Heavenly Socks Yarns logo Heavenly Socks Yarns Newsletter
Knitting as PrayerNovember 2013
In This Issue
Knit Good Karma
Knitting in Motion: A Year of Knitting on 48 Stitches
Veterans Day Sale
Plaid Friday Night Owl Prowl
Astrakan Cape
Kodiak Scarf
Barley Hat
Sale Items
Hats for Kids
Aarhus Gallery Holiday Extravaganza 2012
The Act of Becoming: A Tetractys of Masonic Symbolism
November Painting Class And Workshop Schedule with Susan Tobey White
Belfast Flying Shoes Features Crowfoot and Will Mentor
First Church Annual Christmas Fair
Belfast Co-op November Events
Quick Links
Knitting, or any other fiber art, can be a solo or social -- and multi-generational -- activity.
Knitting, or any other fiber art, can be a solo or social -- and multi-generational -- activity.
This is the time of year that we often hear, "Time to get out the knitting needles!" This is said because the weather is getting colder, or the holidays are approaching, or because many of us have put away the outdoor activities that keep us calling Maine our home -- gardening, hiking, swimming, boating, etc. -- till next year. For many of us, what gets us putting fiber between our fingers is all of the above, and for some of us, it is more.

For some of us, knitting or crocheting (or other fiber arts) is an integral part of our lives. We simply are compelled to create with fiber. There is no particular season we knit or crochet more, other than possibly doing less of it in the summer because when we sit still enough to pick up our project, we are so exhausted from physical activity that we just need to find a bed.

We have two articles for you this month from two people willing to share how knitting is an important part of their life. Though very different, each person could not imagine life without knitting. We hope you enjoy reading them.
Kate Braestrup speaking at a recent baby shower
Kate Braestrup speaking at a recent baby shower
Knit Good Karma
A recent baby shower was where knitting was connected to life, because knitting is part of our lives.

In author and Maine Warden Service chaplain Kate Braestrup's words:

Knitting possesses many of the attributes evocative of the human sacred, though not, of course, uniquely. One of the largest errors of religion is our dogged insistence that the window through which one has glimpsed the holy is (must be!) the only window, or at least the best and clearest one.
 
Though tempted to do so, I will make no such claims for knitting. A patchwork quilt or a bowl hand-thrown from clay or turned from maple would share many of the knitted blanket's high-falutin' attributes.
 
Like other crafts, knitting has history (ancient, familial, personal).
It is a time-honored example of a sustainable, non-violent, creative interaction between human hands and the materials provided to us by the natural world.

Its essential tools are very simple -- sticks and string -- and its essential process equally so (knit and purl), yet generative of apparently inexhaustible creative complexity. The end result of our labors can be as humble as a dish cloth or exalted as a queen's raiment.
 
Sticks and strings, simplicity and complexity, and the material metaphor that plays itself out as this stitch, taken in this moment, links itself both to the previous stitch and to the subsequent stitch, stitch after stitch linking moment to moment, past to present to future.
 
And knitting is rhythmic (once you've learned to do it), meditative and deeply calming. Since we are so often knitting for someone we love, it is almost unnecessary to add words in order to make the activity into a prayer. Still, if you're inclined to pray then, like passing beads through your fingers, the rhythm of knitting lends itself nicely to the kinds of prayers which, repeated often enough, can then become embedded in the action of the fingers and will continue even after the voice is silent.
 
Knitting-related favors at baby shower
Knitting-related favors at baby shower
So today, you are invited to say a simple prayer as you knit; not the whole time, mind you (it's expected that you will chat, or listen to the radio or watch TV), but just long enough to teach it to your hands, so that your hands can continue to knit the prayer into your portion of the whole: a soft blanket destined to warm a new baby boy.
 
Like the best expressions of love, it will be both itself absolutely -- a blanket, nothing more, nothing less -- and a metaphor for all the warmth and comfort a community can provide to a growing child. This baby shall be wrapped in both.
 
FYI: This is my knitting prayer:
 
Loving. Beloved. Loving. Beloved ... Loving. Beloved.
 
But feel free to knit your own.

*   *   *

Click Wing and Marie's Peace and Good Karma Baby Blanket for the instructions that were given at a recent baby shower. Attendees left the shower with a pair of Peace Fleece needles as a keepsake of this special event.
Barbara Andrus' Knitting in Motion piece
Barbara Andrus' Knitting in Motion piece
Knitting in Motion: A Year of Knitting on 48 Stitches 
In artist Barbara Andrus' words:

Having knit most of my life, starting during early family car trips knitting with Woolworth's multi-colored on Eagle pencils (Brody Creighton wears one of these items), now I've decided that I'm more interested in process than wearable product. I figured I'd knit for a year on 48 stitches starting shortly after my birthday.

Teenage knitting included ambulatory protective knitting (no eye contact). Later on I was excited to learn of cultures of shepherds who knit and of different equipment developed to facilitate walking and knitting. Company! Cohorts! So I've continued to knit while hiking and walking generally, and particularly walking with my dogs in the woods.

Funny stories. Much commentary (Madame Defarge, Freud, Bettelheim, etc.). Once I ran into something green that snagged my foot. At first I thought fishing line. It was green. Then it looked familiar. It was yarn I'd dropped a while back, sock yarn, Noro, and it had gotten pretty muddy. I took it home, washed it and it was the kernel of the next project. Once my mohair got caught on someone's suit and I had to chase them down a subway platform (it was good mohair).

I decided to knit for a year just how much I wanted -- not with a length goal -- and to start out by using only sock yarn already in my possession. I started on the project on April 14 while visiting a friend in Osaka, Japan. Regularly I would wrap myself in knitting and take a photograph. Each time is different. Quickly I realized that I needed someone else to take the picture.

Things work or do not. Ideas occur and need to be tried. One morning when I woke up, I had an idea of how I could sew this project into a blanket when I am through with wrapping and knitting. It may take more than one year.

*   *   *

For more information on the artist, visit Barbara Andrus.
Maybe someday there will be a Department of Peace?
Maybe someday there will be a Department of Peace?
Veterans Day Sale
On Monday, November 11, 10% of sales will go to Maine Veterans for Peace or any other non-partisan veterans' organization of the customer's choice. (Maine Veterans for Peace is a non-partisan, non-profit humanitarian and educational organization dedicated to the abolition of war.)

If you cannot make it to the shop on Monday, and would like to participate in this effort, please mention it to us on the preceding weekend and we will happily honor your request and veterans!
Belfast's First Annual Plaid Friday Night Owl Prowl
Poster for First Annual Plaid Friday Night Owl Prowl
Poster for First Annual Plaid Friday Night Owl Prowl
Belfast's First Annual Plaid Friday Night Owl Prowl will take place from 6-9 pm on Friday, November 29 with surprise sales all over downtown Belfast; extended evening hours and in-store events; and bargains on clothing, shoes, toys, gifts and more. Shop, dine, drink, stay and play!

Our shop will offer a 20% discount off your entire purchase during those hours. (Items already discounted are not included.)
Astrakan Cape, displayed in rustic setting
Astrakan Cape, displayed in rustic setting
Astrakan Cape
Want a quick and simple knit that is rewarding? Try this Astrakan Cape which can be knit in a weekend. We have the instructions for you here at the shop as well as a choice of colorways.

Astrakan is a super bulky, textured and multicolored yarn that is incredibly soft. It is made of 54% acrylic and 46% wool and it is machine washable. Knitting at less than 2 stitches per inch on #15 needles, and with 76 yards on a ball, this yarn goes far with your project creation. Astrakan retails for $19.95 a ball.

We want you to try this yarn too, so it is on sale this month at 20% off!
The Kodiak scarf, modeled for us by Natalia Rose of Eat More Cheese, at their new 94 Main St. location
The Kodiak scarf, modeled for us by Natalia Rose of Eat More Cheese, at their new 94 Main St. location. Find them on Facebook!
Kodiak Scarf
We took the free Navarra shawl pattern designed for Kodiak yarn and made it into a scarf by cutting the number of stitches to 30 and using 3 balls of yarn.

Kodiak yarn is incredibly soft and made of  61% baby alpaca, 24% nylon and 15% merino wool. It knits at 3 stitches per inch on #10.5 needles. A 125-yard ball sells for $13.95.

We want you to try this yarn too, so it is on sale this month at 20% off!
Barley Hat, modeled by Tony of Eat More Cheese, shown here with his daughter, preparing for their November opening at their new 94 Main St. location, next to Chase's Daily
Barley Hat, modeled by Tony of Eat More Cheese, shown here with his daughter, preparing for their November 1 opening at their new 94 Main St. location, next to Chase's Daily. Find them on Facebook!
Barley Hat  
The Barley Hat is part of The Simple Collection by Tin Can Knits, available free on Ravelry.

The Simple Collection consists of eight patterns in worsted-weight yarn that are designed to introduce the new knitter to a variety of projects from a hat (Barley) and scarf (Wheat), to socks (Rye) and a sweater (Flax)! All of the patterns are sized for the whole family, from baby to adult.

For our version of the Barley Hat, we used Seda Rustica, a silk/llama yarn with a lovely texture from Knit One, Crochet Too -- a Maine company. One skein is enough for both an adult and child hat, or one of the other accessories in the Simple Collection. This hat is slightly slouchy, which is not only a modern style, but is the perfect hat for those of us who don't like close-fitting hats because of the dreaded "hat head."

We want you to try this yarn too, so it is on sale this month at 20% off!
Ultimate Mittens, by Robin Hansen
Ultimate Mittens, by Robin Hansen
Sale Items
This month we have select yarn lines on sale at 20% off as well as Maine author Robin Hansen's books: Favorite Mittens, Ice Harbor Mittens, Sunny's Mittens and Ultimate Mittens. (These books, published by Down East Books, make great gifts from Maine.)

Besides the featured yarns above, the other yarn lines on sale at 20% off include:

Berroco's Nanuk -- This is a chunky yarn made from 67% wool and 33% nylon. It is textured and incredibly soft. Regularly priced at $9.50, this month it is $7.60. Cast on 108 stitches on a #10.5 circular needle and just knit. Three or four balls later you will have a magnificent cowl!

Berroco's Voyage -- This is an aran-weight, 93% wool and 7% polyester chainette-constructed yarn. The chainette construction helps keep the piling down and keep it light in weight. This 125-yard skein is regularly priced at $9.50, this month it is $7.60. We have a few copies of Berocco's Pattern Booklet #314, which supports this yarn.

Cascade's 128 -- This is a chunky and soft 100% wool, knitting at 3.5 stitches per inch. The 128-yard skein is regularly priced at $8.50, this month it is $6.80. This yarn is great for any knitting or crochet project, including felting!

Noro's Kureyon -- It's worsted-weight Noro. We don't need to say anymore. 109 yards, regularly priced at $8.50, this month it is $6.80.
A selection of the fabulous items donated to Hats for Kids last year
A selection of the fabulous items donated to Hats for Kids last year
Hats for Kids
Cold weather is arriving and sadly there are many children in our community who need warm clothing. Hats for Kids will appreciate receiving hat and mitten creations for elementary- and middle- school-age children. Ellie Weaver, the school nurse at Troy Howard Middle School, who knows the children and families well, distributes them. Your handmade hats bring warmth with a spirit of kindness and generosity to many deserving young children in our community.

Many thanks again to those who have already donated some great creations this year!

Donations can be mailed to Hats for Kids c/o Judy Kao, 20 Commercial St., Belfast, ME 04915; or dropped off at Heavenly Socks Yarns, 82 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915. Before December 1 please! For more information, phone Judy at 207-338-1945 or e-mail her at [email protected].
Aarhus Gallery Holiday Extravaganza 2012 (photo: Al Arthur)
Aarhus Gallery Holiday Extravaganza 2012 (photo: Al Arthur)
Seventh Annual Holiday Extravaganza at Aarhus Gallery
The Seventh Annual Extravaganza at Aarhus Gallery in Belfast kicks off early again this year, and runs from November 1 through December 24. This jam-packed show features smaller artworks and a wide range of creative craftwork priced with gift giving in mind. Works in a dazzling variety of mediums, from over seventy talented Maine artists from throughout the midcoast and beyond, will be exhibited, including: pottery, poetry and painting, collage, etching and photography, woodblock prints, blown glass, fiber arts, turned wood, handmade books, cards, calendars, ornaments, jewelry, music, new Glass Plate images, chocolates and more.
 
Artists who have shown in the gallery and in the crafts section over the past year will be featured, along with some newcomers and the Aarhus partners.

Come join the fun, meet the artists and help kick off the Seventh Annual Holiday Extravaganza with an opening reception on Friday, November 1, from 5-8 pm.
 
Aarhus Gallery is located at 50 Main St., Belfast and is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm, Mondays by chance, Friday nights till 7 pm for the month of December, and will close at 3 pm on December 24. Call 207-338-0001 during business hours for more information or visit Aarhus Gallery for links to the artists and notice of special events.
Keys to Consciousness, 16 x 16 inches, acrylic on masonite panel, by Katenia Keller
Keys to Consciousness, 16 x 16 inches, acrylic on masonite panel, by Katenia Keller
The Act of Becoming: A Tetractys of Masonic Symbolism
Square the Circle Gallery and Studio is in the old Masonic Temple in downtown Belfast. The gallery is exhibiting 78 original paintings by Katenia Keller which use geometric symbolism to express the tarot. Katenia has begun to study Masonic symbolism and she is finding many parallels with the tarot system. Masonic thought focuses on self-awareness, consciousness, enlightenment, strength, wisdom, beauty and community. These are  expressed and honored through their symbols.

The installation is inspired by the High Street entrance to the temple, and uses pillars and architectural symbolism to frame ten paintings of Masonic symbols. Masons understand the sacredness of geometry and Katenia has used the symbols that grace the temple on interior woodwork and exterior stonework for the basis of this work. The paintings are arranged in a pattern called a tetractys, which the Pythagoreans knew to be sacred because of the ratios that it contains.

The installation is in process but will open to the public on the November 1 Artwalk, 5-8 pm, and continue to be exhibited through December. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 pm, or by chance.
One of Susan Tobey White's studio classes
One of Susan Tobey White's studio classes
November Painting Class And Workshop Schedule with Susan Tobey White
Watercolors: Honoring the Accidents
$145.00
Workshop Date: November 9
Location: High Street Studio and Gallery
A beginning watercolor workshop taught in a manner to encourage confidence and individuality. Susan's ability to teach color concepts and technique make this a workshop that welcomes beginners as well as those with experience.

Ongoing Watercolor Painting Class
$25.00
Class Dates: November 5 -- December 10
Location: High Street Studio and Gallery
This two-hour class will focus on working from still-life compositions with each week teaching one concept of painting. Aimed at the beginner and those with some experience. $20.00/class with own materials; $30.00/class with materials included.
November 5: Understanding Value of Color/Basic Techniques
November 12: Complements
November 19: Neutrals: Warm and Cool
November 26: Painting the Blues
December 3: Focus on Green
December 10: Reflections

Acrylics: Bold and Beautiful
$145.00 (includes lunch)
Class Date: Saturday, November 2, 10 am-4 pm
A class for those who want to loosen up.
Location: High Street Studio and Gallery

Acrylics: Exploring Techniques
$25.00/class
Class Dates: November 6 -- December 18
Location: High Street Studio and Gallery
Each class will focus on encouraging exploration of techniques and materials to create a variety of results, giving the students more tools to develop their own style. Cost is $20.00 class with own surfaces and $35.00 with surfaces provided.

Create Your Own Workshop
Location: at studio or other location
Susan is willing to develop workshops to suit your needs. Gather minimum of four students and contact Susan. Private lessons as well.

Contact Information:
Susan Tobey White
149 High St.
Belfast, ME 04915
[email protected]
207-338-8990

For more information, visit Susan Tobey White Fine Art.
Contra and square dance caller Will Mentor
Contra and square dance caller Will Mentor
Belfast Flying Shoes Features Crowfoot and Will Mentor 
Please join Belfast Flying Shoes on Friday, November 1, at the American Legion Post #43, at 143 Church St., Belfast. Will Mentor will be calling dances, with music by Crowfoot.

"These three are wicked musicians ... This is music steeped in tradition but pasted thick and luxuriously with oodles of attitude, charisma and showmanship." -- SingOut! Magazine.

Hailing from England (Adam Broome: guitar), Canada (Nicholas Williams: flute, accordion) and the United States (Jaige Trudel: fiddle), Crowfoot features rich vocal harmonies sung in English and French, interwoven with flute, fiddle, guitar, accordion, cello, mandolin, cittern and piano.

Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"

The evening begins at 6:30 pm with a community dance led by Chrissy Fowler and music by the All-Comers Band, led by Phyllis Buchanan and Jennifer Armstrong. Fun and simple dances will be taught, and both beginner and experienced dancers are encouraged to brush up on and learn new skills. All musicians are welcome to sit in.

The contra dance begins at 8 pm and runs till around 11 pm. Admission for the community dance is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. For the contras, the price is $10.00 for those over 20, $7.00 for those aged 13-20 as well as adult All-Comers, and $4.00 for children. As always, $1.00 off admission for every box fan you bring for the windows.

For more information, phone Chrissy at 207-338-0979 or visit Belfast Flying Shoes.
First Church Annual Christmas Fair
The First Church in Belfast, UCC's Annual Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, November 9 from 8 am-1 pm in both the upstairs and downstairs of the Fellowship Hall. Offerings will include Don's Famous Fish Chowder, wreaths for ordering, baked goods, silent auction, children's corner, jewelry, crafts, Christmas table, books and the opportunity for you to have your professional-style family photos taken. Luncheon will also be served.

The church is located on the corner of Spring and Court streets and is handicapped-accessible using either entrance. All are welcome to come and enjoy this long-standing holiday tradition. For more information, phone 207-338-2282.
Rafting Up, photograph by Sandy Dolan
Rafting Up, photograph by Sandy Dolan
Belfast Co-op November Events
November Featured Artist: Sandy Dolan
My Take In Color photography exhibit will be on view in the Belfast Co-op Cafe for the month of November.

Round Up for Community Recipients
November 1-14: Belfast Creative Coalition; November 15-30: Waldo County YMCA Bluefish Swim Team.

Senior Discount Day
Every Tuesday, Belfast Co-op customers 62 years young and up receive a discount upon informing the cashier of their eligibility. Co-op member-owners receive a 10% discount; non-member-owners 5%.

Wine Tasting and Art Opening
Friday, November 1, 7-9 pm, Belfast Co-op Cafe: Free monthly wine tasting highlighting seasonal wines and the opening of Sandy Dolan's photo exhibit. Jack Scully of Easterly Wines, Jaap Helder, of the Co-op's Wine Department, and Sandy Dolan will be available to answer questions. Featured wines will be 10% off during the tasting; must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

3rd Thursday Donation Day
November 21: Every third Thursday of the month, the Belfast Co-op donates 1% of the day's sales to a community organization whose work helps build local resilience. The Belfast Soup Kitchen has been selected as their November recipient.

Love LOCAL Day
Friday, November 22: Free product samples from Heiwa Tofu (Belfast) between 11 am-3 pm; lunch special highlighting local ingredients, 10% off all Maine-made products throughout the day.

Closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 28

The Inside Story of GMO Food
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 pm, Belfast Free Library: Free event with nutritionist John Bagnulo, sponsored by the Belfast Co-op.

For more information about Belfast Co-op events, please visit Belfast Co-op Store.
Heavenly Socks Yarns, 82 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915, Tel. 207-338-8388.
Shop hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 am-6 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday and holidays, 11 am-4 pm.