Friday, November 20, 2015

Reindeer, snowmen and a cowl



I love November.
I love the grey, quiet days, the long twilight times when the sun is about to set (quite early these days) and before the shadows take over and all is dark again.  For me this is the time for fairies and gnomes and fairy tales. During my long walks I often come across reindeer herds, and although I am always a bit worried and watch them closely in case any of them is behaving aggressively, there is still something quite thrilling to see them. Yesterday I found a huge moose antler, well... only half of it and dragged it home.
I have been knitting little bit.
There is a cowl on the works and I am dreaming of sweaters... there are two that are on my list to do one of these days. The first one is Boreal by Kate Davies and the other one is Nobu by Olga Buraya-Kefelian.
I can see a challenge there waiting.
Lately I have been looking a lot at Olga's work. It is most fascinating. If you have not seen her designs, you should go and have a look.
Wool is fantastic, I could never tire of it. Couple of years ago I was needle felting snow men and recently I found one that was not quite finished. I did that the other day and now I have a row (a small one) of them.
I have tried to make a gnome, but for some reason, I have not been able to capture the image I have in mind. Every time I see it clearly, it all of a sudden disappears, and I cannot figure out just how to carry on. I know, it is this time of the year... The gnomes are all over and nowhere to be seen.

The weather finally turned to winter and our world is white and the temperature is just below the zero. Just below is just right, it is good for outdoors and walking but it also keeps the world white.
I know this is just a short post, and there are very little crafting news, but I have made a decision to come here more often. I try to post a few words and a couple of pictures more regularly. I am aware what is going on in the world but I want this place to be a place of calm and hopefully of joy. I feel that this is the time to try to bring something good, even if it is only a few words and pictures, to the world. We all have sorrow, hardship and challenges, the burdens are heavy on the shoulders on some days, the heart is trembling with fear and worry, but just for a few seconds, let all of them rest. This is a small corner, I know, and I don't know if there are many listening out there, since I have come here so seldom lately, but for you who are out there, I wish to be able to bring you a few comforting words. So forgive me for not talking about the world and its troubles, it does not mean that I don't care, I do, but I wish you could come here to find some inspiration and a little bit of beauty.
xx
Wool with you,
Lene
 

45 comments:

  1. Always a pleasure to read your posts whenever you pop by. Being here with you is like a quiet moment in the day when everything else just drifts away. A moment of peace. Thank you.

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  2. The internet is replete with discussions about the horrible things that are happening in the world. It's lovely to find a little oasis of inspiration and beauty whenever you feel able to post. Also you can post pictures of snow which I love to see. I remember the winter when you posted regularly about the lake ice and snow and how many hours of light you had each day. Every one of those posts gave me a little thrill to read.

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  3. The internet is replete with discussions about the horrible things that are happening in the world. It's lovely to find a little oasis of inspiration and beauty whenever you feel able to post. Also you can post pictures of snow which I love to see. I remember the winter when you posted regularly about the lake ice and snow and how many hours of light you had each day. Every one of those posts gave me a little thrill to read.

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  4. Kallis Lene !
    This gray time without daylight before switching the lamps we call "videvik". I like it too. I wish you your own beatiful designes to knit! Anu

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  5. Exactly what I'm looking for :-).

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  6. Your makes are fantastic, hope those reindeer are fattening up for their ride with Santa.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  7. Dear Lene, For me, reading about your life always knits the world together a little closer and a little warmer. Sitting here this morning reading, it is a spot of hope. I love the cowl - do you have a pattern you are using?

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  8. Anonymous15:18

    Thank you...this spot IS a welcome distraction from my heavy burden...for a little while.

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  9. Anonymous15:20

    Making crafts with one's hands is very restorative indeed.
    Thanks for the photos!
    I don't feel quite ready for the snow yet here in Toronto although then I could wear my heavy scarves, hats and mitts!
    best wishes
    LisaRR

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  10. Carmen15:36

    Dear Lene, I come visit regularly to see if you've posted anything. Love your blog!! A little oasis of comfort and quietness.

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  11. Anonymous16:27

    Dear Lene,

    Reindeer?? That is so awesome! You live in a whole different world than I do, and I so enjoy peeking over your shoulder once in a while, it is a lovely and welcome escape. You have a very unique and creative eye - your snowmen are so whimsical! I, like so many others, do enjoy your quiet, comforting, warm words. Thank you for sharing. Let's hope that soon our world will return to a more even keel.

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  12. I visit for inspiration, beauty, comfort, calm ... and reindeer! Thank you so much for sharing all of these and more.

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  13. Not only do I love seeing your crafts, but I also enjoy your pictures of your world both similar and different to mine in rural New Hampshire. I also love your attitude about the short days - much better than mine, I can't wait until the solstice and the days start getting longer again!

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  14. I love reading your blog, and especially today, those words brought me a lot of peace. Thank you.

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  15. The cozy, beautiful, peaceful feelings that I get every time I read one of your blog posts have made this one of my favorites to follow since your very first post. Even though I don't comment often, I appreciate you continuing to share and am happy every time I see a new post from you pop up in my feed. Thank you.

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  16. Anonymous17:46

    We are out here, reading and listening and looking at your wonderful blog. Thank you for bringing some beauty, joy and peace to the world. Write and post photos when you can, rest when you need to, and always know that your words and images are appreciated.

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  17. Lene, I echo the others in enjoying the timbre of your peaceful posts. I comment from here in North Central Florida, where there is never snow. I so love the tone of your photos of the landscape. I can remember the quiet of a snow filled wood from my childhood days in North Western New York.

    I also wanted to add that I believe Nobu will be perfect for you. I'm waiting to see what, if any, modifications you will make as I always love how you personalize your knits!

    ~~Mary~~

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  18. A lovely post to read whilst I had a little spot of afternoon tea. Beautiful peaceful pictures. Thankyou. Melanie x

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  19. Oh knit Boreal I ha e knit it and it's a well written pattern and enjoyable knit. I made the colour a stand up or turn down one...it certainly is a cosy jumper. Very tempted to make another.

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  20. Sounds like the gnomes are playing games with you! ;-)

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  21. Anonymous21:57

    Dear Lene: Just because you seldom hear from many of us, doesn't mean we aren't stopping by each day and visiting, hoping for a word from you. You are like the gnomes, flitting in and about, we can just feel you there, whether there is a picture, a few words, a knit item, a thought, or no comment that day. There are many of us angels, filled with good thoughts, simple thoughts, cheerful smiles, flitting about the world, trying in our small ways to make this a better place, not a world drawn into the turmoils of chaos. Our knitting, our projects, our thoughts, all are being knit as a net of safety for the world. We are the good, which is fighting the bad. We are the wan light, fading into darkness, but then always re-appearing, always strengthening and returning. You are a wonderful conduit for us all, pulling together, in our small ways, to continue always to bring good into the world. I love your blog and have read all your posts. And the more you feel to post, the better! Be of good cheer. From the backwoods of Wisconsin, USA

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  22. You are in my feed reader, and I'm always glad to see a post pop up every now and then. I've been following you for so many years, and loving the thoughtfulness and care that you put into your work. These things matter, whether it's knitting or sewing or art or running a household. We need to concentrate on the things that speak to us and give us peace, and your posts remind us of that, thanks.

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  23. Lene, a post from you is a phone call from a dear friend out of the blue. It's a treat and a brief respite from the worries of the world.

    I'm in Melbourne, Australia and love to see your photos of snow and frozen lakes while it's hot here.

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  24. Bless you Lene, I eagerly await your posts and find them a great comfort both visually and emotionally. I love the work you do and enjoy hearing about your process as you wend your way through your projects. I'll be checking in regularly for new posts. Blessings.

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  25. Anonymous01:34

    Dear, dear Lene, coming to your little place of calm and inspiration is exactly why I check in often. I thank you for that.
    Peace,
    Cheryl

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  26. Anonymous01:34

    Love your "small corner" to pause and think about positive things.
    ~Diane in Bloomington, Indiana

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  27. I am here... always a faithful reader. i love your world.

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  28. Anonymous04:22

    Lene, this post was not too small, it was exactly the right length and I'm so glad to be able to read it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your handwork, they make me feel calm and happy and like the world is a better place that I feared. Take good care.

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  29. Your beautiful thoughts and pictures are always welcome and inspiring. Thank you, Lene.

    ~~Marsha

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  30. What a great post! I love reading your blog and seeing the natural beauty that you so love and share with us. You're so right, sometimes what we need is a break from all of the sadness/bad news that we hear on a daily basis and it is a comfort to leave that behind to see a peaceful winter scene with reindeer :-) Thanks for sharing.
    Lovely knitting projects and I look forward to seeing your sweaters.
    Hello from Idaho,
    Judy

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  31. I cherish the posts you share at this time of year. I think your home is so beautiful and your work so inspirational. Have you thought of making youtube videos of your felting figures? I would love to learn how you put them together. warm hugs. xo

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  32. Anonymous20:03

    Dear Lene, I seldom comment, but I always read your posts. You are such a talented knitter and I love your photographs. They show us a glimpse of your beautiful country.
    Thank you, Ina from the Netherlands.

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  33. Anonymous13:59

    So pleased to hear we shall hear from you more often - I always look foward to what you have to say and to see your beautiful work. Many thanks.
    Butsy from England

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  34. I am with you, Lene.
    Thanks for being an oasis.
    Ellen in Connecticut

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  35. Oh Lene, your words and images have been a source of quiet joy for years now. I'm so happy that you may write a little more, especially at this time of year, when your work lights up the darker days. Thank you so much. Sue from Didsbury UK

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  36. Oh what pattern are you using for the cowl? It's awesome. I love it. :) Happy Knitting. :)

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  37. Thank you, Lene, for your lovely pictures of snow and snowment! It is not quite that cold yet here in the Midwestern US but seeing your pictures reminds me of how serene winter can be.

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  38. Anonymous09:44

    I love seeing a post from you come up in my reader, I will be very pleased to see you post more often. You are so incredibly talented and I'm always interested in what you have been making!

    And I adore the photos of your beautiful environment - it is the complete opposite of where I live (big city, southern hemisphere). It does not snow here in winter and I'm fascinated by the snow and dark and wildlife.

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  39. Anonymous16:17

    Oh, yes, your corner of the world is filled with comfort, love, nature, and peace—a most welcomed respite from the madness in much of the world. Thank you, dear Lene.
    Madeleine

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  40. Anonymous18:10

    Thank you.

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  41. Beautiful. Calm. Inspiring. Thank you.

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  42. Carol in MD23:16

    I'm so happy to see you're posting again. I missed reading your calm, quiet, thoughtful posts and seeing your many wonderful creations. Thank you for coming back.

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  43. It's always a pleasure to see your posts, Lene. I spent 6 months in Helsinki as an exchange student when I was in high school, so seeing your photos "takes me back", as we say here. Your artistry is wonderful and refreshing, and I, too, would love to know more about that cowl.

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  44. Dear Lene,

    I so enoy your posts and your works...

    Thank you!

    Andrea from Germany

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