Letters
Mitered Squares of Love
Dear Ann,
Ever since the announcement of our Team Blanket project a few weeks ago, I’ve kept a Mitered Crosses Blanket square-in-progress in my bag with me pretty much all the time. I haven’t given much Dedicated Knitting Time to it, but life’s random moments of idleness really do add up, and there is no friendlier portable project than a log cabin square. I can put it down at literally any point in any row, and when I come back to it, even days later, I know where I am and can carry on.
I’m pausing square production now, and sending my four squares off to their Team Blanket leaders. Bye, little squares! Go forth and do your thing, giving comfort and warmth and a hug of color to someone who might be in need of any of those things. (If you’re curious about this project, check out Team Blankets No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5, over in the Lounge. They are having a real good time, to the point that I think the cops have asked Team No. 2 to turn down the music a little so the neighbors can get some rest.)
The yarns: Elemental Affects Cormo Worsted (brown and cream), Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok (blues in Lower right corner). That teal yarn in the upper left corner is mighty nice, but danged if I can remember what it is. For the record, these measure just shy of 12 inches square.
The Team Blankets have added such fun and fellowship (an expression I haven’t heard since my Luther League days, but it’s accurate here) to the Lounge! So much hilarious/rueful/wise chat, and so many beautiful pictures of people’s squares. One of these days, we will see pictures of the squares all joined together into blankets, which is always a thrill. I cannot wait!
Another Way to Pitch In
Sometimes a knitted blanket, or shawl, or anything, is a perfect way to provide tactile love and support to someone who is In the Thick of It. But sometimes knitting is not the answer, or not the answer right this minute. Knitting is not fast enough for emergency love-sending.
I am thinking of the people affected by Hurricane Florence, among them cherished MDK readers. One of them, Donna from North Carolina, reached out to me recently to request that we let people know how to help the situation there. Happy to do it.
This NPR article has a list of reputable organizations, both national and local, helping people in coastal areas of North Carolina and South Carolina. Readers, please feel free to add to the list if you know of other reliable organizations (links always appreciated). Donna recommended these two:
Eastern North Carolina Hurricane Florence Frontline Recovery Fund
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
And yes, there is a knitting pattern, from the good folks at Anzula.
The Camille Scarf Is a one-skein wonder. (sometimes knitting actually is fast enough.) PHOTO BY charliehrtsmatt.
The time will come for blankets. It always does.
Love,
Kay
What a gorgeous and original color combination. So lively, despite not containing a single strand of RED. How can that be? Come to think of it I recently discovered an amazing “not-red” yarn combo in my stash that looks made for Mitered Crosses. I’d better hurry up and make at least a MC pillow before some red creeps in there. Chloe
Wish the criss-cross in my mitered square was more symmetrical…
Gets better with repetition but I am still struggling not to have loose centers.
I am totally hooked on these squares now!! I’ve been picking up through the back loop on that center stitch, going under both loops of the stitch. Working pretty darn well. And keeping tension tight through the middle.
Those squares are beautiful. I’m working on my first one and it is a little wonky. Hoping blocking will make it less so.
Blocking almost always redeems knitting irregularities. First one will be wonky because you are still working out consistent pickups and stuff like that. It will still be awesome!
The blocking did seem to work magic. I’m not such a good practitioner, if I’m being honest.
There is so much inspiration, wit, and wisdom in your blog – it never fails to amaze me. “…life’s random moments of idleness really do add up…” How true, and worth remembering!
Thank you so much for sharing our Camille pattern! I know the ladies we are collecting money for really appreciate everyone’s support.
This was a gorgeous pattern when first released and even more so now since you are supporting my
Home state. Thank you thank you. It’s devastating in the eastern part of the state.
Yes, I think money is the best and most useful answer at the moment.
Thank you so much for sharing the Camille fundraiser. I am humbled by how quickly the yarn community has rallied behind me and behind Peggy at The Salty Sheep. We’ll be back!
Did not know of your losses at TSS, but now I do, I have shared this onto Facebook, along with your posts on the new place and address, to our members of Twisted Threads Fiber Arts Group, of the Triangle. I know of your shop through our members who are long-time fans of yours, and hope to visit the new shop soon!
Thanks for those links. I always like to know what knowledhable local folks think because the national one most people send to has a long history of not being as nearly as good as most assume. Thanks again!!