Thursday 20 April 2017

Making It All Over Again

The holidays are all tied up and finished off here at High In The Sky. I got up at 5.30 this morning to wave The Tall One off to the airport, having climbed into bed just before 1.00 am because I'd stayed up to gossip with the other one. But that's what you do, when you know Studentland is calling: if the talk starts, you don't say It's bedtime, you say I'm listening.


As they pack up I finish off little jobs I'd promised. I did a bit of mending for The Tall One yesterday: exactly the same mending I'd done for him as he got ready to travel to Scotland for Freshers Week, over three years ago. As I stitched those stitches over again, I thought about him surrounded by suitcases and boxes holding half of his life, back then, and I thought about today's trip, travelling light, in charge, back to do his Finals, back to his friends and his flat, and the promise of a job, not next year - his diploma year - but the one after that. That's a whole life, right there, pulled together in between two mending sessions.

As a scrapbooker, I'm used to seeing a record of what we've been up to as I create. That's what it's there for. That's the point. With a big sewing or knitting project often the recording comes as you finish it off and reflect upon what life has cast up since you picked out the pattern and made the first stitch. I recently finished off that brown yoke sweater in my first photo. It's the second one of this "crofthoose" pattern I've made this year. The first - maybe you remember it - is blue with red and green houses, bright and cheery and the sweater I turned to every morning in a difficult March in which I cast on and knitted hard and fast on a new version I'm now wearing with a lighter heart.


I've finished up that man sweater I've been telling you about too. It's another double. First time I knitted this pattern - maybe four years ago? - I knew enough about knitting to realise the pattern was wrong and some trickery would be needed to get sleeves and neckband combined. This time (for I had to make it again as everyone was agreed this particular pattern offered your every day accountant both cuddle factor and macho manliness in magical proportions) I knew enough about Ravelry to look for help, which I found. No trickery required.


Every project marks some change, ecah one is a way of moving on. I'm working a shawl at the moment, with many, many stitches: plenty of time in that to wonder what's next. Maybe I'll be warding off a stiff Scottish breeze on Graduation evening the first time I wear it. Who knows? How about you? What plans do you have for your works in progress?

Project Notes:

Crofthoose Yoke by Ella Gordon knitted in Jamieson and Smith 2 ply bought at Tangled Yarns

Baseball Sweater from Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein knitted in Rowan Alpaca Merino DK

Drachenfels Shawl by Melanie Berg knitted in Rosy Green Wool Cheeky Merino DK

18 comments:

Ruth said...

I am in awe of your knitting prowess!

helena said...

well done to the Tall One for his future plans. Loving the fresh colours on the new yoke. I'm making twiddlemuffs for dementia sufferers at the moment and as I crochet I often think about the dreadful illness and how it impacts on families

Susan said...

Time certainly passes quickly doesn't it? Our oldest was home for a few days and it was nice to have some quiet time with her. She's off again though - a little bittersweet but she loves her job and the new life she's making, which is pretty much all a parent can hope for.

Ali said...

A lovely post as always :-) congrats to your son on his future job. I look foward to the day when my grunting teenager talks to me - dont get me wrong we have a laugh (generally at my expense) but I'd just like him to talk to me and tell me whats going on his life lol. Your knitting is fab and Im glad things worked out for you when you say you are knitting with a lighter heart xx hugs xx p.s. thanks for your comment on my blog xxx

Karen said...

I'm another in awe of your knitting, and how quickly you seem to move from one project to the next. They are all lovely, but I am particularly partial to the colors and pattern of the shawl.

Becky said...

Oh I wish I could get back to knitting! Every time I restart I put my shoulder out and have to stop. I am in awe of how quickly you get projects finished and they are all wonderful. I knitted a cream lacey shawl 2 years ago for our holidays - loved knitting it found it so therapeutic. I've got a sleeveless pullover caster on for Hugh but not knitted more than 2 inches because of my shoulder. Hoping that after I've been going to yoga for a few months and I'm more supple I may be able to return to knitting. Sounds like you had a good Easter with your students 😊

debs14 said...

I can't believe the end is in sight for your son, how those years have flown. How lovely that each hand created item brings back its own memories, and I am so pleased that the last sweater for you has been casted on with calmer thoughts in your mind.
Can't wait to see that shawl on display in a chilly Edinburgh graduation photo!

Lizzy Hill said...

Before you know it, they'll be married and having kids. I jest not! Time flies faster and faster, which I'm a bit miffed about, if truth be told. So hold fast and enjoy those times when the future seems further away than it really is:):) I'm planning happy mail for birthdays here..... but 1st I've got to survive my 2 grand boys staying the night!! Wish me luck. Bound to be a wettish sheeted bed in the morning. And the last time that happened was 26 years ago. Seems like yesterday:):)!!!

Patio Postcards said...

Please count me among the many that admire your knitting skills ... such a good eye for colour combinations & a marvelous way to weave the tales in with the yarn.

Honoré said...

All of your knitted pieces are lovely...one day I'll settle into knitting and not just "knit-wishing." I especially like the black/white/yellow striped piece...one of my fave color combinations.
As I read your words about your son then/now, I was reminded of conversations my mom and I had about my growing up and just life in general. It's sort of like this: my parents always required that we let them know when we got home -regardless of the hour - or arrived safely at a destination. As my mom explained: "You may know you are alright but we don't." Makes infinitely good sense and t'was so easy to do!
Cheers~

Maggie said...

My goodness what a busy time. Shame we don't get to see the cudldly, macho manly everyday accountant modelling the jumper!

Linda said...

Can't believe the Tall One is doing his finals already! Where does the time go?? Love how you've emcompassed the memories in your knitting projects. I am in awe of your knitting! X

alexa said...

Lovely thoughtful read and such big projects you take on on your needles! Most inspiring. A shawl for his graduation will be very special - you could have Traveller's Notebook to record its making and then all the important occasions on which you wear it thereafter ... :)

Jennifer Shaw said...

A beautiful post. I agree that when they are in the mood to talk, you drop everything and listen, because these moments don't always come as often as we hope for. Your knitting is beautiful!

alexandra s.m. said...

Beautiful Knitting projects my Friend!
(always enjoy seeing the way you set them up in pictures too!)
xx

Jo said...

I love that Crofthoose Yoke and was only saying to Sandra the other day that you have really inspired me to give it a go, I'm still trying to get brave enough to try it though :)

Missus Wookie said...

Good luck to the Tall One with his finals, my girl is busy with finishing up projects and starting analysis of things I don't understand. Already talking about her Masters project next year too.

That listening has caused me to be late to bed many times - having people in different time zones just adds to the fun :)

Sandra said...

You've been the subject of conversations recently, between myself and Jo. We're in awe of your knitting talents xxx

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