Monica Knits

I recently took a spinning class and the instructor, Annie, mentioned that she placed small leftover bits of natural wool roving and yarn in “onion” net bags for birds to use for nest construction and insulation. I tried recycling a couple of fruit & vegetable nets, but the holes were too small for the birds to withdraw the contents.

We’ve had a couple of frosts now, so I wanted the winter birds to have warm insulation. This lace tube sock, shown with blue and red roving, was the result. I'll report back on whether it works better than the vegetable nets.

If you travelled west on Flint street in Lake Orion this past weekend you couldn't miss the well dressed bike rack and neighboring buildings. As one of 7 district knitting stores participating in the 8th annual "Shop Hop," Heritage Spinning & Weaving, the neighboring city hall, tree and parking sign were all dressed in yarn for the occasion. I'm still smiling as I recall coming upon this sight Saturday morning. http://www.heritagespinning.com Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.

Whenever I see red poppies, I am reminded of the poem, "In Flanders Fields", and I am moved to tears. My mother is a war refugee and my father is a retired, career solidier. He recites this poem, from memory, with poignancy and the emotion only a soldier can know. I grew up hearing stories of the horrors of war and survival from family members and close family friends. Click on photo to read poem.

After a few dark grey, rainy autumn days, my spirits were lifted as I looked up through the oak's canopy to see a blue sky. The leaves, backlit by the sun, were eye candy. As well, I love autumn colors. Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.