2009 Starts Off - Fine?
Things seem scary, yes, but we can get through this.
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Hey Knit & Crochet Friends, It's
a scary time, there's no doubt of that. I can't remember living
through such a financially frightening time (and I lived in Toledo in
the late 70's, we thought that was bad...) and fear can be paralyzing.
Which is why we have a duty to ourselves and to those around us NOT to let the fear creep in. Only a fool wouldn't be concerned, but we're all better than fools. For me, the knitting and crochet help keep me centered. It seems silly that such a small thing could loom so large in my emotional health, but it's true. The comfort of knowing I can make something beautiful out of little more than string makes me happy. Does it heal the world? I don't know. But it heals me. I've heard that folks will be nesting more - all in all, that's not a bad thing. This ill wind which is making life so hard for so many of us (and isn't done blowing yet) also has the potential to allow all of us to discover the essential activities that we can do with and around our families. I keep thinking, "The only way we'll get through this is together." It's time to act on that promise you've made to yourself to get to know your neighbors, get acquainted with the local food bank and be more present in your community. The connections we make now will be our salvation. We will pull our friends, and they will pull us, through the hard time that is ahead. I'm fortunate that my parents were older, my mom was 43 when I was born. This meant both parents lived through the depression - my mother's first job earned her $27/week and she thought she was a princess. Out of that terrible time much good came - mostly a sense that we can get by with much less than we think we can, and that a good life isn't necessarily tied to a full purse. I know this is an odd email newsletter to get from a business - I should be telling you to BUY, BUY, BUY my patterns. Well, you can if you want, and I'd like that, but mostly I'd like you to THINK, THINK, THINK about what you can't live without, then get that thing. But when you do buy, try to buy from the small businesses for whom your purchase may mean the difference between a profit or loss that day. And treasure those around you - why not knit something nice for them? |
KNIT WITH COURAGE is an AUDIO BOOK! It's produced by Holton House Audio, and I'm the reader (be afraid...) In honor of this great event, I've put together a short 4 minute video designed around one of the essays in the book, Miracle Hope Click here to enjoy it! Also, in celebration of the audio book release, I'm offering a 25% discount to each of my newsletter readers! Just type in the code "newsletter" when checking out, and $4.75 will be deducted from the price of the book at checkout. |
| Caribbean
Craft Cruise April 5-12 2009  You've been going back and forth; Can I afford this? Should I do it? Well, it's probably cold where you are. If you can afford this cruise, it will be a blast. And it will be warm. Join us... I'll be co-teaching with Drew Emborsky (the Crochet Dude) on a Craft Cruise on this very knit-happy cruise! |
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| Teaching Below are my currently scheduled gigs, please bookmark www.anniemodesitt.com/appearances for the most up-to-the-minute information about my classes. My teaching dance card isn't as full as it's been in past years, but I am putting together a UK trip perhaps in mid September. If you know of a shop that might like to have me, please let me know! I'm also considering a sweeping drive from MN to New Hampshire for the Squam Art Workshops in June, and would be happy to teach at a few yarn shops on the way. If you're in a sort of direct route, email me and perhaps we can work out an engagement! Designing I have a few things coming out in Interweave Knits, Interweave Crochet and my first piece for Yarn Forward Magazine (a UK pub), but what I'm most excited about is that I'm finally getting going on a book I've been pondering for 4 years! The premise of History on Two Needles (working title) is the use of paintings, sculpture, mosaics and other historic artwork as a jumping off place for modern hand knit designs. I had the idea several years ago, based on an assignment I was given in a design class in grad school. In that class we tackled the same concept, but without the knitted angle. If I accomplish my goal, the modern designs won't look 'costumy,' but they will reflect the general feeling of some garment or detail in the chosen work of art. I've chosen to keep the entire process of researching, writing, designing and producing the book transparent, so please feel free to follow along at my blog if you're so inclined! Maybe all those eyes will keep me moving along on my chosen path! |
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Be kind to someone near you - knit them a hat!
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| Annie
Modesitt Engagements |
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©2009 Annie Modesitt