Smoke and crochet

An update on the fire. It’s not out. However it is under control. The fire brigade and the local farmers continue to fill bowsers from both the local lakes, Lac St Michel and Lac du Drennec. Some of the local roads remain closed and people are still evacuated from their homes. The risk seems to have always been from smoke rather than the actual fire. Having said that there are photographs online of one of the fire engines that did get caught up in the fire and is completely burnt out. Whilst no-one has died, it has been awful for many people and the fire crews have really put themselves in the line of danger. It has started to rain a little all of which will help.

Again I will raise the issue of climate change. If somewhere such as the Monts D’Arree can burn in the way that they have, we should be terrified. As my husband pointed out to me we can not reduce the temperature of the planet, this is where we are at. What we have to do is to arrest the increase in temperature. We need to consider how we build homes, hospitals, schools and workplaces in order that they remain cool in summer and warm in winter in order that they are not overly reliant on fossil fuels. This needs to be a far wider discussion than I can raise here. However if we are all engaging in the conversation then perhaps we can help make the change.

So back to crochet. I have spoken a few times recently about Expression Fiber Arts, a company that is based in America. Their yarn looks absolutely amazing. It is all hand dyed so no two skeins will be exactly the same. I rather like the idea of things being more natural. At some point I may treat myself to some of their yarn. It is expensive but it does look amazing. Though I know I should think about whether I buy something artisanal and local rather purchasing from overseas, less appropriate when thinking about the green agenda. Their patterns are available for purchase online with immediate download, which is of course much greener.  I really like the approach of Chandi who is the face of the company. I have the impression that the company was her idea but there are a number of people behind the scenes now. One of the reasons that I like her is because she brings mindfulness into her work which of course resonates with me.

Just before I went to the UK on her site one of the pattern writers posted that they were looking for pattern testers. This not something that you ever get paid for, however if I want to write my own patterns then I need to have done this. When I applied I was not particularly hopeful that I would be chosen. However excitingly I was. The down side of pattern testing is that you have to complete it in a set time period. So I am having to really concentrate on getting it finished. It was also after I had agreed to test the pattern I discovered that it was completed using a smaller than average hook.

I am not quite where I would like to be in getting it finished however there are still approximately two weeks before it needs to be completed. So I am hoping that I will be to get it finished with a day or two to spare. When I had first seen the image, I thought I would have finished by now, however with the smaller hook it is taking longer than I had anticipated. The actual pattern is for something that has been called an Embrasser Bolero, it is a cross between a wrap with sleeves and a cross-over cardigan. I think that it will look good when it’s finished. I am still excited that I am doing it. On that note I think that I need to get back to it.

Until tomorrow…