Our tree is down

I am unbelievably emotional about losing this tree. It has probably been here as long as anyone has owned this land. We've been friends since we moved here in 1989. Our children and our Grandchildren had a rope swing on it. I feel like a sentinel has left us, our very own Groot (Guardians of the galaxy movie). We have already lost so many trees to the Emerald ash borer, but this one was special. When it hit the ground, it snapped many of the small trees around her.

I have started a knit along at church called knit the sky. It is a conceptual knitting project designed by  Lea Redmond of Leaf cutter designs. 
I have wanted to try this for some time. I think the idea of intentionally noticing, and in my case, feeling grateful for the sky and all of God's beauty, will be good for the soul. I am so blessed, but I am often caught up in the mundane, and fail to truly appreciate the bigger picture.

 I priced yarn shop yarn in wonderful wool blends, and decided to go with a yarn I found at Michaels. The choice between expensive and acrylic  was a tough one. I also considered spinning my own yarn. In the end, I decided it was a knit along including many beginners and those on budgets ( I am too)so it was the fellowship and concept that was the most important - not the yarn. The best blue yarn I am using is actually, a salvaged cashmere from a sweater that I took apart. (the one in the middle front row). I have decidedly more grays than the pattern suggests, because I have a feeling my Indiana skies are pretty gloomy in the winter.

 The pattern is free but you have to sign up for her newsletter to get it. You can find it on instagram #knitthesky. So I am casting on the sky - intentionally - today

 Stash report

Fabric Used this Week: bits and pieces

Fabric Used year to Date: 22 1/2 yards

Fabric Added this Week: 13.75 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 104.75 yards

Net Fabric for 2016: 82.75 yards in the hole

and I think I need to add shirts I buy to take apart for fabric. I added 0
for total of 5

I am linking to patchwork times 
and

and

                     

The Creative Side