Wednesday, May 26, 2021

May Flowers

What a gorgeous morning in May. After days of overcast skies, the sky is brighter. These days I tend the flower bed, herb garden, and the vegetables. The potato plants thrive and the cilantro, basil, and thyme that I planted are growing. The tomatoes need more sun and heat but all in good time. I'm using cayenne powder and/or spray to keep the critters at bay. So far so good. The iris are beautiful. I am also enjoying a bouquet of peonies from my neighbor. No ants so far. She is a seasoned gardener so she may have done something to prevent ants before she brought them over. 

Here is this week's Unraveled Wednesday (with Kat and friends) news. In between the outdoor work, I put a few more rows on the Rewilding Shawl. This is my third go around with this pattern. The increases and decreases are arranged to make a slightly deeper shape. Helen Stewart writes line by line patterns in the percentage system so the pattern is a good canvas for modifications. The Antler Mittens need thumbs. Rios is a nice the yarn and the Tin Can Knits pattern is well written. Cabling without a cable needle is another one of those knitting things that makes me feel smart. These mittens match a hat I made earlier. Just think, knitted accessories that match. The neighbors won't know what to think when I walk next winter. 

I didn't do any unraveling but I did throw away the wild and crazy socks. The shades of orange and pink grated on my color sense. There were also some odd blips in the color repeats. I kept knitting but wasn't enjoying the project - at all. Then I noticed one leg was longer than the other. The socks became a chore. I don't know about you but I have enough chores in my life. I rarely throw yarn away but I didn't even want to rewind it for a thrift store or inflict it on a school knitting group. I was just done with this yarn. Enough was enough. Have you ever thrown away yarn?

I am reading The Soul of a Woman by Isabel Allende and enjoying it. This nonfiction reads like a feminist manifesto. From her rich and varied life experiences, Allende writes with a strong voice. In my opinion, this book reads differently than her fiction but then again she shares similarities with the strong women characters in her fiction. One night, in between library holds, I pulled the The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood from my shelf. I recall enjoying the novel the first time through. Now it seems like an over dramatic cliche'. It is interesting how time changes reading preferences.  

I hope your May days are bright with flowers. 


 


10 comments:

  1. I have definitely thrown away yarn. Most times I try to donate it to the Little Free Fiber library or repurpose it. But, some yarn is just hateful and it must go in the bin.

    Your Antler mittens are beautiful. You will be quite stylish next winter.

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  2. I throw away yarn ... not typically a project's worth, but every year or so my bin of leftovers makes me crazy and I freely toss the tangled balls into the trash! I'm going to re-read Allende's House of the Spirits for a bookclub next month. She's one of my favorite authors .... and this quotation from Cassandra Speaks has made me love her even more "The conference moderator asked Isabel Allende the question of the day: “What will your legacy be?” And as if hearing the question for the first time, Isabel answered in her lyrical voice, “Legacy? Why would I care about legacy? I’ll be dead! And anyway, legacy is a penis word.”

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  3. I don't think I have ever thrown away yarn, but I'm all for it if it feels like a chore! I love the photo of your shawl in repose 'neath the peonies. So pretty, as your matching accessories will be. The only book I've read by Allende is House of the Spirits, but I've had Paula on my list for years. I need to remember Isabel Allende the next time I'm searching for something to read.

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  4. Yes, I have absolutely thrown yarn away! (my gosh, I have even thrown things I have knit away!) Go you! Knitting should never feel like a chore so I applaud your decision!

    I am off to find that Allende book. I love her writing! Thank you for sharing!

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  5. I think the only time I have actually thrown away yarn/a project was something in acrylic. But I didn't feel any shame over it. I think knowing when a project isn't working is the mark of a good knitter.

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  6. I have thrown yarn away, too . . . and it feels mighty good when you finally do it, doesn't it? I love the little glimpses of your garden. It looks so lovely and inviting. I also find that re-reading books . . . makes some of them lose their charm. Different place, different time, different reader! I hope you enjoy a lovely weekend.

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  7. I do like Helen’s line by line patterns. I think she was my first real follow on Ravelry and her podcast back in the beginning so I feel connected. I have thrown away yarn.

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  8. The month of May reminds me of my dad's mom, she loved this month! I am going to go through my yarns...eep! I love your knitting projects so pretty.

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  9. Such pretty flowers and such pretty knitting. I'm loving your latest shawl. I have certainly both thrown away yarn and donated yarn.

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  10. I most certainly have thrown yarn out. I have learned as we all do over the years, that some yarn bargains are no bargain at all. Its too slick or too limp or we don't like the thought of using it. Sometimes I'll use it like string in the garden so I don't feel guilty about it. I love your shawl

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