Is it possible to resume conversation in this space without addressing recent events? While these photos are all sunshine and smiles, I've spent the past week processing. I can count on one hand the moments where my world has changed in an instant. Sadly, they've all involved tragedy. Those moments are unsettling shocks to my system and the world around me; they reek of uncertainty, chaos and fear. The silver lining in each of these experiences is that I lived through them. I made it to the other side of those obstacles. And, I like to think that I'm better and stronger for having experienced them.  I've debated whether or not to say anything. This is a blog about sewing and knitting, not politics. I genuinely believe that each of us is entitled to our individual opinions, and I appreciate opposition.  But, there are some things that are simply impossible for me to wrap my mind around. Still, our best option is to keep moving forward; we can't go back. It's all about where we go from here. We each have the ability to control the way we move through the world. I'm incredibly inspired by the outpouring of proactivity I've witnessed in my intimate group. It gives me hope. And, I know I can count on all of you, my friends in craft, to continue inspiring me in all you do. 

On the subject of craft, I have been a busy knitter. I find knitting is my preferred method of therapy. My knitting took a serious upswing over the summer when I began the process of changing jobs. It was a fortuitous upswing, because two weeks after I started my new position, I travelled to Rhinebeck to attend the Duchess County Sheep and Wool festival. 

Of course, I knew I needed to knit new sweaters to take with me. This was my first Rhinebeck, and I wanted to do it in proper woolen style. The weather was slightly less than cooperative. It was nearly too warm for wool. But, I wore it anyway. I wasn't alone. I've never seen so many incredible knitted garments in one place! 

Unfortunately, I completely failed to document any of the garments I knit for Rhinebeck while I was in Rhinebeck (instead you get to see some of the beauty in my own backyard). I was completely distracted and visually overstimulated most of the time we spent at the festival. It was amazing, and I fully indulged myself while I was there. I bought some incredible yarn from new to me yarn companies and indie dyers. I did my best to see everything, but I know there are things I missed. There were things I didn't know to look for, like exclusive Rhinebeck dye lots and festival specific Jennie the Potter Mugs. I had the good fortune to run into several bloggers, the Ravelry crew and Ric Ocasek! Now that I have a first trip under my belt, I feel better prepared for next time! There will be a next time. In the meantime, our little group has challenged each other to completely knit all the yarn we purchased on this trip before allowing ourselves to return. 

Outfit details:
Sweater- Pattern: Gillam by Kate Gagnon Osborn, size 38.75
                      Yarn: Aslan Trends Invernal in Indigo. Purchased at an estate sale
Jeans- Democracy Denim
​Boots- Frye  Melissa Button in dark brown. 

Pattern notes-  This is a wonderful classic sweater design. This pattern is nicely written and true to the sizing specifications. The texture and cable patterns are easy to memorize and enjoyable to knit. And, there's a nice balance between mindless knitting and patterning. The pattern suggests 2" of positive ease, but I chose to knit a size larger for more to allow for a more relaxed fit and layering. My finished sweater has roughly 4" of positive ease. 

A lot has happened since we last spoke. I quit the job I worked for the past nine years. I started a new job in a totally unrelated field. I went to Rhinebeck and frolicked with woolly creatures and bought lots of yarn. And, you may have heard, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. It's a big deal.  

The mixed blessing of my new position is that I'm no longer commuting into the city. My acclimation to suburban living has been lengthy. Despite moving nearly three years ago, I've been reluctant to fully accept my separation. It was easy to remain connected, because I spent most of my waking hours downtown in the thick of it. Unfortunately, this arrangement meant I was spending more than 12 hours each week traveling between work and home.

My new position is closer to home. Much closer. I travel half as much in an entire week than I did in a single day. The subject matter of my new job is incredibly lighter than before. The balance between my wok and life is much more aligned.  Now that I'm starting to feel more comfortable and adjusting to the initial shock of "change", these things have an incredible effect on the amount of stress I'm experiencing on a daily basis. 

The tradeoff is that I'm not in the city. I no longer have immediate access to the people, places and things that had become routine parts of my life. And, when something incredible happens, like the Cubs winning the World Series for the first time in 108 years, I have to observe from a distance. 

I felt very sorry for myself that I couldn't drop down from my office last Friday to join five million other fans gathered for the biggest celebration in Chicago history. That feeling was short lived when I realized there was only one person I wanted to celebrate with. Cheesy. I know. But, true.  

One of our first dates was to a Cubs game. I read pretty deeply into that. Being a Cubs fan is so much more than sports. It's about loyalty, tradition, knowing how to take a loss without quitting, it's about optimism, and it's about shared experience. Mike's love for the Cubs inspires my own. He was raised to bleed blue. Some of his earliest memories are of listening to Cubs games on the radio with his grandparents. I think most Cubs fans have a story. Most of us are connected to the team by someone we love. It's not just baseball. It's memories. I'm so happy to have this one. We did it. We finally did it.  We did not suck.

Outfit details:
Shirt- Pattern: McCall's M6044,
              Fabric: Japanese Cotton Flannel from B&J
Jeans- Banana Republic: Slim Fit
​Boots- John Fluevog: Newell, lined, green

Pattern notes- This is my go-to pattern for Mike's shirts. The only modifications we made were lengthening the sleeve and body.  I may bump the sleeves up to a larger size in future versions where I'm using flannel or heavier fabrics to increase wearing ease and allow for layering.