The Magic of Smallness
"The older I get, the more I'm conscious of ways very small things can make a change in the world. Tiny little things, but the world is made up of tiny matters, isn't it?"
Dear One,
Have you ever noticed how sweet things look when they're in miniature? Like baby sneakers? And demitasse cups? And mini marshmallows on your hot chocolate?
When I was in elementary school (old enough to behave in public, but too young to stay home without supervision), my parents took me to a LOT of art galleries and museums. They were art professors and could happily spend hours looking at whatever the current exhibit was. I, on the other hand, thought afternoons spent in this manner were some sort of heinous torture. Until, that is, my mother took my hand and led me to the lower level of the Art Institute of Chicago...straight to the Miniature Rooms. If you've ever been, you know how mesmerizing they can be: 68 ingenious little rooms imbedded into the walls of a dimly lit gallery so that the lighted rooms draw every morsel of your attention. Every tiny detail perfectly executed. Best museum day ever.
I think knitting and crocheting can also be more charming in miniature. I don't mean so small that a person can't see what they're doing or hold the tools correctly...but sweetly small. Like something you'd make with this amazing Uneek Sock Kit from our friends at Urth Yarns. It's 100 grams of fingering weight yarn, so it's just like most skeins of that ilk with regard to yardage (440 yds). But when someone bundles two identically self-striping "baby skeins" in a darling package with a free sock pattern upload inside, I am drawn in. It's the Miniature Rooms all over again.
Please note, I chose this Special Edition Harmony colorway because it jumped into my hands, but there are six colorways to choose from, so have fun with that!
And with a charmingly small project, one should always consider a charmingly small project bag.
At the risk of encouraging anyone's (my) bag fetish, let me introduce you to the newest in our line of MbF bags: the Clover Pouch. Each is designed and sewn in Winona, MN, using the loveliest of materials. Every bag is one of a kind, so don't hesitate if you see what you want. They are like beautiful shooting stars---here one moment and gone the next.
What remains consistent among all the Clover Pouches is the clever curation of fabrics, the outer zip pocket, the inner non-zip pocket, and the dimensions (7.5"h x 10"w x 3.5"d). If you lean toward large projects (like sweaters or blankets), this is a perfect tool pouch size. If you love wee projects (like socks or amigurumi), this will hold both the project and the tools. Either way, you'll love owning a Clover Pouch of your very own.
This is a week for appreciating the little things: tiny leaf tips emerging from the soil, small songbirds suddenly whistling their spring tunes, the angle of the sun coming through the window. And, if it feels right, perhaps it is a time for making something small as well.
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
