Choose The Road MORE Traveled

Holy smokes. We've got...four days to Hanukkah, 11 days to the solstice, and basically two weeks to Christmas and Kwanzaa. I say this not to crank up your anxiety, but just because laying it out on the table helps sometimes.

And now let's breathe together. Slowly and deeply. Are you hosting a thing? Attending a thing where you need to bring a dish or a gift? Attending a thing where you need to dress up? Me, too. All of the above.

And you know what I'm going to do to make it all a wee bit easier? I'm going to repeat what I know will work. I'm going to re-create a tried and true menu for Christmas Eve. (I have notes on quantities and the recipes are familiar.) I'm going to take wine and cheese to the hosts of the upcoming party---just like last year. (Not exciting, but I am positive they will use and enjoy both.) And I am going to re-wear a festive holiday outfit to the fancy shindig. (No one will notice or care and I know I will be more relaxed wearing something that's not going to surprise me in any way.)

And in my knitting life? I'm going to keep a project close at hand that takes pretty much zero brain cells. Alexandra's Airplane Scarf from Churchmouse Studio is just such a project. It's a tube knitted of Isager Silk Mohair yarn that is both calming and luxurious. You can stop anywhere (no "end of row" to achieve) and pick it up and chug right along when you have time.

It calls for 4 skeins of Isager Silk Mohair or about 990 yards of any lace-weight silk mohair blend you may have lurking in your stash. It's knit on US 8 needles (and I will recommend a ChaioGoo Stainless Steel Red Cord for working with mohair---excellent pointiness and fabulous cable). You'll want a 16" or 24" needle to knit the tube.

And they've jazzed it up with a snappy bit of color on each end---which you can love or ignore!

Another tried and true time saver, easy-but-impactful gift (or vessel for a gift), or simply an organizational treat for yourself is the Swedish Hinza Tote. It's pretty much indestructible, cute as a button, and handier than you can imagine. I think Susan has SIX of them. 

The standard size is 10" tall and 17" wide across the top. The Mini Hinza is 8.5" tall and 12" wide at the top. Either is a great way to keep a project safe and dry...and fabulous for transporting your holiday cookie collection.

I'm fairly confident we can get Hinzas shipped to you before December 24 if you order by Friday (Dec 12). But don't wait. The Hinza's are calling.

As our time gets short, let's lean in toward what we know and what has worked in the past. There's a lot to be said for taking the path we trust will get us there. Safe and sound. And with our nerves unfrazzled.

And if you--like me--think better/sleep better/act better if your day includes some hand work, do your best to find time for that. It's better than television and cheaper than therapy (although I have nothing against either television or therapy)! Please remember to give yourself this gift of personal calm and internal untangling. You are very worth it.

Cheers,

Gaby