Wool good....

The last couple of weeks have been very challenging.   Car repairs, family drama (here, which is unusual and in my family of origin, which is not), Hubby's problems at work, health issues and credit card fraud are just the highlights.   I have tried to stay calm and grounded through yoga and meditation but it has been a struggle.

Last night, as the time grew closer to leave for book group, I realized that I was going to have to change my clothes.    The temperature had dropped from the high 90's on Wednesday to 58 degrees last night (and all the way down to 38 while we slept).   The tank top and leggings I was wearing would not do.   I was going to have to either dig out a coat (gasp!) or change my clothes.    Some rooting around in my closet and I was good to go with a long sleeved peasant blouse and jeans.

Since I would be wearing closed shoes, I grabbed a pair of hand-knit wool socks.   As soon as I put them on, I felt calmer than I had in days.    Always willing to run with a good idea, I dove into one of my bins of handknits and pulled out my Landscape Shawl (knit with Koigu).   There I was, with a cold wind blowing, literally and figuratively, but once wrapped in woolly goodness, I felt at peace.

P.S.  The photo above was taken by my talented older son on a not terribly chilly day.

Inspire me,,,

Lite Wt. Simple Joys Scarf/Shawl

Today, I started my day with an hour of yoga.   Why did I ever stop doing this?   I feel so much better able to cope with the vicissitudes of life today.   Coincidence?    OMG, I hope not.   Next on my "pull myself together" agenda?   Meditation.   I have tried meditation before with limited success.   Look the term "monkey mind" up and you may just see my picture.    However, I am reading Priscilla Warner's "Learning to Breath" and feeling inspired to give it another go.   If she can do it, certainly I can.

Do you follow Cosmicpluto Knits?   I do.   A few weeks ago she posted about a simple black scarf she knit for herself.    I knew then and there that, this would be my January knit.  I know quite a few crafters who craft mostly for sale, publication, and/or gifts during the rest of the year, but, come January, they make a point of making something for themselves.    I have done this myself in years past and have decided to do so again this year.  I am using my own Simple Joys pattern and  KnitPicks' Comfy Fingering Yarn to make my shawl.  In addition to having a snuggly feel and a reasonable price, the light weight and mostly cotton content of Comfy make it a perfect Florida yarn.     Once finished, I will add what few changes there are to the bottom of my Simple Joys pattern.    Those changes should be minor since the only differences are the weight of the yarn and the seed stitch border.