Waiting for the muse, a wooden spoon and the Vanishing Fleece

The days are getting shorter and the evenings darker. Now that the heat of summer is gone, I stop and bathe in the warm light of the sun, whenever I have the chance. It's bittersweet to see my windowsill garden changing, leaves becoming less bright, less firm, flowers long gone.

I'm still in the same headspace of making think I'll truly love and wear. So I'm looking and looking and pondering and not knitting.

I finished my color work vest and wore it this week. It felt so good to have taken the time to try something new. Good play. I need light to take a photo of the finished vest, but here's a work in progress photo.

And now we just wait for the muse…

What I am making

A spoon

I wanted to try wood carving for a while, and it was both harder and easier than I thought. Would can be soft as butter if you listen to the wood and follow the grain. Or impossibly stubborn if you are not patient and wise enough to understand it.

I took an in-person class near my home, and it was magical to see the wood taking shape as a spoon.

It made me so grateful that the tools I use for knitting, even though called needles, are not dangerous. Wood carving is a meditative and soothing process, but you can never forget you have an extra sharp knife in your hands.

Book of the week

Vanishing Fleece: Adventures in American Wool by Clara Parkes

This was just one of Clara Parkes books on my to-read list, and it was the soul balm I needed after a hard week.

In this heartwarming tale of learning and experimentation, Clara Parkes, has us embark with her on a woolen odyssey, taking us from the sheep to knitted loop. From acquiring a huge amount of raw fleece to the final product of a squishy yarn, Parkes shares what she sees, what she feels, what she learns.

The book shows the processes, the landscapes, and the people who still make wool in North America. The story is immersive and warm, I felt I was right there when the fleece tumbled off the sheep in the first part of her journey, and also there, when she was talking to experts in washing, carding, spinning, dyeing.

Parkes explores the rich history of wool and its cultural significance, and reflects on the challenges faced by today's wool industry. I am in awe of the knowledge and grit of all the passionate people who make wool today. Thank you!

May your days be filled with mindful moments. Until next time, be present.

Sky