All Hallows Cleaves

It is strange how some projects sleep until we find a need to finish them. Such is the case with the garment Cleaves (free pattern on Knitty.com). I started this piece back in June. It is a very unique garment that is a combination of cowl and sleeves; almost like the reverse of a vest. I was immediately captivated by its simple pattern and beautiful design. Knitting upon it sporadically I managed to finish 1 sleeve and three quarters of the second before the project basically went into my big knitting bag for a long hibernation. Though I wished to finish the work, there was no burning desire that inspired me to continue the process. Then came this October in Maryland. The days passed lazily by, only to suddenly turn chilly in the lateness of the month. The thought kept occurring to me as I wrestled with coats and sweatshirts, "I need a better outer garment. The weather is just too cantankerous for such normal modes of maintaining a stable body temperature." (Yes that is an actual thought that manifested in my brain, judge me not!) Enter in the memory of the unique knit that just happened to be sitting under my bed. Once I started on it again, I knitted like a woman possessed for two days and quickly had it completed. I understand the picture I have put here is hardly adequate, but I pray it will do for now.

There is something very powerful about this piece. I find it hard to describe, but I suppose it is because it looks so strange. Comments I have received on its appearance have ranged from Final Fantasy, to Seuss. Yet, I put it over my head, set up the ruff, and I feel strangely beautiful as well as strong. I know it sounds rather dramatic, but the piece is bold in its direct violation of normal garment appearance. Therefore, I feel bold and revolutionary within it. It is funny that I finished this so close to Halloween, a night devoted to looking rather out of character. This work is not out of character for such a night. Cleaves is a garment that I feel is closer to my character than most other clothing I will ever consider wearing. It is/I am unconventional, bold, and lovely.

SUPER Study Buddies

So, the boyfriend has been doing stellar work through the most complicated Physics E&M and Circuitry and CSE classes this semester...and now he's facing the prospect of even more, and even more insanely difficult classes NEXT semester and beyond. 

Well, it was our kind-of first anniversary this weekend, so I wanted to do something kind-of sweet for him, especially because he's been working so hard and deserves a little break.

That's where Captain Capacitor, and his faithful sidekick Resisty, come in!
God love Anna of MochiMochi Land for fabricating these PAINFULLY CUTE pieces of circuitry. I gave them to Nate in hopes that they would help him study. Superheroes have been known to do that, you know.

Unfortunately, they've been more of a hindrance than a help in the boy's faithful studies. Snippets of our conversations and correspondence include: ...too cute...those eyes...why does he have to have a cape??? Why the cape???...

Okay, maybe I went slightly overboard.

Knitting Myself Through Nonsense

Up from the bottom, wrap.

  Look at the situation logically

Take the right needle and stab through.

   If the situation was logical, one could do so

Lift the stitch off the left needle.

   Continue on as you can, for there is no other logical option.

Repeat.

Greetings from Hampshire College

I love fall. Especially when I'm in New England when it's happening.

Photos taken at the Hampshire College Farm Center, October 14th, 2008.
My friend Dan and I decided to celebrate our return from October Break with a walk in the autumn sun to see the sheep.




We found them:

Why would anyone ever choose to be educated anywhere else?

My Goal:

To knit a sweater over JanTerm break.

My Only Slightly More Immediate Goal:

To finish those damn knee socks.

My More Immediate Goal:

To knit hats, scarves, and gloves for charity before it gets too cold.

A More Immediate Goal Than That:

To finish all my Christmas presents.

After Completing This Goal:

To finish the five projects that I currently have on needles.

A Goal That Needs To Be Addressed Rather Immediately:

To finish my summary of a neuropsychological report of infantile amnesia in pre-schoolers for class tomorrow.

Another Goal, Temporally Unaffected:

To get a larger white board on which to write all my goals.

"In Nature's Wonderland"

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a retreat with the Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). I truly needed this getaway for I had felt rather jumbled and emotionally distorted of late. There were a number of factors involved, but suffice it to say confusing people and misplaced affection had put me in dire need of a mini vacation. So, on Friday, I took care to pack my knitting (along with the four other bags that I apparently needed on a trip where I was only staying two nights) and I set off with a sense of anticipation. Arriving that night was generally stressful and edgy because I accidentally left my knitting bag in the car and I had to do a great deal of waiting before anything officially happened. I was quite vexed with myself. But then came the next morning. The schedule established a "quiet time" in the morning from 8:30 to 9. This was supposed to be a time where we went anywhere within the camp and just took time to really be with God. I awakened rather irritated, but I dutifully made myself up, grabbed my bible and my knitting bag, and went off to find my place. Walking along, I saw many were headed to the beach overlooking the lake. Rather sad that there would be so many people about, I headed there myself. Luckily, the Lord was keeping an eye on my sanity. My eye was drawn to a path on the left. Curious, I followed it. The path ended at a long bridge. As I trod upon the planks the bridge wound through a small swamp with cattails and long grasses growing up out of the murky water. The sound of geese drifted through the trees. The sky was the bleached peach and cerulean of early morning. The bridge ended at a small dock that overlooked a pond which was surrounded by high pines and cedars. The air was crisp, the kind of crisp that makes one think of freshly peeled apples. I settled on my haunches, and all I could think to do was pull my sweater out of my knitting bag.

  I had succeeded in finishing the back the day before. I laid this across my lap and proceeded to cast on the front. As I worked, the sun broke through the thin clouds and cast an ideal light upon my work. I looked up to see the bog simply steaming in this almost angelic glow. I felt an overwhelming awe in the simplicity of that raw light and untouched nature. The yarn in my hands felt warmer,richer, as my heart swelled with the sight. I could feel the edges of God, gently smiling at my wonder. It had been a long time since I had felt so truly close. My fingers worked, loving the connection of every sense with the experience of existing in the sublime.