I’ve been part of an online writing group for 5 years. They are a wonderful, warm, generous group of people, and over the years we’ve become very close. We’ve shared all the ups and downs of writing, and all the ups and downs of life. We’ve seen kids airlifted to hospital, struggled with our own illnesses and those of families and friends, grieved for those we’ve lost (including two of our own), celebrated the arrival of four babies, and partied when each member gets published. Through all of it, the support of the group for each other has been amazing and powerful. It doesn’t matter that I haven’t met some of these people face-to-face; I know them, and they are my dear friends.
Yesterday, my DH brought home from the post office a large box. When I opened it, I found:
My eyes got very leaky as I unpacked it:
Rather than sending a bouquet of flowers, my friends sent a bouquet of yarn. Joanna, one of my friends, lives not far from La Knitterie Parisienne, in Studio City, LA (where all the Hollywood knitters pop in to buy their yarn), and so she took the collected contributions from the group and went yarn shopping. (You can read her account of it here.) With the enthusiastic guidance from Edith and Merrill at the shop, she put together the most wonderful gift of beautiful, luxury yarns:
But wait! There’s more:
The book is part of my friends’ gift; the bag was generously given by Edith and Merrill to add to the gift.
A huge thank you to all my friends; also to Edith and Merrill at La Knitterie Parisienne; and especially to Joanna, for all the time and thought and love in organising, packaging (with notes about each yarn, and Edith’s suggestions for it) and sending it.
I’ve been fondling yarn last night and this morning, and I dreamed of yarn 🙂 I’m hoping to start a project today, so that I’ll have my friends’ yarn beside me – and the knowledge of their love and support – all the time until I go to hospital, and while I recover.
For those who want to see each yarn, there’s more below the fold:
Two skeins of Mountain Colors hand painted superfine cashmere – so soft and beautiful! I’m thinking of a few possibilities with this – including perhaps weaving it.
Gedifra Filorosa – I’m thinking perhaps a big-knit shawl/capelet with this
Another Gedifra Filorosa, blue shades
Noro Big Kureyon
Berocca Sox – perfect colour for me to wear with jeans, and I love wearing hand-knitted socks!
Sublime Angora – these might become socks – or they might become patterned mittens, to keep my fingers warm in our frosty winters.
Trendsetter ‘Venus’
Noro Sock yarn – I might pattern this against a contrasting background; or maybe knit lace…
Dream in Color Gaia sock yarn, contributed by Knitterary, who is also part of our group.
I am definitely a fortunate woman, blessed with wonderful friends.
Knit it in good health, Bron! I so wish I lived closer to J. so I could’ve fondled that superfine cashmere. She tormented me with glowing descriptions of how soft and wonderful and amazing and incredible it was… fondle it once for me, willya? ~ Aimless
I was the lucky one in all this because I got to experience a profound joy when visiting the shop, choosing the yarns, and learning so much from Edith and Merrill (Edith offered to give me free knitting lessons. I’m considering it!). The real thanks goes to the rest of the group for financing the trip to the shop. Their generosity allowed me to ask for “the good stuff.”
One note I forgot to include. The Gedifra Filorosa: both balls are from the exact same dye lot. They just start at different spots, so the two can be used together on the same project. I tried to remember everything I was told but I forgot to include that fact in my little note sticker.
I didn’t call the shop today because it’s a holiday but when they open tomorrow I’ll give them a ring. I’ll send them both your best.
I can’t wait to see what you make! I’m especially interested in the cashmere (my favorite) and the Angora (loved those too).
Valerie’s comment went onto a different post (I think the comments might be playing up again) so I’m copying it here:
As a member of Bron’s writing group and one of the co-conspirators, I’m hugging myself over your reaction, Bronwyn. You were there for me (still are) during one of the toughest times of my life. You deserve no less than the total support of your friends in turn. We’re all cheering for you to sail through the op and recovery, to gift the world with more of your beautiful creations and winning words. Mucho hugs.
The yarns look wonderful! So soft… (I keep rubbing my fingers together while looking at them, trying to imagine what they feel like!) I particularly like the look of the Sublime Angora.
Can’t wait to see what you create with it all, Bron!
As part of the writers group I’m happy to have been part of sending this to you. Joanna had a great idea of the yarn bouquet.
Hugs!
Oooooo! *squeeeeee*. I can’t wait to see the results. Especially the lacy work. Anything you make will be gorgeous (as usual). I speak in envy as one who can cast on (barely) and only do straight knitting.
Hoping this little gift gives your spirit wings. I’m grateful that I got the email to contribute, but I know even the ones that missed receiving the call, contribute (as always) their sincerest well-wishes. Which makes the package complete. *grin*
Glad you like it. The girls in my SnB were all amazed by Joanna’s brilliant idea. Now we all want yarn bouquets instead of flowers, too.
Enjoy it in good health. And we mean that!
Theresa
I’m starting a new trend! Woo Hoo!
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