Busy time here with the new lambs and other things going on - so once again the knitting and reading have slipped off the agenda a bit. I had hoped to knit up a few wee pouches for Lori's trip to Africa, but it doesn't look as if I can get this together in time - sorry. A few weeks ago, I posted about a blanket project for Alzheimers Scotland. Some beautiful kind people have knitted up squares and sent them either to me or to the AS office. Thank you Dawn, Gill, Sarah and Susan, and to anyone else who has taken part in this project - I really do appreciate you taking time out to do this.
Now it is time to send the squares off to be incorporated into the giant blanket, representing all those in Scotland who are suffering from dementia, and so we have been sewing them together in strips of 10. I happened into my Local Yarn Shop last week when a group were sewing squares, so happily joined in for an hour, stitching and chatting (ok - drinking coffee and nibbling biscuits too) At home, I have been sewing up my own squares and watching the patchwork of colour emerge is such a satisfying part of the work,
When visiting the big town recently, I happened to come across a brand new periodical - Earthlines, published right here on this very island - about 40 miles down the road from me! Sharon Blackie and her husband David Knowles are both Crofters on Lewis, and also run an independent publishing company from their home. Earthlines is full of stunning photography and artwork, as well as the most beautiful, evocative writing about our relationship to nature, place, and the connections and difficulties we find. Appropriately for Yarn Along, the first page I turned to was a truly moving piece by designer Alice Starmore, who is from Lewis. In this article, peppered with some of her amazing images of the natural world, she laments the retreat of people from the land, and the impact that has had on the landscape. And there is more in that vein - not just about Scotland, but from all over the planet. I loved the "bardic declamation" by Alastair Mackintosh, one of my favourite writers, and the essay on Anasazi Country. This is another publication full of mindful articles, which deserves to be savoured and meditated on. I am so happy that such an inspiring magazine is being produced on my doorstep - do visit Earthline's web page for more details.
And do visit Ginny at Small Things for this week's Yarn Along and be inspired by reading and knitting.
Sounds like a very interesting publication. Seeing your mention of "Anasazi Country" took me back to the 1980's when we lived in Northern New Mexico only a few miles from the remains of an Anasazi Community estimated to have been built in the 12th century, but periodically inhabited for thousands of years before. (Bandelier National Monument).We loved taking our then small children there to hike the trails and climb up into the cliff dwellings. Sitting in the valley and listening to the sounds of laughter and voices, you could close your eyes and imagine that it must have sounded much the same when it was inhabited. There were mountains and lakes nearby also. It was a beautiful place to live and we enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThe squares for the blanket are so bright and cheerful. I'm sure the recipients will find them comforting. What a great service.
ReplyDeleteEarthline sounds quite interesting!
ReplyDeleteMy daughters and I have squares all ready to send from Chicago, but I haven't received a response yet from Alzheimers Scotland about the mailing address. Would you be able to post that here for me?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jacqui!
Hi Tracy - thank you so - so much for doing this. \probably best if you send them to
DeleteAlzheimer Scotland
22 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7RN.
I would have said to send them to me, but they may not get there in time if i have to forward them on. xxx
Am following up the Earthlines, sounds good. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed knitting the squares, so it was a pleasure - will pop along to see what the pockets are about too.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to find a local publication, looks lovely.
Earthline sound so wonderful. I love the idea of it being published locally too. I truly hope that we are recognizing the importance of our earth again and returning to it in a beneficial way. I see a movement towards it...It might be a small one, but it's a start. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEarthlines does sound interesting, nothing like a good article that can have you lamenting for a few days. The blanket is looking wonderful, well done. Dementure is so debilitating for a whole family. x x x
ReplyDeleteLovely photo! all those colourful squares are going to make a wonderful blanket. Earthlines sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI so admire your knitting Jacqui and the wonderful cause it is for, what a blessing and seeing all the colors joined together will be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good cause for your knitting. Earthlines sounds very good. The mention of Anasazi Country got me, since the Anasazi people are very important in Arizona history.
ReplyDeletewhat a treasure to find jaqui, i would love that magazine i'm sure. the squares for dementia is very inspiring, please don't apologize for the pockets. i wish i also could have sent squares to the wonderful cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for your sweet comments. I have since received some more squares from Claire in Ireland, and there are more on the way. I appreciate this so very much, it will truly be a blanket made from love xxx
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fabulous when we find a treasure? It sounds like your periodical falls into that category... and the lambs! What a glorious time to have sheep! I love spring. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Hi thought I would let you know that I subscribed to earthlines after seeing it here....and I love it. Thanks for promoting it here or I'd never have found it x
ReplyDeleteOh that is great kelly - I am always a bit worried about recommending something I have loved, just in case anyone is disappointed. it is an amazing read - I am still going through it - aslo spoke to another blogger who had bought it and loved it too xxx
DeleteThe publication sounds great, might have to have a look myself. I also think the squares everyone has been knitting is such a wonderful thing to do, and what an amazing blanket it will eventually be! I'd love to know what stitch the yellow square has been knitted in (reminds me of a waffle) as I'd love to give it a go! :) x
ReplyDelete