The Tao Of Physics

In the vast spaces of the subatomic world where
Matter has a     tendency     to exist
The lord of Life is breathing in and out,
Creating and destroying the universe
With each wave of his breath.

And my lord Siva dances in the city streets,
His body a fierce illusion of flesh, of energy,
The particles of light cast off from his hair
Invade the mighty night, the relative night, this dream.

Here where events have a    tendency    to occur
My chair and all its myriad inner worlds
Whirl around in the carousel of space; I hurl
Breathless poems against my lord Death, send these
Words, these words
Careening into the beautiful darkness.


Gwendolym MacEwen
Afterworlds, 1987

Notorious Red In the Park

It's a truly beautiful day here in the city. Sunny but not too hot. Breezy. 

Finding myself full of anxious energy due to boring old life circumstances best not dwelt over, I decided to take advantage of the weather. My knitting. my camera, and I went for one of those long, long, walks in High Park.

Stopping to rest and knit at the picnic tables between Dog Hill and the allotment gardens, I was challenged again by just how hard it is to photograph red. After multiple settings and a dozen shots, these two are the best I could achieve. Perhaps there is a better photographer than I out there who can explain the Notorious Red phenomenon to me.

It's hard to tell, but this single-ply lace weight from Riverside Studio is slowly becoming a cardigan. Ever so slowly. 
I always wanted a lace weight sweater and it seemed like a good idea to try on. However, I am only 80% through the back piece and already it feels like a slog. I am hoping that as more pieces form and I can better envision the end product, I will get excited again. It is, after all, a lovely shade of red.

Classic Cool Sweater

I came across this image while flipping through one of the fashion mags I keep around for collages. Don't you just love the fresh styling of this classic pullover? The ad is actually for the boots and bag brand but I think the sweater takes center stage here, especially the way it is paired so unexpectedly with a cute floral skirt and dark tights

The photo reminds me so much of the knits in Susan Crawford's amazing Vintage Shetland Project. If you've not heard of it you should read her blog. Amazing detailed, loving work. Susan suffered a frightening setback this week with a fire in her barn. Thankfully her family, human and sheep, are all fine but she lost her recently sheared fleece. Her crowd funded campaign is still happening if anyone would like to support her and pre-order the book.

Pink Lace? Me?

Piperita by Andi Satterlund
Modification: Plain garter stitch substituted for the original scalloped edge.

Oh, I just love fingerless gloves. I find them to be both whimsical and practical; vintage and fashion forward. I've knit many, many pairs and I wear them all. They're great under mittens in cold cold winter or by themselves in spring and fall. I wear them constantly in cold offices while I slave away at a keyboard or with a cash drawer. They make my busy old hands look cheerful. This lace mesh design is particularly lovely and I know I will make it again.

I also love using up yarn scraps. This pair used up a plum sized ball of Opal yarn leftover from socks knit years ago. I think I may never buy glove specific stash again. I've more than enough small bundles stored away to keep my hands warm for years.

About my pictures.
Like many other knitters I use the timer to take blog and Ravelry photos. Usually I just try for a nice project shot and crop out my face in the edit. However, on very rare occasion, a photo of me that I actually like results. The one below was taken with my point and shoot on a 10 second delay and set to the Sunny Day setting. The location is my favourite chair by my dining room window in late afternoon. This is where I drink my coffee every morning. The light was coming in just right and I guess I was relaxed because I think I actually look kind of pretty here. Allowing for a small bit of momentary vanity, I am sharing this photo with you.

My Morning At the Library

I was really happy to find this colour plate of Vanessa Bell's portrait of Strachey.
I had previously only seen it reproduced in black and white. 

Let me not know the wherefore and the how.

     No question let me ask, no answer find;

I deeper taste the blessed here and now

     Bereft of speculation, with eyes blind.

What need to seek or see?

It is enough to be.

In absolute quiescence let me rest,

     From all the world, from mine own self, apart;

I closer hold the illimitable best,

     Still as the final silence, with calm heart,

What need to strive or move?

It is enough to love.

                                  Lytton Strachey, 1931

                                  A Critical Biography Vol II, p.691

Sock Went On A Walk

Being a cool and lovely evening, I took myself out for a brisk walk. My current sock project came along.
It's Ann Budd's Diagonal Ribbed Sock knitted in a discounted yarn from Romni's sale basement.  It's been a delightful and quick portable project. This is especially welcome after the length and difficulty of my last sock project. The diagonal ribbing of the title is making a nice clingy fabric that promises to be a pleasant wear.
When I got home from my stroll, I plunked myself down on the porch to finish Sock #2. I got within a few rows of being done when mosquitoes and the cool night drove me in. I'll finish in the morning. Pictures soon I hope.