Let the good knitting times roll

Today is Mardis Gras, Carnevale, Fasching - it goes by plenty of names and is the culmination of a week of revelry around the world, but no one does it better than New Orleans.  With parades of colorful floats, fantastic food, and people crammed together hoping to grab some glittering beads, it’s crazier than New Year’s Eve at Times Square, with undeniably better weather.  As they say,

Laissez les bons temps rouler

...which translates loosely to Let the good times roll - Let’s start the celebration, it’s time for people to start having fun, which is clearly what you’re doing at Mardi Gras!  But the phrase is more than just an invitation to party. On a broader and deeper level it means “have as much fun as you can and live life as richly as possible.  

It’s part of the New Orleans mindset.  

We all have jobs or other commitments–a host of responsibilities that demand our time, attention, and serious focus. So, it’s important, every so often, to relax and be playful–to let loose and indulge just a bit. 

We knitters usually find time to relax with our projects.  I’ve said many times that I like boring knits that don’t tax me mentally.  Usually. I make sweaters that I love to wear –sweaters that work in my wardrobe, so calm neutrals (yes, pink is a neutral).  But sometimes it’s good for me to knit something completely impractical.  Something in an outrageous color or luxurious fiber that’s not a wardrobe staple.  Something fun and fabulous, just because it’s fun.  

For me, knitting is about my wardrobe, but it isn’t just about my wardrobe.  Knitting is my hobby. It’s something I do because I love to do it.  So, it’s totally okay to be playful and knit things that aren’t super practical–just because they are fun.  

What kind of things?  Oh, I don’t know - super bulky cowls and hats in fresh fabulous colors.  I love these because they work up fast and give me that psychic boost that comes with finished objects. Fun to wear, they also make great gifts, so I can knit them in fun colors that I might never wear myself

Also colorful afghans worked in strips or squares.  I love that these have no sense of urgency regarding their completion.  I can work on them and get my fill of beautiful brights whenever I need it.  They’re just happy little snacks - the knitting equivalent of a chocolate coated granola bar.  

While I’m not a sock knitter, Jenny and Keidi’s wardrobe of happy socks in outrageously fun hand-dyed colors tempt me regularly.  Yarns in colors you’d never wear in an entire sweater, but in socks - or fingerless mitts - what joy! So. Much. Fun.  

Mardi Gras isn’t every day, and we can’t really live like it is, but we’ll be happier and better at whatever responsibilities lie before us when we just laissez les bons temps rouler every now and then.  

What crazy happy joyful projects do you like? Reply to the newsletter and let me know.

I look forward to seeing you soon.  Whether in the shop and around the table, or in our online community, Club Crazy for Ewe, you are always welcome here.

Warmly,

Ellen