My knitting project is a pretty scarf for myself this winter. I have the most horrible time finding a winter coat. I’ve learned long ago that people in the Frozen Tundra collect coats. When I first moved here, I bought a really nice coat, but they just had a size medium. I’m an XS, so it looks pretty huge on me. It has served me very well, though, when I am largely pregnant or if I want to baby wear under the coat.
A few years ago, I was hoping to get something that actually fit. I found a really cute coat, that wasn’t as heavy as I wanted, but it was surprisingly cheap. That coat is falling apart in multiple places now. I purchased a heavy wool coat from Land’s End this year, and special ordered it in XS, petite. It’s still a bit big, but not crazy big. More like I can wear my biggest sweater underneath and still be comfortable. Since I’m headed towards a winter way below zero, I’m going to consider that a perk.
I’m also in a big stash busting mode. I’m trying hard not to purchase any more yarn until the stash is tamed. I made the Berit Hat, which I still need to photograph. There’s still a bit of embroidery left to do on that one. I am using all the rest of my pretty off white stash of Quince chickadee to make this Elena Cowl. My older kids have taken over so many of my old scarves and hats that I’m determined to make some that I won’t share right now. Silje is taking so many of my clothes and jackets now that we really just need a bit more.
For reading, I’m thoroughly enjoying Anything by Jennie Allen. I’ve never read anything by her before, but I know she’s involved in some big things. I got this book as a part of an online book club I joined. The first 400 people to sign up for the book club got the book free. I was one of the first 400, so that was pretty cool.
It feels weird reading this book because so much of what I am reading is so similar to what I’m currently writing in my journal and blog post ideas. At first I was like, “Is she inside my head?” Then I realized again that God is doing something big, and he’s pretty consistent. Sometimes the Holy Spirit tells a people something, and we all nod in agreement and say: yes, this is good.
So far I’m loving this book. I love how she talks about her desperate need for God, and how sometimes we are so sick of needing God. We want to just once pick our own selves up. Her prayer is one I’ve been struggling with for awhile. Do we really trust God with our lives? Are we willing to lay it all down for whatever his plan might be? There’s some great, good thoughts in here.
Heather says
November 11, 2015 at 2:24 pmThat cowl will be a beautiful knit! And I love the scarf, so pretty!
Jennifer says
November 11, 2015 at 2:40 pmI love that pattern. I will turn out gorgeous!
Sarah says
November 11, 2015 at 2:50 pmSo much beauty in this post! I love your wip and that Berit- gorgeous.
I think sometimes when God is teaching me, not only does he place that idea everywhere but my brain also sees it everywhere. I just read something by Charlotte Mason about how ideas are like seeds that are meant to grow. That has made me smile as I have lately seen everywhere the idea of needing a deep communion directly with Jesus with nothing else between me and Him… since books and blogs and yes, sometimes even reading Scripture is a way I try to keep Him at a distance though He doesn’t let his word be used like that for long. I have heard good things about that book and have a feeling I will eventually read it. I’m glad you are enjoying it!
Elizabeth says
November 11, 2015 at 4:53 pmthat’s always the struggle, to have faith that we are where God wants us to be and that He can handle our lives and struggles. Faith and thankfulness are big things I am working on right now; I did not realize that they are so closely linked but now somehow I see this. It’s like faith that God’s timing and placing of me is right and good, that I can relax in that and can be thankful for exactly where I am.
very pretty scarf! The coat sounds like a pretty good one, I hope it will keep you really warm!
Bekah says
November 11, 2015 at 5:44 pmThat cowl is beautiful!
That’s so interesting that the book fits in with what you’ve been thinking about – I often find that I come across inspirational quotes on instagram right at the right time, or hearing advice from friends when I need it the most… Especially at the moment, when my plans for the future are unclear (I’ve just graduated) I’m understanding more and more that things happen when we need them to 🙂 All part of the bigger plan – just scary when we don’t know what that plan is!!
Angela says
November 11, 2015 at 10:52 pmSuch a lovely scarf! I felt the same way reading Anything as well! It was a life changing for me!
Emily says
November 12, 2015 at 1:20 amI’ve been contemplating some new winter duds for myself, too! Since I’m not pregnant this year I could.use a smaller coat. 🙂
Kerri says
November 12, 2015 at 2:23 pm‘so sick of needing God’ YES! I might need to get this book from the library. Can’t wait to hear what you think of it.
Mom says
November 13, 2015 at 6:47 pmBeautiful scarf! I love making scarves because you can whip them up pretty quickly and have something new. I’m anxious to go through your bookshelf when I get up there to see what kind of interesting books I need to add to my “To Read” list. 🙂