Atlas Insider
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.
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Hi! Love this! What vest is she wearing in the photo? I love it !
Also would love to know that vest pattern, so cute!
Agreed on vest! Please share.
Let’s see a picture of the clown dickies. Made me laugh. Clowns on them? Something a clown would wear? Dying to see them.
And I love that you have the halibut sweater on needles-fun!
Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Thanks for sharing, Ashe. You have built a knitting community! Early last winter, someone posted on our local FB (which is what we use in rural OH) looking for knitting lessons. A local shop owner offered her space, but did not knit. I taught my fourth grade students to knit for years and stepped into that gap. I am so proud of my knitters now that we are nearly a year out! We have knit cowls, shawls, blankets, purses, and recently pumpkins. The knitters are passionate about their craft. (I know this because stashes are being developed!) Most importantly, we have come together from all ages and walks of life to share our stories and bond over knitting.
I also have a couple of bins of yarns under my bed along with a bin of fabric and I sleep just fine. Nights have definitely gotten cooler here in South Carolina and I have finally been able to turn off the AC. I love having the windows open and letting the cool air in. Still gets warm in the afternoon, though. I love your idea of a knit night. We get together once a week at a local eatery on an afternoon because there are so many of us. But maybe a small knit night would be fun! BTW, I love your yarn guardian! ❤️
Happy Anniversary! I love reading how the connections keep connecting. Sleep well on that stash!
I am ready to cast on! I need a knitting group too. this sounds like so much fun.
I love how a gathering of friends becomes family❤️
What is the pattern fr your wonderful vest?
Ashe on a Stash – I love that ❤️ !
You are too cool for school, Ashe. You keep jumping in where angels fear to tread – knit nights (they don’t all work out), Neigh sweaters (ditto) and planning to learn Continental knitting (do it soon while you are still young. So much easier that way. It’s so handy to know two methods, even if English stays your favorite.). Hloe
Love knitting….would like to learn the continental style of knitting also!