We've Got Something Rare
“Well," said Pooh, "what I like best," and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.”
Dear One,
I worry that we are becoming a culture where nothing is truly special. We can order a wild assortment of things and have them delivered in 48 hours or less. We rarely have to wait for something we want...so we begin to get cranky if something takes longer than expected. I wonder if this is good for us.
Remember the anxious process of writing a wish list and hoping to get one---maybe two---things from that list? Did you ever (and I am dating myself here) accumulate box tops for months to send in for some inevitably disappointing gadget? I remember needing to wait until I was 13 to get my ears pierced (agony) and 16 before I was allowed to go on a date (which turned out to be a welcome excuse in a couple of dodgy situations).
I don't know if all that waiting was actually as character-building as my parents assumed it would be. But I can tell you I appreciated the long-awaited thing or experience every time. And I remember both the anticipation and the end result in a way that I don't when I push a button on my computer.
We have a new yarn in the shop that is truly memorable and surprisingly hard to get. As far as I can tell, only six shops in the nation are able to sell it. It's the thing you didn't realize was on your wish list and the long-awaited surprise that you didn't know you were waiting for!
The yarn is from the lovely people at Harrisville Fiber in New Hampshire. The base is called Shear and is available in two weights: Aran and DK. Only one color is purchase-able in select shops and it's called Thicket: mostly creamy white Merino-Dorset (from Cottage Hill Farms in Ohio) spun with a touch of black Dorset (from Wellscroft Farm in NH).
And the clincher? What we have is what we get. There will be no re-ordering allowed. It's a gorgeous, woolly flash in the pan.
I think my two favorite weights of yarn to work with are DK and Aran. DK is finer than worsted weight, but not so fine that it makes me wish for trifocals. It has great drape when used in sweaters and wraps and the finished items often lend themselves to three-season wear.
Aran is a bit heavier than worsted weight and is my yarn for I-Live-In-_____(insert your favorite northern state name here) sweaters, hats, and cowls. These are winter knits for sure. But I love winter and love a chance to bundle up---both indoors and out.
And can I tell you how giddy it makes me to have only one color choice? I'm a hem-er and haw-er when it comes to choosing yarn for a project...but this glorious, oatmeal-ish color ends up looking great on those who lean toward warm colors AND those who tend to choose a cooler palette.
I'm thinking a cardigan (perhaps the Felix by Amy Christoffers?), but haven't yet pinned down a pattern. These woolen spun yarns will show texture well (cables? seed stitch? rib?) and the gentle blend of cream and black will also look great in a clean stockinette. Hold my coffee while I overthink this...
Among Harrisville's recommendations are a couple of smaller scale projects, should you want to dip your toe in gently: the Sheepscot Mitts and Sheepscot Hat (both by Sarah Solomon) are lovely and suitable for a confident beginner...or anyone with cold hands and head. They'd make lovely gifts and are very gender-neutral!
The more we knit and crochet and weave and spin, the more we disconnect from the instant gratification leanings of the world. After all, there's nothing instant about fashioning things out of yarn.
Keep making. Keep anticipating the results of your work. Stay connected to process. It's going to be memorable...and probably character-building.
Gaby
P.S. We still have space in this Saturday's Maker's Morning (Oct 18 from 10 to noon). There's a $10 cost to reserve your seat and, in return, you get $5 off any purchase made that day. If you're working on Holiday Balls or anything that requires a bit of focus, treat yourself to two hours of creative time. Bring your favorite coffee or tea and enjoy being surrounded by calm creative energy.
P.P.S. Don't forget Malabrigo Day on October 25 from noon to 4. It's going to be a lovely fiesta.
