I've been knitting away in free moments: when the girls are painting, when I'm outside and the little ones are playing (or in Hugo's case, lying next to me on a blanket), before bed and at quiet time. And I'm almost done with Lily's tea leaves, which is a good step towards equality between the girls (it just wouldn't do to have a sweater for one but not the other!).And I am just a few pages from the end of My Antonia, and I have actually started reading as slowly as possible because I don't want it to end. Do you ever do that? Here's a lovely passage that made me think of you all from earlier in the book:
"There was a basic harmony between Antonia and her mistress. They had strong, independent natures, both of them. They knew what they liked, and were not always trying to imitate other people. They loved children and animals and music, and rough play and digging in the earth. They liked to prepare rich, hearty food and to see people eat it; to make up soft white beds and to see youngsters asleep in them. They ridiculed conceited people and were quick to help unfortunate ones. Deep down in each of them there was a kind of hearty joviality, a relish of live, not over-delicate, but very invigorating."
Isn't that just the most lovely portrait of domesticity?
Joining in with the Yarn Along again!
7 comments:
I did that with My Antonia too, not wanting it to end. That was my first Willa Cather, and ever since I am always reading something of hers.
What a beautiful quote!
I have a question for you about your knitting...I am a very, very beginner knitter and I have started continental knitting...Did you teach yourself or were you taught by someone...Would you know of any good teaching books with great pics on knitting? Thanks in advance!
So happy you are nearly done with your tea leaves. Mine is almost done, but not quite.
Oh, Ginny, I'm so glad there's more Willa Cather out there! I think that's my one consolation.
Melody, how exciting! I learned the basics (knit, purl, cast on and off) from friends in college, and generally look up new stitches on youtube: it's great for visual learners, and you can watch the tutorials as many times as you need. It really is nice, when getting started, to sit down next to someone with time and experience to show you those first couple of stitches. I know at my church there is a knitting group, I wonder if there is something like that (or maybe someone in your community or a local nursing home with experience to share!). Good luck and happy knitting.
lovely willa cather passage and your tea leaves is so pretty, i'm sure one little girl will be just thrilled.
You are an ambitious mama! I don't know how I would ever be able to turn out 2 little sweaters so fast!
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