In this episode: Welcoming the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness by putting things in jars for later, admiring dramatic skies, planting for the future, knitting waistcoats and new hats, and the Discipline of Do Easy.
Buttonbox: the big reveal! You can read my first ever Changing Clothes column here. Below right: the adorable little collar I chose not to keep. Tough call, but I stand by my decision. Below left: One of the outfits I created for MyBodyModel 3×3 Collection. (There is still time to create your own croqui before MyBodyModel closes forever.)
Say-something hats! In my case, that something is, “Ow.” Your mileage will undoubtedly vary. Top row: the One-Night Hat, by Susan Ashcroft. The yarn is hand spun from gradient rolags, in Aspen Glade by Hilltop Cloud. (From left, right side out; wrong side out and the crown decreases.) Bottom row: A hat for Tonia using the numbers from Tin Can Knits Barley Hat, omitting the garter panel because the texture would be lost in this yarn. I used a spiral decrease at four points for Tonia’s hat. It’s kind of square. She loves it.
Enjoy three seconds of pre-washed felt, dancing on the line in the October light.
Watch Discipline of Do Easy, by Gus van Sant.
Music in this episode:
- Jim Fidler, Merrigan’s Reel
- 90s Kids, Friday Nights in October
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I have 2 spinning wheels. I have had a “traditional “ wheel for many years but I wanted a wheel that was portable so I could go and spin with friends so I bought a Kiwi which transports well. I also ply on the Kiwi because it has a larger bobbin.
Hi Bernice! thanks for the input. I hadn’t thought to use one wheel for plying, but it’s a great idea. My Herring wheel has a HUGE bobbin. I think it’ll comfortably hold 200g of fiber, and there’s no reason I couldn’t use it to ply off Kiwi bobbins. Great idea!
I’m one of those people who stopped knitting (medical issues), but I returned to it and the stash after about 6 years. Upon the start of ‘my second knitting life’, I profoundly changed the way I approach knitting. Listening to you explaining the Discipline of Do Easy (tx for pointing me to the Van Sant movie clip: how amazing!), I realise that the DE-principle for a large part describes the many differences between my current and former knitting habits. Although I too make because I want the thing, the finished results are now also compromises with the choices that come from prioritising a joyful, practical, logical making process ‘starting where you are, doing what you can, using what you have’ rather than forcing the cookie in the cookie shape, whatever it takes in terms of time, energy, technical skills, enjoyment.
Hi Nathalie, I’m so happy you enjoyed the van Sant film. It’s one of my favourites. When one’s body hurts, Do Easy becomes an imperative. I love your description of the making process, which encompasses everything that’s important about it. Thanks for your well-considered comments.
Found you via Knitty. Loved the article and look forward to reading more. Very much enjoyed your podcast as well. And now I’m going to go put on a sweater. 😉