27 September 2013

Just starting....finally by Guest Blogger Gail

Hi! I'm Gail, a Southern California gal, retired & relocated to Anacortes, WA about 2 years ago. I met Kelli Wyll at our LYS prior to moving here while checking out the area. She is one of several women who have been instrumental in my growth as a knitter. Along the way we've become both friends & co-workers and I started following her blog.

When I read about Melissa's choice to publish her pattern and use the sales as a fundraiser for Emerging from Cancer and then read Rachel's story, I knew it was time to join my first KAL. I am knitting this project to honor the memory of my sister, Jan, who lost her battle with a very aggressive breast cancer less than 6 months after her diagnosis. Initially, I thought about choosing a pink yarn for this project, but that just didn't suit my sister's memory. The very last word you would choose to describe Jan is "girly." So I searched for a yarn that would symbolize her independence, strength, courage, and vulnerability. I found it in a baby alpaca yarn from Juniper Moon Farm called Herriot in a color named Granite. This has to be the softest yarn I've every used! The color is hard to describe ~ something between black, gray & brown. It's luscious! I've only finished two pattern repeats so far, but already I'm both entertained and challenged by both the pattern and my memories. Thank you, Melissa & Rachel for providing the inspiration for this journey.

When I figure out how I can add a photo, I will. Meanwhile, you can find me on Ravelry as islandbirdknits.




3 comments:

  1. well, here you are, Gail! glad to have you with us...I love that the yarn you chose to honor your sister is something that reminds you of her ~ it's beautiful (I just saw some of this in Oregon a few days ago)

    it's so touching that you're knitting memories of your sister into this shawl ~ it makes it that much more special

    thanks for taking the time to post & I can't wait to see a picture, Gail :)

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  2. Gail you're great and not only do I like you cause you knit...but you give me the most beautiful furniture.

    Thanks for kaling with us.

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  3. Gail, this shawl for Jan will be healing for you. I promise. As you knit it you will not only remember, you will look forward to a future that will hold marks of Jan within the shawl. I have an old prayer shawl of my mom's. I have no idea who made it for her. When she died shortly before I was diagnosed with cancer myself, I took it home and I put it away because it was painful. I remember her sitting in the chemo chair with it on to ward off the chills. I myself, used that shawl when I had my chills and it always made me feel like there was a mom hug in there...and it was a GOOD thing...not a painful thing. I wish that for you and Jan's Shawl. May her warmth be apparent and her hug be with you.

    {{CYBER HUGS}} Glad you are here Gail!!!

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