As knitters, we are all about the patterns, aren't we? We love the lace patterns, and the sock patterns, and the patterned sweaters, some made with the patterned yarns. There is a constant ebb and flow to the patterns we love, from Charlottes Web (which was the only shawl to knit when I first started reading blogs), to Clapotis to Rogue. But there is another pattern I have observed, and which I have found to be pervasive from time to time with those of us who like to wield pointy sticks.
The knitting slump.
Several of my knit blogging friends and I are currently experiencing the knitting slump. Nothing is stirring our hearts, or making our palms itch to pick up the sticks and fondle the fiber. There is desultory knitting of a few socks. There are plans being made for a shawl, or a fall sweater. But there is no fire. No passion.
Luckily for me, I am blessed with some amazing fiber loving friends. Creative and generous friends who share with me those things that ignite in them the fire I so desperately need right now.
From Amanda, just because. Because she knew somehow that I was in near fatal need of a pat on the back and a hug, and she somehow knew that an unexpected armload of Merino and Tussah roving could make a decent stand-in. And the soap smells divine!!
Amanda, words cannot express how much I love this fibery goodness. Handpainted Merino and Tussah Roving in Rockstar from BMFA. So soft, so fluffy, and so inspiring. The silk just glitters on the surface, catching the light and revealing the jewel tones beneath. Breathtaking!
And from Teyani. In trade for one of my sock bags (though easily worth at least a hundred), thereby validating my fledgling efforts at playing with needles with eyes!
Lovely Corriedale Pencil Roving in the Tourmaline colorway. She dyes up this heavenly stuff herself, people, after she lovingly grows it on the backs of cute little four footed animals*. They, of course, love Teyani so much, that they obligingly unzip their fleeces and hand them over to her, which she then dyes into these fabulous colorways just for you and me. Go ask her, I'll wait. I'm betting she has some for you as well! Heaven on earth!
Sigh!
I am blessed indeed!
*Teyani informs me that she does not raise the Corriedales that the pencil roving comes from. She does, however, raise Shetlands, and they, of course, love Teyani just as much as I said about the Corriedales. Truly!
Comments (12)
I am so happy you like it -- you deserve it! And I feel lucky to count you as a friend :o)
Posted by amanda | May 12, 2006 6:26 AM
Posted on May 12, 2006 06:26
I must admit, I know nothing about pencil roving. How does that work?
Posted by Carole | May 12, 2006 8:02 AM
Posted on May 12, 2006 08:02
Here's hoping that you LOVE to spin the roving as much as you like the color of it! (grins) And if for some reason the spinning doesn't thrill you, pull out one of those felted hat patterns from Fiber trends and knit yourself a cozy fast hat! One skein should be enough - it's a quick gratifying knit!
Posted by Teyani | May 12, 2006 8:44 AM
Posted on May 12, 2006 08:44
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I guess that might inspire slumpers like us Leah! I'm slowly coming out of mine. Is it the warmer weather???
Posted by Beck | May 12, 2006 10:38 AM
Posted on May 12, 2006 10:38
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels slumplike. Love the roving!! Beautiful stuff!
Posted by Gracie | May 12, 2006 1:40 PM
Posted on May 12, 2006 13:40
Isn't the pencil roving cool? The BlueMoon roving is also just lovely - it's so nice to have friends with great color sense!
Posted by Emily | May 12, 2006 4:26 PM
Posted on May 12, 2006 16:26
Y.U.M.M.Y :) I have some of that pencil roving on order and can't wait to get it! Everything is beautiful and should give you just the nudge you need. Enjoy it all! :)
Posted by Karen | May 12, 2006 5:26 PM
Posted on May 12, 2006 17:26
purrrrrty. can't wait to see your mess!
Posted by kate | May 12, 2006 6:03 PM
Posted on May 12, 2006 18:03
What beautiful fiber. You are very lucky, indeed :-)
Posted by Becky | May 13, 2006 5:28 AM
Posted on May 13, 2006 05:28
It is good to know you have such great friends who can push you in the right direction when you feel you need a shove...comforting for the heart and soul. They are beautiful fibers and I can't wait to see the finished spun yarn.
Posted by Cynthia | May 13, 2006 7:23 PM
Posted on May 13, 2006 19:23
Somehow beautiful rovings speak to people and say "get a spindle... pick up a spindle... you can do it.... it's so so so easy... your own handspun in no time at all... it'll beautiful... you won't think you suck at it... no it's not addictive..." Just looking at these pictures I can hear the rovings speaking to me and I. MUST. NOT. LISTEN.
Posted by Laura | May 13, 2006 11:18 PM
Posted on May 13, 2006 23:18
What good friends you have! Enjoy your lovely rovings -- I hope they jump start your enthusiasm for all your fiber-related activities!
Posted by Rachel | May 14, 2006 10:01 AM
Posted on May 14, 2006 10:01