Yarn along..and a few 'answers'

Knitting along with Ginny this week...

Some finished projects to share!

First, the Cappucine hat. Ah, it's probably the most awesome hat I have ever owned. And an easy pattern, too! I used an unbelieveable 1 hank of Noro Furisode; thinking all the while that I would never have enough to finish the project with the tassels and all. Surprisingly enough, I had a good amount left over! I purchased this 50/50 silk and wool yarn at our local knitting store which is a dangerous 3 blocks from our home.

Trust me, friends. You are going to want this hat for your own. It is warm, soft, beautiful and fun to knit.

I also finished seaming up W's 2nd of 4 sweaters I am knitting for the Fall; the Sideflap sweater from Knit Picks. It was an easy knit until one odd section which I needed some serious help with. I brought this project to the knitting store during general class hours and even the teacher was stumped. In the end, she figured out another way to get past this very strange hump. This was my first real "stitch and bitch" and it was so much fun! I've never had more fun with old ladies; drinking wine out of paper cups and all...I'll be back next week:)

I noticed a few questions in the comments section lately that I feel I should address...

One thing I am wondering, I know that during the week you have lots of little ones.Do you mesh your daily work with them, do you drop certain things you used to do, do you work in your own hobbies/crafts somehow?

A great question that surely deserves an honest answer! I mesh nearly all of my housework with the little ones. It may take longer, but it is so worth it. My main goal of the playschool day is to set an example of purposeful work for the children to imitate.  When they do this, they are imitating life. I find that I get so much more housework done when the children are about because I am aware that they are watching me. If I were on my own, would I be ironing all of my dishtowels? Probably not. But, because of the children, it is now part of my weekly rhythm and they come to expect it. It is also lovely to have a basket full of crisp and pressed towels, I think:) The children enjoy cleaning the kicthen floor using rags as "ice skates" and my floor has never been more clean. The broom is pushed across the floor numerous time a day along with a song. It is presented as joyful work and part of life.

I have a weekly cleaning schedule of my own when the children are not with us, such as vacuuming, sanitizing the bathroom, kitchen sink, etc. I do most of this when W is in bed or when Jay is home from work.

As far as hobbies/crafts, my main handwork is knitting at this time. I do this when W is in bed; this is my "free time." I probably stay up way too late, but once I start, I find that it is hard to stop. Jay will tell anyone that knitting has taken his place, and I am working on paying more attention to him; the poor guy!

During playschool days, I embark on handwork that is purposeful, such as knitting a dolly blanket, fixing a broken toy, mending clothing. I put scraps from my work in a basket so the children can imitate this work in their own way.

The silks look beautiful. Silk is a wonderful material I love it. But I struggle with the fact that all caterpillars die in the silk industry. How do you think about that?

That's a tough one. Back in 2005, I was a very serious animal rights activist. I spent nearly every weekend at protests and really tried to live out my convictions. I do believe that animals shouldn't have to die for our selfish 'needs'; the fur industry would be a perfect example of this. There's just no reason for it. If you would have asked me this question 7 years ago, it wouldn't have applied to me, since I didn't wear wool, leather, silk and abstained from any and all animals products. However, along my path, I met a few very radical people who changed my thinking...

I feel truly thankful for any product that comes from an animal, no matter how small or big. I'll never eat meat; I haven't in over 15 years, but I've come to be "ok" with other animal products, such as textiles, etc. A wool sweater that keeps a child warm is something beautiful that can be used over and over again. A silk cloth which inspires hours of imaginative play is something to be very thankful for in many ways. Warm beeswax which beautifies a home and the senses is something to be in awe of. I try to think of the sentient beings which these things have come from and to me, it is a full circle. Some of you may think that I am a hypocrite for being an ethical vegetarian (and former vegan) but still using other animal products, but this is where I am in my life journey right now. And this makes sense to me.

...Really enjoyed this post. It felt so relatable to read about the struggles as well as the joys :) Most days I look at this blog and think- this just isn't reality. I know most blogs focus on only the joys but it just seems too perfect here some days. So thank you, again, for sharing.

Well, I'm not sure how I feel about this, and to be honest, it's kind of been irking me the past few days. Is this blog "reality?"

It is. I am a positive person who loves the beauty in life. What helps me to see this beauty most is children...being around them, caring for them, listening to their voices, helping them through their struggles and seeing them emerge all the better. Would I have had so much beauty and spirit around me 10 years ago? Certainly not in the same way. It would have been much harder to find.

This blog serves as a live journal and possibly an extension of a teaching portfolio/resume. I want to remember these days, good times and bad times alike. However, I am hesitant to put too much personal information about myself or family "out here", as I feel it is just not wise. I enjoy a good rant here and there, but I like to focus on what is beautiful in my life. And there is so much.

I strive my very, very hardest to provide an idyllic setting for the playschool children and an idyllic childhood for my son. I feel it is their right and my responsibility. I pay close attention to detail, such as smells, placement of toys, the fibers of clothing, quality of food, because it is my job and my joy, both as a mother and care provider. I take both jobs very seriously. I try to convey that in this space. 

Is every day perfect?

Hell no.

Some days I feel overwhelmed. Some days I feel like I am trying to please everyone but forgetting so much about myself. We all feel like this from time to time. But 9.5 days out of 10, I feel incredible.

In closing, I still find it hard to believe that anyone reads this blog regularly. It's so nice to read your thoughts and comments and I take them all to heart. Thank you for sharing this space with me!

Love, Your Friend,

Rebecca