Welcoming the Light Back

In the month of December, as the large part of the population is busy bustling around and making haste to celebrate the coming holidays, the light returns. In ancient cultures all around the world, a celebration was held to welcome in the second light celebration, Yule. It is the time of the year that people would come together to drink, eat, celebrate the rest season and crops that were sown and harvested. This year, Winter Solstice falls on December 21st, the first official day of Winter. The full Moon of December falls on the 26th this year. This moon is known as the Long Night Moon which corresponds to the Winter Solstice. As we settle into the short days, we pick up our fiber crafts and enjoy the time to rest our bodies and plan for the coming growing season. Rebecca has depicted this month beautifully. As we celebrate the Long Night Moon, we light candles and watch the longest darkest day work the full cycle. It is also a great time to let go of the things that are weighing you down and set goals for the upcoming month. The recipe this month also celebrates the fruits of our harvest. Utilizing vegetables that over winter well and classic sausage. You can find this recipe at the bottom of the page.

The fiber this month is a beautiful Shetland mix from Layzee Farmer. The fiber also features pops of Mohair from Bushco Farms. These braids are black, representing the dark nights with pops of lovely green and blue mohair reminding me of the Northern lights that we can catch on clear winter nights. This is a great quick spin and my friend Kathy has already sampled it out into a great hand spun yarn.

The notion this month is a great little clutch. A great little bag that measures 7" by 11" and is complete with a zipper. fits a perfect sock or hat project to go with you when you need a on the go companion. The fabric and lining is 100% cotton so you can wash it.

What's on the reading agenda this month? I have been listening to a few books about the wool industry and makers in the industry:

A Short History of the World According to Sheep by Sally Coulthard

Knitlandia by Clara Parks

A few fictional books and continuing series:

Jennifer Chiaverini

Nancy Warren

The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner

Mrs England by Stacey Halls

Homestead by Melinda Moustakis

Blessings to everyone as we walk into another new year full of possibilities.