Inspiration
The Days of Sophies + Marls
Dear Ann,
First: a huge tear-stained thank you to everyone for their kind condolences on the passing of our beloved barkbox Olive. We have been rending our garments and staring deep into the photos on our phones for the past week, with no signs of any non-Olive content appearing in the family chat for the foreseeable future.
A foggy funk of the level I’m currently experiencing does something to the knitting—but it doesn’t stop the knitting. One symptom: I have had zero point zero interest in following a pattern that requires casting on a number greater than six.
Remember that version of me who was all het up about freestyle collage sweaters and ladderback intarsia? She cannot come to the phone right now.
There is nothing for this state of being other than continuing to knit from memory on my series of Sophies—the Sophie Scarf, yes, and the new Sophie Hood, as requested by niece Maggie.
One Sophie has led to the next Sophie, and it all makes simple, soothing sense to this knitter.
A Dream Delayed, Not Denied
You’ll see a theme: marls. When I finished my Bolin Cardigan, I had two leftover balls of Felted Tweed in Carbon and a ball and change of Kidsilk Haze in Hurricane. This was my chance to finally realize my ambition of a matching sweater and scarf set, and I went for it.
You think I kid? The matching sweater and scarf dream has haunted me since Rowan Magazine Number 26.
If the Sophie Scarf looks a bit damp, it’s because it is. I’ve put it back on a towel to finish drying, but you can bet I’ll be wearing these two together, and looking astonishingly like the Number 26 model when I do.
A historical aside: Number 26 was published in 1999. That was before I knew you, but later I made you a cardigan from this issue as my half of some long-forgotten swap. It’s in Felted Tweed, it is 100% your sweater because you absolutely rock a Peter Pan collar styled with monk-strap boots, and guess what the name of that cardigan is: Olive.
Not gonna lie, I had about 16 urgent tasks to complete on Tuesday while writing this post, but that did not stop me spending a half hour leafing through Rowan Number 26 and shedding a small semi-tear of nostalgia over this banger of an issue. A quarter of a century later, I would happily knit and wear every sweater in this book. And I might, Ann, I just might!
Symphony of Sophies
Next up in my little cavalcade of marls: my first Sophie Hood.
I picked up the yarns a few weeks ago at Wolle + Ideen, a lovely shop in Ulm, Germany. They are two new loves for me: Rosy Green Wool’s Cheeky Merino Joy (color: Black Cat) and Ito’s Sensai in shimmery Caramel.
I cannot wait to see Maggie wearing it with her camel wrap coat, like something out of a movie set in Copenhagen.
I’m not done Sophie-ing, or marling! Onward to a second Sophie Hood ! This one is for Carrie, so she and Maggie can cousin-twin as in days of yore.
First I had to choose my marl with a mini-Sophie mini-swatch:
The marl’s base is Kelbourne Woolens Scout in Teal Heather, at center in the photo. The two silk mohair (marl-hair) candidates are: Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair in Licorice, on the left, and Murky Depths Mirage in Springs Eternal, on the right.
Although I adore that luminous, streaky chartreuse, I’m saving my two skeins of it for a project where it can shine on its own, and letting the black and teal harmonize.
For those wondering about it, that strand of white yarn is helping me count rows between increases. Here’s an explainer with a wonderful video from Jen Arnall-Culliford.
This recipe—garter stitch + marls— is getting me through February. I may be able to muster a 7-stitch cast-on for my next project, time will tell.
Love,
Kay
Big Fun Is Happening
The MDK Society is the liveliest, most welcoming knitting group we know! Just announced: for our next Snippets Show for Society members on March 5, our special guest will be Natalie Chanin, the legendary founder of Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways. Read about the many benefits of membership, including: discounts on classes! the MDK Society Lounge! virtual talks with Arne and Carlos and Franklin Habit!— and join us here.
Oh Kay sorry to read of Olive crossing the Rainbow Bridge! I lost my Toby a year ago this month just before his 15th birthday.
Hot pads are my choice for a garter marl, worked on the diagonal with two strands of worsted and felted to the max. Give them away.
I’m so sorry.
Hi. A friend of mine gifted me a Rowan magazine with beautiful patterns but it is in French. When I contacted Rowen, they said the magazine is only printed in French. Is there another access in English to these patterns? It’s number 68.
Love the scarf and hoody by the way.
Claudia
Dear Kay, I venture to say you will miss Olive every day for the rest of your life. My beloved yellow lab Casey Margaret died almost four years ago and I still think of her daily with love. My definition of “comfort knitting” has gotten me through some very personal challenging times. I wish you the best memories of Olive… ❤️
Dearest, you have my deepest sympathies on the loss of sweet Olive. I share your grief in my losses, as well.
The price of having great love is grief. But it is well worth it. Prayers for your to heal.
I’m so sorry. You have written a delightful tribute to her. Small but mighty and very well loved indeed.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dear Kay,
I’m guessing the loss of Olive has brought up the loss of Peter and that’s a quadzoople whammy. So condolences for Olive but also for Peter and all the dreams that had to morph. My heart goes out to you. Hang in there. Your knitters are here for you. Sophie on, my dear friend. You are very, very cherished. I hope you can feel the love surrounding you.
When you are capable of doing only garter stitch projects and you need the comfort of yarn and needles in your hands, you do what you can do and your hands will do the rest
Kay, I am sitting here with brimming eyes. Your writing is just beautiful. For various reasons I too am in a foggy emotional state and have put off a Sophie-anything until now. Your post tells me perhaps I need to make that happen. Thank you Kay. ❤️
The Sophie Hood is the perfect bereavement project. I finished one about 2 weeks ago (in Spinnerin Frostlon Petite that my husband bought in an estate sale 30+ years ago…stash goals) and have plans for another. I’m going to try to knit up both scarf ends, join them onto one needle and knit the hood in one piece, decreasing along the way. We’ll see if it ends up being as simple as I think (not usually).
Thank the Knitting Gods for the comfort of garter stitch… it is the salvation of knitting! You all continue to be in my thoughts. May Olive memories bring smiles to your faces! XO
2024 was a year for me — one gut punch was losing our 15-year-old hairy beast nicknamed Damn Dog for his many foibles.
I’m still in simple stitch mode but will break out soon.
I’m a little sad for all the recipients of future knitting who won’t find an errant strand of Boomer’s fur in their hand knits, because believe me that happened for 15 years lol. My vacuum cleaner feels unappreciated.
I can tell when the new feline resident arrived during the progress of making a Welcome Blanket. Her much-beloved predecessor died exactly a year ago, and she arrived in August. While knitting some time later, I realized I had subconsciously re-incorporated the additional knitting movement I’ve been using for decades: the occasional flick in between stitches that removes (most of the) cat hair. Hadn’t needed that for the first few months of the project.
You made me laugh. I always maintained that Olive didn’t shed but the Dyson begs to differ!
I have made several Sophie scarves using Freia balls, and I love the color shifts. Try it.
Ooo ahh, great idea!!
I am crying again feeling the sadness of losing a beloved pet.
I adopted Rio six years ago. He was a stray from Texas. My boyfriend thought I was crazy, as he doesn’t like the grieving .(not to many people like feeling that pain)
I assured him I picked a breed that lives a long time. Well maybe Rio will out live us.
Yet, Rio gives us so much joy and laughter and love in our lives. I think the feeling is mutual.
Kay, I am sending you a virtual hug. All those “feelings” make us humans.
My Best,
Wanda
Rio sounds like an absolute star.
I am a hospice nurse and find soothing simple projects to rest my soul and my mind. I have made two hoods this winter and am currently working on a pressed flowers kerchief which is another calming easy pattern you might try. Really loving it! Hugs for your heart Kay. Our pets are family❤️. They give such unconditional love.
I’ve been wanting to make a PFK and forgot! Being a hospice nurse is such a gift to the world. Sometimes there is not enough garter stitch.
I’m not currently grieving anything besides the fall of democracy, but it might help to browse some old Rowans. Soothing garter stitch wishes for you.
I share your grief and your remedies. Browsing old Rowans (and old issues of Vogue Knitting), and much soothing garterstitch.
Excellent thought!
Grief can sure derail any interest in the things we used to enjoy. It will come back, I know.
Again, so sorry for the loss of Olive. Great dogs live on in our memories. I often think of our Great Dane, Jedi. He was a wonderful, affectionate dog, who, while he weighed 176 pounds was scared to death of the Roomba. And my son’s family just lost their boxer, Jake a few days ago. We all grieve for Jake. Thank you for the Sophie scarf reminder. I am trying to get a few small projects completed before surgery on my hand and this looks perfect.
176 pounds! Jedi was a strapping dude! His Roombaphobia reminds me of how my 6 foot 7 husband screamed when the hamster got loose and was running around the apartment. He was terrified and I could not stop laughing (while chasing said hamster with a shoebox).
Please teach me! I am sure that white strand climbing the Sophie is “counting”. I need to adopt that trick!
Here’s a little explainer: https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/community/hot-tip-use-a-yarn-marker-to-count-rows/
Dear Kay, sending warm thoughts and wishes your way.
I love your choices in colors for the marls! Especially the Ito Sensai in caramel. And the Murky Depths Mirage looks so yummy! Perhaps I’ll be able to find some at Nash Yarn Fest????
I have friends knitting the Midland cardigan when you feel like casting on more than 6. Garter stitch for miles! And a sideways construction! Whatever you do, we all understand. Olive was quite the dog.
Teal and black: I’m with you all the way. I made an excellent striped kerchief in those colors from a Kate Davies pattern, and now I see the need for marled teal and black mohair/silk.
I’m sending out a knitter’s call. What is the name of the men’s sweater pattern on the cover? I’ve been looking all morning with no luck. I’ve wanted to knit a sweater like that for a long time now. Thanks in advance!
That’s Chill by Kim Hargreaves, it’s in Rowan Magazine No. 26 and it’s modeled by a man and by a woman and looks fantastic on both of them. The yarn is Rowan DK Soft which no longer exits but the gauge is 26 stitches over 4 inches so many good substitutes abound!
Dearest Kay-
I am in such sad alignment with you. I read your past message about Olive to my husband at breakfast that day, and we felt such sorrow for you. We have been through the loss of beloved pets, and understood. Then, the unthinkable. This past Friday our darling girl, Zoë became nauseated, and we took her to the vet. Saturday she was so much worse, so we rushed to the Emergency care vet, and by Sunday night, she was gone. A flurry of ICU care, and all the emergency interventions that could be done were not able save our previously 60 lbs of strength and energy. In the blink of an eye, life changes. I know the triggers of seeing Olive’s toys, bed, dishes.. all the things. We too have been looking at photos and trying to grasp the sudden absence in our home and life. All we can hold on to is that she gave us more love than we could have even asked for. We wish that for you and yours too.
Oh that is awful, and so sudden! I am so sorry Candace, my condolences to you and your husband. One thing that has comforted me enormously is the kindness of Olive’s vet, I hope you have had a similar source of comfort and reassurance. I told her I had not realized she was also a member of the clergy, such was the excellence of her pastoral care.
Hi. A friend of mine gifted me a Rowan magazine with beautiful patterns but it is in French. When I contacted Rowen, they said the magazine is only printed in French. Is there another access in English to these patterns? It’s number 68.
Love the scarf and hoody by the way.
Claudia
See my email, Claudia, it’s available from other sources in English, at least per Google.
So sorry for your loss. I know this pain. February 14 was the one year anniversary of the loss of our sweet and beautiful Aussie, Bandit. We were blessed with 15 1/2 years, but it is never enough. I miss him every day. Your writing and beautiful knitting is inspiring me to explore marling. Bandit was a blue merle and it now dawns on me that his mix of white, grey and black with a touch of rust was nature’s marl. Thank you for sharing your heart and your knitting. Sharing grief is not easy, but it is healing – for all of us.
Just finished my first Sophie as a travel project that I could do without consulting the pattern on a regular basis. It was left with my gracious and grateful (totally knit-worthy) hostess. But it was so much fun and so lovely, I will do another. Marl Sophie, here I come.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
I understand about the Sophie scarves. Since my dog Rose died in late December, all I’ve knit is socks. Lots of socks, and not the fancy ones. It’s therapeutic to go back to meditative knitting when you’ve experienced a trauma. I’m starting to wonder about how long this is going to last, though, but I figure there is no harm in churning out socks. And my two new kittens are intrigued by the yarn ball.
I love Rosie Green Cheeky Merino! Soft, warm and smooth. Sadly my LYS no longer carries it. It’s wonderful to work with.
You’ve a great eye for color combos! Amazing what that tiny strand does.
It makes me smile to think that Peter and Olive finally got to meet in person. I bet all they talk about is you and your kids. Olive may have some thoughts…
Those early Rowans were sooo good! I am a huge fan of #28. That scarf is wonderful!
Days of yarn and Ulm…my kind of days. I hope they help you cope with losing Olive, Kay. Of course all that beautiful marling should help, too.
Kay, I am sorry for the loss of your companion, Olive. I, too, have been knitting garter stitch with Knitting for Olive yarn. I had lovely yarn – the Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair in a soft green and Indigo Dragonfly 100% Merino in Can’t Opener, a darker green, and was trying to make a warm hat for my sister-in-law undergoing chemo. I kept making so many mistakes, and had so many struggles, that I finally gave up and went back to a scarf, also mostly garter stitch. I have knit the Hitchhicker scarf pattern by Martina Behn before and it’s very pretty. I have never successfully gotten the required 42 “teeth” with the yarns I have chosen – so 42 must not always the answer! However, it knit up into a lovely green scarf, with a halo of green mohair, with a hint of chartreuse. It’s been mailed to her out west. The knitting also served as a break from the heavily cabled vest I have been working on that is testing my limits. Probably just outside my experience with cables, pattern reading and shaping, at this point.
Garter stitch and lovely yarn are wonderful, restful companions.