Making Miscellany 2:11
My November, in Thursdays
Hello, hello!
I hope this finds you well, perhaps relaxing and enjoying time with loved ones if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, or looking forward to some weekend creativity! As usual, I can hardly believe another month has passed, and today I thought I’d have a look back on what has been an unusually eventful few weeks for me … here’s my November, in Thursdays.
First Thursday
The first Thursday of the month saw me doing something decidedly domestic — putting the finishing touches on seven pairs of leggings for the small people in my house. I used Waves & Wild free Lightning Leggings pattern, made up in jewel tones of cotton velour. Velour, it must be said, has not been at the top of my list for sewing with, until it occured to me that it was actually quite a practical option for winter leggings for small people who don’t like more structured trousers! I’ve thought of these as a bit of an experiment in sewing basics for my kids … and I have to say, so far so good! The pairs have seen a month of regular wear and washing and seem to be doing the job just fine!
Second Thursday
The second Thursday of the month found me wandering the streets of Barcelona, visiting some of the many yarn and fabric shops of that beautiful city (I forgot to take any photos!) between stopping in for coffee, delicious food and knitting with a dear friend — what a gift! The occasion of our visit was Barcelona Knits — I still remember when the first festival happened, and “seeing” people on Instagram soaking up beautiful sun in November and thinking … one day, I’ll go! And then this year it happened!
The festival itself was lovely, and I came home with a few souvenir skeins, as well as a sweater quantity of something quite out of character for me (especially given my skin sometimes does not get on with alpaca, but I’m hoping this will be okay!) that I’m hoping will become a floaty, basic, throw over anything sweater. It was busy, and bursting with Spanish and European woolly wools, many of which were totally new to me. A vibrant, energetic festival (if a little crowded) that I’m so glad I got to see, in a city with so much to explore … I’m already ready to book a return trip for next year! And it was nice to get to wear two wool cotton tops that I knit this year (one of which I was weaving in the ends on before heading to the festival!): The Simmer Dim Top by Gudrun Johnston (left) and the Rota Sleeveless Tank by Irene Lin (right), which I knit as a little miniKAL with my friend Jenni so we could twin at the festival (bonus points, we’re both wearing handmade Bob pants too!)
Third Thursday
Last Thursday, I had a more local-to-me adventure, travelling to the Lowry in Manchester to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, a sock in my bag for the transit of course! This month’s travelling has been a boon to my Homebody Socks, which had sat neglected during the warmer months. I’ve made a few silly mistakes, but now the end is in sight for this cozy pair. I’m thinking I might wrap them up and put them under the tree as a little gift to myself! (And if you’re interested, the ballet was absolutely amazing; I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. It’s on tour in the UK, and if it’s coming near you and you can get tickets, I can’t recommend it enough!)
Fourth Thursday
And yesterday … I was celebrating Thanksgiving! It has always been one of my favorite holidays … I love the focus on sharing a meal and appreciating what you have (and not all the Black Friday stuff that comes after … what a shame that that’s the bit that’s been exported). In the seven years I’ve lived in the UK, I have always attempted to recreate it, even if each year it feels a bit trickier to shoehorn a huge dinner on a random Thursday. This year, I really enjoyed my time in the kitchen though and had that rare day when everything came out of the kitchen as I hoped. And to top it off, I was able to wear my freshly blocked Paul Klee Sweater! I have been working on this on and off the better part of this year, and I’m so in love with the finished result. I knit this all in stashed shades of J&S Shetland 2ply + Shetland Supreme 2ply for the main, and there are so many happy memories knit into it: from getting advice from friends while picking colors, to knitting it on the shores of Loch Katrine in Scotland and carting it along to tennis lessons in the early days of the autumn.
So there you have it — my November, in Thursdays. I’m grateful for a month that has had more than my usual share of adventures and treats … and also an unusual number of finished objects! As I head into the last month of the year, I’m looking forward to focusing on some small projects — holiday crafting and a little bit of gift making (in a turnup for the books, I might actually have a small knitted gift ready for Christmas before December begins!) I would love to hear what plans you have, whether it’s finishing off a big personal project, gift making, or a favorite festive crafty tradition.
It’s hard to believe that when I next drop in, 2024 will be coming to a close, but there you have it! Wishing you a happy and gentle festive season, with plenty of making!
Katherine
You’ve been so busy! The Paul Klee looks fabulous. Isn’t Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake amazing? I saw the original (ahem, must have been close to 30 yrs ago) and remember it being extremely powerful, and of course groundbreaking at the time. That I remember it all these years later says it all, I think. The revival (again, ahem, maybe 15 years ago) didn’t make such a big impression, but iirc I saw three versions of Swan Lake that year and enjoyed it the most. Hoping the current version comes out here.
What an outstanding month you’ve had! Love the Klee sweater, and Barcelona sounds like a perfect November break. I’m in complete accord on Thanksgiving - what could be better than a celebration of good food and good company?