@derek I may be a wuss, but I found a supported spindle easier - though some people would call that a drop spindle too, even though you don't drop it. Aren't supposed to drop it, anyway!

Spinning is like magic once you get the hang of it - in my case, on a spinning wheel.

@drwalters I've written a fuller explanation of the idea here: https://deborah.makarios.nz/2025/03/01/in-praise-of-old-custom-mourning-clothes/

I came away from the yarn sale with a cone of pale peach merino for knitting more baby things, and a cone of black possum/merino/cotton to contribute to the furnishing of my mourning wardrobe.

Someone today said I was brave for preparing a mourning wardrobe. It doesn't feel brave to me. It feels like current me doing what I can to cushion future me in the inevitable hard time(s) to come.
#wool #yarn #knitting #MourningWardrobe

@valhalla Could be useful to be holding a syringe with red ink when opening the door to a door-to-door salesman, cult minion etc.

This morning I was in possession of 21 library books.
I took 12 - two bagsful - back to the library this afternoon.
Now I am in possession of 23 library books.
Like Edith Piaf, I regret nothing.
#libraries

@SimonCHulse I tend to stick to experiential rather than astronomical seasons. The degrees that impact me most directly are the ones on the thermometer, not the ones on the earth's tilt.

The first leaves are out on the maple tree, the cat has stretched out on the floor, and my layers include neither flannel nor wool.
Spring is here!
(Just don't look at the weather forecast.)
#spring #weather #trees #cats #clothes

What's the demarcation line between boots and shoes?

I've got a new pair of one or the other, anyway, made here in New Zealand by McKinlays (who reckon they're boots). Proper old-school footwear - made to last.

I discovered that if a style is listed as Made To Order, McKinlays will make them up in a non-standard colour at no extra charge (though they then won't be returnable).
https://mckinlays.co.nz/
#boots #shoes #MadeInNZ #McKinlays

@valhalla I'd love to see a photo when the marker makes it to the top of the list!

It's taking me a quarter of an hour to knit each row on my simple shawl project (on average - 16m for knit rows with increases; 14m for purl rows).
If the rows get too much longer I'll have to put in a stitch marker for Tea Break.
#knitting #tea