l'il odessa

I'm joining the yarn-along with Ginny and friends today.  There are so many good projects being shared, so if you have a few moments, it's worth a peek.

Sweet Sunshine is my most appreciative knitting recipient.  I can make her anything and she is delighted.  When she saw my Odessa from a few months ago, she was so complimentary that I knew she needed a matching one.  I used some leftover wool from her vest (which, for some absurd reason makes it feel like it's free, though I know I actually did pay money for the yarn).

My first attempt came out too small and this one is the same sizing as my own.  I like this pattern which was a challenge at first because I had to stay so focused, but this time around it was a very natural, easy knit.  I'm learning as a I go...

So then, why would this happen?  My biggest knitting calamity yet. 

I began a sweater for my littlest boy but the yarn and needles were different than the pattern called for.  I tried and the first came out too small (said baby bear) and the second one, an inch from finishing the body, ahem, came out too big (said papa bear) so I'm hoping/wishing/needing number three to come out just right.  I've never been so remorseful about a knitting mistake and I'd probably have frogged it by now, except, you see, there is this little boy who comes and picks it up every morning to see if there's been any progress.  He's more than a wee concerned that I haven't knit in a few days.

But the best knitting of all, I'm saving for last.  Absolutely.  The.  Best.  Knitting.  Ever.  (According to me, and as the Number One Fan I get to assign this generous title.)

(drumroll, please...)

My seven year old son's First Grade Sky Scarf.  I came across this idea on Pinterest last year and thought it was brilliant for a new knitter.  On school days (or if the passion may strike, any day) two rows are knit to reflect the colour of the sky.  We simplified it to four colours: light blue (sunny), dark blue (stormy), white (snowy), and grey.  Forrest is a good knitter and by nature, not much of a complainer.  There are some days that he will sit eagerly, chatting away and knit up his two rows in no time.  And then there are other days that he will plod along a little more slowly, a little less eagerly.  And then there are other days, only a few times really, that he will be distracted and the rows will come out all higgeldy piggeldy and Mama comes in to untangle the mess.  But, at the end of his knitting session, he (always) will hold it up and squint at it and declare that he likes his knitting just fine.

For several weeks before Christmas, Forrest's Sky Scarf was abandoned for a different knitting project...a gift for his sister.  He steadily carried on with determination, and some gentle nudgings, too, and created this...

Sunshine watched him knit it up, reminding him who the gift was for.  But it didn't really look like much, til Forrest and I secretly stitched it up together and stuffed it (I stitched, he stuffed).  And suddenly, it came to life!  Sunshine was so happy with it, she said it was her best gift ever!  Forrest was so happy with it, he slept with it for one night before he gave it to his sister.  This is one well-loved lambie.

As for books, I'm reading through many gardening catalogues and books right now, planning and dreaming (big).

I'm pretty obsessed with dyeing wool right now, and this book of mine is getting read from cover to cover, for the fourth time, I think.  It is called Harvesting Color by Rebecca Burgess an it is a gem of photos and knowledge, organized so ideally by seasons.

I also inherited a copy of The Spiritual Tasks of the Homemaker by Manfred Schmidt-Brabant which has been at the top of my book list for far too long.  I have not yet read much more than a few pages, but I understand it suggests a way to bring more spirituality (in the Steiner sense) to one's chosen role as a homemaker.  In the past, the duties of the household were shared among many, but in our time, "the household rests with the homemaker alone....(and) she neither lives up to her ideals nor does she fulfill the expectations of her family.  This is at the root of her great frustration, and it is tearing the family apart...The homemaker has a significant amount of work to do which she can hardly manage physically.  A deep hopelessness arises, leading to loneliness..."  While this sounds very negative, it is simply the launching of why the need for a spiritual, anthroposophic approach to homemaking is vital to the mother, and to the family.  Food for thought.

What are you knitting and reading today?

Comments

[Evi]

As a beginner knitter I'm always impressed with other knitters efforts.... and your hats are beautiful. Such an interesting design! Your girl is looking at her cutest as usual.... and very happy with her matching hat! Well done, mama!!

[Elizabeth]

I, too, just read Spiritual Tasks of the Homemaker. It is a tiny book but full of information. Would love to hear more of your thoughts on this book.

I am currently reading Radical Homemakers which I adore.

[Kerry]

Oh my goodness yes! The Sky Scarf is just perfect for that! I've wanted to do one myself, but that would be the best for my own 7 year old who wants to learn to know but also has so much else on his to-do list. I think that idea of only doing one row a day is just right! I will go through my stash tonight to see if I have what we need for him. Thank you for the inspiration!

The rest of your gorgeous knits are beautiful too!

Harvesting Color looks like so much fun. Adding it to my list!

[Tara]

I came over through Yarn Along, and I'm glad I did. Seeing your son's sweet little lamb and sky scarf reminded me of all the fun things my daughter knit when she attended a Waldorf school. She's 17 now, but she still has everything -- from the first kitten to the tomtens!

[Cynthia]

I love everything about your post today Jules! The hats are lovely- I'm adding that pattern to my "to knit" list. I love the photo of you and your daughter together. And the story of your son's knitting for his sister is the sweetest thing as well as the anxiously awaited sweater for your youngest son. How nice to know your knitting is so well loved! Again, I really enjoyed your post today. :)

[Hullabaloo Homestead]

How are you???? I love your sweet girl's beautiful face up there and your matching hats! Both my girls knit a scarf as their first knitting project too, but I love the sky theme idea. Great for motivation and weather telling. Hope all is well with your family.

:)Lisa

[lori]

oh my, jules, where to start? this may be my most favorite post you've made. from your sweet baby girl in her new mama made hat to yours and everything inbetween! forests knitting is so amazing, you must be bursting with pride. the last photo is beautiful, you two make me cry.

good luck with the sweater, everything looks perfect from here, are you sure you aren't being too hard on yourself? just let me know if there is a needle you need and can't get, i will send it to you!

p.s. i was signed up for rebeccas dying workshop, but didn't realize it was to take place the day before we were to leave for africa, so i gave my place to a friend (gave her that book too) she said it was amazing! my friend is already an accomplished dyer but she had learned so much! it is a beautiful book.

[Melanie]

Oh dear, I responded to this yesterday, and now it's not here. Did I forget something? Huh.
Anyhow, I love all of this SO much- you and your sweet girl and your hats!
And I love Forrest's knitting, he is really flying!
My oldest two began the sky scarf this fall, and were bored with it fast. I think it was too simple for Shea, and too much commitment for Winter! Perhaps next year or so Cedar will like to do one- it is such a lovely idea. :)
I saw you called and I missed it again. UGH.
Love, Melly

[Taisa]

The pictures of you and Sunshine in your matching hats is just the sweetest thing- lovely knitting on those, mama! And Forest's knitting is terrific- oh, that adorable sheep! I think I'll try finger knitting this month with Ari, not quite ready for the needles yet, but looking forward to having a knitting companion!