Get Together With Your Besties
“I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.”
Dear One,
Is there anything more worthwhile than time spent with someone who has known you--and loved you--for a good, long time? I just got back from an amazing four days in sunshine-filled Florida. And while the sun and the sand and the flowers and the breeze on my skin were very appreciated, the best part was spending time with long-held friends. These are college friends who've known one another for forty-plus years and, while we don't always agree, we listen and respect and care. We cheer one another on through the happy milestones and shed tears of sympathy on the sad days. We also serve as touchstones for each other--we tell the stories that serve to remind us of who we were and how far we have travelled.
In the yarn-ish part of my life, one of my dearest and most long-standing friendships is with Malabrigo Yarn. I first fell in love with Rasta, the dreamy merino super-bulky that is perfect for anything, but especially cozy accessories. When we opened the shop I was determined that everything should be made with a super bulky yarn and US 13 needles. Silly me.
Several years later, Malabrigo Rios became my besty. It's a soft worsted, all merino, but superwash. Remember the Botanic Hat by Stephen West? I was addicted to both the yarn and the pattern and several family members have warmer noggins as a result.
Fast forward a few more years, and I've added Arroyo, the superwash DK weight, to my list of dearly beloveds. It's Rios' kid sister, so I'm not sure what took me so long. Both Rios and Arroyo make amazing garments for kids and adults: beautifully hand-dyed, machine washable, and with the lovely drape intrinsic to their fiber and gauge.
Malabrigo is a friend for life: it's been consistently trustworthy and fun to hang around with. And I think I've held up my end of the friendship by being loyal and singing its praises often.
I hope you have a yarn relationship that is dear to you. But if not, maybe it's time to work on that. Make a new friend. Try a new fiber. This could be the beginning of something beautiful.
Warmly,
Gaby
