Knit One, Cry Two
Cast on 78 stitches, knit one with main colour, listen to the news, cry, purl one main colour, twist contrast colour around main colour, try to make sense of the horror, knit 2 rounds plain, rage, knit one, purl one to the end of round….cry a little more. Another beautiful beret is completed. This is where I have been for the past two months. Thankfully, I have this outlet of making beautiful textiles. My hands know to add beauty to the world even when my heart can’t feel it.
If your hands also need to keep moving and you are looking for a quick gift knit or would just like to knit yourself a cozy cowl, I have published the pattern for my Lawrence Street Striped Cowl . I knit mine with two colours of Custom Woolen Mills 2 ply from The Mariner’s Daughter in Lunenburg. They have a ton of colours in stock right now. I designed this cowl to teach beginners to knit. It’s really quite simple and the stripes make for addictive knitting that’s hard to put down.
I taught Joan Bruneau how to knit. This will be my claim to fame. I love Joan’s version of the Lawrence Street Striped Cowl. She used three colours. This is a great little stash buster if you have some worsted weight yarn lying around. If you don’t know Joan’s beautiful pottery then please check out her shop HERE.
Stripes are a way of life (apparently). This striped beret is available to ship in a medium size. There’s a lot of stretch, so it will fit most head sizes, but if your head size is particularly small or large then please let me make you one that’s perfect for you.
You can purchase this striped beret right HERE. The one in my studio can ship out immediately. I can’t guarantee Christmas arrival, but it’s possible.
I have lately started hand dyeing many of the colours for my hand knit and felted hats. Once you start you really can’t stop. I am always in search of the perfect shade of green. I could have pretty much stopped right here (though I didn’t). Bringing Spring green to a winter’s day is a public service. If you are feeling altruistic and would like to brighten up the world, this beret is available to ship. You can purchase it HERE. I recently sewed a thin strip of polar fleece, where the hat touches the forehead, for a customer who is a bit sensitive to wool. This solution worked really well. Most people don’t need this, but it’s there for you if you do.
Sometimes I really enjoy playing with colours that are completely not me. I absolutely love this joyful combination of turquoise and pink. Maybe it was all the hype around the Barbie movie that made me do it. This one is also ready to go. You can find it HERE.
I met these two beauties while selling my hats at the sweetest little craft show in Petite Riviere, Nova Scotia. They are a grandmother, granddaughter duo. The elder beauty bought the black hat for herself. I tend to shy away from knitting with black, but I dyed the black myself and the tones are so rich and pretty.
You can really see the subtle tones of purple and blue in this hat. This one was made for a very large head size. If that’s you then this is HERE waiting for you. If you are local and would like any of the hats you see here then just choose “local pick up” as a shipping option, or better yet just come visit me.
Last up in the Ready to ship department is this pretty denim blue beret. Available HERE.
I have been really enjoying helping ladies learn to knit or improve their knitting. This is Wanda. Wanda wanted some help knitting a sweater that she would love that fit her well. It’s so exciting to see her progress and to know that she will soon have the coziest, most beautiful cardigan. Would you like to join us? If you already know how to knit, but would like a bit of help then come join us on Wednesday mornings. I also have a friend who has requested a Saturday class, so let me know if that is a time that works for you as well. If you are local and would like to join us tomorrow or If you are ready to let me addict you to knitting then I have another learn to knit class coming up in January. Head HERE for all the details.
I took this photo of Lunenburg harbour on my walk this morning. When there is peace in my heart I remember to look up.
Lastly, I would like to share this knitting podcast from Israel. Something about remembering that there are actual humans behind the headlines feels important. Thanks for spending some time with me.
What beautiful work and beautiful reminders. Thank you for sharing your creations and your words.
Beautiful hats; I always enjoy reading your blogs.
It is a grim and difficult time. Making beauty, creating warmth, bringing comfort…without these things the world would surely die. (It’s hard not to sound apocalyptic in these days of crisis). Making beauty, creating warmth, bringing comfort….a gift and a calling.
Let’s talk soon,
Randi
So wonderful to have your extraordinary talents to absorb your thoughts (or ignore your thoughts) in this crazy, awful time. Thank you for sharing the good stuff!
Fondly,
Nancy
Always important to make beautiful things to bring joy in another persons life.
May peace happen soon and they lay down their weapons of war.
Wish you would publish the beret pattern
Hi Jennifer,
It’s ready to go! It’s going to be part of a video class for now. I’m just working on creating the kits and then I will release it.
Yes! Creating is a solace. Thank you for the reminder and your blog. Sorry I missed you in Petite.