A warm hello to my Fine Fibrous Friends. Yes, this has been my longest ever absence from the blogosphere. I’ve again been plagued by worries that nobody wants to read stuff these days. And yet it was inevitable that an excess of words would eventually build up in my brain until it exploded out onto the page. So here we are, fending off shards of projectile verbiage. Apologies for the mess. I’ll just go and clear a few adjectives off the sofa so that you can sit down…
Also, I was slowly (very slowly – slower than a teenager who’s been asked to bring all the dirty mugs and plates down from his bedroom RIGHT NOW) crocheting this allotment cushion.
The plan was to write it up as a pattern, but then I thought, NO. First of all, I don’t think it’s particularly good. Perhaps I’ll start again and do better next time. Second, you do NOT need this sanity-compromising nonsense on your crochet hook. I could publish it, but it would have to come with the warning that you deserve better than this obnoxious monster with its requirement to crochet through the back loop whilst standing on one leg and singing the Swedish national anthem. If I published it, I should probably try to put you off by charging something like £1000: would that be a sufficient deterrent? Or perhaps £10 000? Actually I should probably pay you £1000 in compensation for tackling this ridiculousness, but – sorry – but I can’t afford that outlay.
There are some bits of it that worked out OK. But too many hours have been lost to philosophical questions such as ARE THESE CAULIFLOWERS SUFFICIENTLY CAULIFLOWERY? (CAULIFLORAL?) The Stoic Spouse was a tough-to-satisfy critic on this front.
Or WHY IS THE HEDGEHOG HOGGING THE HEDGE? (The hedgehog was my dad’s idea and I like it.) Also, DO YOU EXPECT US TO BELIEVE THIS IS A REALISTIC ALLOTMENT WHEN THERE ARE SO FEW WEEDS?
Yeah, some of it was fun. I loved creating the different textures of the various muddy backgrounds: clods of earth or neatly ridged rows. The Stylecraft Special DK that I used for the job was perfect.
The reverse of the cushion will need a few more details, but it’s all about the broken paving slabs and weeds that can be found in any plot. Now I just need to work out how to portray shards of broken glass and the feeling of overwhelm that occurs when you’re viewing neighbours’ perfect plots.
Just as I completed the crocheted allotment, I also finished the structural set-up of my shiny new real allotment. It took approximately seven months of hard work to go from grassy mess to low-maintenance no-dig wood-chipped food-focused wildlife-friendly organic idyll. I promised myself that only once the plot was complete would I treat myself to a chair from which to sit back and watch the brassicas growing in their cage. (The cage is a success: zero brassicas have escaped thus far.)
I love to spend time there. Tiny voles burrow beneath the beds and occasionally I catch sight of one scurrying to safety in one of the compost bays – but of course never when I’ve got a camera to hand. Red kites circle above, wondering whether I’m likely to become a source of carrion any time soon. (Spoiler alert: maybe? I am very tired.) I’ve had a couple of mole hills, but not yet spotted a mole. I met a necrophorus investigator beetle hanging out in a peziza fungus on the plot: not a sentence I’ve ever needed to write before.
But let’s just subject-swerve for a minute. I never imagined uttering these words, but… let’s discuss TELEVISION. Some time ago, this happened. The TLDR is that I got to the last of many stages of selection for participation in a competitive knitting/crochet TV programme here in the UK, but I didn’t quite make the final cut. Fair enough, and I’d have withdrawn anyway due to 50% of the twinnage having alarming health issues at the time of filming. I can be as shallow and self-centred as anyone, but not quite to the degree that I’d swan off to Scotland for a jolly whilst one of my sons faced a life-threatening diagnosis and nasty treatments. For the many of you who’ve been kind enough to ask, The Twin In Question seems fine and has recovered well from both surgeries. His brother, who quite understandably struggled with the emotional challenge of The Twin In Question’s diagnosis, is doing better too. We’re awaiting results of genetic testing which will take several more months and which may or may (probably) not shed light on what on earth is going on, but at least the cancer diagnosis has been weirdly but wonderfully rescinded, and he’s had no more seizures so far. Honestly, I suspect that this is a case of RBW (Random Bodily Weirdness, something that I frequently experience myself, too.)
As for the TV thing, FINE, I thought. I’M OVER IT. No big deal. I DON’T CARE. And yet…
A few weeks ago, the finished programme hit screens here in the UK. And please don’t tell anyone, but it unsettled me to an embarrassing degree. The premise is this: ten competitors, each week competing via individual and group challenges of yarnery to remain in the competition. One person is ditched each episode. I shouldn’t have watched. That first week, the tasks comprised designing and knitting a stranded colourwork garment and – for the group task – covering a piece of furniture. Oh my woolly goodness, could these tasks have been any further up my street?! Doubtless I’d have crashed out of the whole contest at a shamefully early stage, but I’d’ve ACED those first week challenges.
It all gave me a bit of a case of the Hmmms. Contestants said things like “I’ve never done this before” and I side-eyed my poor phone screen because wasn’t this show for expert knitters? The selection process comprised careful inspection of work and timed tests of our skill in both knitting and crochet, so I was surprised to see a few semi-novices. I hope this doesn’t all sound too catty because that’s not what I intend, but honestly, I’ve started muttering under my breath about how I could definitely have done this thing. Yeah, my delusion is strong. Feel free to knock me off my perch.
And breathe. Preferably at the allotment.
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I think that it is not really a show about knitters. I have seen the show in question – I think they can’t have anyone on the show who has more experience than the host. I think it is really all about him. I am sorry that you have been hurt by this. You would have won with your eyes closed – if the show had truly been about knitting. But alas, it’s just about egos.
You rock and everyone who “knows” you knows it! Just saying!!
Ditto what Cathy said… the real expert knitter is definitely YOU.
Cathy and Elaine, you’re both very kind. I don’t think I’d have won, but I’m definitely not a beginner knitter. It’s surprising that they had beginners, when the selection process was so rigorously skills-focused!
Maybinsuggestbyoublooknup some Jeanne Robertson comedy, especialynaboutnhernmissnnorth Carolina days, wanting to do a hook shot as her talent in the beauty pageant. She now understands why they wouldn’t let her, the headline would read “Hooker w
Wins Miss America. Here, your headline would read, “Twisted Hooker wins…”
Ha ha, love it! (@Tanya).
I was really disappointed with the programme.One of them was a real novice.I won’t be watching again.Beejayxx
I was surprised that they included a beginner, given the focus on skills during the selection process! But hey, it’s TV not real life.
I could never do such a contest, for my sharp tongue will spoil it for all. A novice knitter at a contest for experienced knitters? I bet it is all about the adorable contestants. I am not adorable if someone says something like ‘I have never done that before’. Tsk tsk. Raised eyebrow, kill with looks. I think I am saved by not having a television to watch such ordinary stuff. I love the pillow. And the allotment is fab. And big! Did you buy a fourth freezer? You are going to need it. Genetics is weird stuff. Especially if it is allowed to mix because parents share DNA matches of other nice heritage. Wish for the twins that it all works out. Being a teen is already daring enough. A miracle we all survived that.
It sounds as though you’d be a PERFECT contestant for the show!
Sadly, we have one small freezer and no room for any others. So I try to grow things like winter squash and dried beans and storage tomatoes that don’t need freezing.
Yeah, genetics. Our poor sons!
(A) Please do not worry “that nobody wants to read stuff these days”. Massively untrue, particularly when that which is being read is clever, coherent, and (on occasion) character-building;
and
(B) From everything I’ve read about that knitting show, you are well-off out of it. Whether or not you could have aced that first challenge — and of course you could have — the format and entire approach of the show to needlecraft has created such a tempest in a tea-cozy that the whole thing is probably going to unravel itself rather quickly and be shoved into the UFO Closet of Shame.
So … please continue to share your wonderful observations, trials, and creations with us!
You have no idea (or more likely you do, because I’m sure you have a functioning brain and imagination) how deeply I appreciate it when people say that they do wish to continue reading the written word. Thank you.
Yeah, response to the programme has been… mixed, to put it charitably.
There you are. I started to really worry that Life was knocking you down.
Instead your son is not any worse off than he was in spite of 3 specialists trying to find the root to his trouble. And it was simply vanity that was the problem.
The program doesn’t air where I can see it but reality competitions are not for me anyway. So it’s their loss for overlooking someone who is a published knitting designer. Someone who knows how to make yarn do crazy things like turn into cauliflower and a hedgehog.
I think that anyone who has the skills to replicate your allotment pillow can do their own without the pattern, so save yourself the stress and drama.
Thank you for sharing updates. Prayers that your boys come through this stronger than ever. Put your pillow in a place of honor on the sofa now that it is adjective-free.
Hugs. May your holidays be peaceful and bright.
Oh Teresa, thank you for yet another warm-hearted and generous comment. You always make me happy.
You’re right: people crazy enough to crochet this thing will doubtless work it out for themselves.
My sons are survivors and I’m proud of the pesky little blighters, EVEN THOUGH THEY STILL HAVEN’T BROUGHT THEIR CUPS AND PLATES DOWNSTAIRS!
Wishing you the merriest of Christmases, if you celebrate. (We only have just the one holiday here in the UK.)
Thank you for the “clear a few adjectives off the sofa“ comment. It was absolutely the chuckle I needed today. And it is lovely to have the pleasure of your thoughts. To address your pondering— I am still reading just about anything that does not reek of politics. I love to escape into the world of fiber or just plain, normal life and step away from the reality of the discouraging and chaotic condition of this country. (I’m in the US.)
I am hoping that the challenges facing you and the Twinnage will lessen and become easier. Know that I’m sending healing energy and a giggle or two your way. Sometimes, in the midst of it all, one just needs a bit of levity to brighten the way.
I watch the tides ebb and flow, the snow cover the darkness, and deal with the absurdity of a 6.0 earthquake on Thanksgiving morning. Happily, no damage was done. Alaska shares her amazing beauty, yet I’m always aware of that Mother Nature certainly knows how to help us keep perspective. Life is good. And it is made better when I get to read a Twisted message about what is happening in your world. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Linda. Thank you for every word of this. Goodness, an earthquake? I hope that nothing and nobody were damaged? Alaska sounds so very beautiful. (You have snow? Please post some to dull, grey, rainy Oxfordshire in the UK!)
I completely understand about choosing sanity-restoring reading. May the orange menace and his side-kick be gone from your government soon. Though we currently have a sane (though ineffectual) leader, I can relate to things being ‘discouraging and chaotic’.
I love reading your posts! Anytime you want to write to us, with photos, I am delighted. Yes, so much controversy is swirling around that show – I watched 2 episodes and was not very keen, especially because it had SO much crochet. A knitter friend says it will appeal to the younger set, who thinks one stick is easier than two. But does it realistically demonstrate the joys of being a yarnie? Hmmm…dunno. Here’s hoping the twinnage continue to improve so they can better suffer their normal teenage angst. And the pillow is gorgeous!
Thank you Celeste! Yes, the show does seem to have been met with very muted enthusiasm by seasoned yarn-lovers. It’ll be interesting to see whether they commission a second series.
I’ve watched the show each week…it’s my weekly swearing session. It’s awful! When you call “Knitters” as they are all crocheting, it really jars. Most of them have little or no experience apart from one knitter, the others have been pretty dire. I think he’ll win. I get it that they are trying different creative tasks with different technical skills, but I wouldn’t bother. Even Sirdar wrote that it had more wearable patterns for the same yarn. As for the presenter, he’s no Patrick Grant, Esme, Paul Holliwood or Prue Leith. His outfits are eyecatching, but I’d rather not walk down the street with him….and I’ve trotted around with hardline punks in the past, me dressed pretty ordinarily! I’m so glad you didn’t do it. You are far too talented to waste your time. They are clearly looking at personality types rather than skills. I’ve just watched the program, hence the rant…at least I didn’t swear on here! I’m so glad your news about your twins is better…..they’re your precious priority!
Please do tell me the name of the host – I’m not sure if we’ll get this programme in New Zealand, and I NEED to know! 🙂
Tom Daley
Xx
Thank you! He’s making his name out of the pool in reality TV, then – first the celeb version of The Traitors, now this!
It’s on YouTube! The channel is Eclipse Panel. I hope that you don’t regret watching it though… *some* of my thoughts on it are in my comment further down.
Thanks, Karen!
The show is on a closed group on Facebook. I guess the reason why it’s closed is that it’s not going down well and they don’t want abuse. So you can’t even see what they are doing or how they are planning. Sirdar has “cleaned up” some of the crochet designs on its website. I guess somebody will like them.
I belong to quite a few online groups and run a couple in our local library. I have yet to hear one positive word about it.
Norma, thank you. Love the idea of a weekly swearing session – that’s probably quite therapeutic, I’d imagine?! And yes, I was surprised that they selected some quite inexperienced knitters, given the attention to skill level during selection. Oh well.
So glad ti hear tgat your son is prigressing well and his brother is managing too.
Yes your cauliflowers are cauli enough in fact i think they are brilliant! Put your cushion somewhere that it can be admired and gu e yourself a pat on the back for your artwork.
Thank you for all of this, Barbara! And yes, the best and only truly important thing is that my boys are doing OK.
Hi Phil, I’m so glad you aren’t in that programme – I’ve just watched the ads for it and it all looks a sloppy drop stitched mess.
Your words. Let me move a few adjectives off the settee so you can sit down , really made me laugh.
I’m delighted to hear good news of one twin – I hope you can go into the New Year with less worry on your mind. Concentrate on the stitchery, running and you’ll be grand.
Margaret
As always Margaret, thank you. Especially regarding my boys. We’re at least ending the year on a better note than it began.
(Glad I was able to raise a smile.)
Deal Phil, I, just love to read your posts – they never fail to bring a smile to my face.
As for your allotments – they are both fabulous. Those tiny details, and the cute little critters in the crocheted one are just lovely. And the ‘real’ one? Ah, you have me sighing with envy. I moved in March, and I now have a tiny little garden. I had so many ideas and plans, and could only realise a very few…and when the cucumber started to grow, and the mangold – I think that’s Swiss chard? – showed its beautiful red-and-green leaves and I was giddy with the expectation of a small harvest, it happened. Slug-geddon. It was a massacre…
I’m glad to hear the twins are doing better. Let’s hope this as just a scary RBW.
And don’t fret about that show – those are all rigged for dramatic effects and never a true contest of skill.
Wishing you and yours a relaxed and happy advent!
Isi
Isi, thank you so much! I don’t know where you’re based, but it was slug-geddon here last year, so I feel your pain. This year was all about drought and whitefly. Sigh. May your garden absolutely thrive in future years, and may it bring you both joy and food.
It is always lovely to see an email from you, whether it is frequent or delayed.
So, so glad to hear that The Twinnage are progressing through some of life’s more serious challenges and doing it with style … must be the example set by their loving and creative parents, I say.
I live in the US, so don’t have a chance to see the “knitting” show, but I would have thought that your only role in such a show would be as a judge. You’d offer kindly but expert advice on how to solve problems, but then gently push the least among equals off the stage where they belong. And you’d do it with such good humor that everyone on the show and in the audience would love it!
I’m not a gardener, so can’t truly appreciate the hard work you’ve put into your “allotment”, a very British word to my mind. But I love the look of your cushion, and especially that your Dad suggested a hedgehog, and you realized the wisdom of his suggestion. Way to go, Dad!
Keep up the good work on all fronts.
Sharon, thank you so very much. Your words are more generous than I deserve, but I deeply appreciate them.
I always look forward to your posts.
And I think your crocheted allotment is fantastic.
I hope everything gets resolved to make you happy with your sons.
Thank you so very much! I think my sons will be OK, thank goodness.
Pleased to read the one diagnosis has been kicked out the door. The genetic soup, what a complex recipe but 7 months? And life has gone back to a normal but still shaking off the stress and anxiety which drifts like a fog some days . But the queit white blanket of snow is possible, twinkling frost? Bracing refreshing cold ???? Meanwhile, November here …. not warm and sunny and the snakes are.going to be DAMNED CRANKY when summer does develop,.
That Knitting show, you Dodged a Bullet there. Have read of the disappointment here in Australia. What we forgot was it is the “Television” industry. What is needed is a Proper Instructive Knitting (and Crochet), Programme. Demonstrating, explaining yarns, tools, methods, techniques, interviews with Artisans from round the Worrrrld!!!!! Yeah! That would be Better. Do the Twinnage Knit? Love to you all.
Thank you Heather!
Yeah, the programme hasn’t been very well received in some quarters. I completely agree that we need a proper, non-superficial programme.
Snow? I wish. Sigh. We have endless grey, rainy days, at the moment. Presumably you’re heading in to summer. May those snakes keep their crankiness firmly to themselves.
The twinnage don’t knit, sadly. They’ve both had a go, but neither showed sustained interest. Oh well. I’m just grateful that they’re ending the year on a much better note healthwise than they began it.
So pleased to hear about everyone, and that no news really is good news!
I too have watched the tv programme, and think it’s just an embarrassment. From ridiculous challenges in way too short a time, huge yarn and needles to get things done quickly and therefore sacrificing any hint of good style to the appalling lack of taste in the inspiration of those challenges, I’d never want to knit if I were a beginner after watching the programme. You really are better off out of it!
Yes, the huge needles were a disappointment, I agree. Not many serious knitters would choose those, especially for colourwork.
And thank you for your kind words.
Welcome back to the word-world. I’m so glad you’re here!
Ha, word-world, I love it! Also, thank you. I’m glad that you’re here too.
I’m a twin, so my concern immediately goes to you and yours (both twins). I think of you, and hope you all are doing well. And, we all already know that, hands down, you are the best! I love your cauliflower, and both of your gardens.
Aww, thank you so much. And since you’re a twin, you can probably easily imagine how painful it was for Twin 2* witnessing Twin 1’s diagnosis and surgeries.
* Twins numbered as they were in the womb, absolutely nothing to do with any kind of favouritism.
There was clear wordi g jn the first episode to say why you were not there as i wkndered why you were not there it is an amateur knitting contest Phil but you are a pro xx So you indeed are beyond them. Whilst its a shame to be left out its the same as all the professional musjcians that get side swiped annually by all the TV contests and they spend years trainjbg and so eone walks jn for 12 weeks and makes more tham tbey spent their life studies on. Tv can be a pajn like that. Why they dont contest the professionals often is beyond me!
Hi Zoe! And thank you, you’re very kind. On a separate note, my A seems so charmed by your H now that they’re at the same school. I witnessed them chatting today and it was lovely.
The knitting show is dreadful. You are much better than that. I managed the first episode and decided for the health of the television and those around me it was better that I didn’t watch any more. I’m so glad you’re back on the blog – always so well written and amusing. Also glad that things have calmed down health wise with the Twinnage. Long may it last. Here’s wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas. .
Thank you for every word of this. And may your own Christmas be peaceful, joyful, and filled with laughter.
I am so so glad that the twinnage (both parts) are doing so much better. Well done them (and you) for keeping on keeping on. Have a restful Christmas break!
The allotment cushion is just gorgeous. I would definitely sign up for making one though my crochet is not the best but I am sure that writing the pattern might be as tortuous as the crochet process…
Reality shows are about themselves and drawing in viewers; they’re not really about the subject matter at all. It wasn’t very kind to put a novice knitter on as a contestant but I hope it was still a good experience for her. If GoW manages to inspire people to knit or to crochet, that would be great. I saw on IG that at least one LYS has had people in wanting to knit a ‘Fair Isle’ (not) vest and having to be encouraged to knit something slightly simpler first!
As always, thank you Georgy! You’re right about reality shows of course. And I felt sorry for the young knitter who got upset. The programme could be so much better if they made some tweaks.
May you too have a peaceful, laughter-filled, warm and joyful Christmas.
Great to have you back Phil, always enjoy your yarn-ings – both verbal and crafting. So glad the twinnage are doing well – long may it continue.
I’m sure you would have aced the knit/crochet show. Maybe you could apply again? Just waiting for it to reach Down Under. Cheers Meredithe 🇦🇺
Thank you Meredithe, as always! I’m not sure whether it’ll be commissioned again – we’ll have to see.
I stopped watching during episode two when it became obvious there had been something wrong with the contestant selection. Having someone on there that wasn’t even knitting through the right loop and twisting all her stitches was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. I don’t need to watch things that keep raising my cortisol levels and blood pressure.
Yes, that was… surprising. I’m sure she will one day be a brilliant designer-knitter but she was perhaps a bit too new to the craft to be featured. It was unfair on her.
So glad you’re bck! I missed you ❤️
(Back, not bck, of course)
Thank you so much Laura!
I cannot remember how long it has been, but when I get the email that you have posted, I am always happy to sit and read your blog as soon as I can. I’m not really one for comments but wanted you to know that your blog is appreciated. Thank you 🙂
Jemma, thank you so very much. I deeply appreciate your words. It’s easy to think that people just want short videos these days.
So happy to see your words drop into my inbox. Just the smile I needed on a grey Monday morning, and the cushion cover and positive news on the twinnage made my grin wider!
I believe you dodged a bullet with the tv show and I suspect you were too talented and knowledgeable for the production company. The winner would have been obvious from the start with your creativity and talent shining bright. Wouldn’t have been much of a competition !
Aww, thank you so very very much. You’re kinder than I deserve but I deeply appreciate your words.
How I have missed your command of the English language, in a world of uneducated trolls, and your sense of humour in a world of depressing politics. Your cushion is wonderful! And you would have won the Game of Wool, I’m sure. Maybe there’ll be another season next year…..
Hi Nicola, long-term reader/commenter! You’re very very kind, even if I don’t deserve it. It’ll be interesting to see whether another series of the show is commissioned…
Your allotment is Awesome.
I definitely NEED a Brassica cage – tried bits of pegged-together fleece this summer. Did it keep the White Butterflies out?
But since then the weather has cooled, the butterflies flown, the green caterpillars pupated & my brassicas are Recovering. I shall have cabbage, & Red Russian Kale, & not merely lacework!
Love the crocheted allotment cushion too. Though won’t be asking for a pattern, not even if you pay me!
& so very glad to hear Sick Twin is now Well Twin & back with t’Other Twin
Thank you!
It did indeed keep the white butterflies out, but it’s been a terrible year for whitefly and aphids here, and they seriously affected my crops. Oh my goodness, I can relate to your lacework comment! Enjoy your remaining non-munched crops.
I just want to say how much I love reading your blog. I’ve read every entry over the years and you have have kept me going through my own difficult times. The knitting is breathtaking and allotment something I can only dream of. Thank you, Phil!
Hi Clare, and thank you so very very very much. It probably sounds too cheesy but if I’ve made you or anyone else smile through your/their own troubles, then my work here is done. May your difficult times be firmly in your past.
Always love reading your posts, you have such a wonderful way with words, as you have with crochet and knitting!
Your crochet allotment is a unique work of art 😍
I hope the Twinnage will continue their path to good health, and wishing you and your family a lovely Yuletide season x
Thank you so very much. And may your own Yuletide be filled with joy and laughter and love.
PLEASE, keep writing. Although I read primarily on screens, I love to read. So please continue to write and publish your blog.
Sending good wishes for the twins health and resilience. As someone said in an earlier comment, being a teenager is hard enough without battling health demons.
Thank you from the bottom of my crusty old heart. It seems that there are still a few of us who like to read/write words, and I hope that this never changes.
And yes yes yes re the challenges of the teen years.
I love your writing and read every word. Glad that the twins are doing better. I haven’t watched the programme in question, and doubt very much that I will. The pictures of the stuff they’ve made look a bit suss.
So excited to see another piece from you! I read rather than listen or watch and am always delighted to read a new piece from you.
I’d been really worried about the twinnage’s health problems and hope some clarity comes in the future.
I’ve not watched the show, though largely because I dislike the idea of knitting as a competition—-and since it’s often a rather slow craft in practice, unless you use big needles and bulky yarn, I just can’t imagine it making for a show the way baking does (which does have an inherently timed component).
Though speaking of misrepresentations of knitting, have you heard of the newish Focus Friend app? The “quick” projects are knitted socks, while the longer ones are scarves. I know I’m not the only knitter to have immediately uninstalled it…..
I’m so glad you’ve posted that both the twinnage are doing ok – I was just going to pop in with a pile of hugs for you all when I saw this. So have lots of hugs anyway as I’m sure you all still need them.
And yes, I haven’t watched that programme as I think it would be bad for my blood pressure! From what I’ve heard the first week wanted ‘fair isle’ without being entirely sure what they meant by it. Why on earth they didn’t get them to knit a baby jumper in it with steeking… (been there done that for all 3 of mine – usual disadvantage of child no 2 being a BOGOFF so you have to make new special items however sleep deprived you are).
Looks around at the mess on the settee from the lego cushions I’m designing for the grandsons for Christmas…. Doesn’t everyone make cushions, random items etc…
Dearest Phil, yes, please keep writing, I was so happy to see an update from you in my “in box”. I was worried things with the twins might not be going well, so very happy to hear they are doing better, hoping the new year brings even better news.
Have read the knitting show is a bit of a bust, being in US, I haven’t watched it. But it seems to be all about the drama, not especially skills and craftspersonship. (I don’t think that’s a real word, just made it up.). I vaguely remember there was a Norwegian show with real knitters just sitting around knitting a few years ago, not very dramatic, just the real deal. If they actually had the different knitting traditions from various countries and historic techniques, that would be worth watching! I have become fascinated by textile history.
Your allotment looks wonderful! I actually ha d pretty good garden here in California this past summer. We didn’t get the 100+ F days that usually fry the plants even under shade cloths, so managed to can some salsa and pickled peppers as well as feast on green beans, eggplant, chard, lettuces, etc.
Keep writing! It provides a bit of laughter and calm in my days when the orange menace and minions has just created so much chaos in the US.
Cheers for now, enjoy your holidays!
Dear Phil — So happy to see you in my in-box, even though I was a bit late in catching up with my reading (for instance, it’s about 4:00 a.m. here).
News of The Twinnage was welcome news. Two surgeries! And they still don’t know what this is? Not C, but he is better, and no more seizures. Do I have that right? I hope he continues to grow stronger and healthier with each day. For that, there is hope, and gratitude. But this must be making you more than a little crazy. You are a woman of logic, of science, a puzzle-solver — and to not have an answer must be hard to bear. “Thoughts and prayers” has become such a cliche here, and not necessarily in a good way, but in situations like what you and your family are enduring, it is literally all that can be offered. So, in the best way possible, I humbly offer my thoughts and prayers.
That TV show sounds horrid. You dodged a bullet there. So much better that you’re not involved. You have much better things to do with your time. Good grief, they don’t even seem to know that knitting is not crochet is not macrame. Sorry. I just threw that last one in. So tired of seeing crochet described as macrame, and vice versa. Three different things, three different skill sets. Honestly people, get it straight!
Your pillow has turned out well, even if it’s not up to your standards. But as we all know, you have impossibly high standards for your work. Anyone who has seen your work knows this. It is meticulous. It pays respect to the centuries of excellent craftswomen who came before you. It sets a high bar. I can’t begin to imagine attempting such a thing, and I’ve been crocheting for decades. Well done!
Congratulations on finishing the work on your plan for the allotment. Another job well done! Now that you’ve got the structure in place, comes the joy of actual gardening (not that you haven’t been doing that — you have — but you know what I mean) and tweaking the plan. Those are my favorite parts. Things will only get better from here. And that brassica cage! Love it!
Wishing you and yours a Christmas filled with joy, and maybe a little snow too. And for the new year? Peace, and good health — lots of it.
Elizabeth
I’m glad you’re back! You have such a wonderful way with words, you always make me smile.
I did see the show you talked about. I was surprised by the (sometimes lack of) skill levels of some of the knitters. Perhaps they were choosing people, not by skill, but by who would create drama, contrast, the unusual…you know, tv stuff.
I would prefer to watch great knitters with great skills so I could learn something and admire. I’m also not a fan of some of the retro ‘70’s, 80’s styles emphasis…perhaps that’s just because of the era of the judges?
Anyway, you always show us something interesting, often inspiring, and definitely skillful, so thank you.
😊