goes to the Beach</u>. He read an older copy from his school library and noticed the cover was different from my paperback copy. Our Texas grandson turned twenty years old this week. I can't wait to go visit all of them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU6FVeLOJZIXtmRpq16oIW8UoBt677rdwizUCAkcwFOMjSjirkSvRQbL9gZnOWVTNj5yBC5dnncZuGRTWU8jXEcUd_k3eT3Tn_3hJiz2OZld8iqPkJZn9W8_lp5r_vm6ZO2DXMwYmJm0nz45LUEapUOKqmhFgN0lWqqK9LdeJgUuOyzjSkb1FQObG/s4032/IMG_0186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU6FVeLOJZIXtmRpq16oIW8UoBt677rdwizUCAkcwFOMjSjirkSvRQbL9gZnOWVTNj5yBC5dnncZuGRTWU8jXEcUd_k3eT3Tn_3hJiz2OZld8iqPkJZn9W8_lp5r_vm6ZO2DXMwYmJm0nz45LUEapUOKqmhFgN0lWqqK9LdeJgUuOyzjSkb1FQObG/s320/IMG_0186.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-75199926059533506752024-02-21T08:00:00.000-08:002024-02-21T08:00:00.348-08:00Shawl Shelter Shalom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYGTZ7VBNFDXpZjkOIJQ1u5N3yTu4LMFzZkp5wUtBYQr8aAMXSs6fJo8p4C2r6K9K61rA5pZZonykI5vD8I8RxuwM4gkYDNcFT0HS-zbkMEF8ae1bng0VGCSsTZDUE_KI1floZq-19sKzSk45XQXn_S36RBu_R0Ayl2F_2eYQ87fWC2H_n5Ij-VWw/s4032/IMG_9700.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghYGTZ7VBNFDXpZjkOIJQ1u5N3yTu4LMFzZkp5wUtBYQr8aAMXSs6fJo8p4C2r6K9K61rA5pZZonykI5vD8I8RxuwM4gkYDNcFT0HS-zbkMEF8ae1bng0VGCSsTZDUE_KI1floZq-19sKzSk45XQXn_S36RBu_R0Ayl2F_2eYQ87fWC2H_n5Ij-VWw/s320/IMG_9700.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. This morning a rosy colored finch and his mate appear at the front feeder. Some years finches are numerous but lately they have been scarce so it's nice to see them again. Sparrows rule the backyards this winter. I've also noticed fewer nests in neighborhood trees. I'm not sure why this would happen but I feel a little melancholy to think fewer birds find shelter in the neighborhood. Our February temperatures are unseasonably warm but make for good walking.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZrd45xwNM0KnEjTDUoDfqE7P_XKanKYKOX2OBBWkP2bMLUeYBvHbI11LcsMFAXuES2L75oqIp7_rkwLhnqSqdB-5ohzh_BqNRR48U-6sW0Dqv2yD6sPYJlrGDkbqOHxxWD29Fp_pQ0mqmKEKds3UMVY2pDsQ3BV3EyWy6gvOHBi3PsQmWEjOEWNQ/s4032/IMG_9713.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZrd45xwNM0KnEjTDUoDfqE7P_XKanKYKOX2OBBWkP2bMLUeYBvHbI11LcsMFAXuES2L75oqIp7_rkwLhnqSqdB-5ohzh_BqNRR48U-6sW0Dqv2yD6sPYJlrGDkbqOHxxWD29Fp_pQ0mqmKEKds3UMVY2pDsQ3BV3EyWy6gvOHBi3PsQmWEjOEWNQ/s320/IMG_9713.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Wednesday is the day to post with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a> about adventures in making and/or reading. This week I finished the Solstice Shawl. This project has been a joy from start to finish. For me, it's a milestone to have spun a gradient yarn that I could knit into a shawl. Thank you all for your words of encouragement. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSLaJQC5wjVTGkFLY9kOKkQWCa-hDwgrd1bwEO4FjdSA3wgia0UybsqCECYzjyqeIg6HPcP3XVBq789bcCT3jcKSpuFYkxTaiYRiD6TkyoeugCpUuRqnZFTizA3x9WVwJ23lbGZ3YTeJqUDkXapVf0A3Kf4vSV1IzrXJl1UYKEM4tlnjQDSDgbkOA/s3771/IMG_8203.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="2811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSLaJQC5wjVTGkFLY9kOKkQWCa-hDwgrd1bwEO4FjdSA3wgia0UybsqCECYzjyqeIg6HPcP3XVBq789bcCT3jcKSpuFYkxTaiYRiD6TkyoeugCpUuRqnZFTizA3x9WVwJ23lbGZ3YTeJqUDkXapVf0A3Kf4vSV1IzrXJl1UYKEM4tlnjQDSDgbkOA/s320/IMG_8203.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2023 BFL Fiber</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Although this is not new news, shawls are my favorite item to knit. Shawls and wraps have a rich history across many cultures. From a humble piece of fabric knitted in garter or stockinette stitch to the intricate lace wraps of Estonia and Shetland, shawls have sheltered generations of women from cradle to grave. I often wear them when I leave the house or need some comfort. This year with wars, violence, climate change, a difficult election cycle, and more I may knit several more. If I have too many, I'll give them away. Shawls are shelter, a comfort knit that brings peace. And so I stitch a prayer for peace, "Shawl, Shelter, Shalom."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfxLQ-xSENezjiuCXE5yvOvHrcvAXrKJhDU3_Aei22cB4sNZuQ62ksDDIZxVH1yDK2YUcKb6PbzP0PLw0-xvjegKb02k4ywAOezZthQqW2PODhxK1hEs_V2725yhU2gqNtBSZGarvxeHXTTA-s7UdWkDGnDnk2aXXfY1Vuw2hNfUZW89Q1evk388l/s4032/IMG_9721.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfxLQ-xSENezjiuCXE5yvOvHrcvAXrKJhDU3_Aei22cB4sNZuQ62ksDDIZxVH1yDK2YUcKb6PbzP0PLw0-xvjegKb02k4ywAOezZthQqW2PODhxK1hEs_V2725yhU2gqNtBSZGarvxeHXTTA-s7UdWkDGnDnk2aXXfY1Vuw2hNfUZW89Q1evk388l/s320/IMG_9721.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Lest you think everything is peaceful here, I tried on the scrappy sock last night to see how close I was to the toe and thought the heel felt a little funky. I'm going to try it on again and decide if I can live with it or if it needs to be redone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllbGdCXCK4zbxsc6J80yrmM8v4TugEiOt_9HCzMaYG4S8gfS23FEp6QWhhA35f3Ik68nqbmSkAdaGSWAziS7-c8srOZyKp1uX0qJQlCf35aMdNHqRE-WyhsIRmTssD2FegQscJxfRN4U-sVPZ8U-Lovxp2WoXvTMfH8iDo053EPipCb6tAuDC-Xbu/s3392/IMG_9722.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3392" data-original-width="2889" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllbGdCXCK4zbxsc6J80yrmM8v4TugEiOt_9HCzMaYG4S8gfS23FEp6QWhhA35f3Ik68nqbmSkAdaGSWAziS7-c8srOZyKp1uX0qJQlCf35aMdNHqRE-WyhsIRmTssD2FegQscJxfRN4U-sVPZ8U-Lovxp2WoXvTMfH8iDo053EPipCb6tAuDC-Xbu/s320/IMG_9722.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><p>As for reading, I am listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/91274427-what-you-are-looking-for-is-in-the-library?from_search=true" target="_blank">What You are Looking For is in the Library</a> by Michiko Aoyama. This is the March selection by my local book group. In this translated work, an interesting librarian who needle felts is the conduit for information to characters in need of inspiration. I'm not too far into the book but it reads like a collection of short stories. Maybe it is? Regardless, the book is a nice tribute to libraries and librarians. </p><p>I continue with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116056.Night_and_Day?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_13" target="_blank">Night and Day</a> by Virginia Woolf. Woolf's character development is witty. Pairing this novel with one by Jane Austen might make an interesting discussion. Woolf's commentary on the place of women in society seems to be the next generation of some of Austen's thoughts. Every evening before bed, I read one Mary Oliver poem from her collection, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272476-devotions?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9" target="_blank">Devotions</a>. I cannot offer much new about Oliver's work except to say her writing is another shelter from the noise of the world. It's a lovely way to end the day. </p><p>And because you might need a smile, I'll end with an outtake of our photo shoot on the deck. Taking a decent photo of the shawl and me with a smile was a trick. At one point, I tried a less conventional approach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTAy53ex5TXMsWBDxSO9pLbvjgvSOyL5HaSjgblUIrq6NOXVBY6ql_SP4rBpHBwOUe3GErRHQaaWa9bbKwUrsBZ5Fm0J9n2t4CtuCQyGPTDoUNG6efXKD1SH28I0NrvBfTdIwEW18qu07u56haIc7QU6_mjki83noJX88bsAPpxcsnNRUKUFGd0Hq/s4032/IMG_9716.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTAy53ex5TXMsWBDxSO9pLbvjgvSOyL5HaSjgblUIrq6NOXVBY6ql_SP4rBpHBwOUe3GErRHQaaWa9bbKwUrsBZ5Fm0J9n2t4CtuCQyGPTDoUNG6efXKD1SH28I0NrvBfTdIwEW18qu07u56haIc7QU6_mjki83noJX88bsAPpxcsnNRUKUFGd0Hq/s320/IMG_9716.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>As we head to the end of February, I wish you all a peaceful week. </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Solstice Shawl</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/candy-floss-socks-2" target="_blank">Scrappy Socks</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-31824553588092037022024-02-14T09:58:00.000-08:002024-02-14T09:58:29.487-08:00Almost Finished<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FFsfiJhxS3gZXS9ZLqXP0wfQg0TgUl6XwDdpfWYfQLS0dM3HLibzpTgFwf3FYvqawEM4jlH59y-Q_uICBDxH22t8Iau6uIvps8Xn1R67NTbHEKId-Va1usHuI61huyxZsPaJF7bvfgla1aHeVmXOBFb5buNcxg_WVODbgj0ywE8rKctWwWYsveUt/s3940/IMG_9659.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3940" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FFsfiJhxS3gZXS9ZLqXP0wfQg0TgUl6XwDdpfWYfQLS0dM3HLibzpTgFwf3FYvqawEM4jlH59y-Q_uICBDxH22t8Iau6uIvps8Xn1R67NTbHEKId-Va1usHuI61huyxZsPaJF7bvfgla1aHeVmXOBFb5buNcxg_WVODbgj0ywE8rKctWwWYsveUt/s320/IMG_9659.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div>Hello Gentle Readers. The changing light is February's gift. The northern hemisphere tilts toward Spring. It does lift the spirit. Here in Nebraska, the sun shines on warm February days. Monday I walked under a bright blue sky. Not too far from home, I stopped to watch a large red-tailed hawk circle the sky. Sunshine articulated his stretched feathers and illuminated the bright rust of his tail. At that moment I understood why this buteo is called red-tailed. Later in the day, the light reflected the beauty of the bare linden. It's nice to have a respite from the grayer skies.<p></p><p>Today is another Unraveled Wednesday and link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/2024/02/14/unraveled-wednesday-2-14-24/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and the Unravelers. I worked on two knitting projects this week. Most evenings, I knit on this shawl. Over the weekend I ripped out a few inches to adjust the color sequence or I might be finished. I didn't mind backtracking because this is such a comfort knit. Who knows whether I will wear it out in public but it will be great on a winter evening. I am now knitting the garter stitch border with the darkest shade. Then it will need a spa-blocking treatment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL_a2TL7nmiU5lPheW-CVah5DO3BoeUYsWlzSe6HVAz5dKEF6LtuBhBsktaos0vtvaMUtF2rIlBQx2q9YzIjc7RPcCbVB1F1MslaI9nAm2tDyu_uAidEkdGuCoR2gLULE-uzcAnQlBDrd_3MFZj0Re9VCok_28EBy0QR0bMTAz3eBtZwEM-INaQ0a/s3892/IMG_9662.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3892" data-original-width="2768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGL_a2TL7nmiU5lPheW-CVah5DO3BoeUYsWlzSe6HVAz5dKEF6LtuBhBsktaos0vtvaMUtF2rIlBQx2q9YzIjc7RPcCbVB1F1MslaI9nAm2tDyu_uAidEkdGuCoR2gLULE-uzcAnQlBDrd_3MFZj0Re9VCok_28EBy0QR0bMTAz3eBtZwEM-INaQ0a/s320/IMG_9662.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div><p>I cast on a scrappy sock because I needed a small project that I could easily pick up and put down. I also want to TRY and whittle down some sock yarn stash. I'm using the small two stitch cable motif from the Candy Floss pattern. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mx5-bqMSd4-8-sI4-L_imaCe4ia2v9LdiJbGc4_BP15zpvRVMsCWV0_2eA6ybcUuK3YhS8-cFUcHkwTq3hvoanNVv1RP69HIJSNGR7YnDGq0JaDoqZEp-9xuiF8-G60UlrVmY2GtbD-_5IUaxXUfK5y8mHXHiUHoqFVg5E_is9YmLENbkgzQpD1K/s3128/IMG_9657.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="2445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mx5-bqMSd4-8-sI4-L_imaCe4ia2v9LdiJbGc4_BP15zpvRVMsCWV0_2eA6ybcUuK3YhS8-cFUcHkwTq3hvoanNVv1RP69HIJSNGR7YnDGq0JaDoqZEp-9xuiF8-G60UlrVmY2GtbD-_5IUaxXUfK5y8mHXHiUHoqFVg5E_is9YmLENbkgzQpD1K/s320/IMG_9657.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><p>I am almost finished listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58395049-true-biz" target="_blank">True Biz</a> by Sara Novic´. Interspersed within the story is information about the history of deafness, American Sign Language (ASL), deaf education, and culture. This perspective of deafness is broader than that the public school system where I taught. I am learning things I didn't know and that is a good thing. Listening to the book is so interesting, considering the characters and subject matter. There is a special sound added to indicate dialogue is being signed between characters. </p><p>I'm also reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116056.Night_and_Day?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=s7aUcb8Kx0&rank=1" target="_blank">Night and Day</a>, Virginia Woolf's second novel. This book is reported to be Woolf's work that is most structured like a traditional novel. I like to read early work of writers to learn more about the way their writing developed and changed over their lifetime. <u>Night and Day</u> certainly shows the promise of Woolf's later writing. Last night I read some laugh-out-loud lines as well as some elegant insightful character descriptions. Woolf may not be for everyone, but this novel been on my to-read list for quite some time. I finally ordered a used copy so I can take my time. </p><p>Happy Valentine's Day. I hope the day brings some special moments to you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKITYAm6kQeW7b98QRGmLhcy0fB-lT6AXLhf7k1ydQhsaCEMyj4g4NT42YYxney0D3O0yn90ZaXB66OXU1MvbTZGocSXRvJqf5oQ98IWflZ1IE4hwPIuWM1pphtTXo92b21i9IKlIcagdP5pbp_i42r7AoCQPVXKueQ75h8903IbnbvXJJNEmKnfni/s3555/IMG_9666.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3555" data-original-width="2897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKITYAm6kQeW7b98QRGmLhcy0fB-lT6AXLhf7k1ydQhsaCEMyj4g4NT42YYxney0D3O0yn90ZaXB66OXU1MvbTZGocSXRvJqf5oQ98IWflZ1IE4hwPIuWM1pphtTXo92b21i9IKlIcagdP5pbp_i42r7AoCQPVXKueQ75h8903IbnbvXJJNEmKnfni/s320/IMG_9666.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ravelry Links<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Solstice Shawl</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://avelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/candy-floss-socks-2" target="_blank">Scrappy Socks</a><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-2531531980012950932024-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:002024-02-07T08:00:00.128-08:00Hello February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqZNw2vcx-vKHJAXOKL2LvNI3Bi51_9XfydOvfDoBSKqKdwAN6PiVFKJ0DsP7M-aKcKbhQxR2JHZXGnYIpTz4p5p1cY24WXRdisqV-LDWhj6__5R0MGp2IyqleB-aEtl7Iyk4Keq2cmNCrf33VRwqpl8MArJFzesTXP5cWPme_MpdOZCqQ89y0THN/s3917/IMG_9642.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3917" data-original-width="2937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqZNw2vcx-vKHJAXOKL2LvNI3Bi51_9XfydOvfDoBSKqKdwAN6PiVFKJ0DsP7M-aKcKbhQxR2JHZXGnYIpTz4p5p1cY24WXRdisqV-LDWhj6__5R0MGp2IyqleB-aEtl7Iyk4Keq2cmNCrf33VRwqpl8MArJFzesTXP5cWPme_MpdOZCqQ89y0THN/s320/IMG_9642.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Early this morning, all outdoors was frosty. The eastern sky was slightly yellow but overhead a pale blue was dimpled with small scallops of white clouds. Instead of retrieving my phone for a photo, I enjoyed the few moments before the light changed. </p><p>The neighbors feed peanuts to the squirrels and bluejays and there was quite the band of jays flying in and out and among the trees. This winter I notice how the birds' coloring reflects the winter light. No matter the quality of light, they are beautiful. All snow has melted, rain fell, and we are back to warmer temperatures. Some days the thermometer climbs to 57 degrees. If the daffodils pop up, they will be in trouble. I plan to collect leaf litter from the compost bin and make sure they are covered. </p><p>Wednesday is the day to link with Kat and friends for <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a>. My knitting and making looks much the same, although progress has been made. Three or four projects is my sweet spot and so I am happily knitting between these three items. I keep adding to the shawl. It needs about seven more inches. I love working on the colors, the handspun, and the pattern. </p><p>Eureka! It's a sweater yoke and it fits. I knit about an inch beyond the colorwork on the Maddox sweater, put the stitches on waste yarn, and tried it on. I have a few more inches to go before splitting for the sleeves. I didn't block it because I was satisfied with the look of the colorwork. No unraveling this week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHixs0Zd4BjQfsq_w8NpZWUqqiQn47RitAZOZBLMWgvV9LXhmpP0M61uPhbc_Ts6KNngN0lwwP1SEatcsUUMxdARJU3McZZVmsYMAMN9cAniiNuQj8vrXvYBwtMvyStsaWF1e6oKkG7HtTKJqWFsefZ844Nr_-0tBo_KaMpZ7maArYYNmiu42OPFy5/s2557/IMG_9635.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2428" data-original-width="2557" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHixs0Zd4BjQfsq_w8NpZWUqqiQn47RitAZOZBLMWgvV9LXhmpP0M61uPhbc_Ts6KNngN0lwwP1SEatcsUUMxdARJU3McZZVmsYMAMN9cAniiNuQj8vrXvYBwtMvyStsaWF1e6oKkG7HtTKJqWFsefZ844Nr_-0tBo_KaMpZ7maArYYNmiu42OPFy5/s320/IMG_9635.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I also worked a little on this cowl. I need more yardage than I have in the mini set so I unearthed some leftover sock yarn that coordinates with the colors. That is the second color you see on the needles. I can find more if I need it. 😊</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCEX0tqja82Q9w5QxpdC-AgHa-rqrMrw3d7LGi-FszH9fuUCRazDUfDgalmvc3M_sbzMJiogBPwS_jNK-IA8_N4sWowwzmP9kmHhRCoyV9dHTwaeq9NYjQtaukf7Nuo-ohGd4LbIt9BrgtFf29RsDB26c7FNJiVkZLfLSkIMKnW89-kl0izoe7cWJ/s3484/IMG_9644.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="2883" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCEX0tqja82Q9w5QxpdC-AgHa-rqrMrw3d7LGi-FszH9fuUCRazDUfDgalmvc3M_sbzMJiogBPwS_jNK-IA8_N4sWowwzmP9kmHhRCoyV9dHTwaeq9NYjQtaukf7Nuo-ohGd4LbIt9BrgtFf29RsDB26c7FNJiVkZLfLSkIMKnW89-kl0izoe7cWJ/s320/IMG_9644.jpeg" width="265" /></a></div><p>As for books, I finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61355268-enchantment" target="_blank">Enchantment</a> by Katherine May. She has a wonderful way of noticing and writing. I am still thinking about some of the gems in this book, for example the concept of Deep Play and how space affects our thinking. I enjoyed the structure she achieved by dividing the book into four sections related to four elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. </p><p>Currently I am listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58395049-true-biz?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=c8yk1L3Jwo&rank=1" target="_blank">True Biz</a> by Sara Novic´. This modern day novel explores issues that confront individuals in the deaf community. Having worked in Special Education, I am familiar with some of these ideas but not all the perspectives that are part of the characters' lives. I've only just begun but I am enjoying this book. </p><p>Norah and I are rereading a favorite, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1786459.The_Mitten_Tree?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Zl3JfuojTl&rank=1" target="_blank">The Mitten Tree</a>. After old Sarah hangs her hand knit mittens on the tree, we speculate about who fills an empty basket with yarn and leaves it on her porch. "Sarah doesn't know who the yarn is from and the children still don't know who the mittens are from. But someone must . . ."* It's a delightful way to end a picture book.</p><p>That's enough from me today. As I write, the sky brightens to a soft blue and a slight breeze ruffles the branches of the birch. It's a good day for a walk and a few chores. Take good care friends. </p><p>* The Mitten Tree written by Candace Christiansen, Illustrated by Elaine Greenstein, Fulcrum Publishing, 1997.</p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Winter Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/de-pijp-cowl" target="_blank">Wild Atlantic Cowl</a><br /></p><p> </p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-92096639879462253392024-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:002024-01-31T09:01:56.369-08:00Sunny Skies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84oDgykPnpiN1pvT8gJzLllwxVXSWQauVSHOB19Xm_ABto7AcGFvXxmDbSlq0aL52Utm7KeJI4dJG-HdOIyU_hyR7l9h0E55ME1VLqD72z8TQDIxHbqifNUJ7IFVbfM2xyKZnitSbbuZvGN3D1TSgYyKhBet_iS3A-n9l7NtMaGR6HEsuyqNBHl4A/s3282/IMG_9615.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3282" data-original-width="2874" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84oDgykPnpiN1pvT8gJzLllwxVXSWQauVSHOB19Xm_ABto7AcGFvXxmDbSlq0aL52Utm7KeJI4dJG-HdOIyU_hyR7l9h0E55ME1VLqD72z8TQDIxHbqifNUJ7IFVbfM2xyKZnitSbbuZvGN3D1TSgYyKhBet_iS3A-n9l7NtMaGR6HEsuyqNBHl4A/s320/IMG_9615.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p>Hello Gentle Readers. On this last day of January, the sun shines and the sky is clear blue. The last four consecutive days of sunshine were glorious. Cloudy days return tomorrow but I am not thinking about that today. As the snow melts, I notice the grass still has a tint of green. Oddly, it was the same color through the Fall. Bitter cold and snow cover made no difference. Robins winter here and I saw one singing yesterday as the sun reflected off her rust breast. Her song sounded of hope. Yesterday I walked in a lighter weight jacket and half way out, I pulled off my hat. </p><p>I link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/2024/01/31/unraveled-wednesday-1-31-24/" target="_blank">Kat and company</a> to write about making and reading. I am working on the same projects. Last night I finished the colorwork on the yoke of the Maddox Sweater. Although there are a few places where the darker contrast color floats are visible, I am pleased with it. I plan to knit another inch or so and then either wet or steam block it to see how it looks and fits. I enjoyed the colorwork and look forward to the round and round stockinette. </p><p>Although it's hard to see in the winter light, I'm working on another fade in this shawl. Knitting with handspun and looking forward to the shift in the color makes the long rows seem not so endless. At least not yet. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXl9QRBbx9SFQCu-P-006Xqy_nFww3ApkLN4CXpoCDwAv_IoMuv9RI2Kjd_lWt6AQ0dAL6268-FD8D9ywACyfc-33io8TGaa9MQnYfwzUM1j_VsS7yEw4RLZmKgHp1OzPLVY5meEK1nzFO7gtkWvUUkrg9of1XbCUuEJ4C9vDC7Vt9SnbuXHxXNum/s3990/IMG_9618.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3990" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXl9QRBbx9SFQCu-P-006Xqy_nFww3ApkLN4CXpoCDwAv_IoMuv9RI2Kjd_lWt6AQ0dAL6268-FD8D9ywACyfc-33io8TGaa9MQnYfwzUM1j_VsS7yEw4RLZmKgHp1OzPLVY5meEK1nzFO7gtkWvUUkrg9of1XbCUuEJ4C9vDC7Vt9SnbuXHxXNum/s320/IMG_9618.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p>I'm reading, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61272658-murder-your-employer?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15" target="_blank">Murder Your Employer: McMasters Guide to Homicide</a> by Rupert Holmes, a very tongue-in-cheek mystery thriller. Usually I am less than thrilled with thrillers but this is my local book group's February selection. I've only just begun and it is very witty with a lot of word play. The cover notes a puzzle in the story which might be fun. If it gets too thrilling for me, I'll read the ending to see if I want to continue. Have you ever skipped ahead to the end of a book?</p><p>These are the quiet days of winter. Today I hope to get the Connecticut kids' journals and Valentines in the mail. I also need to send February birthday cards and Valentines to the three college students in my family. Then I'm going for a long walk under the sunny sky. What are you up to today?</p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Winter Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Winter Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-12693282123948905432024-01-29T10:55:00.000-08:002024-01-29T10:55:19.461-08:00Explore 2024: January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWjQo4ebL8QIz6SlSdTSo_slZJoaFxekgUOHjFw50kIB1xWHjcoWyCqcihqCHI06bX7uzLQAwM0z3AAprnSX9rpps91xvx-JgRfTAj5wkz9kskK8FDRf5kFktLjWVQf42E7Pk16qe6a0SDkhHlk3SkV4viokl9IUFWMDdLzGgcH3U40SqjNToOBCw/s4032/IMG_9609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWjQo4ebL8QIz6SlSdTSo_slZJoaFxekgUOHjFw50kIB1xWHjcoWyCqcihqCHI06bX7uzLQAwM0z3AAprnSX9rpps91xvx-JgRfTAj5wkz9kskK8FDRf5kFktLjWVQf42E7Pk16qe6a0SDkhHlk3SkV4viokl9IUFWMDdLzGgcH3U40SqjNToOBCw/s320/IMG_9609.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I like the practice of focusing on a word each year. It provides some ideas for thinking, being, and just plain living. This year I choose the word "explore" and begin where I always begin, with definitions and word origin. I didn't find much insight in the etymology dictionary so I set that information aside. Perhaps another day I will read it differently. However, many variations of meaning exist. Of course, I focus on the definitions that speak to me. </p><p>Explore: </p><p>1. To investigate systematically, examine. To investigate, study, analyze. To think about, talk about, study or experience something, in order to find out more about it. </p><p>2. To search into or travel in for the purpose of discovery. To travel over new territory for adventure or discovery</p><p>3. To become familiar with by testing or experimenting. </p><p>Exploration of something new doesn't mean mastery but it does provide a sense of what might be possible. It feels expansive, including an approach to aging that isn't about a contracting circle of being. Sometimes explore will be a stretch for me and that is a good thing. </p><p>This month my explorations have taken me into difficult territory. The last two months I've experienced an unpleasant side effect from the medication I take for osteoporosis. Right now I'm gathering information and exploring options to make an informed decision. </p><p>Explore will be a good word for 2024. For now, I'm setting aside any detailed preplanned map and thinking in terms of general direction, as from a compass. Whether I post monthly about my explorations remains to be seen. </p><p>I wish you all well from a day with bright blue sky and warming temperatures. The snow is melting and the year is still new. I am eager to explore the possibilities.</p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-19607808442218365682024-01-24T09:56:00.000-08:002024-01-24T09:56:25.507-08:00January Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrsOBBsN4wuW058EByFSn78NZtgk5QvwWkT3UssEf3Mz_xvNVAZEPZN9b-yl6455wTvRgAHVtUeYaQoJlNhGpOHg0il_497bbzcNl8Gy-reNqTzCQIuIJogJeqLmoSBGQEkggmyBseL6jgsann0q1GGI_Q-bz2TVTdkmuwYWgiVngzFPnIxr3qEH5/s3939/IMG_9595.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3939" data-original-width="2954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrsOBBsN4wuW058EByFSn78NZtgk5QvwWkT3UssEf3Mz_xvNVAZEPZN9b-yl6455wTvRgAHVtUeYaQoJlNhGpOHg0il_497bbzcNl8Gy-reNqTzCQIuIJogJeqLmoSBGQEkggmyBseL6jgsann0q1GGI_Q-bz2TVTdkmuwYWgiVngzFPnIxr3qEH5/s320/IMG_9595.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Hello Gentle Readers, I write on a gray overcast day. Fog greeted me early this morning. I know it creates hazardous highway conditions but today it felt like shelter from the world. Our son, Aaron, has been here for a visit. He worked remotely, attended an annual post holiday dinner with friends, and spent time with us. It was so nice to have him here. The fog has dissipated and my husband is driving him to the airport. I'm doing laundry. The house is quiet. </span></div><p>After more snow last Thursday and a cold cold weekend, the temperatures will the rise into the 50's. Most of the snow will melt. Crazy as it seems, I will miss the cold snowy weather. It's how winter is supposed to be in Nebraska and elsewhere. In a world where many things are inside out and upside down, the cold and snow are reassuringly normal. Maybe a January thaw is also normal and conditions on the side streets will improve.</p><p><a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a> with Kat and friends finds my knitting mostly the same as last week. I put a few more rows on the yoke on the Maddox sweater. Slow and steady as well as knitting when I'm not tired and/or distracted keeps this project on track. So far, so good. </p><p>Last night I unraveled a bit of the handspun shawl and tried to fade in the next shade of yarn. I don't know if it looks any better but it's what I could accomplish with the yarn I spun. Below are the after and before photos, in that order. Blogger rearranged the order of the photos. Who knows how that happened. Forgive the less than stellar lighting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdja0EKRO_aJoJW4-2rG44fwosNZq25WWDnZ55kXlpzuGd1iK7pjiHLnsPcYkqZ4ww0tlfcQGsoL17b4RaIzwsGPJVObJpY4lbfJwVKtivrYkJdeIYQgo17r2tk21AK7ypOYF6wM-rFJX5SkjBtx5zz7-0lhOQbdaJDvg43IgMZK1uks64PhMIqb4s/s3824/IMG_9593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3824" data-original-width="2868" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdja0EKRO_aJoJW4-2rG44fwosNZq25WWDnZ55kXlpzuGd1iK7pjiHLnsPcYkqZ4ww0tlfcQGsoL17b4RaIzwsGPJVObJpY4lbfJwVKtivrYkJdeIYQgo17r2tk21AK7ypOYF6wM-rFJX5SkjBtx5zz7-0lhOQbdaJDvg43IgMZK1uks64PhMIqb4s/s320/IMG_9593.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJ1ZZvfWe2lpnmK4JzPYCYP10ofWErcDuzDQt1tVsyW3CZfwzqt0D3nylK3nqf_BR4JPl78Sk1iIBS3MdMjJQNmQTW-GxsvekHdga4NSr4UcNb8QQcGdaWgUSpFr2c3aG9tTcUFSZKXXFpaCRyDSblXxlG0tBN0_QOWhf8Cl5tdK93srTP2IF8Xk/s3738/IMG_9592.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3738" data-original-width="3006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseJ1ZZvfWe2lpnmK4JzPYCYP10ofWErcDuzDQt1tVsyW3CZfwzqt0D3nylK3nqf_BR4JPl78Sk1iIBS3MdMjJQNmQTW-GxsvekHdga4NSr4UcNb8QQcGdaWgUSpFr2c3aG9tTcUFSZKXXFpaCRyDSblXxlG0tBN0_QOWhf8Cl5tdK93srTP2IF8Xk/s320/IMG_9592.jpeg" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>In order to have a smaller project, I wound up this set of mini-skeins for a cowl. Last year, I won the set in a make-along hosted by Lisa of Fibernymph Dyeworks. I cast on the cowl but haven't taken any photos. I started with the deep green and it wouldn't photograph well in today's light. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLTYPqptqC9Kf-pO0FvYLiaD23s8SkS9yDtyO4A5R2D6ij2t7PcXQu4e6SOtBf8hFEumTPw4JHV5BmjNrksHgnt6I3UauK9VACUPHOKbR0rOGNxjfH4N6pozC2uvPGvHTp_UZr9SR32c59WOrcPG3loLjNZdRzFvHfp9riLLYjDxAxp5VNgCBcGbz/s4032/IMG_9591.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLTYPqptqC9Kf-pO0FvYLiaD23s8SkS9yDtyO4A5R2D6ij2t7PcXQu4e6SOtBf8hFEumTPw4JHV5BmjNrksHgnt6I3UauK9VACUPHOKbR0rOGNxjfH4N6pozC2uvPGvHTp_UZr9SR32c59WOrcPG3loLjNZdRzFvHfp9riLLYjDxAxp5VNgCBcGbz/s320/IMG_9591.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>These days I'm reading from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272476-devotions?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Ro4bIFg4Ma&rank=1" target="_blank">Devotions</a> by Mary Oliver and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61355268-enchantment?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=dlssHavXFe&rank=6" target="_blank">Enchantment</a> by Katherine May. I appreciate May's insights into pandemic and post pandemic life. Last night I felt like pumping a fist when I read her statement that the meditation system she was taught was set up from a male point of view. I also read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40058716-the-woman-in-the-moon?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=gXJbt" target="_blank">The Woman in the Moon</a> by Marjorie Saiser, a local poet. <a href="http://www.poetmarge.com/" target="_blank">Saiser</a> is near my age, although probably a little younger. This collection, including the title poem, reflects the experience of an older thoughtful woman. There are some local references that I also enjoyed. </p><p>I hope you are all well and warm. </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Winter Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/de-pijp-cowl" target="_blank">Wild Atlantic Cowl</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-81088783027353632342024-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:002024-01-17T08:00:00.125-08:00Deep Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNld0WgEjijFLEy76O1D7RIY4RDQHtsyZxdzVbHh0hsJ_YhuwFY6OxCBf_fnBVAihKre1DfHkcTtzO220TCkLuBLWCuIE9Kr8iu04W886goUzl2tPsstULVXA4SjdqX34plsazD0gYf9bxCScps6UUyryQiA074lZM2Zts2lATWEqTX64JANGoB7DE/s3963/IMG_9574.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2972" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNld0WgEjijFLEy76O1D7RIY4RDQHtsyZxdzVbHh0hsJ_YhuwFY6OxCBf_fnBVAihKre1DfHkcTtzO220TCkLuBLWCuIE9Kr8iu04W886goUzl2tPsstULVXA4SjdqX34plsazD0gYf9bxCScps6UUyryQiA074lZM2Zts2lATWEqTX64JANGoB7DE/s320/IMG_9574.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Greetings on a slightly warmer day. Last Friday brought another eight inches of snow on top of the previous six. The story here, as most places in the U.S., is the frigid bone-chilling temperature. Sunday temperatures ranged between -21 and -6 degrees. The prairie wind blew causing a dangerous wind chill. </p><p>Daylight reflects off the snow and winter white sky in the way of deep winter. Sunny days bring sun dogs and blue shadows on the snow. The overcast days highlight the colors of the birds. The bright cardinal and bluejay fluffed up against the winter light are exquisite. Renkl wrote in a New York Times column, "The blue jay's color is created not by pigment but by the interaction of feathers and light."</p><p>Today is <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a> with Kat and friends. I finished the Scrappy Hat. On a cold night, I wove in the ends and put it on my head. The fabric is dense and my wrist was sore when I finished but the hat is warm. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ySyt8DdPf1xUZSjDKidhxIicBOr9I6iL_h6uMg0UsIaPDjxQb6evQjspDTIoY8hPa6-vdM1nzfXkzpX7byQAO1-zxZCI60syJkpUvXrznsTmVD5uO9mk5FlxFHYPnNH_HhezOduzg0oBDbLaRtjl26SuMgwYkvNdThmNOKsAB6VG666ZGdeE0JHP/s3570/IMG_9584.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ySyt8DdPf1xUZSjDKidhxIicBOr9I6iL_h6uMg0UsIaPDjxQb6evQjspDTIoY8hPa6-vdM1nzfXkzpX7byQAO1-zxZCI60syJkpUvXrznsTmVD5uO9mk5FlxFHYPnNH_HhezOduzg0oBDbLaRtjl26SuMgwYkvNdThmNOKsAB6VG666ZGdeE0JHP/s320/IMG_9584.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p>I continue to work on the shawl from handspun. I'm depending on blocking to smooth out the fabric and lace pattern. A year ago last November I bought some lovely Rowan yarn on sale. This fall I bought a contrasting skein for the yoke of the Maddox sweater. This is my first colorwork-yoke sweater and I am enjoying it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xJQAZtjMmhitoE6IkEHr2_RGjVvrLPgE3_UZf9_2qUTrotVsieU3JFtpVcKKkxXXungkSr5VK6hDBzB5B0iJwb-VdCgiCb_mDCynpQiR6Wskz_vkgD0hCOvOUIA8gvXshEHWUCSux2THmMkvAr-n0KuYIy2ncpzVrQIwDe5F-e2fQ1lX0rXxUDRS/s3601/IMG_9582.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3601" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xJQAZtjMmhitoE6IkEHr2_RGjVvrLPgE3_UZf9_2qUTrotVsieU3JFtpVcKKkxXXungkSr5VK6hDBzB5B0iJwb-VdCgiCb_mDCynpQiR6Wskz_vkgD0hCOvOUIA8gvXshEHWUCSux2THmMkvAr-n0KuYIy2ncpzVrQIwDe5F-e2fQ1lX0rXxUDRS/s320/IMG_9582.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I am listening to the end of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13214.I_Know_Why_the_Caged_Bird_Sings?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=grzYH7OK2r&rank=1" target="_blank">I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings</a>. Angelou's life is a testament to her strength and resilience. I am also reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63005128-the-uncommon-reader" target="_blank">The Uncommon Reader</a> by Alan Bennett, a short but delightful literary romp. I received a copy as a gift from a dear friend. </p><p>Last Friday I promised Norah a snow angel when the snow stopped falling and you know, a promise is a promise. I would flip the photo but then it looks like I'm standing upright. Tomorrow the forecast is for more snow and Friday the temperatures will again be far below zero. This is a time to hunker down with knitting, spinning, stitching, or reading and a cup of something hot. Stay warm and safe. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FLpz2PHxpE6QXVtztQeC__RZF00Ji1Qn3pYEkvy05XIcW7BctGthvCBnUhB8q_BJ1ydodr4enJzMzTG6b3ocRPCrgquIfUeNMHlNaBUULfzBO6ZhDUJSBevtqF_CStZEmEGUPzat1yqI_03QTzM4PgMnhkEkBkQQf1ihukCbQtlSLmpTl_qaG2BI/s3750/IMG_1105.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="3750" data-original-width="2782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FLpz2PHxpE6QXVtztQeC__RZF00Ji1Qn3pYEkvy05XIcW7BctGthvCBnUhB8q_BJ1ydodr4enJzMzTG6b3ocRPCrgquIfUeNMHlNaBUULfzBO6ZhDUJSBevtqF_CStZEmEGUPzat1yqI_03QTzM4PgMnhkEkBkQQf1ihukCbQtlSLmpTl_qaG2BI/s320/IMG_1105.jpeg" width="237" /></a></div><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/scrappy-hat" target="_blank">Scrappy Hat</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Winter Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/maddox" target="_blank">Winter Maddox Sweater</a><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-37015887730796297942024-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:002024-01-10T08:00:00.150-08:00All the Wool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfNF1P9Hp4TFT7MDDsgOkMNoSHjNzwVeEd0UjrdnVm_ZOVGKOZcUVGVasJSfah1wuvmZnjUIYTun4iOIC-E2an5ZYU2wcVrYcIOWNOzr59TUBcgidZMtgTJxBT_O8NoQiIN7Ds17zspKtLODTv8CMLrtJtki04HaHm6RL8LTK7Rn8Hgfl5BfJfFvQ/s2384/IMG_9534.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2384" data-original-width="1942" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfNF1P9Hp4TFT7MDDsgOkMNoSHjNzwVeEd0UjrdnVm_ZOVGKOZcUVGVasJSfah1wuvmZnjUIYTun4iOIC-E2an5ZYU2wcVrYcIOWNOzr59TUBcgidZMtgTJxBT_O8NoQiIN7Ds17zspKtLODTv8CMLrtJtki04HaHm6RL8LTK7Rn8Hgfl5BfJfFvQ/s320/IMG_9534.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers, </p><p>Monday and into Tuesday six inches of snow fell. Mid-day Monday the air warmed enough to create some wintry mix. This blanket of wet snow is very welcome. As often happens in January, this storm ushered in much colder air. We are in for at least a week of subzero temps and lower wind chills. It's time to wrap up in all the wool: socks, cowl, sweater, shawl, hat, and mittens, preferably two pairs. I am wearing all items at one time or another. </p><p>In January, falling snow creates a deep peace. The quiet that comes from snow muffling sound and the white gray skies are my favorite things about these winter days. This fall and winter a Cooper's Hawk hunts in the neighborhood. A few minutes ago a cardinal flew from the birch and the hawk followed. Do I hope the cardinal got away or that the hawk doesn't go hungry or instead found a mouse? Nature isn't always easy.</p><p>Today is <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a> with Kat and company. Last weekend I finished the blue fingerless mitts. This is a nice pattern for a fingering weight mitt in three different sizes. Directions for picking up thumb stitches across the gap are a little vague so I did my own thing. I like a method I once learned from a youtube tutorial that helps avoid gaps on either side of the picked-up stitches. I have enough yarn to make another pair, perhaps in a larger size, as a gift. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprP_qdN8zm2AQ0O5rVoc-LX2-rRoYSK-vtj9vgpCGFrG8Al364C5dQGFpHqmovPZo_PpJ8Gqy9MND8RMAsrZBsd7ul4vwqExu7OBT9tl-7Km8jmNEun5WGxChlHZHI8OheudfE9jXBqFQzd4GYXeK11Y2ZnxQMxsXayd7DhELdu28DtmBrZ-4nRmM/s3446/IMG_9521.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3446" data-original-width="2820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprP_qdN8zm2AQ0O5rVoc-LX2-rRoYSK-vtj9vgpCGFrG8Al364C5dQGFpHqmovPZo_PpJ8Gqy9MND8RMAsrZBsd7ul4vwqExu7OBT9tl-7Km8jmNEun5WGxChlHZHI8OheudfE9jXBqFQzd4GYXeK11Y2ZnxQMxsXayd7DhELdu28DtmBrZ-4nRmM/s320/IMG_9521.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><p>The handspun shawl grows slowly but the color is starting to change. The nuthatch-like colors also match the winter skies. The design that runs along the side is intuitive so it is a peaceful knit. I would like at least two more shades to be part of the shawl so I'll be playing with the gradient. I have another skein of three darker shades. There is plenty of yarn for a generous sized shawl. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZRw0UbuMlEbjnQSGYGw3tfzGiQpeQm4I9Ofod0F7sJv2jCD8z_3zba2U6mAtO6geHAJqkSds1HQZzQaFqfQQq3mTES1kMkHE2DgJmVHq14WQyvFkBzT_88u__rFN81JF-NGSU9hsM7tH9DCtbnQEbe7K7GfjfxLEs4ihVqFYm6-Lvrh0LUjxq_wl/s3465/IMG_9530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3465" data-original-width="2703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZRw0UbuMlEbjnQSGYGw3tfzGiQpeQm4I9Ofod0F7sJv2jCD8z_3zba2U6mAtO6geHAJqkSds1HQZzQaFqfQQq3mTES1kMkHE2DgJmVHq14WQyvFkBzT_88u__rFN81JF-NGSU9hsM7tH9DCtbnQEbe7K7GfjfxLEs4ihVqFYm6-Lvrh0LUjxq_wl/s320/IMG_9530.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p>I cast on a scrappy hat. The yarn is leftover from the Guernsey Wrap/Scarf I knit several years ago. The December countdown yarn was a gift from my son and daughter. I've been wearing the scarf on my walks as it is wide and warm. I decided the leftover yarn would make a nice hat. I tried the CopyCat Beanie but didn't like the way the purled section rolled. I decided to stripe the colors in stockinette which is also rolling at this point but will look different as the hat grows. 😊 This year I'd like to knit a few projects from the scraps and leftovers I rarely give away. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLQFGb7sRRzPwExrXY9n6UjfNG7ML_tdH7_mxza-3StemFrJ3Jp4zRFo9XcRPcJA4B4Bba4B8Yr4dQrRasnRKtnfR6NWYP4awq-tuijMSDC3j37BB_h6dkRooup7TCZtANUaWHZIUJyIs6YHTNuNJ5QOEbIFT2EBpt4Ku-MC80WDDS0y9g39JYk3/s2909/IMG_9532.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2725" data-original-width="2909" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuLQFGb7sRRzPwExrXY9n6UjfNG7ML_tdH7_mxza-3StemFrJ3Jp4zRFo9XcRPcJA4B4Bba4B8Yr4dQrRasnRKtnfR6NWYP4awq-tuijMSDC3j37BB_h6dkRooup7TCZtANUaWHZIUJyIs6YHTNuNJ5QOEbIFT2EBpt4Ku-MC80WDDS0y9g39JYk3/s320/IMG_9532.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> As for reading, I am listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13214.I_Know_Why_the_Caged_Bird_Sings?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ENgkvJ51rE&rank" target="_blank">I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</a> by Maya Angelou. Angelou reads this nonfiction. She has such a rich voice and as a writer, she is eloquent. I had forgotten the story of how her beloved brother Bailey shortened her name from Marguerite to Maya. It's interesting to juxtapose this book with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65678550-the-heaven-earth-grocery-store?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_21" target="_blank">The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store</a> by James MacBride. Strong female characters play important parts in these stories as does the setting in general store. MacBride's fiction is a story of community from the perspective of adults coming together to protect a child, while Angelou wrote a memoir of her communities based on childhood memories in the same time period. Racism is experienced by both communities. <p></p><p>I'm rereading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1696554.Winter_Solstice" target="_blank">Winter Solstice</a> by Rosamond Pilcher because I needed what my sister calls a 2:00 a.m. book. This book is charming and sweet. Coincidently, I'm reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137179619-winter-solstice?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_25" target="_blank">Winter Solstice: An Essay</a> by Nina MacLaughlin. This little book is a meditation on the winter season with both scientific information as well as folklore, and the writer's musings about winter. It's a peaceful slim book that I wish was longer.</p><p>This is more than enough from me today. What about you? How's the weather and what are you reading?</p><p><br /></p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/pioneer-gloves" target="_blank">Pioneer Gloves</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/scrappy-hat" target="_blank">Scrappy Hat</a><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-16758573699721245782024-01-05T10:35:00.000-08:002024-01-05T10:35:47.788-08:00First Friday in the New Year<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaRE1P_5lk3KXl0LgWzsfrKrxGUw80IOYUuzgFfAqS8bxFHwClMNT6JohOF4TCCLljffi7QiWrveEErWQqN10_C6tTVz7rpxUbby4U_k49dOn4MX4kPoEC3netk6BtT60amqIejO-oL6YlA-bNGOb1IIMEUNRitLzE5AeDG4D95Xo_fZWF8HMazSR/s3947/IMG_9523.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3947" data-original-width="2960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaRE1P_5lk3KXl0LgWzsfrKrxGUw80IOYUuzgFfAqS8bxFHwClMNT6JohOF4TCCLljffi7QiWrveEErWQqN10_C6tTVz7rpxUbby4U_k49dOn4MX4kPoEC3netk6BtT60amqIejO-oL6YlA-bNGOb1IIMEUNRitLzE5AeDG4D95Xo_fZWF8HMazSR/s320/IMG_9523.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mittens from long ago</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Hello Gentle Readers, </p><p>Although this first Friday of 2024 is gray, the year feels new. I'm going to enjoy the newness for as long as the feeling lasts. And, as my Mom and I used to tell each other, "It's Friday." So I'm writing a TGIF post. </p><p>I am <b>thinking</b> about my maternal grandmother, Helen. Today is her birthday. Gram grew up in Omaha was definitely a city girl. She was lively and outspoken. No one every had to wonder what she was thinking. She was also very pretty and enjoyed cosmetics. I believe her natural hair color was auburn. She drafted dress patterns that she sewed in order to have a stylish wardrobe. She thought nothing of cutting fabric from furniture and using it to create and sew new coverings and upholstery. She wall papered every room in her house and was still climbing ladders at age 70. Although patience was not one of her virtues, she did teach me to knit and sew. </p><p>She and my grandfather lived twelve from us so I frequently rode my bike or walked to her house. Unless she was hosting bridge or Violet Club, she was happy to see us. She lived until my children were 8 and 6 so they have memories of Grama Grama. She knit the baby/toddler mittens in this basket for Kate and Aaron. They were born in Cheyenne, Wyoming and she wanted them to be warm. She loved family celebrations but never wanted anyone to know her age so in her honor I'm not noting it here. 😊</p><p>I am <b>grateful </b>for my healthy stash of pretty yarns. Heeding Gram's advice, "I buy the best yarn I can afford." Last week I tossed the stash and reorganized the bins. While I worked I made a list of possible projects. "Possible" is the operative word. I don't believe in rules for my making. If I glance at the list now and then, I can recall what is tucked away in the four bins. </p><p>I am <b>inspired </b>by the kindness in my neighborhood. We live near a sweet little family who are immigrants. Recently when the father was out of the country, neighbors of various political persuasions pitched in to help the young mother with mowing, scooping snow, a dead car battery, a key locked inside the car, writing letters of recommendation so he could get back home, and other things. I helped the eldest little girl with a bit of knitting. After a long period of time, the family has been reunited. This year they delivered small holiday gifts to their neighbors. In this way, lies hope. </p><p>Today's <b>fun </b>is packing up a birthday gift for Jonah. He got a fishing pole from Santa. We are sending a small tackle box with a few items of fishing gear like a bobber, weights, and a pair of pliers. No hooks, though. Those can be added when absolutely necessary. </p><p>The birch and the ornamental pear were quiet when I started this post. Evidently 11:45 a.m. is lunch time. The quartet of cardinals is back as well as a chickadee and a pair of downy woodpeckers. Two sparrows fling seed from the feeder tray. Across the way, I see a beautiful blue jay. </p><p>Happy Friday. </p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-11391696449738600132024-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:002024-01-03T08:00:00.127-08:00Into the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAvohn4EiGgdOJ9bVzw-pZZnnUokP72J3qjcBzwR_ClpmxdqW5fROwOhDo6hhfKv00_pRGJHZySiGTMfsdN3sgQ1USDs3V9S53ePorwq4Qx2Xf8hA7RLgIT1A4pXM9Hu8lVzhHgz0EmwRXy8Sd068fkqGUc1X4oPUj_ALiopltT4vnqC4DJwgawtg/s3810/IMG_9497.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3810" data-original-width="2776" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAvohn4EiGgdOJ9bVzw-pZZnnUokP72J3qjcBzwR_ClpmxdqW5fROwOhDo6hhfKv00_pRGJHZySiGTMfsdN3sgQ1USDs3V9S53ePorwq4Qx2Xf8hA7RLgIT1A4pXM9Hu8lVzhHgz0EmwRXy8Sd068fkqGUc1X4oPUj_ALiopltT4vnqC4DJwgawtg/s320/IMG_9497.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers, Here we are at the beginning of 2024. The sun shines on the patchy snow that fell Christmas Day. Yesterday I took down holiday decorations but left the dusting for today. Good thing the sun is out. </p><p>Yesterday, I opened <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123087784-the-comfort-of-crows?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=yLmulmyTur&" target="_blank">The Comfort of Crows</a> by Margaret Renkl and read about the custom of seeing the first bird of the New Year. While at my desk, I saw four cardinals, three male and one female. Their colors against a blue sky were beautiful. Cardinals can symbolize many ideas but the ones I choose are adventure, enthusiasm, energy, determination, and loved ones near us. This feels like a good way to walk into a new year. I plan to read the book, a little at a time this year. </p><p>Today is the first <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a> with Kat and friends. Before Christmas, I finished the last lingering 2023 project, the Be Kind Scarf. It is a pleasant little one-skein project that yielded a scarf much like a Sophie Scarf, only with eyelets and a slightly rounded shape in the center. Last Wednesday I tossed the stash, reorganized notion pouches, and project bags. </p><p>On the Winter Solstice, I cast on a shawl using a hand spun BFL gradient. The colors in the yarn remind me of a White Breasted Nuthatch. The nubbly texture of hand spun is fun to knit. I'm not sure if I'll get all the shades into the shawl but I'm enjoying the project. I cast on a pair of socks on Christmas afternoon but haven't done much with them. I might rewind the yarn as I am rather red and greened out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z-aKd-jbdf4mxHSxi9Khyphenhyphenl11DE_rfHUmdka56VSLRkr8Tbn0BQaf5X87_m4_EiGQvujwWfDoJNG06uqePNH85T0-4-1Ta8pQu4LKslYv1aSt-BNkfJccpF0PB3uax1JshrpT5P6wDURP93VjDcaLYMHfqRuKfVgaQqrbW0DQdr7eGgc4uttZVGHV/s4032/IMG_9509.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z-aKd-jbdf4mxHSxi9Khyphenhyphenl11DE_rfHUmdka56VSLRkr8Tbn0BQaf5X87_m4_EiGQvujwWfDoJNG06uqePNH85T0-4-1Ta8pQu4LKslYv1aSt-BNkfJccpF0PB3uax1JshrpT5P6wDURP93VjDcaLYMHfqRuKfVgaQqrbW0DQdr7eGgc4uttZVGHV/s320/IMG_9509.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I also cast on a pair of Pioneer Gloves, a free pattern I've wanted to try. The gusset is made by increasing the palm of the mitt. The ribbing makes the mitt look like a little tube but gives a nice fit on the hand. It feels like a hug. I have the hand of one mitt finished and another to go. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEFUnGu1vBdBtrrO7NUrT1417wV8mp585_lukGVnhP-WyYh-MrZJ2jf2SaFCO5-ECTRj7S7oONCNE3MtWDjI8-tvH1oddUgk0yL4BsIl23oR9RRX_4f_iC0pdPg1w4iYDHD4IbFMV2yITdlMmFtPBiMrsQGn0O1XWLWIh9EspUrFBj1XMpH6_vINO/s3570/IMG_9511.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEFUnGu1vBdBtrrO7NUrT1417wV8mp585_lukGVnhP-WyYh-MrZJ2jf2SaFCO5-ECTRj7S7oONCNE3MtWDjI8-tvH1oddUgk0yL4BsIl23oR9RRX_4f_iC0pdPg1w4iYDHD4IbFMV2yITdlMmFtPBiMrsQGn0O1XWLWIh9EspUrFBj1XMpH6_vINO/s320/IMG_9511.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><p>This week I finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65678550-the-heaven-earth-grocery-store?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Dh" target="_blank">The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store</a> by James McBride. The book contains passages of excellent writing. The story of two communities, experiencing racism but finding a way to work together, is poignant and heavy. The characters are well developed but I thought the plot rambled now and then. In the end, McBride pulls the story together in a most satisfactory conclusion. </p><p>I read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43557477-the-jane-austen-society?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_10" target="_blank">The Jane Austen Society</a> by Natalie Jenner as it is the January book selection by my local group. Just after World War 2, a group of disparate people come together to preserve Austen's heritage. I enjoyed this sweet story and the setting without being terribly familiar with Austen's novels. Although I admire Austen for what she accomplished and understand that she wrote witty commentary about the few choices open to women in her day, I've never been a fan of her work. I have an old copy of Pride and Prejudice so maybe I'll read it to see if my opinion has changed. </p><p>I wish you a gentle walk into this New Year. Onward we go. </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/four-of-a-kind" target="_blank">Be Kind Scarf</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/pioneer-gloves" target="_blank">Pioneer Gloves</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/falling-water-shawl-3" target="_blank">Solstice Shawl</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-64836010478692409092023-12-26T10:30:00.000-08:002023-12-26T10:30:17.627-08:00Holiday Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tw7hDUPJLSb6joQUmBv_OaWZWAug2_1eAcsPG8iV3H9CRmBmxFCCEKGYUnBokskXL5hj82PWf2k7DjpDhHMIFjtfj_PVZ0cnxORocL4byl-i62TczxMyMqC0Dmi0Tt-1dMJs8Fi0cwgVCwfw_3-4f-JzZvmUpUfUq0tKdLPPmE0QRzx20XLMz7Cx/s4032/IMG_9450%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tw7hDUPJLSb6joQUmBv_OaWZWAug2_1eAcsPG8iV3H9CRmBmxFCCEKGYUnBokskXL5hj82PWf2k7DjpDhHMIFjtfj_PVZ0cnxORocL4byl-i62TczxMyMqC0Dmi0Tt-1dMJs8Fi0cwgVCwfw_3-4f-JzZvmUpUfUq0tKdLPPmE0QRzx20XLMz7Cx/s320/IMG_9450%202.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Sometime during the wee hours of Christmas morning, I heard the rain change to sleet and then snow. Monday, four inches of snow fell at times with gusty winds. We had no plans to go anywhere and were happy to be tucked in at home with FaceTime calls, coffee, and brunch. </p><p>As is my custom, I wrote a poem to send in my holiday cards. I share it here with with my best wishes for a last gentle week in 2023.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Notes from a Winter Day, December 2023</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Clouds do not mean to create weariness</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">in the world. Remember, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">rain or snow refreshes the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Junco's bright voice does not break over</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">the dry-brown winter day. Instead</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">she sings from the crooked apple limb </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">and drinks frost with a pale pink beak,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">a beak strong enough to crack seeds or</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">open hearts to wonder and hope. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Jane A. Wolfe, copyright December 18, 2023</span></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-44520603422262963282023-12-20T11:18:00.000-08:002023-12-20T11:18:10.112-08:00December Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOixbH3nLw8yX0OMIlPjXWacxqLSATYt7IH2UWIFV8HdpZRvw1Uwf0PuGse-1hHaBm_b7U-IChWwCVh5FCriUrYVMhsIHRigp9eMZaLkKZ0EboOnrYeK2R9o1UZuvKnu7dj33-xYfjOYOYtuMvGMw5BgE3kiNz1q0-K2rJRbYbm6uvhsVIu3Mt6wfi/s3497/IMG_9448.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3497" data-original-width="2568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOixbH3nLw8yX0OMIlPjXWacxqLSATYt7IH2UWIFV8HdpZRvw1Uwf0PuGse-1hHaBm_b7U-IChWwCVh5FCriUrYVMhsIHRigp9eMZaLkKZ0EboOnrYeK2R9o1UZuvKnu7dj33-xYfjOYOYtuMvGMw5BgE3kiNz1q0-K2rJRbYbm6uvhsVIu3Mt6wfi/s320/IMG_9448.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Our December weather continues to be mild and dry. While the high-forty degree days are unseasonable, they make for good walking weather. Walking feels more important than ever as the holiday treats are tempting and plentiful. </p><p>Today is <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Unraveled Wednesday</a> with Kat and friends. I finally finished the Hocus Pocus Socks, leaving one scarf on the needles. As I knit the scarf, I am considering new projects. I spun this yarn with a shawl in mind so I am mulling over pattern options. Sometimes I think the best project is always the next one. </p><p>In the meantime, I'll share the apron saga. Once my sister gave my daughter and I a Purl Soho, <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2015/11/20/cross-back-apron/" target="_blank">Cross Back Apron</a>. Kate's good friend loves to bake and admired her apron. When we visited, I volunteered to sew a mother/daughter apron set for her to give to this friend. In spite of all my mistakes, I would gladly sew again for my wonderful daughter. </p><p>The free pattern is well written and finished with French Seams. However, this pattern is to sewing as EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket is to knitting. In other words it seemed like sewing origami. And it's been awhile since I sewed a garment. I cut two of six pocket pieces incorrectly which required another trip to the fabric store. I made another error when sewing pocket pieces together and so ripped out and resewed a long seam. A few days later than I expected, I finished the apron. The child's apron was much easier although I cut the pocket two inches two short to stretch across the entire apron. I adapted the pocket. Oy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNYl3rGGkub1Q-6fYYZc61QZoNf-M45KOszi3wa3EfMrd8QLlk2WTgZM9AYwDYAczPOcFXlxMTu92K5mXYEaCYTkdfk4tZNsw7UOVo5bHKMQX9U5YTnBgfXJU2WDxL3_VyAOasXMS8Gfza57-fjK5QRvNAUW9XvVMo_FPc9HcGSsqGDUjHaM27kOW/s4032/IMG_9423.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNYl3rGGkub1Q-6fYYZc61QZoNf-M45KOszi3wa3EfMrd8QLlk2WTgZM9AYwDYAczPOcFXlxMTu92K5mXYEaCYTkdfk4tZNsw7UOVo5bHKMQX9U5YTnBgfXJU2WDxL3_VyAOasXMS8Gfza57-fjK5QRvNAUW9XvVMo_FPc9HcGSsqGDUjHaM27kOW/s320/IMG_9423.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I had enough leftover fabric to make an apron for Norah. Jonah also likes to wear his "kitchen robe" so I decided to make one for him too. Off I went to Joann's for more bias tape. Anyway, I finished them earlier in the month, sent them off with cookie cutters and they have arrived. Whew. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTTfeEsce2PneDSVlJv6Cd220DNdTGyMpwCrigr8OmU5WE-vj13eUD2BkmF1MJKzManq4fbM1vou6kclLvBs_plrqc8nocqrdc_8vsxDePXKxsf8rLH2Jh_vVWRs0lr8HDDylS_qsXMg2cEeisO97-0IS-L2D7z_v_m6clmfK18OwuQ9ZGRaUCZHS/s3994/IMG_9422.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="3994" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTTfeEsce2PneDSVlJv6Cd220DNdTGyMpwCrigr8OmU5WE-vj13eUD2BkmF1MJKzManq4fbM1vou6kclLvBs_plrqc8nocqrdc_8vsxDePXKxsf8rLH2Jh_vVWRs0lr8HDDylS_qsXMg2cEeisO97-0IS-L2D7z_v_m6clmfK18OwuQ9ZGRaUCZHS/s320/IMG_9422.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As for reading, I'm about half-way through <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65678550-the-heaven-earth-grocery-store?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=" target="_blank">The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store</a> by James McBride. McBride is quite a story teller. I'm still formulating my opinions about this book. I do appreciate the humor he injects into the stories about people who live in difficult conditions. </p><p>Next on my agenda is a grocery list and menu for the week. My goal is to make today's grocery run the last before the Christmas weekend. I hope your plans for the week are going well. I wish you peaceful contented days filled with the people and things you love. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB743X7dCl3zSRsbbodPcd6o2j2hPTsBHF4Hv3gMs34FtugoW6MwxZddYdI3UmocrGvaoHhFIBa5mdkpJ1QQYh1kH0z7jxMzf_AlH2EIfNWmnUmzEGoJ_erKGuK1oz778g9QT-PJIJsA4DU0jeQC4DdKvc0ajKO9TwzdiEu9HWbLGgYjxHXw9S00MO/s4032/IMG_9415.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB743X7dCl3zSRsbbodPcd6o2j2hPTsBHF4Hv3gMs34FtugoW6MwxZddYdI3UmocrGvaoHhFIBa5mdkpJ1QQYh1kH0z7jxMzf_AlH2EIfNWmnUmzEGoJ_erKGuK1oz778g9QT-PJIJsA4DU0jeQC4DdKvc0ajKO9TwzdiEu9HWbLGgYjxHXw9S00MO/s320/IMG_9415.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The sunbeam wasn't visible to me when I took this photo but there it is in the photo. I'm sure there is a metaphor or a lesson here. What is it? </p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-89918482703166031362023-12-14T10:07:00.000-08:002023-12-14T10:07:15.870-08:00Unraveled Wednesday on Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuqyvLObyhU0z2RZSDxu0kWe5mJMBsTHQpSr1E1iC4ay5LzahjTbMW1kThImRYlK8lJYrtiDIYll6VcAH4zAHmJJ8LQe50Sb849lWsvQCgUy5TCfPLnb-LXfRVO8T9DRr6UK6r2LKt2fl30NF-m5i2CMvvPVBHkQnlzdk0KPRiOh_6ULVU8WMBz3v/s4032/IMG_9396.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuqyvLObyhU0z2RZSDxu0kWe5mJMBsTHQpSr1E1iC4ay5LzahjTbMW1kThImRYlK8lJYrtiDIYll6VcAH4zAHmJJ8LQe50Sb849lWsvQCgUy5TCfPLnb-LXfRVO8T9DRr6UK6r2LKt2fl30NF-m5i2CMvvPVBHkQnlzdk0KPRiOh_6ULVU8WMBz3v/s320/IMG_9396.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Here in southeast Nebraska, the first half of December has been mild with little precipitation. This morning, I am happy to be sitting near the south windows looking out at a bright gray day. Late yesterday afternoon, I walked at dusk. My day was taken up by errands, some planned and some not. A quiet walk, with lights coming on in the neighborhood, was just what I needed. </p><p>Thanks to the Computer Hardware technicians, my laptop is cleaned up and repaired. One to two business days, stretched into a week but with a warranty, I have a new battery and keyboard as well as a machine minus malware. Life is an adventure. At the same time, the oven needed repairs. These are first world problems so I am not complaining, only explaining my absence. Please know that I will read all the posts but may not comment on every one. In the meantime, I wrapped and mailed packages, sewed four aprons, and finished and frogged knitting projects. The aprons could be a separate post, maybe later. Even though it is Thursday, I'll link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/2023/12/13/unraveled-wednesday-12-13-23/" target="_blank">Kat's Unraveled Wednesday</a> post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg5mka4sTyyfW0jGKm56xnBdude5qlKz49Gtn9a2OAweydYbDKCAhNsQ6erUJnVIrCwCBILvmk2BEFCf7T9MZXFs_1PLcfLTeeRei7TyFxX-TAQO4zbx6MhfKgIzGpTQl6H5rGiiZHWmWFbX_fRW6kpdiMUGCpAMy-Xu_O2Zsy9Nt9-1h0qdTIYsA/s4032/IMG_9399.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg5mka4sTyyfW0jGKm56xnBdude5qlKz49Gtn9a2OAweydYbDKCAhNsQ6erUJnVIrCwCBILvmk2BEFCf7T9MZXFs_1PLcfLTeeRei7TyFxX-TAQO4zbx6MhfKgIzGpTQl6H5rGiiZHWmWFbX_fRW6kpdiMUGCpAMy-Xu_O2Zsy9Nt9-1h0qdTIYsA/s320/IMG_9399.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I finished the wrap that was the Knit Paper Scissors HusKAL fall project. The yarn and pattern were well suited to each other. I do enjoy knitting a sampler kind of project. It blocked beautifully. I wove in ends and was reminded why I save every bit of yarn until a project is completely finished. I found a dropped or loose stitch and was able to secure it with the leftover short length of yarn. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk-LuC-lI0VZZ4I3J-GCsAWWphRoFouM2T0egGOpqGhjiLh8HcteFkX0Diuf8joanpuyaDlf0KEWkg7AQDHis1oFSHfZBVDI2-Wve0NzBeXYG2b2G2RMf1LW8SMSJAYkf-j9UBcI076XVhZrCguA9BpPCdgTj0VZLr5Uz31eHQ9a_P-mbT2iNNxr3/s4032/IMG_9394.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk-LuC-lI0VZZ4I3J-GCsAWWphRoFouM2T0egGOpqGhjiLh8HcteFkX0Diuf8joanpuyaDlf0KEWkg7AQDHis1oFSHfZBVDI2-Wve0NzBeXYG2b2G2RMf1LW8SMSJAYkf-j9UBcI076XVhZrCguA9BpPCdgTj0VZLr5Uz31eHQ9a_P-mbT2iNNxr3/s320/IMG_9394.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I finished the Christmas socks and the Gold Thumb Mitts. Then I looked at four more projects. Everyone knits differently and that is a good thing. I know that if one of my projects languishes for months, it means it isn't for me. I frogged a shawl I started last Spring because I wasn't enjoying it. The other clue is a nagging voice inside my head telling me a project isn't working. After pulling on the handspun Creekside shawl every time I knit a row, I took a good look at it. I knit almost to the lace section, so I spent plenty of time ignoring that voice. The fabric was stiff and heavy and I knew I'd never wear it. More shawl fabric wasn't going to change the weight. The handspun held with a mohair silk lace was a bear to frog. If the yarn hadn't been handspun, I might have thrown the whole mess away but I didn't. Both yarns survived quite well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTRzkg5CeVXoAMR0691IxNwBf3RCc0yEOmttxkPqz4XZACyDGRVWp1pYqd6ykePBKLNSX4xiJZSwQ-EKw_fzS-X_swH2b7tqYsM2WW_ll81LmjjM6Xt4Ieuk2aKu1Z5fkrXBsX1uaG8cCrjRsLnsGAJcy6OwhBba1KuVcn8eNLegl3Xio-as3940c/s3198/IMG_9403.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3198" data-original-width="2786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTRzkg5CeVXoAMR0691IxNwBf3RCc0yEOmttxkPqz4XZACyDGRVWp1pYqd6ykePBKLNSX4xiJZSwQ-EKw_fzS-X_swH2b7tqYsM2WW_ll81LmjjM6Xt4Ieuk2aKu1Z5fkrXBsX1uaG8cCrjRsLnsGAJcy6OwhBba1KuVcn8eNLegl3Xio-as3940c/s320/IMG_9403.jpeg" width="279" /></a></div><p>Now I am down to the Hocus Pocus socks and a scarf/shawl shaped like a Sophie Scarf. I plan to finish both of these projects before starting another knitting project. Having a clean slate at the end of the year doesn't always happen but it's nice when it does. Most evenings, I knit one repeat on the sock and then pick up the scarf. So far so good. I'm enjoying both projects and don't feel weighed down by unfinished ones sitting in the bins. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFKoSFztJeYFm1x00ZVUmgfCH4jJur2tDtO-trW4pby4RuFL7UCPkLI5kLxwT2KostK2jtKOTXD_rH2Pd-H9kDu-Bx1O0_rXaFtoUFTfs8N7pTntoyZasHEl9JD_ClIH2srFbdPg9K-vug6NmMA7HXlASWQhA2KO7LAkIlLLhaUYtsymY3UZNzsv4/s4032/IMG_9439.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFKoSFztJeYFm1x00ZVUmgfCH4jJur2tDtO-trW4pby4RuFL7UCPkLI5kLxwT2KostK2jtKOTXD_rH2Pd-H9kDu-Bx1O0_rXaFtoUFTfs8N7pTntoyZasHEl9JD_ClIH2srFbdPg9K-vug6NmMA7HXlASWQhA2KO7LAkIlLLhaUYtsymY3UZNzsv4/s320/IMG_9439.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQWhKJCBZUQ6-oIy5XNV1LnKkO005Q7ADgVQu4h1o9vhMSSxM-N4d13SNTBgd11j9SdyA_VVmV2I1jU0ME19NGJreIKCLeHDZaPBMnUQ-eFCeSDHfV_SuKvHUC133h05S1pCVpNgeadI0Zw9xklfgzJQYMBNjo8F0Mr_TVZtE-hhQ2f5MCqJ_rXpf/s3761/IMG_9440.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3761" data-original-width="2973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQWhKJCBZUQ6-oIy5XNV1LnKkO005Q7ADgVQu4h1o9vhMSSxM-N4d13SNTBgd11j9SdyA_VVmV2I1jU0ME19NGJreIKCLeHDZaPBMnUQ-eFCeSDHfV_SuKvHUC133h05S1pCVpNgeadI0Zw9xklfgzJQYMBNjo8F0Mr_TVZtE-hhQ2f5MCqJ_rXpf/s320/IMG_9440.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div><p>I came to the end of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39025796-walking-in-wonder?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=YxUDVE8xGZ&rank=1" target="_blank">Walking in Wonder</a> and am still thinking about some of the essays, particularly the one on aging. At my age, how can that not be on my mind? There is a lot of wisdom in O'Donohue's writing. Currently I am reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123207191-the-quickening?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iOu5JQXK24&rank=4" target="_blank">The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth</a> by Elizabeth Rush. This is a nonfiction account of the author's journey to Antarctica on a vessel designed for research. Rush includes short transcriptions from her shipmates, including the gentlemen who crew and cook for the international team of researchers. Rush was one of the few journalists allowed on the boat. The journalists were charged with raising awareness about the speed at which glaciers in Antarctica are melting. The science is so interesting and Rush is thoughtful about her writing. She writes a little about previous exploration stories as the domain of white males. At the same time, she describes the beauty of the area, she explores her decision to bring a child into the world. The book is fascinating, enlightening, and frightening. </p><p>Thanks for reading. It's good to be back. Now that I have a working oven, I hope to do a little baking. What are your plans for the rest of the week? </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/persimmon-wrap" target="_blank">HusKAL Wrap</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/a-little-hocus-pocus-socks" target="_blank">Hocus Pocus Socks</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/four-of-a-kind" target="_blank">Be Kind Scarf</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-43971619914492466912023-11-29T08:30:00.000-08:002023-11-29T08:30:00.131-08:00November's End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTA3vvPiARHZ9uyszRy3M9ZbKNZbq4CpwGd_W6hNL_e80-bU8SbSPo6HxvXd1Qd3UPEsHeKhNX1zat4CsOPIt1mllwJqGzcp5j3_ZL6-5UTMjyZw2d2DeroRR1dU5qilRfdzeU67VZa5pCEQGnQ13k2H2zwEhFMcUFZ4YenyXiMPNOl69iYdL4ng7/s3532/IMG_9385.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3532" data-original-width="2683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTA3vvPiARHZ9uyszRy3M9ZbKNZbq4CpwGd_W6hNL_e80-bU8SbSPo6HxvXd1Qd3UPEsHeKhNX1zat4CsOPIt1mllwJqGzcp5j3_ZL6-5UTMjyZw2d2DeroRR1dU5qilRfdzeU67VZa5pCEQGnQ13k2H2zwEhFMcUFZ4YenyXiMPNOl69iYdL4ng7/s320/IMG_9385.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. I'm sitting in a sunny spot in our living room, soaking up the warmth and quiet afterglow of Thanksgiving. Light wet snow fell on Saturday morning and then again on Saturday evening. As usually happens the day after a snowfall, Sunday was quite cold. Juncos foraged for the seeds in clumps of lazy susans. The stalks are brittle and thin so they bounced about trying to perch. After awhile, they may have knocked the seeds to the ground in order to eat them more easily. Their behavior looked both playful and scrappy. </p><p>Today is Wednesday and the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat</a> and other makers. The HusKAL wrap I knit with other customers of <a href="https://www.knit-paper-scissors.com/" target="_blank">Knit Paper Scissors</a> is blocking. It feels like a big finish. When it dries I'll have a weaving-in-the-ends party, take photos, and share a few thoughts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EuK2EorFsuYRVwdOYu0I0Lp-1NveGB4w9I9ZgTS9FNQMjnOumQHj-5gBKb33P-WIs95v7EbXCJ7Iq3ypeuTmUqRFq8gfy6vd8PdD2FblrMcDrNXi6WZHCILAcQNr70HABl-jYbAExVjMEBXcy6aadVg_Q5hrnLXM5uJe5WL4-sLVXLCO4XQVffDb/s3570/IMG_9153.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3570" data-original-width="2761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EuK2EorFsuYRVwdOYu0I0Lp-1NveGB4w9I9ZgTS9FNQMjnOumQHj-5gBKb33P-WIs95v7EbXCJ7Iq3ypeuTmUqRFq8gfy6vd8PdD2FblrMcDrNXi6WZHCILAcQNr70HABl-jYbAExVjMEBXcy6aadVg_Q5hrnLXM5uJe5WL4-sLVXLCO4XQVffDb/s320/IMG_9153.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><p>I finished spinning this BFL fiber. Four ounces of fiber yielded 423 yds of sport to dk weight yarn pictured at the top of this post. One skein appears more compact because I wound it on a new niddy noddy. I acquired that tool, along with some other items, by way of a birthday gift certificate from my son and his family. My plying could be more consistent. Still, whenever I finish a skein of handspun, I am amazed that I can make yarn. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxKumVHZrW8kuSoGH3X6layL5h49_EmYoeVpTjSxQp3cS4nNvzmKVnJUyrLsk_sv0s_RcA4s_mHnKjs1FuqnBfFApwjoFnXoWEVigFqRFCXHNbMiyCrt8RmoL5QPM4i6jdYxy-mvvpfY91Bu_tB5h4fS0ZzS-pwTvcKNC4h1eG8c-RQIjLcyMhCAZ/s3504/IMG_9388.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="2991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxKumVHZrW8kuSoGH3X6layL5h49_EmYoeVpTjSxQp3cS4nNvzmKVnJUyrLsk_sv0s_RcA4s_mHnKjs1FuqnBfFApwjoFnXoWEVigFqRFCXHNbMiyCrt8RmoL5QPM4i6jdYxy-mvvpfY91Bu_tB5h4fS0ZzS-pwTvcKNC4h1eG8c-RQIjLcyMhCAZ/s320/IMG_9388.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><p>I want to give a small present to a service provider so I cast on these mitts. I knit this pattern often because the 2 x 2 ribbed hand will fit a variety of sizes. I also love knitting the leaf/thumb gusset. It ranks right up with turning a heel. After these mitts are finished, I plan to get back to works in progress. Famous last words, right?</p><p>As for reading, I'm listening to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75428822-tom-lake" target="_blank">Tom Lake</a> written by Ann Patchett and narrated by Meryl Streep. I wondered if listening to Streep would distract from Patchett's writing but it does not. She adds just the right amount of interpretation. I admire the subtle way Patchett, weaves the pandemic into the background of the story. As many of you know, the characters shine and the novel is a beautifully written. </p><p>I'm slowly reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39025796-walking-in-wonder?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17" target="_blank">Walking in Wonder</a> by John O'Donohue. Last weekend I read the section on "balance" and am still thinking about it. I was struck by O'Donohue's words about holding contradicting ideas at the same time. He wrote that the mechanism of physical balance in human beings is in the inner ear, the organ also associated with listening. What a connection and message for our time. Mary Oliver's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34272476-devotions?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_9" target="_blank">Devotions</a> is also keeping me company. </p><p>And so, speaking of balance, I best move from sitting in the sunshine and to bundling up for a walk. Take a deep breath and enjoy the last few days of November. </p><p>Ravelry Link</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/green-thumb-5" target="_blank">Gold Thumb Mitts</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-53541700429649139472023-11-22T07:30:00.000-08:002023-11-22T07:30:00.141-08:00Where Was I?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv8qZbvVJ5H1mfYI3jeEirbSVJ65t8W5RnZ5i_Yfc4VPzKLxHPZat1EJxdMj1Acosyi4wjC-m1Ay6c5kQwDkMIoSOKAAN6SjACvdzSTE_YW80CxI32M5BGoGSmMXObSuBBTMEREUaETcTls_utWUlKGhcd2H7J1euBjR4Impfn-cuUaU9lgjuCM_a/s4016/IMG_9343.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="4016" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv8qZbvVJ5H1mfYI3jeEirbSVJ65t8W5RnZ5i_Yfc4VPzKLxHPZat1EJxdMj1Acosyi4wjC-m1Ay6c5kQwDkMIoSOKAAN6SjACvdzSTE_YW80CxI32M5BGoGSmMXObSuBBTMEREUaETcTls_utWUlKGhcd2H7J1euBjR4Impfn-cuUaU9lgjuCM_a/s320/IMG_9343.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Hello Gentle Readers. Since I last posted, we traveled to Connecticut to visit our daughter and family. Now it is good to be home. A brisk November wind blows out of the north. However, the sun is bright and that makes all the difference. The weather is perfect for Thanksgiving. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJyXU0G-t1v5Kp_PGfPNtpck7Pmdd6K-zCHgab8g64FI09iAbwobEOB30_JJCQoot9HoEKeQFJq1uqfO4A1_TCKzLnt5qn5P5CnRgf4Dyenp5nDwiscAvH95sc1O0DUuFWjNiH_zzM3Fp2njoFXDI4Xab0XdFniJCO00Kg6X_YmArK0U90q2RM1Bb/s4032/IMG_8457.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJyXU0G-t1v5Kp_PGfPNtpck7Pmdd6K-zCHgab8g64FI09iAbwobEOB30_JJCQoot9HoEKeQFJq1uqfO4A1_TCKzLnt5qn5P5CnRgf4Dyenp5nDwiscAvH95sc1O0DUuFWjNiH_zzM3Fp2njoFXDI4Xab0XdFniJCO00Kg6X_YmArK0U90q2RM1Bb/s320/IMG_8457.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">We had a wonderful visit full of adventures with my daughter and her family. We managed to get a photo with all four kids in our summer camp t-shirts. Somehow it never happened in August. We also took a photo of Norah in her rainbow sweater. I was happy to know she is wearing and enjoying the sweater.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf-t4I6oU8Ma4IvZKYCYEuPKaQMkeMYhVUR_FwlFBkp9rjeVZTsBWEy_E8YNZ9Q8IA64nvxztWqO3SgCKrLheOwLgDtzxE4ekXV3BLa_GI6SCoQxoEflqEoXPAwrpYZDY1EubjQ1F4iR94kRXiQBqo2oxN_YLfvMEZjSXSb77CG1wPRRqb7Apnb-h/s3320/IMG_9287.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3320" data-original-width="2986" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf-t4I6oU8Ma4IvZKYCYEuPKaQMkeMYhVUR_FwlFBkp9rjeVZTsBWEy_E8YNZ9Q8IA64nvxztWqO3SgCKrLheOwLgDtzxE4ekXV3BLa_GI6SCoQxoEflqEoXPAwrpYZDY1EubjQ1F4iR94kRXiQBqo2oxN_YLfvMEZjSXSb77CG1wPRRqb7Apnb-h/s320/IMG_9287.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p>One blustery day, Kate, Norah, and I walked around Tod's Point. I've never been in November or at such a low tide. For a few minutes, Norah got out from under the blanket in her stroller to look at rocks and shells. My daughter found a few pieces of sea glass. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDuIlcZQaHoJL7BMO3uwa4Uqix6nzWARz67o01lTx37gIuVP5BNkhTwE5etcrBvCchqjQ-JKMfAJ-ZP5o_3esECenR210AWfVOCaFjQ7_rKuP3nnSmdeqAC9wR062pVlpE4_GVv6ITqd-iiLw61u-RN1JvuG-8EknN6H9-K4DF3iM_9h_lBMrK5tF/s4032/IMG_8360.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDuIlcZQaHoJL7BMO3uwa4Uqix6nzWARz67o01lTx37gIuVP5BNkhTwE5etcrBvCchqjQ-JKMfAJ-ZP5o_3esECenR210AWfVOCaFjQ7_rKuP3nnSmdeqAC9wR062pVlpE4_GVv6ITqd-iiLw61u-RN1JvuG-8EknN6H9-K4DF3iM_9h_lBMrK5tF/s320/IMG_8360.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>We enjoyed ordinary days, filling them with walks to and from school, games of UNO, baking muffins, and taking fewer photos. Emmett and I remembered our infamous back-to-back photo and he is now officially taller. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEErjXRt89zC9ijXk6ubiuKiLOIvF7ruZerD5snu6RF7f9WN6FH_pZRmEUSQLGLYcffHfxZwA9W7gkso_aWi8gkz6und6VtuVmlWaUqMHQihcO0IpaMLGGUyDMDNOTzzT_PLII5IpMpeaaYnUsTaCcUp0jbDSTWaadXfhdSKJ7j8pufoyY0HGbH0MA/s4005/IMG_8489.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4005" data-original-width="2857" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEErjXRt89zC9ijXk6ubiuKiLOIvF7ruZerD5snu6RF7f9WN6FH_pZRmEUSQLGLYcffHfxZwA9W7gkso_aWi8gkz6und6VtuVmlWaUqMHQihcO0IpaMLGGUyDMDNOTzzT_PLII5IpMpeaaYnUsTaCcUp0jbDSTWaadXfhdSKJ7j8pufoyY0HGbH0MA/s320/IMG_8489.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div><br /><p>One morning, Lance and I walked to a local coffee shop and then to the park a block or so away from Kate and Patrick's home. It was a beautiful brisk morning and we enjoyed the New England color. See the park photo above. </p><p>Another day, Kate and I took the metro-north train into NYC. We toured the incredible <a href="https://www.themorgan.org/" target="_blank">Morgan Library and Museum</a> and then we walked to The Strand Bookstore and all the way back to Grand Central. I logged more than 13,000 steps that day and kept up with my athletic daughter. Excuse the less than stellar selfie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn9a8SvPWyYecE_vhAwB_dQ9N5kE__EUcCbe5ub_fdcs4EFdAfaNZ0Dp5hvry9rgYhz3qrjGBScQxalO3deGwO70se-ncVO-S1tfMbO-YwEVxFm0wi6qY3Hcq5jIBrOtMzNfztzQEx-dB59Ull_sIAOlj8hlH5psGAUqiX-0DyOaZHV_tHsRaCwoh/s3088/IMG_8421.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpn9a8SvPWyYecE_vhAwB_dQ9N5kE__EUcCbe5ub_fdcs4EFdAfaNZ0Dp5hvry9rgYhz3qrjGBScQxalO3deGwO70se-ncVO-S1tfMbO-YwEVxFm0wi6qY3Hcq5jIBrOtMzNfztzQEx-dB59Ull_sIAOlj8hlH5psGAUqiX-0DyOaZHV_tHsRaCwoh/s320/IMG_8421.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRuzXjTQn0L3wMsndFoX6hzvZ4DYleGtnZLI13g2161gTmArIFt5TDitNOHII2edhGOzOI4mkv93lD5CGJGGSbp_TeHXvQUWavtCowt6rzDQitLrQVivntfg32i8NCBesf38S3uOJnNqLZoHvmVIFSN6Hibig-ri_DXT_WVae6sman37-FOQ5Ad5z/s4032/IMG_8431.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRuzXjTQn0L3wMsndFoX6hzvZ4DYleGtnZLI13g2161gTmArIFt5TDitNOHII2edhGOzOI4mkv93lD5CGJGGSbp_TeHXvQUWavtCowt6rzDQitLrQVivntfg32i8NCBesf38S3uOJnNqLZoHvmVIFSN6Hibig-ri_DXT_WVae6sman37-FOQ5Ad5z/s320/IMG_8431.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>Today is Wednesday and the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and other makers.</a> My travel knitting was yet another pair of socks. Before leaving, I knit the ribbing and a few rows of the pattern. I haven't touched them since we arrived home late last Thursday. Truth to tell, I am a little tired of sock knitting so I'm working on the HusKAL wrap. I now have six WIPS, including a Christmas gift. This is at least two too many for me. In my defense, I knew I'd never be able to knit the Hocus Pocus socks in between playing UNO and reading bedtime stories so I cast on the travel socks with an easy familiar pattern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qCKyWwtNxxWlHuOExBKstrMyJmoKtmraIdi4mQhPbpbYMmWh8tXzYaobj6AKga6g9uA_Tx5jIF3YekoTPiy1zTtOFznQfMqu4WopseoUp-OW6hKmgqeQbhojDGB7vDRoxkjHjY3lNo1pX2f7Woeb54VdzTZB-7pSq4A5liMDWweKzbh40Z_bQ2Qq/s4032/IMG_9369.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3qCKyWwtNxxWlHuOExBKstrMyJmoKtmraIdi4mQhPbpbYMmWh8tXzYaobj6AKga6g9uA_Tx5jIF3YekoTPiy1zTtOFznQfMqu4WopseoUp-OW6hKmgqeQbhojDGB7vDRoxkjHjY3lNo1pX2f7Woeb54VdzTZB-7pSq4A5liMDWweKzbh40Z_bQ2Qq/s320/IMG_9369.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>I read a hard copy of </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43586637-the-masterpiece" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">The Masterpiece</a><span style="text-align: left;"> by Fiona Davis. This historical novel is not great literature and the storyline isn't altogether believable but I did enjoy the information about Grand Central Terminal. I find Grand Central so interesting with it's blue ceiling, grand staircases, and the clock ticking in the information booth. Although I wouldn't change my life, growing up in small town Nebraska and living in the small city of Lincoln is quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Grand Central. </span></div><p>This Thanksgiving week, I am grateful for family and friends - both near and far, those I see in person and those I know only virtually. I am grateful for a safe trip, two smooth traveling days (no small accomplishment when one is flying), happy times with family, face time and phone calls with our Texas family. I am grateful for a warm house and clothing, good health, delicious food, hot coffee and tea. Did I mention wool socks and shawls? The list is long. I wish you all a good week and if you celebrate, a Happy Thanksgiving. </p><p>Ravelry Link</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/hermiones-everyday-socks-4" target="_blank">Herminones Christmas Socks</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-13161334173297449692023-11-07T09:45:00.000-08:002023-11-07T09:45:35.825-08:00Simply a Moment - 11.7.23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSl0bTEJLT88ToNcILhEFfN_dwB68R5UePBeSRp4-mFrlugwA8VbNPk0ICujIYzpmrGMSXTA9kLjUKIA-4MPwpmv2B1Iq26OV12MwLCdvNtgDUPeH5zgp5l2jEooUotxir_QjDRj0xPHfI-xkcdoCuquFMYvwNqR_wHwrT06MF1XTG1_cSKZZMsWr/s3893/IMG_9275.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3893" data-original-width="2978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSl0bTEJLT88ToNcILhEFfN_dwB68R5UePBeSRp4-mFrlugwA8VbNPk0ICujIYzpmrGMSXTA9kLjUKIA-4MPwpmv2B1Iq26OV12MwLCdvNtgDUPeH5zgp5l2jEooUotxir_QjDRj0xPHfI-xkcdoCuquFMYvwNqR_wHwrT06MF1XTG1_cSKZZMsWr/s320/IMG_9275.jpeg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11:07 a.m. </p><p>Hello Gentle Readers. This morning is sunny and mild. I am soaking up the warmth in front of a south window. A breeze rustles the linden leaves that are a dull green with brown edges. The autumn colors of the maples have faded and some trees never did turn. </p><p>My Mom would have loved this bright autumn morning. This is her birthday and so in honor of her I'm sitting in the sunshine with my knitting and drinking a Blonde Vanilla Decaf Latte. I believe she would have chosen strong black coffee with a dab of whipped cream. </p><p>I've written about Mom more than once but I am thinking of her this morning. She was the best kind of mother, gentle and kind, encouraging all four of us to be what we wanted to be at the moment. She held a BS in nursing, a career that combined her compassion with science. Over the weekend I found an old yellowed paperback, (price $2.98!) <u>Revelations: Diaries of Women, </u>that she gave me for Christmas in 1978. In a way it is outdated and in a way not. I like the quote on the back, "To read this book of selections from women's diaries, is for a woman reader, to experience an excitement, a warm recognition, and a dizzyingly expanded sense of possibilties . . ." And isn't that "sense of possibility" what we want for all of our daughters and sons? I'm rereading parts of the book. </p><p>I received the most touching gift from my son yesterday and tomorrow we leave to visit my daughter and family. Years ago, a good friend gave me the pillow in the rocking chair. In case you can't read the words it says, "A Family is a Gift that Lasts Forever." Now more than ever I appreciate my family, those present and those alive in memory. </p><p>Take good care friends and hold fast to what is good. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvwosLcSyvfp1b7qWZO7whbc4Mdvh4fj0yjmHHc4KrckLhA43hulYDfc2_b_ns9g3mQS7nBBkPE3Jv6D1L68D56B7uC36Abb-CymvZiSuFSAj5lTs4fMnLvfNKr58qO6VFMUdnLNcaE8z-_MfhfN994ZD2TmOC-Nysw6p0nJ0JUU78WW5g_WtsyMC/s3378/IMG_9276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="2842" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvwosLcSyvfp1b7qWZO7whbc4Mdvh4fj0yjmHHc4KrckLhA43hulYDfc2_b_ns9g3mQS7nBBkPE3Jv6D1L68D56B7uC36Abb-CymvZiSuFSAj5lTs4fMnLvfNKr58qO6VFMUdnLNcaE8z-_MfhfN994ZD2TmOC-Nysw6p0nJ0JUU78WW5g_WtsyMC/s320/IMG_9276.jpeg" width="269" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-4654895404638406112023-11-01T08:54:00.000-07:002023-11-01T08:54:12.783-07:00Hello November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWQ-50e8WX4UWVjIZL40pjQAL6WBt8DBJkxM1RnLh4EDKs9x5Ark2uyp0YWHdfGClW1Sn1cdgUsH5eCsOA3tHpN8avfewQTZj0gC20b4A-oEsbHkfxgFOA1gF9YSycZ-LtFN7uW2qtXP7UCQBbwk9I7UTIGLPf6OZmEcECBld8WRTBKzxmJvf919L/s4032/IMG_9265.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWQ-50e8WX4UWVjIZL40pjQAL6WBt8DBJkxM1RnLh4EDKs9x5Ark2uyp0YWHdfGClW1Sn1cdgUsH5eCsOA3tHpN8avfewQTZj0gC20b4A-oEsbHkfxgFOA1gF9YSycZ-LtFN7uW2qtXP7UCQBbwk9I7UTIGLPf6OZmEcECBld8WRTBKzxmJvf919L/s320/IMG_9265.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Here we are in November. These days, that feels like an accomplishment. Last Friday brought a cold snap. We even had a few flurries of snow on Saturday. I am not ready for such cold weather but then again it is November. Leaves fall, some turned to the rich autumn colors but others are a dull green and brown. This time of year I think of Carrie Newcomer's recording, "Leaves Don't Fall, They Just Let Go." The predictable seasonal changes bring comfort. </p><p>Today is Wednesday and time to check in with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a>. I continue to work on the local yarn shop knit-along. This "slanket" is growing and will require a good blocking when finished. I am enjoying the different stitch patterns and textures. Some are new to me and others are not. Unfortunately I ran short of the colorway for the latest section. I'm going over to the yarn shop to look at the finished sample to see how I might adjust the rest of the wrap. I'm sure this is due to my loose knitting and gauge although I did check the gauge of the garter stitch as directed. I have yarns in the other colors so I'll figure out something. As the saying goes, "no one will notice it on a galloping horse." I'm giving myself a lot of credit here as I rarely gallop and never run but you know what I mean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7JhUxk9-hgw45Z7PBiK6C7AqoaJ-s9i67j55rAWB169Xfg5_GUx2OO-to_Rphke2gHbGBWd5MLM58BCrkndsZcugXr_U44ABtxQ80LadgsTsZw9-439NHy2qSL1lpgNod7188CAV2oxDiwV_RWe8x-QKTes6BCpwSCImbLP0Cxblv80UYir90IQX/s4032/IMG_9267.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7JhUxk9-hgw45Z7PBiK6C7AqoaJ-s9i67j55rAWB169Xfg5_GUx2OO-to_Rphke2gHbGBWd5MLM58BCrkndsZcugXr_U44ABtxQ80LadgsTsZw9-439NHy2qSL1lpgNod7188CAV2oxDiwV_RWe8x-QKTes6BCpwSCImbLP0Cxblv80UYir90IQX/s320/IMG_9267.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The sock is coming along nicely. I finished the heel flap, turn, and gusset and am knitting down the foot. I've been listening to the early Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Laurie King while I knit on these socks. They are going to be forever associated with Mary Russell, a strong smart female protagonist who now and again disguises herself to solve the mystery. Hocus Pocus indeed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvFSVgYqqQxJ4ZkFv8SFeMjuavZjt_ZFQ1WkcvWP36TY5xL026QUaAPJ_a90kiN9xQAle-g6fI2SxLQ7JskdrvjF_NTT6aVj0m0Day9XNAP785dl0SPU14Hd2jAA892Z0xxOX3-aaSgSyVUCWp0XzX35v9VWu894CNFidmrPL5IgOf-jah_JMsg6b/s3625/IMG_9266.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3625" data-original-width="2835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvFSVgYqqQxJ4ZkFv8SFeMjuavZjt_ZFQ1WkcvWP36TY5xL026QUaAPJ_a90kiN9xQAle-g6fI2SxLQ7JskdrvjF_NTT6aVj0m0Day9XNAP785dl0SPU14Hd2jAA892Z0xxOX3-aaSgSyVUCWp0XzX35v9VWu894CNFidmrPL5IgOf-jah_JMsg6b/s320/IMG_9266.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><p>I cast on the Creekside Shawl with handspun BFL /silk held double with a strand of mohair. The finished edge will be a familiar simple lace pattern. It's not quite feather and fan but reminds me of it. At the moment, the name escapes me. I'm letting the handspun do the work and it is performing admirably. I'm knitting on size 7 needles. I chose it both as a break from the smaller needles in the other two projects and also because I have always wanted to knit this pattern. Where do those "yens" come from? Patterns appeal to us in different ways at different times. Right now knitting a shawl is comfort and shelter from the news. </p><p>I'm reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39025796-walking-in-wonder?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4cc3g2W2gy&rank=1" target="_blank">Walking in Wonder</a> by John O'Donohue and inspired by his quiet elegant thinking and writing. I read a bit and then stop to reflect and then read a little more. I finished <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61812770-the-last-remains?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=UGE80CkmVt&rank=1" target="_blank">The Last Remains</a> by Elly Griffiths. I won't say much because I don't want to give away the story but I found the conclusion satisfying. Others think differently. I'm going to miss Ruth and Nelson. I'll even miss Cathbird and Judy as well as Bruno and Thing. </p><p>Welcome to November. Stay warm and have a good week. </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/persimmon-wrap" target="_blank">HusKAL Wrap</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/a-little-hocus-pocus-sock" target="_blank">A Little Hocus Pocus </a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/creekside-shawl" target="_blank">Handspun Creekside Shawl</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-36603472678123342442023-10-25T07:39:00.000-07:002023-10-25T07:39:55.577-07:00Contrast<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1gSJC-v-7X2w1I1XI5zlklIh-flyKkmQMa25YhqC5Hy3E4ZqzBSkDkjRPMFAGJNTaEakoiuGAYXo1FnAQ9QsT8c3DCqzckFeolpoQEWZa7SFBXCp19v7rHP1Ik3XhkCxzpuhBDt0NVaOq83dsJJCBJygE5XeGW9xkNF6i-iMkG7-8ynGKwFuOeaM/s3888/IMG_9245.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1gSJC-v-7X2w1I1XI5zlklIh-flyKkmQMa25YhqC5Hy3E4ZqzBSkDkjRPMFAGJNTaEakoiuGAYXo1FnAQ9QsT8c3DCqzckFeolpoQEWZa7SFBXCp19v7rHP1Ik3XhkCxzpuhBDt0NVaOq83dsJJCBJygE5XeGW9xkNF6i-iMkG7-8ynGKwFuOeaM/s320/IMG_9245.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div>Hello Gentle Readers. Here, the fall colors put on a gorgeous show while the days remain unseasonably warm. We have yet to have a freeze but that will change this weekend. When I walk, I slow my pace to take in all the beauty. The falling leaves speak to me of kindness and grace. I need not have worried about lack of fall color. Fall just arrived later. The first juncos appeared in our yard on Monday while the butterfly bush continues to bloom, hosting monarchs and other skippers. All in all, it's been a week of contrasts. The beauty in the landscape as well as kindness among neighbors and friends stands in direct contrast to the terrible news in the world. <p></p><p>Wednesday is the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a> so here goes. I am working away on the Knit Paper Scissors (local shop) KAL wrap. Each clue drops on a Friday of a Husker football game. We had a bye week with no game and no clue. Anyway, I caught up during the bye week and am working on this week's pattern section. It's growing ever longer but the last few nights the house has been so warm I haven't wanted it on my lap. If you are a sports fan, the UNL Women's Volleyball team is this year's star. These young women are fun to watch and best of all they are inspiring young girls. I've seen a couple of girls wearing red while out playing with volleyballs. </p><p>This week I also worked on socks. I finished this pair. They are tucked away as a Christmas gift. The Impossible Girl pattern is a nice one. This is my sixth pair. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ryAtkDYRo29cBk-faH_so5zkuM6Uk4DRh7NGGyYMbh8miuql4pi4KudTUcoD5xqoi6JcpxdZ2lNCNvnoW19FsaeRbPB63Kwpr9XBpGLftJHU-cizldO6xL3YoJpzaxTANsnwB2jgkA4V6mJDz6-we6IPrCc_zSdHrfMi-v4hfw4qWOxzqsP_TQzs/s4032/IMG_9239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3001" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ryAtkDYRo29cBk-faH_so5zkuM6Uk4DRh7NGGyYMbh8miuql4pi4KudTUcoD5xqoi6JcpxdZ2lNCNvnoW19FsaeRbPB63Kwpr9XBpGLftJHU-cizldO6xL3YoJpzaxTANsnwB2jgkA4V6mJDz6-we6IPrCc_zSdHrfMi-v4hfw4qWOxzqsP_TQzs/s320/IMG_9239.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><p>I thought it was time to try a new sock pattern. Enter the Hocus Pocus socks. I found this skein of gold yarn in my stash as well as a leftover for contrast. <a href="https://woolandsteelpa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dee</a> has knit this pattern at least once. She once commented to me that it's not as hard as it looks. Being a master sock knitter that she is, she is correct. I'm cabling without a needle. I complete the cable twists in one sitting so I don't lose my place in the pattern. Honestly, this cuff/leg will go quickly because each repeat is a little over one inch. These socks aren't travel knitting for me but the pattern is a lot of fun to knit at home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XNG82fyqXHu9he7ho_v8TBTr8bjXvHjuP8c-_K5A40KhZ2q0qshveX1owQmkgxfC12vo46gCuDUzYvqmaas7sEI7TLtu6xVP_3ZDXlmKKDRYuXuIAjSWaBgGWvgIsO3KM5P_OCvYlSIkLYYcfR0zR1eWFPRCjcceZIJRY_ymszQuHcEUg7zF7mbu/s3651/IMG_9248.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="2932" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XNG82fyqXHu9he7ho_v8TBTr8bjXvHjuP8c-_K5A40KhZ2q0qshveX1owQmkgxfC12vo46gCuDUzYvqmaas7sEI7TLtu6xVP_3ZDXlmKKDRYuXuIAjSWaBgGWvgIsO3KM5P_OCvYlSIkLYYcfR0zR1eWFPRCjcceZIJRY_ymszQuHcEUg7zF7mbu/s320/IMG_9248.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><p>Although I'm a little late to this party, I highly recommend <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521853-a-year-of-marvellous-ways?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Yd4KT1GvKC&rank=1" target="_blank">A Year of Marvellous Ways</a> by Sarah Winman. This novel weaves a magical story around the sweet relationship between a wise unconvetional grandmotherly character, and a soldier traumatized by World War II and other events in his life. The two help each other along with kindness, grace, and stories. Other characters are also well written. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521853-a-year-of-marvellous-ways?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=Yd4KT1GvKC&rank=1" target="_blank">The Last Remains</a> a Ruth Galloway mystery by Elly Griffiths became available from the library. Although by now, the books are formulaic, I enjoy Ruth and the usual cast of characters. <a href="https://crimereads.com/elly-griffiths-goodbye/" target="_blank">For now,</a> this is the last book in this series so I wanted to read it. </p><p>I hope the fall colors bring you some beauty and comfort these days. </p><p>Ravelry Links</p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/impossible-girl-socks-6" target="_blank">Summer Girl Socks 6.0</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/prairiepoet/a-little-hocus-pocus-socks" target="_blank">A Little Hocus Pocus</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D34LuhtDrJ3ftuMsdttJ31t3mP9SuXL-eC4V2w4awF-rKwLgXN61KXUZ88cGJR2EVBbdDSHgZLvAhEZn7T_nkkp8w_D7hXbUbjYZPzOGMRy9emlc0gravivn-gT3scu3Eys2DHgOIOyTDqdFtxwKbIPiZXNyt6xPQrrSsTusUWadhs0eyQHadiRH/s3247/IMG_9251.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3247" data-original-width="2857" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D34LuhtDrJ3ftuMsdttJ31t3mP9SuXL-eC4V2w4awF-rKwLgXN61KXUZ88cGJR2EVBbdDSHgZLvAhEZn7T_nkkp8w_D7hXbUbjYZPzOGMRy9emlc0gravivn-gT3scu3Eys2DHgOIOyTDqdFtxwKbIPiZXNyt6xPQrrSsTusUWadhs0eyQHadiRH/s320/IMG_9251.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2087025136491626802.post-3472372393190745512023-10-18T08:30:00.001-07:002023-10-18T08:30:00.166-07:00Labors of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzVR12AF8jfB5BA96bFWhrNM4mOD6pK7kPXAsJQvgrv8fHtwBcBbuAt0MlQ3Cc4L5XLrGpncYx3taSK5YlCce2p4NZM4xD85YUhXWkDd7qEp52_hfC_FlXMRdKDQnwJbu7ezADNQQW9RuKBoK5t17WoR4tfJR2eWwREPq7GDWWAzVRHGkxf1H40ro/s3434/IMG_9170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="3434" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzVR12AF8jfB5BA96bFWhrNM4mOD6pK7kPXAsJQvgrv8fHtwBcBbuAt0MlQ3Cc4L5XLrGpncYx3taSK5YlCce2p4NZM4xD85YUhXWkDd7qEp52_hfC_FlXMRdKDQnwJbu7ezADNQQW9RuKBoK5t17WoR4tfJR2eWwREPq7GDWWAzVRHGkxf1H40ro/s320/IMG_9170.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hello Gentle Readers. Mid-week in mid-October finds me amazed by the passage of time. A rainy cloudy weekend gave way to crisp days and sunshine. This week's warmer weather will be good for the last garden chores. Hoses need to be drained and stored. I plan to scrub out pots and let them dry in the sun before stacking them in the shed. I'd like, well more like need, to pull spurge from the tomato patch, one more time. Muted autumn color slowly creeps into the foliage. Chores and all, I plan to enjoy every one of these beautiful fall days. </p><p>Wednesday's is the day to link with <a href="http://askatknits.com/" target="_blank">Kat and the Unravelers</a>. This past week, most of my making time was dedicated to mending a quilt and a trip down memory lane. According to my quilt scrap/photo book, I worked on this basket quilt from the summer of 1989 until August 1991. The blocks and the appliqué are hand stitched. It was the first large quilt, I hand quilted in this quilting frame. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpJ-MCrh2HHhAqBNqx3hXPcCyj2AcfDCnRoUY-ylxiTKU5pJtJeDTuo16qZ8yu4AOl9J8EdV8snpR8vkrVzpU3yVwEf5eLJwGo3fGcZ0AYqOcDfyKCekIKoiNhnl54xCzezEDnHK0IHjxOhimWOsztR1E1uIqqLHecJrHLPxmKuSg1MWmWhqbjEp8/s4032/IMG_9209.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpJ-MCrh2HHhAqBNqx3hXPcCyj2AcfDCnRoUY-ylxiTKU5pJtJeDTuo16qZ8yu4AOl9J8EdV8snpR8vkrVzpU3yVwEf5eLJwGo3fGcZ0AYqOcDfyKCekIKoiNhnl54xCzezEDnHK0IHjxOhimWOsztR1E1uIqqLHecJrHLPxmKuSg1MWmWhqbjEp8/s320/IMG_9209.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 1990</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The frame itself is a story. The father-in-law of a friend of ours had made her a quilt frame from a walnut tree that blew down on his farm. He salvaged the wood, had it planed in a mill, and then stored it in his barn for several years. This gentleman drafted a pattern from a magazine photo and made a quilt frame. It can be set up with shorter rails for a crib or twin size quilt or longer ones for queen and king sized quilts. He cut the pieces and stained them. As one quilts, the piece is rolled up to expose more top to be quilted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIDA8rqmQSOsY2H2JJHhL3tBKt4h4bH45wCYCYDQG-Dhcno6rcnQTVdhYN8Q2p7K1XgDi6_aku3X7vASYC-H3qZcObTb-zQJ7FtRkRwY5qZDDRWUm2qWdP1gaat5whSUxOu6HbjVUg__gFM6-qQn2oledVpeiY3s_ae4aDslEBDVmkDmlrNeygZaI/s3770/IMG_9211.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3770" data-original-width="2800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIDA8rqmQSOsY2H2JJHhL3tBKt4h4bH45wCYCYDQG-Dhcno6rcnQTVdhYN8Q2p7K1XgDi6_aku3X7vASYC-H3qZcObTb-zQJ7FtRkRwY5qZDDRWUm2qWdP1gaat5whSUxOu6HbjVUg__gFM6-qQn2oledVpeiY3s_ae4aDslEBDVmkDmlrNeygZaI/s320/IMG_9211.jpeg" width="238" /></a></div><p>These are the pins, a thimble and spool for thread, that hold the rails in place. My husband commissioned and paid him to make the same frame for me as a birthday present. When we went to pick it up, he had one of his mother's quilts in the frame to show us how to set it up. It is the work of a master woodworker. Although I haven't used it for awhile, it is carefully stored in the basement. </p><p>I designed the basket quilt beginning with a block pattern came from a Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, #115. The square blocks are set on point with alternating plain blocks. The owner of a quilt shop helped me figure out the vine on the border. As I recall, it involved folding long strips of paper (the actual size of the border) to come up with an even undulation. I added the tulips and stems. I used a bias binding method to appliqué the basket stems and the vine. Some of the quilting designs came from a book of Amish designs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrESZiYerxoa8eVW9QqxZQnLYb6Y8QZ010ittoBAhBccluCSERYGcuKBPx0nGtpWP5FFa7N0fywqM1Di0JEcO0cRF3y4l3Mn9JGL6Bg8ZOVv9OpRbos7YyowyrpeFkaFbzQvgmfS-GNSLzi3rA7ziUCJI0-wmScdF_RXGkRlL0bsr_xY3mCerFaUHl/s4032/IMG_9173.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrESZiYerxoa8eVW9QqxZQnLYb6Y8QZ010ittoBAhBccluCSERYGcuKBPx0nGtpWP5FFa7N0fywqM1Di0JEcO0cRF3y4l3Mn9JGL6Bg8ZOVv9OpRbos7YyowyrpeFkaFbzQvgmfS-GNSLzi3rA7ziUCJI0-wmScdF_RXGkRlL0bsr_xY3mCerFaUHl/s320/IMG_9173.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I made this quilt to use and use it we did. At one point, the border ran along the top. It wore out so I cut it off, did some creative mending with a flowered handkerchief, and added new binding across the top. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsGHHOOLFAUC0wbSzo21FvjxCiNB1g8w3PV6l4d1vd497oQzEgdUIIC4FsjDPkn4IrPoblxsJ1O7wTR56FxhCS4DXF8LwUKFi4YieYs-doaPMqQIlOdFT6lztgGkNNkGx1IA1m3iC3YsEkhFYq1aCQ6pVWUjh8QDXzFWOQQLrTNXavSOd0G5gzCk6/s3497/IMG_9208.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3497" data-original-width="2684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsGHHOOLFAUC0wbSzo21FvjxCiNB1g8w3PV6l4d1vd497oQzEgdUIIC4FsjDPkn4IrPoblxsJ1O7wTR56FxhCS4DXF8LwUKFi4YieYs-doaPMqQIlOdFT6lztgGkNNkGx1IA1m3iC3YsEkhFYq1aCQ6pVWUjh8QDXzFWOQQLrTNXavSOd0G5gzCk6/s320/IMG_9208.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><br />Last Spring when I was laundering quilts, I found many worn spots in the top row of baskets. I set it aside to mend and procrastinated. Two weeks ago, I sat down to more creative mending. I appliquéd pieces of old linens over worn spots. I embroidered white lazy daisy stitches over some tiny holes and used a feather stitch on frayed seams. I dug out the manilla envelope with the quilt template pieces and cut a few tulips to cover other frayed fabric. This time around, I undid parts of the basket handles to place fabric underneath and then stitched them back down. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMH4eDd0wXP8oZEkQqNYGxLHDslDxIY0LUr8GqcrTREDFVSH1lZ-dVHSq7dIw9bLA_seYg3K_Bb84jFdmt52UBtAblDDRHBdqEepebKsWXz4M20710cEySzpOHvC9rOWcfv6bCgZRc_JjOPYrGKOowWs3NOfXcA-4qPgq_X2vTJNEahoWJESTFylZ/s3996/IMG_9206.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="3996" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMH4eDd0wXP8oZEkQqNYGxLHDslDxIY0LUr8GqcrTREDFVSH1lZ-dVHSq7dIw9bLA_seYg3K_Bb84jFdmt52UBtAblDDRHBdqEepebKsWXz4M20710cEySzpOHvC9rOWcfv6bCgZRc_JjOPYrGKOowWs3NOfXcA-4qPgq_X2vTJNEahoWJESTFylZ/s320/IMG_9206.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj94FpcUKPok5jK_xNW93QFqOyER3u9uAZXtTxZmivdQRosaJ86zeX3Lt4W9YOTc3AUUIFIcIId6bE63V903xvlOpruEXww2pEOPlLZko-rPIQaCckWn6Wr0Uu8-_SyHf2ufzGrOsRPWjJEcGL4qEbVDozNh7GXEnpde4n5u1jwdE-hFag3xGPF6f/s4032/IMG_9205.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicj94FpcUKPok5jK_xNW93QFqOyER3u9uAZXtTxZmivdQRosaJ86zeX3Lt4W9YOTc3AUUIFIcIId6bE63V903xvlOpruEXww2pEOPlLZko-rPIQaCckWn6Wr0Uu8-_SyHf2ufzGrOsRPWjJEcGL4qEbVDozNh7GXEnpde4n5u1jwdE-hFag3xGPF6f/s320/IMG_9205.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm not sure why I put so much time into mending this quilt, except that I have always loved the soft blue and white fabrics and the basket pattern. The original binding on the sides and bottom is a little worn but for now that is part of the charm of this quilt. Back in the 1980's when I began quilting in earnest, I wanted but couldn't afford to buy antique quilts. Now I have an antique of my own making. When did that happen?</div><p>I'm half-way through <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23521853-a-year-of-marvellous-ways?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=rgGQDOQNP6&rank=1" target="_blank">A Year of Marvellous Ways</a> by Sarah Winman. The story of the 1947 friendship between a young soldier and an older woman is bittersweet and charming. The aftereffects of war and life intertwine and are eased by their relationship. Winman is an excellent writer and the writing as well as the characters remind me of her more recent book, <u>Still Life</u>. It's a lovely work of fiction. </p><p>I hope you are well and enjoying the week. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02500485507169803227noreply@blogger.com12