February 28, 2006

hello spring.

cherryblossom1.jpg

Linda's picture from the Cherry Blossom Festival in Prospect Park last year perfectly captures the weather today in North Carolina.

I'm drinking coffee and wearing a hoodie and my bangs keep blowing into my eyes as children keep running past me on the co-op lawn. At a nearby table a student is doing her homework, spelling out the vocabulary words, 'L-O-O-N spells loon,' to the tutor sitting with her. Even though it is the last day of February, spring has sprung momentarily.

Despite the warming temperatures, I am determined to finish knitting the 36 squares which will comprise my blanket for the back of the couch- a light throw to stave off the chill of scary movies and spring nights. So far I am at 32, using all scrap wool from various places, each color is like a reminder of old garments created or ripped out. There is a blue the color of glaciers I saw in Alaska and a taupe leftover from a museum project a few years ago.

Using up the remains of my stash is more than just a practical exercise, it is also an exercise of remembrance. One that takes me through my own personal history with knitting as I count down the squares needed and place them out on the rug, wondering where all the things I have created live now, and if perhaps they are keeping someone warm somewhere where it is not quite yet spring.

Posted by betsy at February 28, 2006 04:40 PM
Comments

I love cherry blossoms. Will you post pics of your finished blanket? I finished my first granny square afghan last year, but never sewed in the ends. I mainly used scrap yarn, too. But mine certainly didn't have the memories like yours.

Posted by: mary at March 3, 2006 08:25 AM

Where in NC are you?

And I listened to your podcast recently- I really enjoyed it
megan
www.batteriesnotrequired.com

Posted by: Megrnc at March 6, 2006 03:57 PM