October 29, 2005
The Restorative Power of Lace
Every so often life throws up a year which seems adamantly to want to teach us something. Eighteen months, around 2001-02, were nothing but death. My singing uncle, Peter; Grampa; dear Tricky our beloved cat (seen to the left eternally sleeping on a striped pillow); beautiful Theo. This year is about other things. Illness. Injury. Frailty. Uncertainty. One can’t help but worry.
I’ve caught references to the healing power of lace at various points over the last year, but never really took much notice, being a pragmatic person, hardly spiritual on any level unless you count cosmic angst. But the lace of Ene has been a shelter. This is my first experience of lace-weight yarn (it’s rich, sumptuous berry tones, with blues from summer-sky to lapis thrown in, a precious gift from Jacqueline), using Addi Turbos for the smooth join. The ‘jag’ in the Inox circular was making me curse. The Addis don’t have much of a point, but who among us does, most of the time? I appreciate the balancing-act of yarn and the slippery needle which forces me to be light of touch, fleet of finger. It’s not difficult, a mere knack, which requires just sufficient concentration that it’s impossible to think of anything else.
I am slowing myself down as the rows get shorter. The shawl is going to be beautiful, and as I knit I realise it ‘belongs’ to someone else who is much closer than I to this year’s themes.
A garment knit by a friend is like a hug. This is my elegant Turtleneck Shrug, made for me by Blossom, for the Stitch Ya Neck Out swap.
I love it. The stitches are so neat and even, it has this soft halo of fuzz, and I swear it even has some residual warmth from Alabama. And do you see how beautiful it is with the blue of my t-shirt? Also Blossom! Thank you so much my dear, sweet girl... My parcel made me so happy! And thank you too so very much to Jacqueline and Kris for showing us all such a good time.
And for no other reason than the picture has been lying around for too long, my first necklace.
Tomorrow, a meme (hold onto your hats)!
Posted by Amelia at October 29, 2005 03:43 PM
Comments
your Ene's shawl will be beautiful---those berry colors are always happy healthy colors in my mind. I've been contemplating knitting Ene's shawl but couldn't quite settle on a yarn---I think you've made a lovely choice.
What a pretty necklace with the single pinkish bead just to remind you of how unique each individual is.
Posted by: amanda at October 29, 2005 05:09 PM
Blossom has done a very good job.
I wish you all the best, anna.
Posted by: Agnes at October 29, 2005 05:46 PM
Lace saved me this summer too. Well, knitting in general. Things come in cycles - I hope this one ends soon.
Posted by: Cara at October 29, 2005 05:53 PM
you look warm and comfy in the shrug! i'm so glad you like them, and the T's.
Posted by: blossom at October 29, 2005 06:08 PM
The lace project is beautiful!! As are the colors of the lace wt yarn..what pattern are you using?
Posted by: Esther at October 29, 2005 11:02 PM
I'm hoping the shawl is a sign of good things to come and that it trully restores some order. How could it not with those colors that are after my heart!
I like the addition of the one pink bead in your necklace, it really draws your eye to it and it makes you look at the other beads more carefully.
Cant wait to read your answers tomorrow!
Posted by: yahaira at October 29, 2005 11:11 PM
It's funny how death comes like buses, isn't it? My 2000-01 was a bit like that.
Your shawl is very beautiful and I'm sure it heralds good things to come. My best wishes for wellness and happiness.
Posted by: Kitty at October 30, 2005 11:05 AM
Wish you all the best :)
Posted by: yuvee at October 30, 2005 12:00 PM
Knitting can help us through the best and worst of times. Lace is one of the nicest ways to get through trouble and turn it into something special.
Posted by: margene at October 30, 2005 01:30 PM
The colours for that shawl are lovely... look forward to seeing it completed.
Posted by: jess at October 30, 2005 06:23 PM
That shrug looks great on. Well done to Blossom.
Take care.
Posted by: Estee at October 30, 2005 09:17 PM
Gorgeous colors. What an eye you have, Anna! The shrug is beautiful.
Here's some healing thoughts to you and yours. Your blog always makes me warm and fuzzy. ;-)
Posted by: Jenny at October 31, 2005 10:01 AM
you started it already! it's absolutely beautiful and has made me decide to wake mine up again. i need some healing lace as well these days.
love the necklace!
Posted by: kris at October 31, 2005 01:04 PM
I know what you mean. I hope your knitting will bring you serenity, and that the finished knit will bring someone special some comfort. Your sister Isy is lovely. Congrats on another lovely pattern.
Posted by: Julia at November 2, 2005 07:11 PM