I Am Mine.

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. 

I Am Mine
The selfish, they're all standing in line
Faithing and hoping to buy themselves time
Me, I figure as each breath goes by
I only own my mind
The North is to South what the clock is to time
There's east and there's west and there's everywhere life
I know I was born and I know that I'll die
The in between is mine
I am mine
And the feeling, it gets left behind
All the innocence lost at one time
Significant, behind the eyes
There's no need to hide...
We're safe tonight
The ocean is full 'cause everyone's crying
The full moon is looking for friends at high tide
The sorrow grows bigger when the sorrow's denied
I only know my mind
I am mine
And the meaning, it gets left behind
All the innocents lost at one time
Significant, behind the eyes
There's no need to hide...
We're safe tonight
And the feelings that get left behind
All the innocents broken with lies
Significance, between the lines
(We may need to hide)
And the meanings that get left behind
All the innocents lost at one time
We're all different behind the eyes
There's no need to hide