a simple yarn

[twa’dl] noun; late 18th century: alteration of earlier twattle, of unknown origin; trivial or foolish speech or writing

Confession:  Blogging purpose is difficult for me to find in America.
Ya know, blogging life was easier in Ireland.  Perhaps there was more ‘scope for the imagination’ on that island.  I have no idea, but I’m a bit out to sea at present as to what I’m doing in this space.  The rest of life seems to be settling into its proper direction with resolve, but the blog?   Ehm…

A Further Confession:  At times the posts seem smug.
I don’t like smug.  Not in others.  Much less in myself.  Occasionally I’ll stop reading blogs because one can really only take so much sickly sweet self-praise.  I don’t want to be that, so I’m giving myself a ‘time out.’  Yep, a self-imposed temporary suspension of activities for disciplinary reasons until I can figure out why I’m doing this and get rid of the excess twaddle.

Postscript:  Something I’d like you to ponder while I’m in intermission…
Kate-In-Massachusetts has made a suggestion with regard to weaving possibilities.  Here are her words, “Another idea might be to offer your weaving service to us spinners who don’t weave but have stashes of handspun.  My handspun is quite boring at the moment but knowing that you would weave for me would be very motivating to spin up some of these handpainted rovings that sit in my workroom looking pretty.”

Would handspinners want something like that?

Could I manage the strain of creating something a spinner would love, from yarn which has taken him/her a significant chunk of time to spin?

What would be a reasonable price to charge for ‘labor only’?

A venture like that would no doubt knock some smug outta me, I think…

I’ve sold a scarf on Etsy.

It’s gone home to Blog-Reader-Kate in Massachusetts.
Yep, I’m chuffed.

Reality-Check Ahead:
Will such a quick turnaround happen with steady regularity?  Hope so, but ehm, probably not.  Still, we celebrate one happy event at a time and nothing will dampen the victory dance!

Ironically, two sales of that single one-off scarf happened simultaneously.  A lovely UK lady needed shipping costs…time zone differences delayed replies and presto, Kate took home the woolly raspberry cordial.  What are the odds, eh?  But thankfully, people are kind and patient and I agreed to make a second pink scarf.  (Do I hear the faint strains of ‘Rule, Britannia!’?)

Right, so now I’ve got a proper commission, all forms of unanticipated busyness have infiltrated the cottage.  Halloween costumes to create…not a simple whack it together deal, but proper medieval costuming for himself and me.  Coffee morning invites…who am I to pass up a proper cup of bliss?  Winterizing the dog’s house…don’t want the SPCA to come a-knockin’.  Bread to bake…why did I start this ‘simple life’ business right now?  Kids’ birthdays.  Bills to pay.  Toilets to clean.  Nothing really worth all this whinging, but busy all the same.

But it’s time for a bit of today’s gob-smackery.
8.45am – Walk dog.
8.50am – Meet Virginia who offers a spontaneous coffee invite, can’t say no.
8.53am – Speed walk dog home.
9.00am – Throw together bread dough and set to rise.
9.15am – Dash to local coffee house.
10.30am – Back at the cottage.
10.32am – Begin winding mohair warp for second pink scarf.
2.52pm – Loom is dressed, weaving is complete.

Oh my!  In about 4.5 hours, the scarf is pretty much done. Call it kismet or providence or luck, I’m confounded at how it all moved smoothly forward.  Lest you think I’m crowing, though, I know all projects won’t happen like this (oh that they would!).  Be assured that I still have to work my way through the misery of Halloween sewing conundrums tomorrow.

And yet, we celebrate one happiness at a time!

And fairly quick, too.

Here’s a question for ya…
Being a knitter, do you stop buying jumper/cardigans/sweaters from a shop?  Is that an admission of defeat?  Is it okay to fork over money for a woolly item, knowing that given enough time and material you could do just as well and probably better?  Frankly, I only know one knitter who has the ability to create a new jumper about every other week.  But for the rest of us mere mortals, is wearing only handknit items really feasible?

I’ve wanted a fair isle jumper.  Couldn’t quite decide on color or pattern or yarn or where in the queue it ought to go.  Inertia.  Or rather, lack of it.  Then Friday, newly befriended Sharon-Of-The-Locks agreed to introduce me to area charity shops.  Lo and behold, look what I found…

Shall I hang my head in shame?  Have to admit this is pretty near to what I would design and knit (except that seaming of sleeves), if I were to overcome that whole inertia thing. Pure wool (90%) and mohair (10%) and best of all $6.98.

As this happens only once a year, I beg your indulgence on lengthier reflections today.

SHOES
She has an old soul.
It may not be reflected in her years.
Nor in her experience, for the innocent spirit is intact.
Rather, it is her sense of life.
Harboring the soon-to-be womanly psyche within.
And how do I know this?
By the shoes she wears.

What used to look like this.

Gives way to this.

Today Daughter-Kate is 12.

IT
Yesterday I turned…

Parenthetical Diversion Ahead:
Okay, I confess I often forget what the actual age is and have to resort to mental math to figure it out. I really don’t mind the years, it’s merely the mathematics of it that’s challenging. It’s so much easier to camp on a particularly significant number until the next momentous mark is reached. So, it’s rather more convenient if I stay 45 until I reach 50. See what I mean?

…erm (mental math calculations happening) 46.

And much like Tom Good searching for ‘IT’ on his 40th that led him down the path of British comedic self-sufficiency in ‘The Good Life,’ my own transitional directionlessness is beginning to wane, leaving a clearer picture of focus and purpose. Is it going to sound smug? Who knows? Don’t particularly care. Suppose I could say, I turned 46 yesterday, full stop. But a little self-evaluative transparency along the way isn’t a bad thing, I guess.

Okay, here is what I am not:

This-Is-Not-An-Indictment-Disclaimer:
In saying that ‘I am not’ does not imply that ‘to be’ is in any way a bad thing.

1. I am not a Birkenstock wearing hippie.
2. I am not a bleeding heart liberal.
3. I am not seeking to drop off the grid—we live in the city with electricity and water and sewers—and I like it, not the sewers part, but the city part.
4. I do not wish to roam about a farm in the midst of Montana.
5. I do not necessarily wish to be part of an urban homesteading revolution.
6. I am not allowed to raise chickens in Fairfax County, Virginia.
7. I am not going to jettison money as filthy lucre since Husband-Will is employed in a fulfilling position.
8. I am not Ma Ingalls (sigh).

So, can we live responsibly without having to go ‘whole hog’ in a self-sufficiency-stick-it-to-the-establishment-rebellion?  You betcha! (which is not an endorsement of Sarah Palin, mind you)

Here’s what I want, then:
A simple life.
A simple life built upon meaningful values.
A simple life built upon meaningful values that are not dependent upon commercialism.
A simple life built upon meaningful values that are not dependent upon commercialism and in which each part contributes to the whole.
That’s it. Or perhaps I should say that’s ‘IT.’

I’ve been faffing about various hobbies and interests without knowing why or to what degree I should invest my energy. And now that the transitional haze is clearing, there is freedom to think and pursue a dynamic, not static, path with its whys and wherefores. I realize that much of the list is more of a renewal to do things ‘again.’ Somewhere along the line I’ve become a slave to supermarket convenience. Perhaps it was more about lack of supplies during our years in Ireland. But now that we’re settled US homeowners again and the kids are in school, there are no excuses.

OTHER SUNDRIES
My Simple Life, A List

I want to grow a good portion of our fruit and vegetables so that our children can eat wholesome, pesticide-free, flavorful produce.

I want to stockpile surplus summer bounty for winter enjoyment because that seems a responsible thing to do.

I want to support local farmers as far as it is economically feasible to do so.

I want to grow common herbs for the kitchen providing that I don’t inadvertently kill them, as I’m not very good at it, and to again stockpile summer’s bounty by drying what is harvested.

I want to research and grow naturally medicinal plants in my flower gardens, which may prove beneficial in reducing the need for over-the-counter medicines.

I want to bake my own bread again as we don’t eat very much of it anyway and freshly baked bread must indeed be one of the best smells on earth.

I want to make soap again as it will reduce the amount of chemicals on our skin, and economically it’s a no-brainer…pennies per bar to make. Will need to reacquaint the family with what bar soap is, instead of liquid soap and shower gel.

I want to learn to make candles, as their light in the evening is a warm and homey glow, reducing the need for electric lights, and kids are old enough now for it to be safe.

I want to renew efforts for making natural house cleaning products as store-bought things are just down right expensive and who knows what the health consequence is. Besides, you can buy vinegar in big gallon containers in the US!

I want to be a regular at the multitude of charity shops in the area. There are at least five within a few miles of my house. There’s clothing gold in them thar shops! Affluent people in the greater Washington, DC area toss out great stuff. And the money I spend goes to worthy charities.

I want to knit purposefully, whether for gift giving or for my own consumption. Will probably knit more socks in future.  Am loving the thick woolly boot socks on the needles.

I want to weave wisely for that little bit of extra household income. While reducing costs is good, a boost in cash flow is always welcome.

This is in addition to the general responsible living efforts of using energy saving light bulbs, recycling rubbish, composting, turning down the thermostat, using the library, walking as much as possible, etc.

Whew, a bit overwhelming! And it’s possible that tomorrow may find me dashing to the supermarket in the car for bread and Diet Coke and a package of conveniently boxed macaroni-and-cheese, but it’s a start, right?

“In order to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.” —Plato

So, the scarves are posted on Etsy.  Whew!

Otherwise…

What is it about houndstooth?
Timeless, to be sure.
Every time I see it, my heart does a little flip-flop.
Every time I weave it, my heart does a right proper ker-thud.
A malady?
Am I sick?
Stuck in a rut?
Who knows?
But I’m thinking about more variations on that enduring theme.
Next experiment is rather more classic.
A newspaper.
A sunburnt zebra.
You know, black and white and red (all over).
But how will the check behave with super chunky thick-and-thin yarn?
Will the fabric hold its construction?
Will I have enough yarn?
After a little diversion of Halloween costume sewing, we’ll see how it goes.
Could be a flop or absolutely fab.

Homespun Yarn from Craftspun friends.

What might look like mounds of chopped up sticks to you is, in fact, composted gold to me.

I think the quantity of warning signage put me off in the beginning, but eventually the words ‘FREE MULCH’ won out.

It Will Tie In Eventually Digression Ahead:
I believe I have finally come out of my transitional stupor.  Months of directionless activity are now giving way to purpose.  As the mental fog clears, I am beginning to piece together where my energies should be directed…I think.  But, perhaps that’s better left for another, more reflective, post.

Suffice to say, today’s bright and crisp autumn day was perfect for driving down the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway to avail of free mulch offered to those willing to sacrifice the cleanliness of their car interior.  Two trips and seventeen nearly bursting garbage bags later, the flowers are bedded for another winter.

The first frost arrived this morning in all its autumnal glory.

Guess that means:

1. my hot morning cuppa will be enjoyed all the more.
2. the days of hanging laundry out are numbered.
3. the furnace will need to be switched on begrudgingly (every now and then).
4. I’d better get a move on to mulch the flowerbeds.
5. I ought to look for sales on rotary tillers for next spring (more on that another day).
6. I’ll need to do more baking to warm up the kitchen.
7. chili and cheese chowder are back on the family menu.
8. Son-Alex has outgrown all his hoodies and long trousers and will need more. Sigh.
9. Dog-Rocket is no longer languishing in the heat and all the more frisky (read ‘nearly pulls the arm off dragging me along the street’).
10. I’d better finish those toasty warm socks, which are on the needles.

Begun nominally for Socktoberfest.  After finishing the cardy, I was ready for a smaller, easier-to-pick-up-and-put-down project.  Realistically, both socks will not be done by the end of the month.  No matter.  Just the look of them makes me warmer.

Pattern:  Knee High Socks from Craftplace.org.uk
Needles:  Variety from 2.75mm to 3mm
Yarn:  Hmmm….

As so often happens, I can’t justify the purchase of additional yarn…not with stacks of cakes and cones staring at me.

Apologies, Anthropomorphic Disclaimer Ahead:
Right, I realize that yarn doesn’t actually ‘stare,’ you understand, but honestly, every now and then I do believe it’s winking at me…

Anyway, what yarn to use?  Lots of wool among the weaving cones, bought from Avoca sales in Ireland, so I’ve settled on blending a thread of this—

New wool spun in Scotland by Gardiners of Selkirk.  Did a little research on them to find that the company, makers of wool cloth, no longer exists.  Sigh (again).  Love the heathery sage green.

and this—

Merino, in a soothing thyme colour, to soften the potentially scratchy new wool.

Together they blend to make a nicely speckled yarn.  Soft socks?  Not really, but that doesn’t bother me.  And they are coming up a nicely thick, warm boot sock which my perpetually cold feet will appreciate this winter!

Headed out to the Maryland Renaissance Festival on a beautiful autumn weekend.  Felt positively modern amongst all the be-costumed attendees.  Daughter-Kate was certainly in her element.  Have a feeling that I’ll be adding accoutrements to her red cape before next year’s event!

Favourite shop:  Grishel’s, the-druid-face-fashioned-in-all-things-leather shop.

Favourite purchase:  Primitive shawl pin forged by the blacksmith.

Three-and-a-half of the scariest words ever spoken.

The slippery slope began when Lovely-Olga-At-Knit-Happens had yarn leftovers.  As with all knitters sporting a frugal disposition I, of course, piped up with an ‘Ooh, I’ll lend a hand and take it.’ Doubling as a sometimes weaver, small quantities of knitting yarn, can add a nice little something in a weaving project.

Sorting through the new acquisition eerily similar to the children on Christmas Day, I was thrown into a spasm of where-am-I-going-to-put-this-itis. Out came the storage boxes, and so, as they say, one thing invariably led to another.

Hmm…things might fit better if I properly roll some of these tangled skeins, right?
Ohhh…wouldn’t it look nice if I made all my partial yarn into lovely little cakes?
Squee…while I’m at it, why don’t I take the time to re-organize my work cabinet?
Laaa….I really need to be efficient with my space, living in such a small cottage!
Out came the rationalization skis for the downward slide.

No wide angle lens for the weaving cones or the rest of it…

As you would expect, the entire front room was in chaotic disarray when our newly met neighbour came to collect her little boy from playtime with Son-Alex.  Even that embarrassment wasn’t enough to stop the feverish sorting, shifting and rolling every bit of fibre in the house.  Yep, still in the throes of cake winding, but at least we can see the floor again.  As you would expect, some once-loved-yet-forgotten yarns have been rediscovered and brought to the top of the pile again—a good reason to do this, right?

but I play one in real life.

I think the idea of a soon-to-be-Etsy shop is quite exciting.
I think the actuality of a soon-to-be-Etsy shop is quite alarming.

I have this thing (call it a phobia if you will) about creating something (oh, let’s say a scarf) where people (who are not family or friends) will pay money for it. Is it me, or is that unnerving? (we call that a crafting-inferiority-complex) Well (gulp), one more warp to go and we’ll see about adding them to the, ehm, shop.

The trial run of slubby wool and mohair is completed.  Still need final photos of everything.

Had enough warp to experiment with other colour combos.  This one-off happenstance is a favourite, I think.  Love the bit of chartreuse running along the pinks and brown.

Shall we call it Raspberry Cordial?

Work in progress 70s throwback with a modern twist….a Retro-After-Eight-Minty-Style-Houndstooth.  Duck egg bouclé softened with chocolatey chenille in a still on the loom less than ideal photo.

A quick knit?  Nope.

This lovely little project, labeled a ‘quick knit’ by everyone I know, was not so quick for me.  I’m slow and get easily sidetracked.  But even though a Janie-Come-Lately, I’m happy with the outcome.  Fits great.  Love the full-on belled sleeves.  Had enough yarn.  Colour is a stunner.  Will definitely be a staple to autumn wearables.  Been done for a week or so but can’t quite swing the self-photo, so a stand in will have to do.

Pattern:  February Lady Sweater, by Pamela Wynne of Flint Knits
Yarn:  Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, in New Age Teal,  just under 6 skeins
Buttons:  Pewter from Colonial Williamsburg