What to do when it snows...

Ya know I’ve never been one to truly enjoy snow but apparently the move back to the country has done some weird thing to my inner Normal Rockwell.

Yesterday we got our first “real snow” of the season and though it really only amounted to about 2-3 inches here I managed to convince myself it was a full blown snow day. In my mind we were completely snowed in and had no choice but to cozy up and enjoy the indoor warmth while we watched the snow fall outside.

We generally don’t cancel homeschool on snow days but rather dive into something “meaty”. I don’t know why but I always have the urge to do some big art project or lengthy science demonstration when it snows. Hunkering down and spending several hours on something we really enjoy just seems to fit on days when its too wet and cold out to do anything else.

We’ve been working through a chemistry study so it was the perfect time to make marshmallow molecules. Not to mention it made a great snack.

My favorite thing to do while snowed in is Swatch! (Yes, I know I gave it a capital letter... it deserves one... and yes I’m going on a swatch speech again so non-swatchers may want to look away to avoid the non-swatching knitter guilt.)

Why do so many knitters avoid the Swatch? Why do so many knitters ignore, neglect, and even (gulp) hate the Swatch?

The Swatch is your friend! It is your small and painless way to try a new yarn or practice a stitch you aren’t too sure of before launching into an entire pattern. Not sure you can pull off those Austian twist stitch thingers? Swatch’em and see! Wanna try that big cable on page whatever of that book that’s been on your shelf for a million years? Swatch to see if it looks as good in wool as it does on paper.

How about (step back now) a steek? Make a swatch with some proper steek technique and hack that sucker right down the middle! You don’t even have to tell anyone.. just try it for yourself some snowy day.

And what do you do with all those Swatches? Well, I don’t know what you do but I love and covet them all my live long day:-) Oh... and I keep them in neat little boxes up on a neat little shelf. See...

These file boxes are sturdy and relatively inexpensive. They hold giant tabbed index cards and stack nicely. I found that keeping swatches in a book style binder made for flat, squished swatches (poor squished swatches). This way they aren’t under so much pressure and can be easily rearranged. Its also easy to flip through them and find what I’m looking for.

I put all the pertinent information on the card like what yarn I used, needle size, final stitch gauge and a chart if there is one. Write the name of the stitch on the top tab for easy locating later.

I love being able to shuffle through all my swatches. Sometimes I’m looking for something specific and sometimes I’m looking for inspiration. Either way, careful organization of the prized Swatches pays off.

Stray kitty update...

I mentioned before that we have been adopted by a homeless kitty. After she hung around for several days we gave in a made her a place on the porch with food and water. We have since upgraded her accommodations to an insulated dog house and her very own Sponge Bob Square Pants blanket. The kids have named her Zig Zag because she runs back and forth across their path every time they step outside.

Unfortunately bringing her into the house just isn’t an option. I just don’t think the other cats would stand for it... and I’m pretty sure poor Darwin would have a mental breakdown.

Comments

[JudyMac]

Wow, what a brilliant idea! I do swatch, but normally just before knitting the project. Love it!

[Miss Scarlett]

Love making marshmallow molecules. Too much fun - and nothing beats edible science.

[Laurel]

You are my new organizational hero. The swatch, er, Swatch box is the most impressive set-up I've seen in a long time. Can you post a source for the little boxes and cards?

[elizabeth m]

Your swatches are so organized! Very cool.

I feel sorry for the kitty, but I'm glad she's got an insulated place to call her own. Is she completely feral or are you able to pet her? Any chance that taking her to a local shelter would help her up in the world? (I wouldn't want to see that cause her demise.) Did the previous owners just abandon her there?

[Kate/Massachusetts]

Great picture...but isn't the dog supposed to be out and the cat in?? ;-)

Your lovely yarn arrived today! Thank you so much! I hope to cast on this weekend, time-permitting!