being present

I have done barely any crafting whatsoever since returning home. Apart from making Lukas' pikachu birthday cake-for which I received many compliments...aha, see, fine arts degrees ARE useful;O) He LOVED it, indeed, so did all the little boys who hilariously made dramatic pikachu death cries as we cut the cake.

His party was a hoot,I loved watching these little boys run up to each other and throw their arms around each other, such open affection in their 6 and 7 year old hearts. People do judge children very harshly(little "sh*ts is how I have tiresomely, regularly heard kids being described) but as I see it they have a real appreciation of being and having true loving friends, they don't expect anyone to be anything other than what they are... and they are cute to boot.

I am in the process of washing and felting 3 old woollen jumpers, gifts from my parents wardrobes. One has been known in our family as "big green" and is the jumper my minds eye always fixes on my dad.

It is over sized, stretched, cabled, hand spun, hand dyed and hand knitted and either my aunty or mum made it for him, at least 30 years ago. He wore it camping, bird watching, gardening and it is really touching for me to have been given it. Of course as he said, "I haven't worn it in years"...I think, it is telling though that he kept it. So, instead of felting it I am going to unravel it and re-use the beautiful soft sage green wool to crochet something special.

My mum also parted happilly with a bright red (accidentally partially felted) jumper which she wore over the years too. Picture this; knee high ugg boots over grey tracky dacks and a cherry red jumper-true comfort clothing.

I can't think of a more appropriate re used fabric to make oven mitts out of than a hand knitted mum-worn snuggly jumper...surely a little bit of her and my dads sweetness will find their way into what I create? Hope so!

xKate