Be Ready to Flex

I've just returned home from an amazing long weekend in NYC with dear college friends. I knew it would be a great time: wonderful women in a city full of endless possibilities. But it exceeded my expectations in several ways. First, one of our gang had secured two little "mini apartments" for our lodging, so we had spaces beyond bedrooms in which to gather and catch up. Secondly, last weekend was pitch perfect with regard to weather. Everywhere we went, we remarked at how fortunate we were to have chosen a sunny, breezy, weekend where all of our outdoor adventures were fun and easy. And lastly, we arrived on the day of the ticker tape parade in celebration of the NY Knicks and their exciting rise to the NBA championship. It felt like the city was happier and more welcoming than usual in the afterglow of that experience.

As you're probably expecting, there was another side to the weekend as well. We are all in our mid-sixties and our lives are prone to sudden complications. One of those was a medical condition rearing its ugly head and requiring an ER visit during our reunion. One was a parent needing her daughter to stay home at the last minute and tenderly tend to things. And one was a friend who actually flew cross country to attend the gathering, but was also gathering her strength to begin an arduous round of medical treatments as soon as she gets home.

And what impressed me as I watched my friends react and re-calculate in response to each of these changes in plan, was how graceful and flexible each person was. There was no flurry of over-reaction, there was no fuss, only understanding and adjusting. I think it's a big part of why we are still strong friends all of these years after college...each person knows how to offer support without fuss, understanding without over-explaining.

One of the most flexible and flex-worth yarns in the shop right now is Saona by Wooldreamers. It's a DK weight that's 50% wool and 50% cotton---so perfect for warm weather making.

I feel like it could be great for just about anything---from washcloths to full-on sweaters. And the colors are yummy---all ten of them!

I have a friend using Saona to knit the Copenhagen Cardigan by PetiteKnit. She's skipping the pockets to make it feel more summery and last time I saw her, it was well on its way to being completely fabulous.

We also sell two-color bundles online (or in person) for the Night and Day Cowl by Andrea Mowry. The cowl was originally designed to be knit from serious wool and cozy as all get out, but when you knit it in a lighter blend, it becomes that piece you throw on when the air conditioning overwhelms you...or for an early morning coffee on the porch. 

I think I'm going to use my Saona for the Fanel Cardigan by Orlane Sucche, though. I've made this pattern once using superwash wool and I find I love the fit and the drape. So, why not make it again, using this amazing wool + cotton blend to cover me in the warmer months?

I particularly enjoyed the shoulder and button-band details of the Fanel, so I look forward to knitting the sequel!

I hope your life includes a few ride-or-die friends...friends who will good-naturedly flex when you need them to...friends who know just what to say (and not to say) when your life takes a turn.

And may you, when life calls for it, be just such a friend in return.

Warmly,

Gaby

On-Going Opportunities:

Makers Mornings -- 3rd Saturday of each month (Jan-May and Sep-Nov)

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

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