Thank You, Mr. Rogers...

Good Morning Everyone!

As I was sitting and knitting my Melt The Ice Hat, my thoughts began slipping towards a rather dark and unsettling space. It's been difficult not to let those thoughts and fears completely consume me, afterall, the symbolism behind these red hats leaves little to be desired, protesting Nazi's. I decided I desperately needed to occupy my mind with something uplifting, a message of love. Who better than Fred Rogers? If you've never watched, Won't You Be My Neighbor? now would be the perfect time. I was brought up watching him, his message hits so much harder as an adult but served as a simple reminder to be kind, even to those who try to break you. I had tears in my eyes watching, it restored my hope in humanity and gave me comfort. Light overcomes darkness and love trumps hate, united we stand (my new mantra). It is very ugly politically, but I did feel a sense of hope watching Fred Rogers (a Christian Republican) defeat Richard Nixon's attempt to silence PBS by winning the heart of Senator John Pastore (a Democrat) securing the 20 million dollars needed. Mind you, this was in 1969, there was quite a lot of political unrest...History is our greatest teacher, you'd think we'd learn from it.

For those of you have decided to participate in the unofficial Melt The Ice knit along, I've discovered that the pattern isn't great. I would recommend knitting at least 8" of the ribbing before beginning the crown decreasing. Additionally, I found that perhaps working a row in between the decrease rows will give the top the extra length required so that the point at the top can fold over versus standing straight up. I am not criticizing the pattern writer at all, but I've heard from a few of you and have read other comments regarding adjustments that have been made. It has been absolutely incredible seeing all of the LYS around the state, country and worldwide participating. I did finish my hat, it will fit a child, but it was important to me to have one in my shop. I am not at all afraid to admit I do not support the cruelty inflicted by the current administration or the complete defiance of both our Constitution and International Law under this leadership. It absolutely breaks my heart to see what is happening and it terrifies me, so yes, I will knit the red hat.

We had a small gathering Saturday to start the first KAL of the New Year, mostly because it was -20. But cast on we did and of course we had a fantastic time, which flew by! I've been juggling several projects, no shock there. I am working away on the sleeves for my next sweater, the Harvest Flower, I hope to have it finished by tomorrow. Then I'll be switching between the Barley Field pullover and the Brookline which interestingly enough are both navy blue. I took advantage of Carrie's absence on Saturday to ask the group if my yarn was purple or blue, IT'S BLUE!! Of course any hint of purple that may or may not be there is completely camouflaged by navy blue mohair. I am anxious to begin working on the Brookline again, I love the yarn and the pattern is fun to do. I appreciate a design that offers enough interest not to get bored but is easy to memorize so you can do more knitting and less reading.

The Hat of the Month Club has been fantastic and quite popular! I will be getting ready to post February's designs, once again, there will be both knit and crochet versions. I haven't created the Facebook Knit Along group yet, I haven't forgotten, I just need help. This page will serve as a forum to ask questions, share pictures and be part of a group, community is so important. Lastly, many thanks for all of the birthday love, it meant the world to me!!! We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, the doors will open at 5:45. I hope you can join in the fun. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy