Knit one, purl one. Rows not stitches. Rounds of simple knit until I reach the soft red wool marker. Then tease the yarn forward and begin to purl those same stitches. It's easy, therapeutic. This take-anywhere project.
Passers by comment when I'm knitting over a cup of tea by the river, or local ale outside an ancient haunted inn... "Will you make me one next? My wife likes knitting." "You're knitting correctly...you hold the tension with your finger...I do it that way. I used to knit for Jaegar. They paid me pennies but they sold it for pounds." Inquisitive children at the auction watch for a while before sneaking up to sit by me for a closer look. First the cheeky little boy and then his shy sister. "What are you making?" "That looks cosy..."
At last I've found a yarn shop in this sheep rich county. I'm surprised by this wealth of sheep but yarn store poverty. I reckon that everyone must spin their own. So I got my own little wooden spindle too. A small kit with a piece of natural brown fleece. And I oohed and ahhed at the honey coloured daffodil dyed yarn and the chartreuse nettle skeins and lamented on the lack of room to keep a sheep in our garden. And pondered could I rent a field?
I suppose that I'm jumping the gun a little. Maybe I should learn how to use the spindle first...
Meanwhile my reading is equally relaxing considering the subject matter. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney is beautifully written. A screen writer, this is her seminal novel set in wild 1860's Canada. I love her words although the dialogue of some characters I found a little forced and false and despite there being a horrible murder to solve, I'm not rushing to see who's responsible. I'm enjoying this for the relationships that evolve. The insight into others thoughts and actions. The pictures she paints of life, wild country, of nature and survival.
project: Cobblestone pullover by Jared Flood
book: The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney.
debx
I see you have been inspired to take your knitting everywhere. Good for you. Its a shame that wool shops have died out. There are few and far between here too, especially given all our sheep!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that we have the same problem. I think a lot of people by yarn on-line too. But it's nice to be able to pick it up and feel it and check the exact colour too. London has Loop which is an amazing yarn shop but the last time I visited it was closed! I was so disappointed.
Deletedx
you are spinning? yay, I have a poverty yarn shop area as well, but I've been trying not to shop and use what I own which is quite a lot. Love your neutral shades you are knitting with, so lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't actually started spinning yet Karen. But I've been watching lots of videos and it doesn't look to difficult...(Famous last words!) I can't wait to begin hopefully this weekend I'll have a go. We have some rain forecast so it sounds like the perfect rainy day activity.Yay...
DeleteIt's lovely the yarn. I can't believe that it hasn't been dyed.
Happy weekend,
dx
What lovely projects to be working on Deb. I love that you have become the local knitting lady! Perhaps you should open up a yarn store yourself? I have a friend who dyes her own wool with botanicals. She uses them to make gorgeous woven wall hangings.
ReplyDeleteHe he... The weird woman with the needles...I have thought about a yarn shop when I have time. I would love to hand dye naturally like your friend. How wonderful.
DeleteHave a great weekend,
debx
Oh, that sweater looks like it will be lovely!!!!! And that quaint, little yarn shop...I would want to stay forever.
ReplyDeleteI too so love the comments I recieve, when taking my knitting with me. IT amazing how many people are intrigued and will comment. For me it has been a little hooded sweater that I am desperately trying to finish for my 5 year old.
I'm ready to divide for the sleeves now and have to concentrate a bit so have put it down until I get my thinking head. Next quiet half hour. It is interesting how people feel compelled to comment who probably otherwise would just pass by...I love it. Your little project sounds so cute.
DeleteHappy knitting,
debx