Yarn, glorious yarn.

Yesterday I had the best day I've had in ages with the lovely Britswitch, It being Samhain and all, we planned to get together, give thanks for the past year and remember those who have gone before. It was beautiful to spend time with my friend and I always enjoy ritual with her - we just seem to understand what the other is thinking which makes for excellent work.

However, we had a few things to achieve before then. First I wanted to go to I Knit. I thought it would be best to go and play with wool, feel inspired and wind down after a quite hectic and intense week, especially before we moved into the main event later that evening. But mainly I wanted to go because I've been almost obsessed with it since I saw the profile for it in Stitch and Bitch London

I've been really good lately and have saved up some pennies. I also wanted to buy some pretty sock yarn for gifts for friends. (and no they won't be receiving socks!). We arrived (with a slight squee from me when I caught sight of the shop) and entered what is truly a knitting haven. Brits was very patient and let me scamper around like a small child in sweet shop, gasping over the gorgeous colourways and trying to decide which ones would suit which friends. Eventually I decided -

And then because I'd been so good I bought a little something for myself. I have no idea what I'll do with it but then that's the beauty of stash.

The lady who runs I Knit was really friendly and very helpful. As I went to the counter explaining that I need to buy these for gifts and I'd like these but I'm a poor student and not sure that my funds will stretch .... she gamely picked them all up and said "Well we can try and if not we'll just have to put some back and try again". I looked slightly astonished, embarrassed and relieved all at once. Catching my mixed expression, she assured me that she completely understood and had once "spent her gas and electric money at the wool expo at Ally Pally a few years ago". Suddenly I realised I'd found a friend.

But I Knit is more than a shop. (or opium den - take your pick). It's a haven, a sanctuary. It's a fully licenced bar with tables and chairs and a comfy sofa for you to sit and knit in peace. When the Goddess gives you such a gift, it's rude to ignore it.

Armed with a pair of DPNs (Double pointed needles. See I was determined to buy some wool!), I sat myself down, unfurled a skein and started to cast on some socks. But wait. The lady came over to me and said "It'd be easier if you wound that into a ball. We have a skeiner if you'd like to use it". I looked at the contraption that Heath Robinson would be proud of with some fear and said "Oh it's ok. To be honest I've never used one before and it looks a bit daunting". "Oh it's easy" she said "Come on" and with she had me by the hand and led me over to an expandable wooden drum. She slipped my skein over it, threaded the end onto a rotating bobbin and told me to turn the handle. And this is the result.

This wool will be made into socks for a friend. I sat in a state of complete and utter bliss. It was just the tonic I needed after such a challenging week. Knitters really are the nicest people.

We had a wonderful evening honouring and feast, singing and laughing.

I looked at my stash this morning and realised how appropriate it was that I bought wool yesterday. Samhain is a fire festival, an element associated with the spark of inspiration and creativity which is certainly true of knitting. However it is more than that. For me, as I knit, I remember my wonderful Grandmothers who taught me (with patience) that I can create something beautiful with two sticks and some string. I remember the thrill of learning to purl and realising that now my knitting was limitless. With just two stitches I could create all manner of textures, surfaces and patterns. As I knit I remember, honour and carry their spirits with me.

I wish all of you peace and happiness for the coming year. I hope that you find your own creative spark and that it brings you joy.

x