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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

So, Um, Have You Checked The Calendar?

Maybe because it stayed so hot for so long, I got lulled into thinking it was still summer. I'd forgotten what a dreary day looked (and felt) like.



Oh, yeah.

At least the sheep are happy.

And honestly, I don't really mind either. It's the perfect excuse to hang out in the wool house...



...which was 54 degrees yesterday. Time to fire up the Jotul stove!

Ah yes, much better.

So, winter is almost here and this is the time of year when most fiber folks thoughts turn to the holidays. Finally. I mean, there might be a couple of you out there who have all your holiday knitting done (and should just keep your mouths shut about it!), but while we've all maybe thought about it, we've just checked the calendar and the thoughts are quickly turning to panic.



After all that you might be thinking this knitted sample must be for a Christmas gift, but, alas, it is not. I finally took a break and spun some of Crazy Esther's wool. It's a little bit fussy to spin (getting old ain't for sissies - her, not me! ;-), but is so soft (she's always been finer than probably the breed standard would approve - Jacob wool should be pretty "medium") that I have zero concern about wearing it next to my skin.

My original idea was to make a fancy lace Esther shawl, but after I realized how soft, cuddly and warm it felt and how tough it might be to spin a perfectly even and, more importantly, strong lace yarn, I think that would be better left to some Cotswold. Maybe a Buddy shawl :-). So, I'm going to start with a quick knit lace cowl, move onto some cabled mittens or gloves, add a snuggy hat or headband and Esther can keep me warm all winter. I think she'd like that.

Luckily I think I've finally figured out the general idea for this year's Christmas card. I can fine tune it while I spin. Whew! I don't need a ton of yarn and I picked a pattern that I feel will knit up quickly, not be so lacy that it's not warm, be sturdy enough for daily wear and in case I don't finish it before Esther's no longer with us, will hopefully make me feel less sad. Leaves of grass.

Since the weather's cold and I'm officially back in the wool house, let's start up The Thursdays again this winter. Barring any national holidays, illness or other calamities, the wool house will be open each Thursday from 1:00 - 4:00 for anyone who'd like to come out and spin, knit, rug hook, weave or work on any projects, say, for Christmas.

Yikes!

9 comments:

DayPhoto said...

So winter has arrived...well at least fall for you. Enjoy your wool house it looks just devine.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Christine said...

If I lived closer I'd be there every Thursday.

Alice said...

I really like the cable pattern you have on your sample. I'm sure whatever you knit will make Crazy Esther proud;-). What with your ideas for knitting and the Christmas card all in action, looks like you are ready for some cold weather activities, and the Wool House is just the place to be inspired.

Nancy K. said...

I wonder how long a drive it is from Houston, MN. to your place....

;-)

small farm girl said...

Ya, go ahead, rub it in. You know I want to learn how to knit. And then you go and post pictures like that. So mean,so mean. lol

flowerweaver said...

We forgot Winter was coming, too. We've got to get the greenhouse, garden, and coops winterized this afternoon before the first freeze tonight!

Sample looks beautiful. I'm still on K1P1. (sigh)

Phyllis said...

Esther's wool is her legacy...

Ed said...

Nice stove, cup of cocoa and some knitting, sounds great, I'm sitting in my truck, in the rain, in Pa..:-)

Tiggeriffic said...

It sounds so cozy to come to your place for a few hours to knit and enjoy your company...Wish I lived closer... Have a great thursday...