I try not to use this blog as a venting space for Real Life Things because, honestly, who wants to read that? We’re all here for the yarn, the creativity, the inspiration, the joy, the fiber adventures. However, I feel a bit weird just going on blogging without acknowledging the scary news my family received this week, so please indulge me briefly. This week my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m not ready to call it bad news just yet, we’re still waiting for her to meet with the surgeon to determine the stage and severity of what we’re dealing with, but it’s certainly scary news no matter what and it’s going to be impacting our lives in some unexpected ways. So there it is, the big ‘C’, waltzing on into our lives. In the past few days we’ve been doing lots of research and hearing so many stories of triumph and strength that we’re all just trying to stay as positive as we can until we know more. Of course, I immediately ordered some yarn to make my mom a shawl because damnit if I can’t be there to comfort her, something I made with love in every stitch sure as hell will be… as soon as the yarn arrives. In the meantime, I’m going to continue blogging and sharing my love of knitwear and yarn with the world because happy distractions are good.
Fittingly, the knit I finished this week is a lovely pink color:
This is a modified version of the Millwater cowl that I was comissioned to make. The yarn is Malabrigo Twist in Damask and it made a great, squishable fabric. I hope the recipient loves it.
I also finished a cowl for myself:
This Ingot cowl designed by Lisa Mutch is a really simple but effective piece. Knit in a silk blend like Codex it becomes really stunning. I’m planning to wear this to Stitches East this weekend (and get better photos of it) so I can spread the Codex love around the Verdant Gryphon booth!
Finally, I started some wonderfully soothing spinning:
This is a beautiful, self-striping “bullseye bump” from the Loop! etsy shop in all my favorite colors ever. Teals, greens, olives, aquas, silvers — yes, please. I’ve never spun from a center-pull batt before but I’m enjoying it so far, the fibers are light and even, almost predrafted already for a smooth spin. The bumps are a little bit on the expensive side for spinning fiber but this was a ‘congrats on finishing your manuscript’ gift to myself and I feel now is a good a time as any to indulge a little bit.
That’s all I have this week. Check out more FOs at Tamis Amis.
Woolen Diversions 
I am very sorry to hear about your mom. I hope it all works out for the better – cancer is something no one should have to go through. You will be in my thoughts as I work with Relay for Life this year.
In other news, I love the second cowl – that pattern is beautiful and I think the yarn you chose works well with it. I can’t wait to see it off the block board.
LikeLike
Thank you, Lisa, I really appreciate that.
LikeLike
Beautiful projects – I’m not usually a fan of teal, but that spinning looks yummy. I hope the news about your mother turns out ok.
LikeLike
Oh gosh, teal is my faaaaavorite! 🙂 Thank you for the good wishes.
LikeLike
Prayers to your family as you await the news. Love your projects.
LikeLike
Thank you very much.
LikeLike
I’m just fine with hearing about Real Life Things. I think it helps people connect because you never know who has been struggling in the same way. We’re here to support you and your Mum, even if can only be through words.
And your projects look lovely. I hope we get to see a modeled shot of your new cowl sometime soon!
LikeLike
Thank you, Audry. 🙂 I will do my best to get some nice shots at Stitches, it looks much better on than it does blocking!
LikeLike
Lovely projects patterns and colours are beautiful. Prayers for your mum, hope everything works out, always stay positive x
LikeLike
Thank you very much, Carol!
LikeLike
Those cables are gorgeous! Both your FOs are stunning!
LikeLike
Thanks! I love the big chunky cables.
LikeLike
It is hard to decide how much real life to share in a blog, but I am always touched when people open up and share a little of their lives. My mom had breast cancer about 8 years ago. She had surgery and is very healthy and active now at age 77. The Big C is a scary intruder — and a very unpredictable one.
LikeLike
I’ve been hearing so many encouraging stories like this of relatives who’ve had it and fought it and live with it, it’s been very helpful for keeping a sense of perspective and hope. Thank you, I appreciate it.
LikeLike
I hope your scary news doesn’t become bad news and that by the time you finish your mom’s shawl it will just be a lovely present that doesn’t need to do any comforting. It’s always a bit of a shock when you’re going about your life and suddenly these kinds of things happen. Definitely don’t feel like you have to pretend they don’t exist for the blog’s sake.
LikeLike
I think that knitting your mom a shawl is a perfect way to show your love and support. Good luck, and in the meantime, keep on knitting and spinning. Both cowls are lovely. The colors in the bullseye bump from loop are gorgeous. I have one in my fiber stash but plan on saving it for when my spinning skills get better. I love to take it out and pet it every so often!
LikeLike
Pingback: Of Family & Friends | Woolen Diversions
Pingback: WIPWed #74: Feeling Thankful | Woolen Diversions
Pingback: FOFri #48: Moonlight Pine and Spinzilla | Woolen Diversions