Monday, May 16, 2011

What I learned from knitting

5/16
what I learned from knitting
if something is going to bother you every time you look at it, then you would be wiser to unknit and fix it. that in the end, it is worth it.
and that you can fix things in your knitting
it is very forgiving, it can be undone,
unlike unkind words or actions. or omission.
and the smell of wool can be transporting
and the wonder of its fiber is an amazing gift, almost as if it were designed to be spun into fiber and linked into shapes
unlike wood or glass constructions, you can undo your stitches, 
you can reknit a sweater or a shawl or sock or mitten 
without solder or nails, or scars.
And there is always more to learn and fill your mind with wonder and amazement
to follow the maze and learn the sequence and find the prize
of beauty and grace and elegance.
and of utility of 
the humble twist
and sometimes love ~
a glimpse of the expansion of creation laid out right here on your lap
And the grace of good tools, the wisdom not to waste my precious time and energy  on inadequate or even inelegant tools. Beauty of tools is worth attaining. It adds dignity to the process.
and membership
fellowship with the sailors on moonlit nights knitting knots and nets and realizing they were more than useful
they were also beautiful and
crones and tantes gathered round the stove dreaming of the next delicate lace they would knit as soon they darned another sock,
membership.
and shepherds in the fields where they lay-

belonging is what wars are fought about
kingdoms countries realms
places to belong.
when you knit you belong to a greater society
and that one stitch after another after another
and patience and marriage to persistence and perfection 
can yield great monuments of cloth 

and cloth 
gives shelter
and cloth gives beauty 
and these things,
not war and poverty and oppression, 
are the foundation of civilization
the hallmarks of our race
the human race
to which all of us already belong.




©marthabilski 2011

Sunday, May 08, 2011

KAL

Nuther one. From knitting like crazy. A mystery knit along. I am using green mountain spinnery wool cotton blend in silver. I added some yarn overs on the wings.

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Beginning a new ...

Shawl. Pattern is 'Rock Island' by Jared Flood of BrooklynTweed. Fiber is 'Helen' in Grand Street Ink, by Lornas Laces. All I can say is, divine. This yarn is Divine. I have unknotted so many times while "swatching" and it does not lose its beauty. I have joined the knit along on Lornaslaces rav page. Come along!