Recharge--But Gently!

First, let me stand on this tiny soapbox and say "Thank You!" to each and every one of you who is in any way supporting small businesses and families and neighborhoods in Minnesota during this frightening time in our state. If you live outside of Minnesota, think also about connecting with your neighbors, reaching out to your representatives, and supporting small businesses wherever you are. No community... no state is immune.

In the midst of all that continues to need our attention, let me quietly remind you to take a bit of time away every day, if at possible. And please use that time to nurture yourself, breathe intentionally, and focus on something non-traumatic. Everything and everyone in this world needs to recharge: plants go dormant, some animals hibernate (I have a cat who seriously sleeps 23 hours a day in the winter--does that count as hibernation?), and that darned smart watch needs charging every time you turn around. You, my dear, are no different.

If the thing that charges your personal batteries is getting your hands into gorgeous yarn, keep reading. Because we just received a new shipment from Feederbrook Farm in Maryland...and you are going to want to see it.

The amazing Lisa at Feederbrook Farms has her hands in every part of the yarn-production process...from raising the sheep to selecting the certified organic dyes to naming the colorways, to packing the boxes to ship to us. We love her color sense and the barber pole twist of the multicolors. There are also tonal solids. And all are 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool, which shows stitch definition deliciously and is wooly without being scratchy. The color array is astounding at the shop right now. We typically only order from Lisa just once each year and this year's order made every single Yarnologist catch her breath as we unpacked the boxes..

I could use a happy project on my needles right now and am thinking about the Fie Cardigan by Kristin Drysdale (since I'm a hopelessly addicted to sweater knitting).

Can't you just imagine one of the Feederbrook twisted multi-colors as the colorwork and one of the hand-dyed solids as the body of the sweater? I'm agonizing over color choices...but I'll get it figured out eventually!

If you're not up for a sweater right now---and I get how you might not be---I'll point you in the direction of the Patagonia Lake Cowl by Martha Wissing:

This lovely pattern is written for Entropy DK (as the colorful bit) and another solid DK (as the background). You may already have the solid in your stash and perhaps you simply need a splash of color to bring it to life. Have fun playing with the lovely possibilities!

And, of course, your brain may not be craving any knitting right now. Perhaps it needs a nap...or a good book...or quiet meditation...or a primal scream. Please do not suppose that I think yarn cures everything. Most things, sure. But not everything. My wish is that you do something each day this winter to help yourself gently recharge. It's essential to you. And you are essential to your community. 

I love that about you. ❤

Warmly,

Gaby

On-Going Opportunities:

Makers Mornings -- typically the 3rd Saturday of each month

Beginning Crochet Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon

Beginning Knit Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon