Random things on Monday

 My mind has been everywhere lately, flitting from one thought to the next.  To that end, I bring you my random thoughts on this Monday afternoon.

These socks have been known as my February socks.  Even tho I started them in January!  Pair number two in my quest for holiday gift socks for 2025.  The wool is from Orange Octopus, colourway Galena.  This was dyed on the sock base called Sock Tentacles, composed of 80/20 superwash merino and nylon.  The skein was a very generous 115g, so there are plenty of leftovers.

This is a basic toe up sock  64 stitches, using a 2.5mm needle.

Several weeks ago I mailed a box of goodies out west to my daughter.  They arrived, and I have had the joy of seeing my granddaughter wearing various of the items.  I was sent this photo, especially for use here —

This is a little cardigan I knit for a shop sample a long time ago.  The yarn is King Cole Footsie in the Passionfruit colourway.  The pattern is Rosebud.  I must admit I sent this sweater realizing that it might not fit.  But it did, and my wee little one looks adorable! I followed the pattern as written, including the needles.  As I recall, it was a fun little project.

Another very recent finish is the Ocean Tied Cardi.  I was looking for a crochet project to make a sample with Araucania Alumco.  This was it!  Admittedly, it did take me about four months to finish, but that was because it kept being tossed in the corner like yesterday’s cold McDonald french fries.  The pattern was well written and easy to follow.  My biggest issue is that while I CAN crochet I don’t love it like I do knitting.

I used a 3.75mm hook and four skeins of Alumco.  Barb was not sure she would like the finished object, but when she put it on and looked in the mirror she was smitten.  This is also the class project for May.

Our sales reps often gift us with samples of wool they hope to sell to us.  One such sample was Tufty from Ella Rae.  This is a mohair and microfibre combination in a 60/40 split.  I knit the Very Gifted Cowl from Churchmouse Yarns using a  6.0mm needle.  It was a lovely knit.  I knit until I thought I had just enough wool left for the two purl rows and the stretchy bind off.  Alas, I was maybe 18 stitches short.  You know how mohair is a dreadful witch to undo?  Not this time.  The stitches just undid beautifully with no tugging at all.  Perhaps it was the large needle, or maybe the microfibre.  Who knows?  I certainly do not.  In any event, I very highly recommend this wool.  I have not yet blocked or run the ends in, but here it is in all its glory.  Very simple, but absolutely beautiful.

Even tho I love this wool, we sadly will not be bringing it into the store.  After much thought and discussion, Barb and I have made the decision to continue shopping with our US-based warehouse for products currently in the store.  In the event a product is discontinued we will fill that hole with a product from a Canadian based wholesale house.   No new products until there is a new and different regime in the White House.  We would like to be able to just say no to that warehouse … the yarns and products we do purchase come from other countries of origin (Peru, India, Italy and the like).  Hopefully this decision will not hurt us.

In the meantime, I find myself with a huge knot of rage, despair and overwhelm.  As one person, there isn’t a lot I can do that will influence the outcome.  I find a need to limit my intake of news and social media.  I have a need to converse with my children and grandchildren more often.  I remind myself that there IS good in the world, and these little people are worth fighting for.  The planet is worth fighting for.  I am hoping, hoping, hoping that there WILL be a world and country after the shitshow that is the current administration.

What are you all knitting these days?  Distract me, please!