greens

Cyndy asked me about kale varieties. We reserve part of our garden for "greens." We buy lettuce and green mixes and toss down seeds there in regular intervals. Hence, I get some kale. (what kinds? gosh knows!) I also grow arugula, mache, dandelions, and a variety of lettuces and herbs. I'm flexible about greens. I eat a lot of them. So many, in fact, that our small garden doesn't keep up with me in any way; we buy most of our lettuce, kale, swiss chard and collards from local farmers.

Also from Cyndy's questions, about the nettle yarn and the hemp yarn, she asks: Is it tough on the hands?

The answer is, No. Well, I don't think so. This yarn is wiry and stiff, textured and strong, but my hands don't hurt from knitting it. I believe there are a large variety of fibers out there to spin and use because we need them all. There's nothing cooler to wear in the summertime than a loose linen shift, and any plant fiber is strong and sturdy, for tying up one's tomato plants. Merino, Cormo, or Rambouillet wools? Perfect for a baby or a next to the skin garment that won't see much wear... and not that hard wearing when it comes to socks. I knit a pair of Merino superwash socks and wore them for only this winter...they are already looking alarmingly worn. I'll likely go back to less delicate wools with nylon or mohair blends for my handknit socks in the future.

Coarse is ok in my book. Karakul wool is ideal for a rug. Coarse Romney wool lasts a long time as a winter coat like mine, worn every day. The only fibers I've had trouble with over the long haul have been cottons and bamboos that aren't blends, are not spun in a way that offers any "give" and then I try to knit them with needles without "give" into densely stitched items like a camisole or napkin. That gives me some soreness as I knit, which is often relieved by taking breaks, wood, bamboo, or plastic needles, and thinking consciously about "loosening up."

I may be the wrong person to ask. A little while back, I made this for an art show. I knit with electric fence wire. I have this piece hanging in my office; I love it and look at it every day. I'd definitely knit fence wire again...a struggle but worth it. Everything has its use!

We didn't start many seeds this year...well, the peas, favas, lettuces, garlic, onions and radishes aside! Instead we went to the opening day of the farmer's market, and toted home our first plants. They weren't quite hardened off and ready to be put right into the cold earth, especially as drizzly rain and lows in the 30's were predicted. We made use of an old washtub planter...and a big plastic fleece bag. Spinners often buy their raw fleeces in these gigantic clear plastic bags, so you can see what you're buying. I wash my fleeces and store them in pillowcases after they're clean, so there's better ventiliation...no sweating in plastic in our hot humid weather. Then, I'm left with these huge plastic bags, slightly used. They make...instant greenhouses!

Harry the dog is suffering with spring time allergies. He is itchy, and has a "hot spot" on his arm where he's licked off his fur. Home remedies of anthistamines, anti-itch cream, and even a bandage have done no good. Harry only wears the bandage to play dress up with me. As soon as I turn my back, he is back to the licking. He leaves the bandage carefully unwrapped in a pile for me. We may have to see the vet soon about this one. Darn greenery! It makes him so uncomfortable...

In the meanwhile, just as I'm learning and thinking about your comments, questions and music, the dogs are learning too. We had a toddler who loves dogs and her mom visit for dinner on Friday. Harry and Sally had never seen such a little human. Harry delighted in licking her up and down. There were a lot of giggles from the little human. Sally growled...until we started feeding her small bits of carrots, pre-tasted or touched by the toddler. By the end of our visit, Sally was beginning to warm to this. Toddlers?=Treats. Good learning experience for everyone involved.

Having any good green encounters? For example, Garden, Salad, Green Knitting or Re-Use of fleece plastic? Do tell!