Posted on by Bonne Marie

Going to the Woods October 4, 2011

My head is spinning right now.

I just figured out how to use my iPhone as a hotspot for WiFi. Woo the Hoo! ;p

Why is this such a tickle me elmo?

Because I’m going on the road.

And I’m going to have an internet connection in the hinterlands…

Nope, no Rhineback this year; for the next few weeks, I’m going to be with my Mom in Northern Lower Michigan! She’ll be recovering from some surgery and I’m going to be her wingman until she’s got some mobility back.

So I’m busy putting my road-kit together: my old Mac Intel Mini, small monitor, Wacom tab and lots of design files to crunch and massage, yarn, needles, small camera, card reader and lot’s of warm clothes.

And here’s where the fun starts!

Trying to put together a road show of sweaters to take with me is just ludicrous!

During this time of year, I’m unnaturally attached to my closet full of knitwear in a most embarrassing way. I sort it, I fold it, I wash it, and basically play with a collection that’s grown over the years to take up a whole armoire (that’s cotton AND wool, though ;p).

Winnowing it down to a few to take on a trip is pretty hilarious because I Want To Take Them All.

BTW, this is an adjunct to the way I *pack* shoes for a trip as well, often ending up with a pile that would require a dedicated suitcase if taken. Reaching that point usually brings me to my senses but not always…

So, I tried to fool myself and started early this time plumping and washing a bunch of sweaters and this is what ended up being the Final Six:

Chic Knits Hand Knitting Patterns

Or maybe 5, because I’m thinking the grey one can be left home…

I need a big woolie one to hunker down in during the evening hours or walking down to the tiny ‘lil Post Office in the early AM to get the mail. So there’s my original Mrs. CB’s Camp Jacket (that I re-animated) going along to do utility duty In Style.

Then, next from left, my newish girlish post modern retro number – the Turquoise cardigan with Red Buttons. Maybe we’ll have visitors and I’ll need to dress for dinner.

Skipping the grey one because I’m seeing now it should be left In the City (just my intuition), there’s my new FO, the yellow-green Jo Sharp DK (color: MAPLE) sweater that was finished during the Sleeve Workshop at YarnCon (waves to all the wonderful folks who joined me there! It was so exciting for me to demonstrate the magic of the Sleeve Cap that day!). But of course, I ended up with a new sweater even though it took a few years (5) to finish. Which ended up being a rather good thing, since it now is completely different (better) than how I originally envisioned it.

Can’t leave town without my BFF, my huggable Mondo Cable Pulli in Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed. It is just the thing to watch all those Masterpiece Theater episodes (DOWNTON here I come! I got Wi the Fi and can stream you! In the middle of nowhere!)

And last but not least is my Deep Woods Barn Yarn Scoop du Jour, which always goes to Tustin this time of year.

It was made for those walks in the woods with the dogs and I’m hoping I see these colors again while I wander.

That tree’s still there, by a little pond on a lonely road.

And I’ll be there soon…

14 Replies to “Going to the Woods October 4, 2011”

  1. You are set for a great getaway! What WIPs are going along for the ride? I think I may need a Mondo Pulli (even though I am such a cardi gal) now that I see yours; my Silkroad Aran Tweed Twist is of course MY BFF.

  3. I swear, this came straight out of my packing journals of trips past. Holy mother of Pearl – when in doubt, take it all! I mean, leaving one behind – isn’t that kind of like picking your least favorite child and leaving them at the bus station? Looking forward to reading your many adventures.

  5. That’s how I pack – two outfits that will mix & match, three scarves, and five pair of shoes.

  6. I always want to take everything, too — an extra sweater or shawl is usually not a bad idea in MI, while dressing too lightly is always a bad idea! Projects for knitting, I have zero perspective on — I never have time to take even a nibble on each one I pack. Then there’s the needle collection . . .

  8. My sweetheart keeps reminding me that the object of the exercise is NOT to see how much the suitcase will hold.

  10. SUCH Gorgeous Sweaters !! I keep knitting your patterns and giving them to my daughters.
    SOOO need to knit for me !!
    LOVE the turquoise with red buttons !!
    How can I get the pattern ?
    Have a WONDERFUL trip – Enjoy !!
    Beth in Richmond, Va

  12. Beautiful collection of sweaters. You may want to bring a cotton one or two. We’re having a beautiful warm fall this week in the Mitten. Highs in the mid-70’s. Enjoy your trip. I hope your Mom recovers quickly.

  13. Best wishes to your mom for a speedy & easy recovery. Bea-yooootiful sweater array. Inspiring!
    and..how did you get your phone to be a wifi hotspot? I have been trying to do that and failing for 3 years. A new app?

  14. Dear Bonne Marie, Safe travels and best wishes to your mom as she recovers. You shared a photo of her once and she reminds me of both my mom and my grandma. Enjoy your time with her and with the small-town vibe. Lovely sweaters as always. Ann in Ohio

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