Today I did something I have never done with my many knitted sweaters that do not fit my body and that are given away. I tinked (knit backwards) the part that does not fit me well and am reknitting it so that it will. I have been on a learning curve to accept my changed body since the hormonal wreck of cancer treatment. Proud I gave myself grace to take extra time and effort to make something that will fit my actual body and not my body of my dreams. I will post much better photos of my Lumme sweater when complete, but I appreciate seeing beyond the polished final version of any craft.
“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the strength to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
(My own version of the original attributed to everyone from a Protestant theologian to an ancient Sanskrit verse).
My other grandmother (non-knitting one) apparently said the serenity prayer most mornings of her life and moved mountains for her community. I am leaning on her wisdom now in so many ways, including for knitting. Grandmothers really know keys to survival, eh?
I changed my work schedule to Tuesday through Saturday, so now in addition to being able to have an unpaid weekday available for medical appointments, I have Mondays to take advantage of gorgeous hikes while most of the world is working.
The lichens were out in full force today, often growing on tops of trees and blown down by wind. I’ve long known about Usnea’s medicinal properties, so if I was ever lost in the woods and wounded, I’d make a poultice from it. But I learned today that both Usnea and Staghorn lichen can be used for dying fiber/wool. Usnea apparently makes a rich brown color and Staghorn lichen a purple if boiled in water with ammonia. These are the tidbits of info I keep tucked in some brain cell should I ever be in a position to live out my dream of doing a fiber dying, spinning, weaving, knitting lifestyle full-time.
Remembrance Day
Not only would I not have learned to knit from my grandmother, but I am always aware I would not exist had my grandparents not been able to escape before the Holocaust. Other distant relatives did not. During my only trip to Europe, personally visiting a camp with a relative who contributed to a museum was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, I want to share one remarkable story of survival that involves knitting. Not only was the knitter’s life spared thanks to her ability to make incredible garments with her hands, but her gift of healing to another individual echoed for decades. This year, Helena Weinrauch celebrated her 100th birthday.
Waterwoman Knits 
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