We Bought a House Today

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Just add a pitchfork and a cameo brooch and you’ve got American Gothic. But seriously, it’s yellow. I love a yellow house. Especially one with pink tile. Tomorrow we pack and Sunday we move the big stuff with our army herd gaggle of children helping.

Marilee said she buys yarn when she doesn’t know what else to do, and I’m afraid I’m the same. Here’s my most recent acquisition from Countess Ablaze. I love her and their yarn and I am unapologetic. Shoalwater Shawl here I come. (I’ve been wanting to knit that for nearly two decades!)

Going to leave this here because it needs to be said.

Sock It To Me Monday – PRIDE Edition

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I started my PRIDE sock KAL with the Blogville Knitters. This is TurtlePurl’s What Does It Mean? Double Rainbow sock yarn and for pattern I’m following a 64 stitch recipe based on Hermione’s Every Day Sock.

Also proud to have spent most of my day helping to create and communicate a Statement in Support of Racial Justice for the organization I work for. Exhausting day, but a good day.

State of Emergency Stockinette

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I wanted to post about this yesterday, but didn’t have the energy. We closed two of our stores early yesterday due to a state of emergency in downtown Columbus, and protests scheduled for downtown Indianapolis which we expected to escalate. (They did.) We stand in solidarity with peaceful protest, and judging by the posts of people I know personally, the protesters themselves remained peaceful. We have kids living near and in downtown, and all reported in safe. Our staff is safe and so far no reports of damage to our stores. We are lucky.

We are supposed to be packing. Bob is. We are still waiting on the second appraisal report. I’ve been slowly progressing through the back of Deschain. I’m grateful for the stockinette. I’ve been watching a Fruity Knitting podcast each day, and it’s getting me through. It’s a moment of respite in a sea of worry. I realize I’m privileged to have moments of respite. And not to have to fear for the lives of our children because of the color of their skin.

We watched “The Vast of Night” last night. Excellent film in a throwback style. Intelligent and suspenseful with great dialogue and music. A moment of race reality acknowledgement. A breath of fresh air.

Tuesday Tidbits

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I went for a walk in the ravine today. By myself. I think this counts as exercise. I’m really pleased with myself.

I wore my new shirt.

I saw this on Instagram but unfortunately I don’t remember who posted it. I had to search but finally found it on Etsy. (It was my birthday weekend so I treated myself.)

I want this hat. I can make this hat. I will make this hat. I don’t even need a pattern. Or fabric. This one is linen, but I may use canvas. I should have some scraps after I sew my pants. I’m going to need interfacing, though, that heavy duty stuff.

Are you ready to get back to work today? I’m ready to get back to work today.

Quiet Knitting

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I’ve been quietly working on Deschain. I’ve finished the front according to the pattern, but I think I’m going to add another pattern repeat. Even with blocking this may be too cropped for me. What do you think?

If I do another pattern repeat, I may have to forego the sleeves, unless I buy more yarn. I think this tee with no sleeves would be fine, though. Or shorter sleeves.

The lace pattern is Shale. It’s a very easy lace pattern that I’m enjoying knitting. Maybe I will make a Shale shawl in the future.

This linen yarn from Quince and Co is a dream. I have enjoyed all their yarns so far. I’m glad I have this to knit because suddenly it’s summer. How did that happen? Cold, cold, cold, cold, WHOMP, hot!

Mending

Posted on Posted in lofty thoughts, sewing, what makes me tickTagged 16 Comments

Today I’m mending Bob’s pants. They were too long to begin with — which is why they were fraying — but not so long I could turn up the hem twice after cutting. I used bias tape instead. I’m not sure where I picked up this trick, probably from Grandma. Now Bob’s favorite pants are good as new! Better, because they are the correct length.

I love mending because it’s very zen and I don’t have to follow instructions. I also love making something damaged like new, and reusing, and saving money! And I gotta pay for this sewing machine, right?

Do you mend? Do you darn your knitting? I’ve never been very good at darning. I need more practice.

Sunday Grace

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We went for a hike yesterday. I’m thankful for time in nature. And wildflowers.

Bob made soy custard berry tarts for my birthday treat. I’m thankful for Bob.

My boys came to share a birthday meal and treats with me. I’m thankful for my boys. Especially their intelligence and humor and ability to argue any point no matter how ridiculous. Is a bean bag a chair? A bean bag is an armchair but not a chair because a chair has legs. Puzzle that.

My mother always told me I would argue with a signpost. The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Soon I will have a new blue beanie to wear over my mess of white hair. I am enjoying this mindless knit.

square

I ordered some pink yarn to make this shrug. I imagine myself wafting over pink tile wearing this, but in pink. The designer says this stitch pattern is meditative. I hope so.

Speaking of pink tile, the lender ordered a second appraisal. We are in home-buying limbo.

It will be okay either way. Trust in the Universe.