Hello! I have a million things swimming around in my head right now, my concern of the moment being that three of my children are in a concert tonight, and one of them doesn’t have the required black shoes. Leave it to me to wait until the last minute! That is the way this time of year is, so many things to keep up with, all the while adding in rituals and traditions for Advent. Either that, or failing to and beating yourself up. I’m not doing that (beating myself up), though. We’re all doing the best we can and the most important thing is being present in our days. So it’s week two of Advent, and only one of our candles has been lit. Maybe tonight we’ll get that second one burning. But it’s more likely that we’ll be distracted by the Christmas concert and needing to get out the door on time. That’s okay! We all carry this season in our hearts, and that is what matters most.
Jonny came home with a trailer full of leaves the other night, layering them on a spot he plans to garden in the spring. The kids all went a little nuts playing in them and Silas ended up shirtless wearing swim goggles (as you do). That must have been our last warm day because the snow came shortly thereafter.
Our first snow was a light one without much accumulation, but exciting all the same. I finished Mabel’s Silverfox bonnet just in time. It knit up quickly and fits well. (I think I better knit Jonny a hat next, judging by the hole I see in his hat in the photo above.) Eighteen months old in about a week, and Mabel is growing up so quickly all of a sudden. She loves the outdoors and loved the snow. She is busy and chatty and delightfully demanding. (The other day when I was photographing yarn, she grabbed those peachy skeins and told me, “Mine!” Sweet little yarn lover!) But lately, the main thing she wants is to be carried around on my hip. It’s precious and exhausting at the same time.
I’ve been thinking ahead to the new year and the things I’d like to prioritize and accomplish and the things I want to work harder on letting go. I’ve also been thinking about the Yarn Along. When I ended it in March, it was what I needed to do in that moment. I have been working this year to let go of my need to have “something to show” to make me feel productive. To allow myself to slow my pace and be okay with days that begin and end with a messy house and nothing to show for hours spent caring for children. This carries me back to my thoughts on Advent and the work of our days being oftentimes largely interior. Yes, there is laundry and dinner and there are lessons to teach (and learn). But the important work is happening in my heart, and in the hearts of my children. Goodness, now to tie that back to Yarn Along… Many of you have expressed sadness over it ending and what I really want to do is bring it back, but in a slower way. A once a month way. First Wednesday of the month, starting January 3rd. Let’s share what we’re making and what we’re reading (starting with all those gifts we had to keep secret!) The link up will stay open all month long until the following one begins. It doesn’t need to be a single photo, but it can be. Let’s just relax and share the good books we’ve been reading and the knitting or crochet projects that have been bringing a bit of peace and order to our days. How does that sound?
p.s. I’ve been packaging and shipping orders as they come in to have everything to you in plenty of time for Christmas. There is a tiny bit of yarn left, a handful of playsilks, and even some goat’s milk soap in our shop if you are still looking for handmade last minute gifts…
p.p.s. Mabel is wearing her almost too small Fairy Dust cardigan in the first photos, and I purchased her beautiful soft pink boiled wool jacket here.
Laurel says
Just seeing this post about the Yarn Along returning….!!! So happy you’re bringing it back. I think monthly will be a good rhythm. Better get a post together! 🙂
Rachel says
So glad Yarn Along is coming back, albeit only monthly. I carried on with a similar thing and some joined me every week, but without a linky tool compatible with WordPress it never worked wonderfully. So glad you’re resuming it. I’ve added it to the first Wednesday of every month in my diary!
Kim says
It cheers my heart so much to hear the good news of The Teturn. Writing in on my bond new diary!
Kim says
I mean, The Return (!)
Kate says
I am excited that you will be doing the yarn along again! I think once a month will fit great into my schedule. Thank you! I will “see” you on the third.
Bley says
Nothing better than a beautiful babe in layers of woolens!
Lisa says
This makes my heart happy! I’m not currently blogging (just no room in my days), but if it’s ok, I’d love to share via IG with the yarn along hashtag. I really miss all the terrific book recommendations and yarn/knitting inspiration and even considered reaching out to see if you’d mind if I tried to resurrect yarn along on IG. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one missing it!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Ginny!
Julie C says
I suppose it is truly nerdy of me to love yarn along so well, especially when I don’t really knit. I just love looking at all of that creativity. Yay for beauty!
Deborah says
I’m thrilled that Yarn Along is returning!
Your pictures are beautiful, as always! Love Mabel’s bonnet.
Lee Cockrum says
Happy to see yarnalong will be back! Love your photos!
carrie says
These photos are lovely. Maybe you’d consider doing a winter run of your stickers, akin to the flower sets? That barn in the snowy grass, the rooster, and especially that last pink tinged snow on the pines are really gorgeous.
A Little Blue Dragonfly says
What a sweet little bonnet! I’m going to have to look that one up. This is only the second year that I am celebrating Advent. I wasn’t raised in liturgical traditions, so I am learning, learning, learning right now. What a beautiful season. <3 I can't tell you how happy I am that Yarn Along is returning! I am so glad that you will be able to do this at a pace that is better for you. Thank you for hosting this! Wishing you and yours a beautiful and merry Christmas! <3
Mary says
We had snow here in New Orleans. I can’t tell you how excited my kids were, we all were. Have a slow and heartfelt Advent. I love this season and I have to keep reminding myself. Prayer helps, and I am trying to impress that on my kids. Thanks for sharing.
Caroline says
Oh I’m so thrilled yarn along is coming back and once a month sounds fabulous! Thank you.
We had a big snowfall at the weekend. Well, big (and very disruptive) for the UK. But oh, it was so pretty for a day, very festive and seasonal. Lots of people admitted that it really brought them into the festive mood with a bang.
Of course the roads came to a standstill and I got my car stuck on the icy grass. A big freeze overnight and my having to get onto the grass as I couldn’t turn into our drive meant I had to work from home yesterday which was lovely and cosy and having hot chocolate on tap is always a bonus!
Enjoy the season one day at a time x
Cathy says
It is so right to take one’s own time in life and not some artificial time constraint, even if it is self imposed. I too welcome back yarn along. However your departure encouraged us to write different posts. I have been writing a monthly round up of the books I read and a weekly Knit and Natter Friday post, in which lots of people drop in for a chat. I shall look forward to the new yarnalongs.I love the bonnet you made for Mabel, so nice to see the design not in usual children’s colours. Have a fabulous Christmas.
Sharon Weiss says
Yay! I love the Yarnalong (both the writing and the reading) It will be a welcome addition to the new year.
Thanks Ginny.
A little crafty nest says
Yay, Ginny! Sometimes srepping back and re-examining things is all we need to get a grounding. So happy to yarn along with you again. Xoxo. Much love to your family this holiday season.
Xo Jules
priest's wife (@byzcathwife) says
huzzah! and I have a few things to share 🙂
C Ellis says
For the first time in forever* I find myself looking for the comments button. Thank you for bringing Yarn Along back. It is something I truly enjoy. Thank you! (*yes I’m quoting frozen).
Karen a says
Aren’t you clever to do once a month!! I would have never thought of that. I’m so busy with babysitting, hitting the gym and now a kitten rescue! You sound so happy and that makes me smile 🙂
Elizabeth says
love the pictures!!! Love that you are not beating yourself up (I am learning to not to that too)! Love the idea of yarn along coming back!!! I have it on my calendar! 🙂 God bless you all and protect you! and surround you with His mercy and love!
Deborah says
I am so looking forward to doing the yarn along again. I think once a month is a great idea.
Heather says
I am so so pleased to see that you are bringing back the yarn along. I love knitting so much, and the yarn along kept me accountable as to actually sitting down to knit in the midst of the craziness I am feeling with my three littles running around and keeping me on my toes. This will be just what I need to get back to *making* again – thank you!
Eileen says
LOL, I didn’t even notice Silas in the leaves picture, he is so adorable! Love the goggles! We have no snow yet here on the front Range of the Rockies. The mountains having hard time making snow it’s so warm here…60 today-ugh. Love you pictures and so happy that Yarn Along is returning. Some of the best book I have ever read came from YA. Thank you
Pam says
I, too, love the idea of your yarn alongs. I love to see what you’re making and reading. Wish Hoyt any effort on your part or maybe with great effort that appears effortless, you bring us such joy and inspiration.
God Bless you and your family ??
Linda says
Yeh! I loved the yarn along..and ordered many books from Amazon because of it..or saved them to my wish list 🙂 Thank you and Merry Christmas. ~ Linda
Anne Weber-Falk says
While I did not miss Yarn Along you must know that you are always sharing with us.
The yarns, the shawls, hats, jumpers and the like that you make as well as your needle work and photographs. So many beautiful things you share with us in every post. Thank you and God bless you all.
Melanie King says
Yay! I love the Yarn Along and am delighted for the return, once a month is perfect!
Theresa says
I’ve missed “Yarn Along”! Once a month is perfect! Can’t wait to join in again.
Martha says
Oh I could hardly wait to get to the end of the post to read that! So happy you are bringing it back, mainly because I have so missed your photos of your WIPs and books. It’s really fun seeing what you’re up to, and all the other ladies who join in! It gives a lot of inspiration to my reading and knitting, too. Yay!
sandra says
Hip hip hurray! What a beautiful post. I’m so happy that Yarn Along will be back next year. Once a month is perfect. Thank you. Happy Holidays. <3
Angie says
With so much in your beautiful busy days, i totally understood about needing to let go of the yarn along. But truly I’ve missed the yarn along lots, if only to see what wonderful taste you have in yarns and knitting patterns, and for your excellent book suggestions! Looking forward to January 3rd!
Tracey says
I really like the idea of a once a month yarn along, I’m in! I’ve been thinking lately about my quiet blog and maybe yarn along is just what I need to get me motivated to post again.
Merry Christmas dear Ginny!
Michele F. says
Yay!! I understood that you needed to let it go at the time, but I am so happy that the Yarn Along is on its way back!! I really enjoy it and will be happy to see it once a month. ❤
God bless the rest of your Advent!
Stefanie says
Hi Ginny
I know you have a million things to do, but if you or Johnny have a moment, may I ask why you are putting leave where you plan to plant this year? i have lots of trees in our new home and I would like to develop a natural garden.
I am intrigued!
Thank you.
dorinalouise says
beautiful, thoughtful and important post and am happy the yarn along is back 🙂
Sheliah says
*bringing back
Sheliah says
Your bring back Yarn Along is a wonderful early Christmas gift for me!
Barbara B says
I am so looking forward to 2018 – Yarn Along is back!!
Annie Kitching says
How I’d love to think that the preparation of Advent was going on in my heart….I fear that area is running as behind as our own Advent wreath (one candle, like yours)…..
I did hear the BEST short Advent talk that I have ever heard this morning; it focuses on pregnancy – something you know well. I think you would like it. http://www.presentationministries.com/player/mediaInfo.asp?mediaID=4885
Erin Russell says
Hurray for Yarn Alongs return!!❤️❤️❤️
Lori D Fowlkes says
that snowsuit is the best ever!
Ginny says
Lori, Michele Kendzie gave it me years ago!!!