Hello, dear readers—
It’s been a hella long time since I’ve sent out a newsletter. It’s not that I don’t think about things I want to share. It’s not that I don’t love connecting with you all. The simple fact is that I have been in an in-between space, not sure of which direction I want to go but quite sure that the current direction is not the one I want to be on any longer. The road I was on HAD been one I loved for a long, long time! But if we are willing to be honest with ourselves, we can see when we have changed and we can either doggedly continue with something that isn’t working or try something new.
I have loved teaching Fair Isle design—I’ve been teaching for some 20 years! But last year I realized that teaching took a toll on me physically, emotionally, and creatively. More of a toll than I was willing to pay, so after a lot of internal resistance I have decided to retire from teaching.
This decision, so simple, was not an easy one to come to. I didn’t know who I would be if I were to quit. As an older woman I felt I would no longer be interesting if I didn’t have my work. But I know for sure that we have to create space for new things to enter, so I’m trusting that something as yet unidentified will capture me. I’m ready to meet it with open hands—I already feel a resurgence of energy! I look forward to sharing what I learn with you.
Wishing you the clarity to see where you might need to change and the courage to do so! Here’s to a soft landing wherever life takes you ❤️
Janine
Iceland
Handspinner Jillian Moreno and I are leading another trip to colorful, awe-inspiring Iceland this September 9th – 24th, and two last-minute cancelations have opened space up again. Iceland is filled with wonders for folks who love fiber and knitting: we’ll be spending time with sheep and yarn and local teachers and dyers. Please take a look at our lovingly plotted itinerary and let us know if you’re interested! (Several folks have asked, no, we won't be taking a group to Iceland again.)
The Joy of Community
Last week I returned from 5 days at Meg Swansen’s Knitting Camp in Marshfield, Wisconsin. I haven’t felt this relaxed in ages! Spending time with other avid knitters, learning new techniques, seeing the work they’ve done, laughing at crazy contest entries… For some 20 years I’ve gone to Camp, and the friendships that have developed there are so important to me. I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of how random so many important things in life are—I “met” Meg Swansen in the pages of Knitting in America and that chance encounter changed my life. I learned to knit, to design, to teach, and to innovate from Meg and the people I met at camp over the years.
I’ve been lucky that I could afford the time and cost of Camp—not everyone can. But social media gives all of us a chance to find like-minded creatives, whether in our backyards or across the world. And sometimes this sense of connection might consist simply of enjoying someone’s Instagram feed and saying, “I am not alone.”
Things I’ve Been Enjoying
Good news!!! Northern Exposure, one of my very favorite TV shows, is now available on streaming (you have to purchase or rent it from Amazon or Google Play)! Northern Exposure ran from 1990 to 1995; it’s the story of a newly graduated doctor from New York City who is sent to tiny Cicely, Alaska, to work off his debt to the state of Alaska, which paid for his schooling. It features a great cast of characters who have conflicting views of life yet are tolerant of each other. I’m rewatching it now—it has held up to the passage of time pretty well!
If you love Ted Lasso you will probably love Northern Exposure, a perfect Knit-To-This show. It wasn’t available for years due to a dispute over the music it used so I’m so happy that it’s now here for more people to discover. (Note: If you are sensitive to expletives or discussions of sex you will not enjoy this show.)The statue to author James Baldwin in Madison, Wisconsin: “Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
I had a chance to look through Carina Olsson’s new book Fair Isle Knitting and I recommend it! If you follow her on Instagram (@kallmink) you know that she’s a fabulous colorist and designer.
I’ve been cooking a number of recipes from Dishing Out Health—many of them have become family favorites: Red Pesto Pasta, 20 Minute Scallion Noodles, Cauliflower Burrito Bowls with Jalapeño Ranch, Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad… You might want to check it out if you’re looking for straightforward, tasty recipes!
“Most of the time you don’t need more information, you need more curiosity.” ~James Clear
Speaking of cooking I was completely charmed by The Year of Miracles (recipes about love + grief + growing things) by Ella Risbridger. The recipes look good and the illustrations are charming, but it was the text that kept me reading past my bedtime. Ella’s partner had died just before the pandemic—the book is about the power of friendship and an open heart. “It’s easy if you let it be easy,” one of her friends says—words that apply to cooking and to life.
“Tree roots show us that there is a massive, sturdy, and ethereal connection underneath us, not just dirt or the vacuum emptiness of the abyss.” ~Anne Lamott
I was fortunate to be in one of your classes, learned so much that truly opened up my vision and world. Thank you for that, and on to new things!
We will miss the kindness of your sharing your skills in classes with us. I am grateful to have benefitted from your encouragement and expertise, several times, especially in Shetland! But I do understand, there are times to make changes. I wish you much happiness with whatever your heart leads you to next. May this time open up creativity for you in as yet unknown ways.