Yesterday this box came for me from the Loopy Ewe... lovely red cotton yarn, hand dyed and silky-feeling. I spent about half an hour while I was watching Foyle's War on PBS winding it into balls. This is about 450 yards. Yes, it costs more than Red Heart or any of the choices at the local craft store, but look at that color! I don't splurge often, but this called me.
The plan is to find a scarf/shawl pattern and knit it up during the month of June. I am not saying I'm going to Camp Loopy, but I might just try it! I'm thinking of something that could be tossed over the shoulders when the air conditioner is running this summer. My mom used to say keep your back warm and the rest of you stays warmer.
What's Camp Loopy? The Loopy Ewe shop in Colorado is run by a very creative bunch. They issue challenges to get you motivated to knit and finish things. This summer there are three month-long challenges to knit something that reminds you of a movie or show you have seen, using 400 yards (purchased from the LE). If you do it, you get a discount on yarn you buy FOR the camp, and if you finish you can post your project. I think there are rewards for doing the challenge, and more if you do all three.
I didn't pay attention because I'm not committing. Yet. Maybe I'll do July's if I can finish one in June on my own.
You know my level of commitment on knitting...
These items take little or no time and are fun to do, no pattern to follow really, and if they don't turn out, there's not a lot of resource wasted. Research shows that knitting and crochet provide zen-like opportunities for your mind to rest from the madness of normal life, which can work to keep your brain young.
I have knitted children's sweaters, scarves, etc. But not normally in this tight a timeframe. So we'll see.
I also purchased two skeins of a yarn called Madelinetosh in a color called Georgia O'Keefe. You can't tell from this photo but it's a gorgeous blend of dark greens and a little brown thrown in for fun. Who could resist anything named after Ms. O'Keefe, and green is my favorite color.
Sorry for the horrible photo, my camera is on the blink and I'm using the cell phone. Think luscious dark green soft wool yarn, hand dyed and slightly textured. Got it?
Georgia O'Keefe was a famous artist and painter. She was born near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, which is near Madison. She studied art in Chicago in 1905-1906, painted during the early to middle part of the 20th century. She moved to New Mexico and became famous for capturing large floral blossoms and dried animal skulls in great size and detail. Her first show was without her consent (although she later agreed to keep things going) arranged by Alfred Stieglitz, a gallery owner. They later married after much scandal for the time... he had been married when they met. It's interesting reading if you're so inclined.
Here's Georgia in her later years in the southwest where she painted. I love her story, a modern woman ahead of her time, comfortable in New York and New Mexico, making her own way and being creative until her death at age 98 in 1986.
Did I tell you the Loopy Ewe sent me a gift too? This little package was included in my order, it contains a pattern with just enough yarn to knit a sock shaped needle holder, and six project cards that can be given with gifts (they have a place to say what the project is made of and how to launder, and have a gorgeous photo of yarn on the back.)
Now if I could only find some time...
Sew on!
