One thing leads to another...

Okay. We got Shetland sheep because they were the perfect fit for our family, our lifestyle, our farm deferral project. I intended to enjoy the little dears while selling a few select lambs and fleeces. I did NOT intend to do anything with their wool myself, besides maybe shearing it. No knowledge, little interest, no time - or so I told myself. But there were so many fascinating things to learn about the breed, and I was (am) an eager student. And with more knowledge about the creatures came more interest in their wonderful fleeces. Now I'm hoping to learn about spinning through acquaintances and the local spinning guild, to see if that's something I want to pursue. Then I got to thinking about the pointlessness of producing yarn if I can't do anything with it. And some of the handspun I saw at the State Fair was gorgeous, begging to be used for something special. Even my son admired it.


Not only did Brian admire the Shetland yarn, he seemed fascinated by a new friend's knitting project. He watched, quietly and keenly, as she worked. When she offered to let him help a little, he took the opportunity eagerly. How young can a child learn, I wondered?


What about me? A quarter century ago I croqueted and knitted a little. Could I pick it back up? With all these thoughts rattling around in my busy brain, yesterday I stopped by a local yarn shop to see if they offered classes. (They do, but none that work with my schedule.) Then (of course!) I had to browse through the yarn and revel in the colors and textures. But I was strong, and left without spending a cent. (Fooled you, huh?)

I had to stop at Wal-Mart for a prescription before heading home. The craft section sounded its siren call. I looked. I saw some stunning yarn - on sale. I succumbed. How hard could knitting a scarf be? So I went home, downloaded "Learn to Knit" from www.lionbrand.com, and went to work. Slowly. Clumsily. Still, it was oddly exciting, and satisfying.

Since this morning, my project has gained several inches, and I no longer have to consult the instructions. (I also went back to Wal-Mart today and bought three more balls of yarn - Christmas is coming!) Go ahead; chuckle among yourselves and look knowingly at one another. Better plan an intervention, too. Looks like I'm going to be a card-carrying member of Fiberholics Anonymous!

By the way, Brian wants to know when I'm going to teach him how to knit. Guess what they say is true: addictions run in families.

That's it for now at . . .