Women of Wisdom Unite!
Many people are afraid of Witches. The poor Witch has been demonized, misunderstood, and persecuted. I am not alone (anyone recognize the author of that book?) in my belief that Witches were originally women of wisdom and intuition. Would you agree that women of wisdom are scary? I thought not. My annual trip to the Land of Green Witches affords time to commune with, and listen to, the stories of truth and wisdom told by a coven of wonderful crones. It's an annual rite, one I enjoy completely. Now don't you just wish you knew what story my wonderful friend is sharing with me? (That's a look 'of knowing' on my face, not a grimace.)
As I was conversing with one of the best dressed of the coven, I truly jumped from fright. But, it was her pet spider that caught me unaware, however tame and sweet he is. (He later apologized.)
Could it be that witches flew on distaffs and not brooms? Something for every spinner to contemplate, eh? However, this Pioneer Witch is rather fond of her wagon and team of bats (who don't come out during the day) that pull her across the night sky. Watch for her tonight and you might see her as she flies across the moon!
Every Green Witch I visited was very impressed with the beautiful, useful sweater I had knit and the cleverness of my hands. (I credit their good wishes with the speed in which I finished Smith's socks. They loved the name of the yarn, Tigers Eye, which they use often in their brews.)
After my visit I was refreshed, renewed, and inspired. Make sure you hug a Witch today...it's her special day, you know?
Pattern: Ribby Pulli by Bonne Marie Burns
Yarn: Hand-dyed Superwash Merino Worsted by Scout's Swag, dyed to my color specifications (Scout's a genius)
Needles: Addi Turbo US size #5 and #7 (pattern calls for #6)
Modifications: Body and arms lengthened about 2" (6' tall has its disadvantages)
Time to Knit: October 4-October 26, 2007-Long trips in the car afford much knitting time.
Bottom Line: I love this sweater!!
That sweater is flipping gorgeous! I love it. Love it. Looks squooshy!
And heh. Being short and microscopic has its advantages... 2" shorter body and sleeves. ;)
Posted by: bellamoden | October 31, 2007 at 03:53 AM
Fabulous! Wow - that looks fantastic on you, Margene!
Posted by: DebbieB | October 31, 2007 at 04:58 AM
Who wouldn't? It's great.
Posted by: Ruth | October 31, 2007 at 05:01 AM
Ah, yes, more witches from the coven. I am particularly fond of the one from the Red Hat Society!
Many thanks, Margene, for making Halloween traditions continues with the Green Witches!
The sweater looks great, too!
Posted by: Dianna | October 31, 2007 at 05:06 AM
What a wonderful photo shoot for your new sweater! It looks fabulous and so do you!
Posted by: Carole | October 31, 2007 at 05:06 AM
Beautiful! Your vision of what the yarn would be was exactly right.
Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Laurie | October 31, 2007 at 05:41 AM
That is THE perfect sweater for you! Well done!!
Posted by: Kim | October 31, 2007 at 06:09 AM
You and the sweater both look like you had a good time visiting the Green Witches.
Posted by: Sarah HB | October 31, 2007 at 06:18 AM
Your Ribby is absolutely perfect and looks fab on you! Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Manise | October 31, 2007 at 06:28 AM
Simply beautiful. The yarn is lovely. I do believe wise women are scary to weakminded men. Witches and whatnot bring out my inner (and outer) feminist. My mom gave me a great book on witches in college--Devil in the Shape of a Woman.
Posted by: kathleen | October 31, 2007 at 06:29 AM
Beautiful sweater Margene!
Posted by: Karen | October 31, 2007 at 06:30 AM
The sweater is great and looks beautiful on you!
Posted by: Kelly | October 31, 2007 at 06:40 AM
Women of Wisdom are indeed wonderful. But I imagine difficult to control, so back when that was the goal, I'm sure those in power did find them scary, so labeled them as such.
Beautiful sweater!
Posted by: Chris | October 31, 2007 at 06:50 AM
The sweater looks great on you! I'm surprised I didn't notice it in your post the other day.
Posted by: Wool Winder | October 31, 2007 at 06:57 AM
This makes perfect sense to me. Not only with the spinners distaff but also the shepherdess with crook. Picture in my mind of wind blown woman, spinning while tending her flock. Works for me... Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Judy | October 31, 2007 at 07:08 AM
OK, that last comment was for Marcy. I love your sweater. Great combination. Now, I'll post the comment to Marcy. lol. Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Judy | October 31, 2007 at 07:09 AM
Oh, damn. Another one for the queue!
Posted by: Marcia Cooke | October 31, 2007 at 07:23 AM
I've been so anxious to see this sweater. It's FANTASTIC, Margene. Just fantastic.
Posted by: Vicki | October 31, 2007 at 07:25 AM
Thanks for reminding us of BW's scholarly and feminist side... I have always loved her for considering knitting and other 'women's pursuits' important to women's wisdom. Now for the sweater - it is very flattering and looks like one you will be turning to all winter... glad you got just the colors you wanted:) Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Birdsong | October 31, 2007 at 07:29 AM
It turned out FABULOUS!!!! I love it. And, I need to read Ms. Walker's book. Fascinating. BTW, I do believe one of your witches is a Red Hat Lady (cracked me up). Betcha Scout has come orders are everyone sees your gorgeous sweater.
Posted by: CindyCindy | October 31, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Halloween is my favorite day of the year. I love those Green Witches of yours.
I love the sweater too of course.
Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Nancy | October 31, 2007 at 07:44 AM
Classic sweater, only enhanced by the amazing dye job of Scout. Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Liz K. | October 31, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Your sweater looks fantastic!
Posted by: Lauren | October 31, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I love it!
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | October 31, 2007 at 08:04 AM
A lovely knit. Aren't car trips great?
Posted by: Pat K | October 31, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Talk about stitch witchery! How cute are you?!
Posted by: Elspeth | October 31, 2007 at 08:18 AM
hug*hug
Posted by: marie in florida | October 31, 2007 at 08:21 AM
It's just perfect on you! Great job! (And that goes for Scout, too.)
Posted by: Cheryl S. | October 31, 2007 at 08:29 AM
It's very bold! I like that. :-) And I can just imagine how nice that Scout yarn feels... :-)
Posted by: Beth S. | October 31, 2007 at 08:29 AM
You Wise Witch, you!
Posted by: Norma | October 31, 2007 at 08:31 AM
Your sweater looks spooktacular! I was enthralled (can't even spell the word) about your post today. It was fun and insightful.
Posted by: Isela | October 31, 2007 at 08:31 AM
BTW: Happy Halloween!
Posted by: Isela | October 31, 2007 at 08:31 AM
I love how the yarn knit up-your color choices remind me of granite! Fantastic sweater.
Of course women of wisdom are scary. It is much easier to fear someone someone wise and powerful who could maybe, say, cure your sick child with herbs, than admit there is much out there you don't understand.
Posted by: artmomma | October 31, 2007 at 08:36 AM
It looks terrific on you! And, as always, great pictures!
Posted by: Kathy | October 31, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Ribby looks great - and you look pretty healthy there. :)
Posted by: Chris | October 31, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Beautiful sweater indeed!
I always enjoy your annual trip to the land of the Green Witches. I agree that witches probably were wise women and many of them learned to use herbs to heal. I'm sure some folks just plain feared their knowledge (they could heal the sick, after all) and thought there must have acquired that knowledge by bad means. If they could heal, they could probably also make people or cows or crops ill as well. So, if something bad happened, the poor wise women had to be to blame.
Posted by: Alison | October 31, 2007 at 09:00 AM
I adore BW and have many of her works..not just knitting either! So YES! I recognize the author of that particular work, and have it on my bookshelf!
LOVE the witches...
for what they truly are!
;)
Having my own little crone-fest today - teehee.
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | October 31, 2007 at 09:02 AM
*sigh*
Margene it's so pretty. SO SO SO SO much so. I hope it feels like a great big hug from ME! It looks so great on you too.
Posted by: scout | October 31, 2007 at 09:27 AM
BW, so talented! And your sweater is beautiful. It complements your hair very nicely...
Posted by: Danielle | October 31, 2007 at 09:34 AM
That sweater looks fantastic. I love the colors and the way they relate to each other. It really looks great on you.
Posted by: Hillary | October 31, 2007 at 09:39 AM
I so love your annual trip to the witches. And your sweater is fabulous.
Posted by: Rachel H | October 31, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Love the sweater. I totally understand about having to lenghten the sleeves and body. I am pretty close to 6' myself and that is a definite disadvantage.
Posted by: Kristyn | October 31, 2007 at 10:21 AM
I enjoy your witch trip every year!
Ribby Pulli looks beautiful - I bet it's one of those sweaters that will be worn often!
Posted by: Pat | October 31, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Your sweater is really great--a perfect fall sweater. Nice (and quick) job!
Posted by: Erin | October 31, 2007 at 10:36 AM
That sweater is so cool! Perfect for subtly variegated yarn, too. I love it!
Posted by: elizabeth | October 31, 2007 at 10:52 AM
What a wonderful visit with the green witches and what a fabulous sweater! Well done, you!
Posted by: Cookie | October 31, 2007 at 10:55 AM
It seems like you are finishing lots and lots of pretty things lately.
Posted by: claudia | October 31, 2007 at 11:10 AM
I really LOVE that sweater! I might have to try that one. Bonne Marie says "advanced beginner," would you recommend it as a second sweater, or should I get more practice first?
You look MAHvelous in it!
Posted by: Kelly | October 31, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Gorgeous sweater~
Posted by: Dianne | October 31, 2007 at 11:39 AM
What a beautiful sweater for all those cold Utah days that are sneaking up on you! Very tempting to buy that pattern.
Posted by: ~Kristie | October 31, 2007 at 11:55 AM