Yesterday I took my husband, a complete cricket nut, to Trent Bridge for a day to watch the test match between England and the West Indies for his birthday. I have to admit that in all the 30 something years I have known him I have never been to a test match and we both thought I would find it rather boring. We could not have been more wrong. I loved it and am sad that it has taken me all these years to find this out. I thought I would get loads of knitting done, but no such luck – the action was too gripping. I have a suspicion I might not have enjoyed it so much, given the heat, had the stand we were in not mostly been in the shade during the day. I also loved having my husband slightly apologetically explaining test cricket to me. A lot of it went over my head, but it struck me that he must feel just as baffled when I am trying to explain some new knitting stitch or pattern to him, which I do unapologetically and whether he likes it or not, (but not too often I hope). The thing that stood out for for me over the day, to be honest, apart from the stamina of the batsmen and the 94.5mph bowling, was how civilised it all was. When the West Indian batsman achieved a hundred runs, everyone clapped, and when he was finally bowled out and left the pitch the whole stadium stood up and applauded him. I cannot imagine that happening in many other sporting events. My husband says it is less civilised when it is a game with Australia, but I refuse to be downhearted. It was such a joy to see in this polarised and partisan world.
Anyway, back to reality. Is everyone enjoying the summer now that it has arrived? It is the one time of the year that I really appreciate how cool my shop is – an oasis for sure. No need for 6 layers now! It may only be for a short time, but we are in world where knitting a heavy jumper seems like a very bad idea, even though it should be now that we start knitting for the winter. For example the cable sweater that I started in March, and which has been at the very bottom of my pile, is suddenly starting to look like a project that I need to focus on if I want to wear it when the weather turns – I still haven’t finished the back and there is a long way to go. I may well have to put everything aside and force myself to get on with it.
Summer also brings in visitors to Norfolk, some of them new and some of them, oh joy, people who came by last year to see us. Someone came in wearing a top I helped her choose the pattern and wool for a year ago, and I so enjoyed seeing it completed and being worn. It is amazing what a pleasure it is being shown finished projects, I will never get bored with it. I think that the best thing about this craft (I refuse to call it a hobby) is that there is always something new to create and something new to learn.
Speaking of summer and something new, we are starting a new Knitalong on Saturday 8 August – the Salty Days Sweater by Veronika Lindberg. This is a fabulously intricate-looking sweater worked from the top down. It can be knitted either in a DK held together with a mohair/silk/laceweight or in any aran/worsted weight yarn on its own – I am thinking of my favourite Malabrigo Rios for it, but others are looking at a combination of Fleece DK and Exquisite Lace or Colour Lab Aran from West Yorkshire Spinners. Whatever you choose, come along and cast on with us on the 8th at 2pm and with any luck you will have it done in time for autumn.
In other news, I had two lovely kids from Fakenham Academy to do work experience here over last week. Mandy and I were delighted by their calmness, helpfulness and generally good work ethic. Young people often get a bad rap, but these two were great. And my shelves are looking very clean and tidy! We will miss them next week. As with the cricket, our time with them left me feeling hopeful.