The Calm After the Storm

I am so happy to say that I am in the calm after the storm. There were a number of things coming together over the last couple weeks that have kept me busy and largely away from this space. And then there was the need — introvert that I am — to spend a couple of days just in the quiet of my own mind to recharge and refuel.

A fundraising wine event Mr. Knitting Sarah was helping to put together was last week.

And I’m happy to report that it went wonderfully. I have been working here and there as support for Mr. Knitting Sarah when he needed it on tasks for this event and it was awesome to see it all come together. And, of course, I got to enjoy a little of the food and wine at the event itself as well. Yum.

After such a big to-do, I’ve found myself turning to all the little things around me as spring seems to have sprung (at least for now) in my neck of the big woods. 

I found this Mourning Cloak butterfly in the back yard yesterday.

And this crocus awoke as if to say, “Tidying up the yard’s not so bad now is it, Sarah?”

We’ve been slowly but surely seeing more and more migratory birds making their way north, too. Just today the White-Throated Sparrows arrived in our yard and I’ve heard all sorts of people in the area reporting Baltimore Orioles. I’ve got my jelly out, but no orioles yet. You can bet in the 75º weather the windows are open and I am listening for the oriole’s unmistakeable voice.

While the orioles are not here yet, I do, have this little dude hanging around…

Our best guess is he’s a very confused and alone Mourning Dove baby. He seems to prefer walking to flying, he’s a little slow to react to most things (how close I was able to get for this picture is proof of that!), and we find him all over the yard doing just what he is doing in this picture, just sitting there looking a little disheveled. Yesterday was blustery and while he was sitting under a tree, you know, just hanging out and looking disheveled, a crunchy leaf from last year blew into him and he — caught off-guard, of course — attacked it with vigor. We endearingly refer to him as “our little weirdo” and marvel at the fact that he’s still alive because really it’s kind of incredible a predator hasn’t targeted him yet. I hope he remains as lucky because his little personality quirks have definitely grown on me.

In the crafting realm, I’ve not had much energy beyond stockinette stitch.

So it’s wonderful that I have my girl’s sweater to work on. It’s Bulle by Oomieknits and I’m knitting it in Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted in the “Candy” colorway. It’s been a very restorative project through a busy time.

I’ve also been working on my long draw with my Shetland fauxlags…

I’ve been working toward a more consistent spin, but my highest priority is spinning to a certain weight. For this bobbin I was working on a supporting long draw which I think it helping me both handle the fauxlags and spin to a more deliberate weight. The goal is to be able to spin a woolen (or at least semi-woolen) yarn that I can use for a couple hat patterns I have picked out. It’s happening in baby steps, but I am getting there!

And last, but not least, I spent some time last night with my upstairs wheel.

I’ve got one little nestlet left to finish on bobbin #1. This is Merry Poppies from Three Waters Farm and I find myself spinning at a leisurely pace on this project. I’ve been working on it out on the deck and when I do that I’m also watching the birds and soaking up the sunshine. I have to remind myself that sometimes a leisurely pace is A-OK. It’s not about how fast can I finish, the journey is half the fun. And you know what, in the calm after the storm, there is definitely nothing wrong with a leisurely pace!