The weather is teasing me as of late. On one hand, it has been another record-breaking summer full of broiling heat and very little rain. As of September 1, we had had 31 days over 110 degrees and the highest low in history, 91 wake-up-sunshine degrees. Yet, on the other hand, the morning temperatures are beginning to decline and I can sense just the slightest suggestion that autumn is trying to fight its way through. This morning it was a frigid 77 when I drove the boys to the bus stop. Be still my beating heart!
With the promise of fall comes an awakening of my soul and excitement for the months to come. Soon I will be able to receive as much ruminant therapy as my little heart desires, no matter the time of day. I will be able to give Charlotte her favorite treat of green grapes and gift the goats with a turning apple or ten. I will be able to knit wool items larger than socks or child-sized sweaters without my lap catching on fire. Once again, I will be able to dye roving, and God willing, spin that wool into one-of-a-kind yarn, full of the promise of what it will become. I am getting just a wee bit excited.
Speaking of knitting projects, I have my very first knitting commission, a Tasha Halloween costume! Apparently, we are not the only Backyardigans fans around. I designed the dress myself (after Tasha’s of course), a sleeveless deep orange a-line jumper decorated with pale orange slightly-variegated intarsia flowers. I checked and triple checked my math and agonized over colors, gauge, and needle size until I was as confident as someone of my ilk can be that the dress will not only fit and make a wonderful Halloween costume but also be a garment wearable throughout the fall and winter with the addition of a shirt underneath. As Pint’s Cowboy Tyrone sweater is complete other than a half a sleeve and the normal blocking, seaming, and neckline, I am just about ready to begin. Today will be the day.
Very few things nourish the soul like a sense of accomplishment and today I’ve reached my RDA. It’s a good thing, Martha.
Oh, congratulations!!! How cool is a knitting commission? And how great is cooler weather? We're getting some ourselves today, and it IS so restful to one's soul. Love you!
Posted by: Michelle | September 12, 2007 at 10:28 AM
How cool that you're knitting for hire! And how did you pass me on Tyrone?!? I have GOT to get those sleeves attached. Love you - glad you're feeling better. (P.S. It was 47 here while the kids were waiting for the bus this morning.)
Posted by: Beth in WI | September 12, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Isn't it great that when fall rolls in there's a change in us as well? We had the equivalent summer (heat, no rain) and are just now getting our first hints of fall (nighttime temps in the 40s). You're cruising with the knitting. I'm looking at gardening catalogs. Still haven't ventured into Pointy-Stick Land yet. Good luck! Eager to see more dyed roving pictures and the Pint modeling his sweater!
Posted by: PixelPi | September 12, 2007 at 01:11 PM
So glad to hear you are doing better, Lauren. Cooler on the west side of town too. Let the grrlz out at 6:30 this morning and almost wanted to sit on the back porch a piece myself (it passed quickly and I returned to bed . . . I am NOT a morning person -- that's why God invented sunsets!). Your commission sounds like just the thing to get your fall moving. We will, of course, want an appropriate picture documentary.
Posted by: Karalyn | September 12, 2007 at 02:15 PM