tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77636968583815491472024-03-18T20:09:19.762-07:00Northern Loops Intergenerational KnittingHow a handful of knitters in the north of Scotland are knitting for social change.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-54112467877042307912015-02-02T03:55:00.000-08:002015-02-02T03:55:03.247-08:00Same Game; Different Name<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Northern Loops has kept on knitting on the first Thursday in Dunnet Church Hall unless the few that gathered there--I am ashamed to say I have not been there myself for some time--adjourned to a warmer spot.<br />
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A new knitter moved into town a few months ago. I think some folks expected a showdown like the old days of gunslingers shooting it out on the main street. What would the knitting equivalent of that be? Some folks did take a bit of umbrage that this new knitter acted as if she had just invented knitting for charity and chose to put herself at the centre of the gratitude and the giving, but that is, after all, just a detail. So she staked another day in another church hall and got a handful of knitters and they did what knitters do--made things for people who--we hope--need them and like them.<br />
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If Martha Washington and her handful of ladies had not taken a wagon into Valley Forge and knitted and darned and stitched and spun, then that grisly winter would have taken an even more desperate toll than it did. <br />
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I confess I took pride in upholding the first law of Maimonides that the best giving is where both the donor and the recipient are anonymous with our charity knitting, but now it is personal with me. I asked my pals to knit along with me for someone we know.<br />
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Because she is a private person, I will not put her name or relationship or anything like that here. She does not want to be thought of any differently because of her health issue. I have to respect that if I am going to help.<br />
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And helping is what it is all about. In the way of magical thinking, which we all invoke when faced with the too many things we cannot fix, I've learned a new cast on and learned how to use yfwd and skpo to make designs. I've picked designs that mean something to me and to the shawl-ee and asked all my friends to pick designs that mean something to them. And it is wonderful to hear reports of the incredible talent and imagination my friends are bringing to the task. Together we'll come up with the 46 squares that comprise the Herring Girl Wrap (you can find it on Ravelry if you're curious).and certainly all that good will and imagination will work its magic.<br />
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<br />landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-16752943850438098332014-03-30T11:12:00.001-07:002014-03-30T11:12:24.847-07:00Thank you, Wick-ed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my first ever pair of hand made needles. I had the pleasure of spending some time knitting and chatting with Wick-ed--a group of students from Wick High School that are entrepreneuring to learn skills and raise money.<br />
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That Saturday some were toiling in the kitchen making bath bombs and candles, a group was rehearsing for a song and dance competition, and some were knitting or crocheting. It was a lovely, semi chaotic medley of energy and enthusiasm. <br />
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The needles were a wonderful surprise and reminder of a great day. Best wishes, Wick -ed. I'll come and see you again some time. Meanwhile, keep stitching.<br />
landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-62838399892124553372014-03-30T04:24:00.002-07:002014-03-30T04:24:35.737-07:00One Good Stitch Leads to AnotherI'm chagrined it's been so long since I've written.<br />
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Northern Loops is still ticking along with shawls or other charity-minded bits in the Dunnet Church Hall. Thanks for all that good stitiching and good conversation.<br />
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I had an opportunity personally to revisit the goals of Northern Loops in connecting with other knitters at the UK Handkniting Association's Link Up booth at Creative Stitches. I wrote about it in the local paper. It was a pleasure to teach new knitters and knit along with folks whose skills are obvious even in a simple garter stitch and even to listen to the knit stories. Knitting touches lives in so many ways.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise and Terry measuring the day's lineage at Link Up in Glasgow</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-54002278569921762372012-08-27T03:52:00.000-07:002012-08-27T03:52:10.845-07:00Sorting WoolThe wind is whistling, which is not as bad as huffing or soughing, but bad enough to make indoors look better than outdoors, and the wind has teamed up with the rain to splatter aginst the window. A very good day for sorting out wool.<br />
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I have been given wool of all colours and shapes and sizes for Northern Loops. With some of the wool, our merry band of knitters have made squares, triangles, flowers, hearts, and larger projects such as blankets and shawls. Digging through the wool prompted me to reflect on all that work and the various rewards we had all received from the efforts. Thanks again to all those who gave us the wool and to the madacap band of knitters who made it all happen.<br />
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Just as I am sorting out wool I am sorting out my own commitments. Just as I am ready to hand on the wool, I am ready also to hand on the coordination and the vision behind the wool. A friend of mine recently reassured me that someone steps up to take on an organisation and I look forward to having that happen as Northern Loops moves into someone else's hands.<br />
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In the meantime, I have bags of wool labelled--this somehow made it more orderly in my mind--for a friend who knits like mad for charity. The little bits of wool I might otherwise have overlooked or thought were of no use will make Swiss darned flowers atop a baby's hat, or the face on a clown puppet or the stripe in a T shirt for a Shoebox. Thinking of that made me happy. Seeing through someone else's vision is refreshing.<br />
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A local group of knitters, Thurso Yarnbombers (look for them on Facebook) have been invited by local museum (Caithness Horizons) to make a sea-themed project so I have a bag of creams and blues that I hope will become a part of their project. I have said that I was too busy to knit for them, but as I sorted through the wool, I reserved for myself the green, knobbly wool that could make some lovely seaweed. But again I am happy to be sending the wool out to play and staying home myself.<br />
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Two giant bags of squares and triangles are set aside for Northern Loops' Dunnet group, the shawl ministry.<br />
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The largest bags of all are for a woman who knits almost as much as I breathe. Many of the squares, triangles, flowers, shawls, and blankets are her handiwork. When she said, "I love mohair," I added that bag of wool to the one set aside of miscellaneous DK wool. If the rain let's up, I'll deliver her wool this afternoon. The rest of the bags will go out in their own time as I meet with my friends and listen to their projects and ideas and hear about where the wool is going. <br />
<br />landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-57369410652966645262012-05-21T10:39:00.003-07:002012-05-21T10:39:30.076-07:00A New Deadline for a Good CauseIt has been a week of coincidences. At our first Northern Loops meeting since my return, I was given some squares done by one of our occasional knitter-visitors. I thanked her and wondered what I was going to do with them<br />
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As I was wondering I received the following email:<br />
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<em>Just wondering if anyone in your knitting groups would be able to help with this </em><a href="http://dementiascotland.org/news/2011/calling-on-knitters-young-and-old/"><em>http://dementiascotland.org/news/2011/calling-on-knitters-young-and-old/</em></a><br />
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<br /><em>To cut through their rather vague website, Alzheimer Scotland are trying to break the world record for a knitted blanket. </em><br />
<em>They need 4" (10cm) squares knitted.</em><br />
<em>Any wool, any stitch.</em><br />
<em>The only snag is that they need them before 30th May, but it takes no time at all to knit one 4" square. Every little helps.</em><br />
<em>If anyone makes several squares, please can they sew them up, in to strips of ten. </em><br />
<em>If more than one strip is made, please can the strips be sewn together.</em><br />
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<br />Sorry for the short deadline, I've only just found out about this myself.<br />
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<br />Best wishes,<br />
Caroline.<br />
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The squares I had received were 4 inches square, so I have a start on a few squares.<br />
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Because the time is short, I am using our online communication to reach as many loopsters as possible. Please do a few squares for Alzheimer's Scotland in the time we have. I'll collect them and send them on.<br />landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-36751451325274786912012-05-18T01:50:00.000-07:002012-05-18T01:50:55.135-07:00Volunteering Takes You Places: Estonia<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexander Nevsky cathedral looming over old houses in Tallinn city centre</td></tr>
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I am just back from a week in Estonia, thanks to support from the following organisations: (Thanks also to Joanne Kaar. I pinched this notice from her blog <a href="http://joannebkaarbakersbotanistswhalers.blogspot.co.uk/">http://joannebkaarbakersbotanistswhalers.blogspot.co.uk/</a> because I am not techno savvy enough to do it on my own.)<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
trip was organised and funded by:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.archnetwork.eu/pages/estonia-traditional-handicrafts-modern-methods-innovative-use-of-traditions/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #9c4695;">Arch
Network</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is a Scottish
Non Government Organisation promoting learning and development in natural and
cultural heritage between Scotland and other European
countries..</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Culture and
Heritage Interpretation and Sustainable Tourism Program (CHIST</span><br />
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I was able to take this trip not because I am rich or well connected but because I work unpaid for something I believe in--preserving our heritage and connecting with each other. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? But heritage often becomes the thing that everyone knows until no one knows it any more and someone says why didn't somebody do something?</div>
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So volunteering is part of that being a somebody who does something.</div>
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This is Voluntary Arts and Crafts Week, so get out and see what 2 million people in the UK alone enjoy every day. Tomorrow we are celebrating at Castlehill Heritage Centre with a wooly taster session. The spinners and dyers will be cooking up things and we'll have felting for necklaces or snakes--to each his or her own. There will be knitting and crochet and we expect a special guest appearance by the proper star of this wooly event--a lovely ewe and her new lamb.</div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-44372750646563563632012-05-03T02:10:00.007-07:002012-05-03T02:28:55.833-07:00Latest Addition to Shawl MinistryI am as always running behind time. Today will be Northern Loops Dunnet and I cannot face my pals without having added at least one photo of their recent contributions--I had forgotten that I had these in my camera!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwUVrQU-49VWgSTJ2DkGjdFzaMjFVNaLufODFGiqoRWxc5VRSlBD6GZmakEAxlDWh6-I7q5dTTxNGsAvppL1jPhIUVida3LOUMObB6zqdIf0saQ9E-8S8yQI9RHgdyBPf-KefAiE4XVcI/s1600/HPIM3625.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwUVrQU-49VWgSTJ2DkGjdFzaMjFVNaLufODFGiqoRWxc5VRSlBD6GZmakEAxlDWh6-I7q5dTTxNGsAvppL1jPhIUVida3LOUMObB6zqdIf0saQ9E-8S8yQI9RHgdyBPf-KefAiE4XVcI/s400/HPIM3625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738233854875138866" border="0" /></a>If you are a knitter, you will quickly spot that this is not knit--it is crocheted. We are not craft snobs--as in that old joke about an American cowboy celebrating his liberal tastes --"I like both types of music-- country and western."<br /><br />I must confess I learned to crochet first and so sometimes even now when I want something fast or a certain shape or size, I reach for a crochet hook. Take a look at the lovely detailing in Ruan's shawl at the tip. Someone will be very happy to receive this. Tomorrow I will have a post about one of the folks who received a shawl.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYP18AM0OkAg5n9I-TgxoFsHfsWT58MCOKMHkzY7bq_PD6tjPiB5E5WRaL0Trarnhc9oT-0DyC3THwErzoDIR1pIarIawCPhthEzWtX-zQ9BW24W0Y-1_e2n9Qs9141PdB-Wts8qbaDpI/s1600/HPIM3627.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYP18AM0OkAg5n9I-TgxoFsHfsWT58MCOKMHkzY7bq_PD6tjPiB5E5WRaL0Trarnhc9oT-0DyC3THwErzoDIR1pIarIawCPhthEzWtX-zQ9BW24W0Y-1_e2n9Qs9141PdB-Wts8qbaDpI/s320/HPIM3627.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738235516659864354" border="0" /></a>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-72975022341833746242012-04-17T02:34:00.004-07:002012-04-17T02:38:31.561-07:00Volunteering Takes You PlacesOK, just a teaser here, as they say in US. You know I extol the emotional and social benefits of volunteering. Knitting and doing community work does take you to wonderful places within the church halls, but now it will be taking me abroad.<br /><br />So I have talked about Northern Loops in Norway and America and our calendars have reached New Zealand and Australia, but this time I will be going to Estonia.<br /><br />Just a teaser for now.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-67624839600582489852012-04-14T02:09:00.003-07:002012-04-14T02:14:56.158-07:00More Pockets and Some Spring SurprisesI did not photograph the lovely pocket purse-lets that were Patreen's latest contribution to the what you can do with triangles library. Once again her creativity made me smile as much as the pockets themselves. And that's the idea. A bit of cheer with wool and a button or two. Amazing.<br /><br />I have been doing the not-as-fun work of meetings and organisations and such, but if we want NL to keep itself going and to grow and realise the mission, then we gotta do the organisational things.<br /><br /><br />Things coming up to watch out for-- our anniversary celebration on Knit in Public Day with a Tea Mosey--more about that to come.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-38075354419637076522012-03-27T00:00:00.003-07:002012-03-27T00:06:52.208-07:00Good News about shawls and shawl ministryThe shawl ministry has been welcomed into the fabric of the church life. News of it has gone all the way to the top of the church, and as importantly all the way to the shoulders of folks in need right here in our community.<br /><br />No one needs to be a member of a church to receive a shawl or to be part of the knitting of one. The stories about where these shawls (and pockets and scarves go) is enough. And we learn as we go along. A person who is ill often means an entire family in need of comfort or consideration--the pockets recently came into their own when we discovered that.<br /><br />I saw the first photo of someone wearing one of the shawls--soft blues draped like a quiet smile around her shoulders--and it made me smile deep down. That's what the knitting and the ministry is all about--finding a way to smile through the hard times or celebrate the good ones.<br /><br />Now as I finish the shawl on my needles, I'll be able to visualize the difference it will make.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-36765532496130695172012-03-07T02:12:00.001-08:002012-03-07T02:24:32.959-08:00Pockets!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xYGcGWv5K7HudWBW0f7enzz8w90y-GJtyB4oDXbSleiLM6BS0Hs9DMdnQRKnjxo_8gV3ZG8p21vDnFhnA3dDrqrNM-_qXBgrmWc6Mao-YeAVm-NEyTkyU1nOwCUQWvmeHsiaffpo9T7d/s1600/HPIM3412.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xYGcGWv5K7HudWBW0f7enzz8w90y-GJtyB4oDXbSleiLM6BS0Hs9DMdnQRKnjxo_8gV3ZG8p21vDnFhnA3dDrqrNM-_qXBgrmWc6Mao-YeAVm-NEyTkyU1nOwCUQWvmeHsiaffpo9T7d/s400/HPIM3412.JPG" border="0" /></a> I'm a bit behind. I meant to have Patreen's pockets blogged before now. Once again, my photos can't capture the colour and good humour of these pockets as they came tumbling out of Patreen's bag.<br /><br />She does not want her photo taken, but I don't think she'd mind that I tell you that is her elbow. Also, it seems only fair to mention that the hands are Ella's --uncharacteristically quiet. She is usually knitting up a storm. We all stopped to admire the pockets.<br /><br />Now if you are new to the blog and you are wondering what these pockets are all about, here's the story on that. Some folks will have times or places when a shawl or a stole with pockets just won't work for them. If they are in the hospital and arounda lot of equipment or they just don't fancy a stole.<br /><br />The pocket is a good size for attaching to a wheelchair or zimmer frame with some keepsake inside --a wee prayer or a special photo or something to remind folks that they are connected to us, to each other, to a part of a caring community. So you see, the pockets are a bit like Dr. Who's tardis--much bigger on the inside!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9qoV5LXzg8exdW4UZ63FdZ4qbAZnTgU3JY5wUjJTpAesLJCRg-ACR1MQVlLaV7caAGkot3GvZUIBQUe4fN9_wo2Qk4V0vgCFSBdStIcANlmRwXJA4R-6ASUKvIXVLGemvpOpG_y-Lah/s1600/HPIM3413.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE9qoV5LXzg8exdW4UZ63FdZ4qbAZnTgU3JY5wUjJTpAesLJCRg-ACR1MQVlLaV7caAGkot3GvZUIBQUe4fN9_wo2Qk4V0vgCFSBdStIcANlmRwXJA4R-6ASUKvIXVLGemvpOpG_y-Lah/s400/HPIM3413.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxjUjcVVbbr1TkeLrl1-rXybk6REPANETkvDHwbsXg2Y7-gLTmvzCA-LTG2C_UDx1YzcipvoYxHo1Hgbk4aC3TTz0kmKNnZfxb81j5fTxJB-GDbE_NUzcv-yDNFfxfT_1dOLGuvT8khJl/s1600/HPIM3414.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxjUjcVVbbr1TkeLrl1-rXybk6REPANETkvDHwbsXg2Y7-gLTmvzCA-LTG2C_UDx1YzcipvoYxHo1Hgbk4aC3TTz0kmKNnZfxb81j5fTxJB-GDbE_NUzcv-yDNFfxfT_1dOLGuvT8khJl/s400/HPIM3414.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear:both; text-align:LEFT"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" border="0" align="middle" /></a></div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-64777263049010109232012-03-03T04:55:00.007-08:002012-03-03T05:29:08.614-08:00Getting Shawls on Shoulders!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3X2Z8S2mOgrVUxEjLVy817oj1KDolZAcKNfEji9QeLZIIsnnMRrY_y711sCaOHdBgv4mUdTf7n8nY7MSlGTRl45kyI-0Wd5j4ODZlF20x_2lH9YcE7OpWDuZnI-Nsrlej9MXAxoNfslb/s1600/HPIM3408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3X2Z8S2mOgrVUxEjLVy817oj1KDolZAcKNfEji9QeLZIIsnnMRrY_y711sCaOHdBgv4mUdTf7n8nY7MSlGTRl45kyI-0Wd5j4ODZlF20x_2lH9YcE7OpWDuZnI-Nsrlej9MXAxoNfslb/s400/HPIM3408.JPG" /></a> Thursday in Dunnet Church Hall was one of those quiet celebrations that represents the culmination of a lot of work as we got the shawls that have been made, displayed, and blessed in packages with labels and care instructions.<br /><br />Now they are ready for distribution throughout the areas covered by the <a href="http://centralcaithnesschurches.org">Central Churches</a> of Caithness. Thanks to our partners, Central Churches and Project Linus UK, we can concentrate on the knitting in the confidence that our knitting will go to welcome homes.<br /><br />As we knit and stuffed and chatted, I was reminded that no one knew the whole history of the shawls that led to the shawl ministry for Northern Loops.<br /><br />It started with a book. Angela had the book, but Ruan (being a librarian) is often the one who brings books to us, so it might have started with her. This book was about knitting for peace. That was perhaps the first thread in the shawl ministry.<br /><br />Another book -- one of very few about knitting collaboratively--had a pattern for a shawl made out of triangles. Now if this were a panto, I would expect to hear boos and hisses from the crowd because we did an awful lot of triangles, and then as a consequence, an awful lot of sewing up. I might not have mentioned triangles --folks rightly are a bit twitchy on the subject--if I had not run across the original paper templates I used to try to design with in the boot of my car. No one will be surprised to hear that I find forgotten things in the boot of my car, but just to let you know that this was found because I was tidying up--honestly!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVyX1IMTYUDCkcj4HdR5CcSbWUzGzwxPMGMPAMcs8g0qF1b3t8_CQzNzE2xAfBk63VauuvarKHd468FyBPIIaF5YBw0b0eJIkYFZY9zbgqgIzuUhdO6_nWLP8Qt9Tt1VoF18PcaoUncVL/s1600/HPIM3410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVyX1IMTYUDCkcj4HdR5CcSbWUzGzwxPMGMPAMcs8g0qF1b3t8_CQzNzE2xAfBk63VauuvarKHd468FyBPIIaF5YBw0b0eJIkYFZY9zbgqgIzuUhdO6_nWLP8Qt9Tt1VoF18PcaoUncVL/s400/HPIM3410.JPG" /></a> Olive and Angela are shown here working to get the shawls into the packages. As with triangles, it sounded easier than it turned out to be.<br /><br />Lastly I include here a photo of the wool recently donated to Margaret. It will start the cycle all over again because the shawl ministry will keeping putting shawls on shoulders.<br /><br />Oh I forgot to mention another thread of the shawl ministry. When we started down this path, I put Northern Loops on the map of the international shawl ministry from a reference in Angela's book to the ministry, the first in Scotland! So the shawl ministry is one of the ways a handful of knitters in the far north of Scotland help make a better community here in our own backyard and beyond.<br /><br />It was a busy Thursday. Tomorrow I'll blog the latest in Patreen's pockets.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFwFIVKGARc_q4fxMgmwHp8h0J63ZayUfg8Ll68jx5YHRq8Gfo0du9iPhcddNA62Tf5fXq-z1zYJkVe1hi5pdwwx_duvVjt2uf8U3UQbzY7qwTsR6wpcqQRXpeb2hrD3lt81PDtA8y8al/s1600/HPIM3411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFwFIVKGARc_q4fxMgmwHp8h0J63ZayUfg8Ll68jx5YHRq8Gfo0du9iPhcddNA62Tf5fXq-z1zYJkVe1hi5pdwwx_duvVjt2uf8U3UQbzY7qwTsR6wpcqQRXpeb2hrD3lt81PDtA8y8al/s400/HPIM3411.JPG" /></a><div style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="background: 0% 50%; padding: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-83253091194592921882012-02-10T04:14:00.000-08:002012-02-10T04:24:06.259-08:00Serendipity and The Red Blanket<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-pGP3UI0HqWEmvJ2g0-LqR5k79TUtmsVvr5A-gBbiq3zSxS3xOLAVZxdSORf2fTtqcRk1qwJ36h69yM5Hp-2kZXkfEH05LOUiAnkPgAbdn6HefJSbF18xwL35GP0b9X1rBBra2A1hz32/s1600/HPIM3365.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-pGP3UI0HqWEmvJ2g0-LqR5k79TUtmsVvr5A-gBbiq3zSxS3xOLAVZxdSORf2fTtqcRk1qwJ36h69yM5Hp-2kZXkfEH05LOUiAnkPgAbdn6HefJSbF18xwL35GP0b9X1rBBra2A1hz32/s320/HPIM3365.JPG" border="0" /></a> The photo does not do justice to the warm red of this blanket which just invites you to reach out and touch it. The scarlet red is especially welcome now as we come back into the time of light and the landscape is a bit muted in its colours.<br /><br />This blanket began last year --as so many of Northern Loops projects do--with good intentions, a vague idea, and donated wool.<br /><br />And also as with many of our projects, it took longer than any of us had expected and after some false starts --"This red is not the same as that red" and long bouts of "moss stitch" is sooo slow" managed to exceed our expectations.<br /><br />Now best of all, I received a letter that <a href="http://www.eveappeal.org.uk/maketimefortea">Project Eve</a>, for whom we started this blanket last year is once again declaring March Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so the blanket and the hearts that we have been doing turn out to be right on time after all.<br /><br />When we get together we can sit down and think about how we want to celebrate with our hearts, but I am confident that serendipity once again will guide us to the right place.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pk3-vGz-3bvCKG3HbHuSzSEj9whmQcJKK8eE3qBiBs3U9FnNszqYW9kmYbGI7_-YdD_bXakQmD_jPc_-e-YT3QbKw5Ck16LyL-U0ysAvgGbAOTsoIiKWENcbW6Jy8a9ULOmGy6vtAIlg/s1600/HPIM3366.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Pk3-vGz-3bvCKG3HbHuSzSEj9whmQcJKK8eE3qBiBs3U9FnNszqYW9kmYbGI7_-YdD_bXakQmD_jPc_-e-YT3QbKw5Ck16LyL-U0ysAvgGbAOTsoIiKWENcbW6Jy8a9ULOmGy6vtAIlg/s320/HPIM3366.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear:both; text-align:LEFT"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" border="0" align="middle" /></a></div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-66918697866818257902012-02-02T03:32:00.000-08:002012-02-02T04:57:58.086-08:00Getting IntergenerationalNorthern Loops has been committed from its origins in being an all age group. One of the best ways to break down age stereotyping is to work side by side with someone of a different age.<br /><div>It is not a new idea. In fact, it is a recreation of the way things used to operate a bit more naturally in a new not so easy to roll off the tongue term. "All age" seems a nicer way of saying it, but intergenerational is the word of the day, so we've incorporated it into our name as well as our way of thinking.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>It takes more than rolling out the welcome mat to get folks to join in. We were lucky early on to have the help of some very talented young consultants from <a href="http://www.spaceunlimited.org/">Space Unlimited</a>. They took a look at our project and suggested ways to encourage young people to take part--</div><div> </div><div>two of their suggestions were to </div><div> </div><div><br /><ul><li>offer rewards for achievement (volunteer hours credited though a volunteer web site)</li></ul></div><div> </div><div><ul><li>and to encourage developing their own designs.</li></ul><br /></div><div> </div><div>Now we are going to take part in a program of developing intergenerational networks among organisations up here thanks to a group in Glasgow, Generations Working Together (<a href="http://www.scotcip.org.uk/">http://www.scotcip.org.uk/</a>)).</div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-91217162262429584292012-01-18T02:03:00.000-08:002012-01-18T02:08:32.542-08:00Double Rainbow LuckGiving a gift puts me in mind of this double rainbow. The gift, hopefully, brings pleasure to the person receiving it, which, in turn, is gratifying to the giver. I was reminded of this double pleasure when a Loopster emailed to say that one of her original designs for a prayer stole for a friend of hers had been well received. I then got to be triple pleased--for him, for her, and for myself. Being on the receiving end of such good news is a gift, too.<div><br /></div><div>That design created with concern and affection for her friend will become a Northern Loops pattern and we will all benefit from it. With the wind howling outside and another gale forecast with snow behind it, I need all the rainbows I can get today!</div><div><br /></div><div>Weather permitting, the Thurso group of NL will meet in United Reformed Church tomorrow (Thursday) and we'll all have news to share as we look forward to a new year together.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqpW_-YaUuPjcVXoiMwnHk2ZrJ_fg7rrApj6xa42X95-C6PMQKrIhESJugJyXv3pfH4jMjtP42V5X6O5gt1Nr9jJBPGa2F4Wjr0Oquuh2IIyoC546uS8mu5sX5AOHmrIsNVEly-nBf0zx/s1600/HPIM3296.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqpW_-YaUuPjcVXoiMwnHk2ZrJ_fg7rrApj6xa42X95-C6PMQKrIhESJugJyXv3pfH4jMjtP42V5X6O5gt1Nr9jJBPGa2F4Wjr0Oquuh2IIyoC546uS8mu5sX5AOHmrIsNVEly-nBf0zx/s320/HPIM3296.JPG" /></a><div style="clear:both; text-align:LEFT"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div></div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-78012812040382221312012-01-06T01:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T02:04:16.585-08:00The Labels Are In!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CTWkrXcMmMAMsUYGjz_SvhPuHOqYHx6p3-GzrK7XCtfuHyERyPTAkGUyL78PG5PAgtDPTHIJG-3mNeg94MiQmHvNiyxitJXVbbOo9h695eqRPuci1T4b_MGsvpUHMtQY9xs6s-bU6OOU/s1600/HPIM3282.JPG"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CTWkrXcMmMAMsUYGjz_SvhPuHOqYHx6p3-GzrK7XCtfuHyERyPTAkGUyL78PG5PAgtDPTHIJG-3mNeg94MiQmHvNiyxitJXVbbOo9h695eqRPuci1T4b_MGsvpUHMtQY9xs6s-bU6OOU/s320/HPIM3282.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><div>"Many hands make light work." Stitching labels into the shawls seemed like a daunting task. With Christmas cake (thanks, Heather), coffee and tea and much talking around the table--all the shawls, including a new one from Ella, and the petits pockets from Patrine got labels. I found a pocket that I had started and forgotten til I began my New Years clean up. Now it has a label and is one step closer to being in the hands of someone who needs it.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks to all the knitters and stitchers who braved the weather yesterday to gather and stitch. Thanks also to central churches ministry who will distribute our shawls throughout the county. I hope each and every one makes someone's new year just a bit brighter.</div><div> </div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-54187511536797714832012-01-03T06:03:00.000-08:002012-01-03T06:09:08.649-08:00First Session of 2012 in My HouseMother Nature is giving us a seasonal reminder of her mood, so we'll ease into the new year by having the first Dunnet session of Northern Loops meet in my house. We'll sew our labels into the shawls we made last year and catch up and have some tea and coffee.<br /><br />If the weather gets worse, we'll all just stay home and stay safe and warm and dream of better days to come.<br /><br />Ivy Cottage is at the corner of Loch End and Lyth Roads. For old timers, it is on the site of the former coaching inn that was said to have been held up for years by the ivy around it. If you go to the big house on the hill, you've gone too far.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-58078666638118162732012-01-02T03:26:00.002-08:002012-01-02T03:40:24.775-08:00Happy New YearIn that time honoured way of celebrating the turn of a new year by looking back and forward, I noted that 2011 was a year of several firsts for Northern Loops.<br /><ul><li>Our first product--a realisation of our intellectual assets and our mission came together in our calendar of designs--Caithness Kaleidoscope. We've sold them to raise some money and equally as important, to raise our profile. Now people have a concrete example of what we do and hopefully a few folks will see it and think of us for knitting, donating wool, or just smile to know that a handful of us are helping make our community a little better place for us all.</li><li>Our first new group--meeting in Dunnet Church Hall. This new group led to a new relationship with the International Shawl Ministry and a partnership with the central churches ministry who will be distributing our shawls.</li><li>A new connection with Business Gateway for workshops and networking and support.</li></ul>In addition to those firsts, we renewed our relationship with Caithness Voluntary Group and maintained our ties with United Reformed Church where we have been meeting.<br /><br />Not bad for a handful of knitters perched on the edge of Scotland! Tomorrow I'll take a look at some of the things we hope to accomplish in the coming New Year.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-70043934011427490282011-12-30T03:00:00.001-08:002011-12-30T03:18:01.545-08:00Latest Northern Loops Blankets to Maternity WardI just had word from our local <a href="http://www.projectlinusuk.org.uk">Project Linus UK </a>coordinator --now down south with family--that she delivered our most recently knitted blankets to the maternity ward in Caithness General (In Wick for those reading this from abroad) where they were much appreciated.<br /><br />One of the busiest blanket knitters will be at a funeral today. It will be a sad time, of course, and I hope that the news that her blankets are bringing joy and comfort to people celebrating new life will bring a little cheer into a difficult time.<br /><br />It will help me face the day. One stitch at a time to a blanket, a baby, a lifetime of stitches.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-53818099435227640752011-12-28T14:47:00.000-08:002011-12-28T14:59:08.568-08:00News from the Rest of the NESTAlingsWell, since we have all been fledged, <em>nestlings </em>is not exactly the way to describe the cohort of applicants to the NESTA Age Unlimited program. But Northern Loops and all their projects were hatched together, so I think I'll stick with it.<br /><br />Rosie at <a href="http://www.betterbalmedie.com">Better Balmedie</a> started it out with an update email to all the rest of us.<br /><br />Both those who received funding from NESTA and those who didn't had success stories (if you or someone you love snores, check out this project by retired GP: <a href="http://www.sleep-sounds.co.uk">www.sleep-sounds.co.uk</a>).<br /><br />It was great to hear from Rosie and all the wonderfully creative people. It also prompted me to reflect on the progress of Northern Loops and my own growth as an organisational person. We have had a very successful year, but if we are going to grow, I am going to have to (continue) to stretch myself. This holiday break has given me some much needed battery recharging and the news from those who started the process at the same time has focused my mind on upcoming goals as well as reflecting on the process to get here.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-49547918984964918892011-12-27T03:59:00.000-08:002011-12-27T04:14:33.320-08:00"Mindin' My Own Knittin'--Sock LessonsMy first pair of socks--completed with a great deal of help were successful enough that I could wear them, but not give them as a gift as intended. Turning the heel felt as momentous for me as rounding the Cape of Good Hope. So with all the zeal of an intrepid explorer, I started on another pair from the same wool (merino wool with possum fur from New Zealand) for my friend. My beginner's luck still held; I prevailed upon my friends to help me steer around the heel once again, and best of all--the socks fit and my friend liked them ---hooray all around.<br /><br />OK, next socking adventure: socks from a lovely soft bamboo wool--yup the same thing our pandas eat but made into yarn rather than panda food. They knit up like a dream and fit like a charm--size wise. Bamboo is very soft and drapey--lovely for shawls and tops and --well, things unlike socks that need to be more socky. I still love them and wear them with my clogs.<br /><br />So duly chastened with my exotic wool adventures, I started a pair in --sock wool (blue mostly wool self-patterning). Sometimes I am conventional, honest. I followed the ball band directions for needle size, checked my gauge and went to town. I even did a tension square and checked sizing as I went along. Turned the heel by myself and carried on into the toe, but the fabric was not satisfactory--loosely connected. I made a mid course correction and added another strand of very fine wool. Much nicer fabric--stiffish but more sock like but the sock when done was listless, at best. Having learned all I could from this little sock, I began ripping it out with none of the remorse usually associated with ripping out. The pretty blue tight knit fabric will make a lovely little purse in which I can keep, what else? sock needles.<br /><br />Happy knitting.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-89986165618241015662011-12-24T01:43:00.000-08:002011-12-24T01:50:27.216-08:00Merry Christmas- Mindin' My Own Knittin'"Therefore, as we grow older, let us be more thankful that the circle of our Christmas assocations and of the lessons that they bring, expands! Let us welcome every one of them, and summon them to take their places by the Christmas hearth."<br /><div align="right">----Charles Dickens</div><br />While I summon my Christmas associations to my hearth, I will be tending to my own knitting--a variation on the things we said as children--"mind your own beeswax" was a particular favourite at some time for some obscure reason. At any rate, I look forward to a week or so of pulling out my own knit projects. I have a pair of socks for me and an unfinished shawl and all the wool and a pattern set aside for --a jumper, was it? I look forward to digging into those projects--if you stop by this blog, send me a note to let me know what you are working on. I'll make a note of tips and tricks.<br /><br />Northern Loops picks up again in January. Thank you to all the wonderful folks who made this year possible.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Merry Christmas and happy knitting!landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-13453693265601127732011-12-04T01:37:00.000-08:002011-12-04T01:53:36.272-08:00A Letter from America--triangles and squares connecting<div><em>On a day when there was far too little sun, I got this email from a friend back in the States, which cheered me considerably, so I want to share it with you all. Perhaps in time we'll have photos of the American triangles to share on the blog as well.</em></div><div> </div><div align="left"><br />Hi, dear, </div><div align="center"><br />I gave the Knit Calendar to a good friend of mine. Here's some background so you can appreciate the significance. I met her at First Friends. She's kind of like a mother to me. She's in her eighties and has been thru some awful times. Having volunteered at hospices, she supported me with notes and conversations when Dad was dying. She often writes supportive and appreciative notes to people. She crochets and knits and makes her own gorgeous clothes and does all kinds of creative things. </div><div align="center">She asked me over to her house on Monday. I brought out the calendar and she did indeed want it. I told her briefly about Northern Loops--young and old teaching each other what they know. Last night she called while I was at the Y. Then she called on my cell this morning and left a message. That told me she REALLY wanted to talk to me. What she wanted to tell me was that she figured out how to make the triangles. Then it occurred to her that she could make one part smaller and another part larger, or something like that, and she made a square. She'd never used that stitch in that way before. She was very proud of herself for figuring out all that.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">She's going to take the calendar to a monthly craft group that she's in charge of at First Friends, called the Gathering Group. I told her you'd appreciate that, since you're a "Pass it on forward" type of person. Obviously she is too. She is glad young people are involved in the knitting and calendar. I told her I'm glad the shawls are used not only for comfort but also for celebration. And I am. She has lots to celebrate now, whereas a year or two ago she needed comfort. </div><div align="left">Love, </div><div align="left">Amy</div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-13592760715798578442011-11-23T05:56:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:23:07.661-08:00The Labels are Here and the Calendars are going FastIt's that time of year when things seem to move so quickly toward Christmas and the New Year.<br /><br />We have several requests for shawls so it was a great relief when the labels with our logo arrived in the post.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ1lziieEwc991VLxGONqVLkMHt5n_MiRJx-LqoPi-ArAYdPIbTxOrXrrtaPtofMi0gp1adF3ie2TKJMVVUrHQ-DNHPaNpzD5r-uISJRJGlbW_KrYG3sPzp3btPBthLU1TjYcn5QloHfT/s1600/HPIM3259.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ1lziieEwc991VLxGONqVLkMHt5n_MiRJx-LqoPi-ArAYdPIbTxOrXrrtaPtofMi0gp1adF3ie2TKJMVVUrHQ-DNHPaNpzD5r-uISJRJGlbW_KrYG3sPzp3btPBthLU1TjYcn5QloHfT/s320/HPIM3259.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear:both; text-align:LEFT"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">First, elation: Hooray, they're here. They look OK. There are 500 of them.<br />and then<br />the realization that now comes the stitching part. <br />We have about 14 shawls, so it's not like we have to stitch in all 500 labels---yet.<br /></div><br />Meanwhile, thanks to Lisa's "almost mother in law, Ann", as she was announced at Saturday's WRI dinner dance, for selling calendars in Orkney for us. Thanks also to Lisa of <a href="http://www.inspiredbycaithness.com">Inspired by Caithness</a> for sharing some of her space at the Mey Market to display our calendars, Meg and Ali for selling them at Halkirk craft sale and Elizabeth's store in Thurso for displaying calendar on the wall next to the shelves of lovely wool upstairs.<br /><br />Oh! I must not overlook Castletown village store, as well. Oh and thanks also to Alastair Gray for letting folks know about our calendar.<br /><br />I have only 2 left myself.landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7763696858381549147.post-51910953823504393282011-11-20T02:48:00.000-08:002011-11-20T04:37:46.798-08:00The Joy of Making<div><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 281px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677038906027456546" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv5Q0fm_vouiWo7Aj_fuG-p8sLOTQxHvkINP7dQ7sg1Dujx-wKivppjt4fZNN7sPBC1AXFOnNH5R7JLOO-r5JYNrSgC1xgtw9-NSCpXsva2hiXIlY8xW3l5j6pHmp6gO6iBVp2BVL-FWV/s320/HPIM3242.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://localhost:49538/6e02dc8b7ae36813be11a48b04d396dc/image/c8dc0cec2f89d447.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both; float: left;" alt="" src="http://localhost:49538/6e02dc8b7ae36813be11a48b04d396dc/image/c8dc0cec2f89d447.jpg?size=160" border="0" /></a></div><br />A friend who has the knack of finding the niftiest things at just the right time gave me this mug yesterday as an early birthday present.</div><div> </div><div>She thought of me not only because we share an enthusiasm for knitting and such but also because I had been girning about how much I am looking forward to getting back to my own crafting. </div><div> </div><div>Now you all know I love Northern Loops--it's like another child late in life, the embodiment of all the social action of the sixties, an opportunity to make a difference in my new community, and good fun on top of that. One of the ironies, however, of starting a craft-based group is that I have spent less time doing crafting, which was the genesis of all this in the first place.</div><div> </div><div>You gotta love the irony of it. So I am parking up the projects swirling in my head for a month of more crafting than organising in December.</div><div> </div><div>I also love this mug because my friend and I share a conviction that hands on is a good way of learning. We get smarter when we knit or crochet or make things with our hands from improvised bird scarers or basketry covers for our veg patch to new apps for our electronic toys. I can't help it: something hard wired into me gets excited about making things.</div><div> </div><div>Serendipity led me to switch from the background music of Radio 3 to Radio 4 where I heard a discussion of the new Raspberry Pi computer that folks can program--not be just consumers of technology but take part in it. Following closely on the heels of Raspberry Pi was a discussion of Fab Labs <a href="http://www.fablab.co.uk/">http://www.fablab.co.uk</a>--an idea born in MIT in the US to set up fabrication labs so that folks with ideas can make them real. My heart is still beating faster at the thought of that.</div><div> </div><div>One of my favourite students when I taught technical writing years ago was a young man who wanted to start a small machine shop--not the lawnmower repair type shop which has its merits but a genuine using cutting edge technology but on a small scale to fabricate parts for equipment working shop. Even that long ago the world was not kind to small businesses and hands on manufactory. I dread to think what it is like in this current climate, but I believe in that ability to make things not only for the sake of what it does for us but also what it does for our economy, our cultural well being.</div><div> </div><div>So, please go ahead and get excited and make something.</div>landgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15656482044132959956noreply@blogger.com0