My Accidental Knitting Circle

When I woke us this morning, my thermostat relayed that my home was 71 degrees instead of the 74 that was set. I bundled up in my comforter and brewed my favorite tea. On my front porch as the steam enveloped me through the dusty blue sky, the overwhelming, tingling urge to knit warmed my finger tips.

IT MUST BE FALL IN NASHVILLE, Y’ALL!

Last year, I had just moved into a 125 year old house, drafty with charm. While nestled in front of a fire surrounded by boxes, I was struck with the itch to knit.

When I was finally settled, I knew I wanted to share my fall knitting bug with friends. I fell into action, created the perfect invitation, baked bread, and lit candles. Finally, the ambiance was just so, friends gathered, and the knitting commenced.

When I began my knitting circle, it was only supposed to be a quick project over cider once a week. But my “Knit November” parties quickly evolved into so much more.

One month turned into one year and the friends turned into family. There have been laughs echoing throughout my living room, delicious snacks devoured (we even had a Best Apple Contest and bought every variety in the store). We’ve gasped over every season of Love is Blind and shared so many skills.

There has also been some heartbreak—one faithful member moving away—but triumphs revealed themselves too. My friend Cara, the fastest knitter I know, possibly the fastest knitter in the south, has quickly become a cherished sample knitter at MDK.

Whether that be knitting dog sweaters for the Pooch Book, scarves for virtual classes, or pulling an all-nighter with me cranking out Freak Flags for Nash Yarn Fest, Cara and I have had a year for the ages.

Since the November anniversary of the start of our weekly Knit Nights is quickly approaching, I took this brisk morning to reflect on all the things Cara and I have knit this past year.

Cara has knit 30 sweaters, 10 hats and scarves, and too-many-to-count samples for MDK.

I have knit 46 freak flags, two Bliss Bloss shawls whose ends need woven in, half of a Halibut Sweater, half of the Neigh Sweater (which I will have done this Christmas (hopefully). Check out my first Atlas insider for the scoop.), and two clown dickies.

The Yarn Guardian

My goal for this fall is to learn Continental Knitting so I can keep up with Cara and hopefully bust through the hundreds of skeins I bought at Nash Yarn Fest and throughout the year at MDK World Headquarters. They are all tightly bundled under my bed awaiting my next manic burst of inspiration.

I do sleep soundly on all of that yarn but I am no Princess and the Pea. Please call me Ashe on a Stash.

Hopefully, wherever you are, a chill morning has ignited your passion for knitting once again. And, when in doubt, call a friend or invite your neighbors over for a knit night. You never know, a magical year may be waiting for you after just one night of fun.