Squam 2012 and A Special Offer!

I didn't realize how much my trip to Squam Art Workshops over a month ago was the calm before the storm for me.  Because of the moving across the country shocker and all it entails, I haven't even had a chance to tell you about Squam weekend or share my photos. Truly, I had no idea how much I would need that deep breath that Squam provides–with friends, on the docks, in the woods, making and creating–with all the hectic-ness that fills my days right now. Today, I finally share my Squam experience with you AND give you a special offer from the Squam Store!

Squam is held at a beautiful camp on Squam Lake just outside of Holderness, New Hampshire.  It's that  kind of camp you remember from your childhood, with slamming screen doors and twisty, pine needle-covered paths through the woods, with the sound of water lapping against the docks and the smell of burning wood in the fireplaces. I thought that this, my second year, would be different than the first, but it wasn't really. The weekend was absolutely as lovely as last year, it just felt more comfortable–like that cozy go-to sweater you always choose first out of your closet.

I rediscovered magic on the docks.

I felt soothed by the quiet cabins,

and charmed by the quaint vignettes.

I reveled in the camaraderie around the fire,and found doors opening onto new opportunities and possibilities.

The bursts of creativity everywhere you looked always made me smile.

I experienced amazing instructors that inspired me every which way,

but also found moments to be alone with my thoughts,

 or just sink into relaxation and appreciate having time to do my favorite things.
I found a place to tell stories and laugh with dear friends I absolutely adore.

Most importantly, though, I fed my soul in a community of people who value the same things as I.

In the weeks that I am facing, more than ever, I'll need to be reminded of the calm and joy of my time at Squam.  That is why I am thrilled that the wonderful artist Heather Renz created these beautiful sachets filled with the lovely, piney scent of Squam.

Photo by Christine Chitnis

Each sachet is printed with a word (quiet* woods* light*).  I think I may just sleep with 10 of them under my pillow so I can forget about that list of things to do and dream about Squam during the blissful hours of sleep I manage to get. 

Elizabeth and Michelle have kindly allowed me to offer a special to my readers. Every person who purchases a sachet this weekend is eligible to win a bonus sachet for free. The winner of the additional sachet will be surprised when they open their package and find a lovely extra!  Feeling lucky today?

Photo by Christine Chitnis

Bring your own little piece of Squam into your home.  Or, buy one to hold the promise of those wonderful moments that are sure to come next year!

Photo by Christine Chitnis

 xo, anne

Gone Knitting

I did two extraordinary things during my vacation. First, I didn't write a blog post for almost two weeks! That's the longest break I've had between posts since I started blogging. I was a little concerned that my readers might start departing, but, you know what, I think I needed the space. It was like a deep breath, and isn't that what vacations are all about? Second, I spent a good chunk of my vacation knitting a sweater . . . for myself!  I guess I should have told you two weeks ago that I had Gone Knitting.

With all the changes going on in my life, I think I really needed to feel like a normal person on a normal beach vacation–fun in the sand, lots of ice cream, giggles with the kids, and some good ol' knitting. That's just what I did.

I haven't knit a sweater for myself since I was 7 years old.  This boggles some people's mind, because I knit a LOT.  For years (fifteen or so), all I did was knit gifts for others–mainly baby gifts. There's been a lot of baby-having in my crowd in the last fifteen years.  Then, two years ago, I sat next to and met my dear friend, Camille, at Squam. She makes gorgeous things for herself, and I was completely inspired.

Since then (yes, it was two years ago!), I had planned to make this Louisa Harding sweater dress called "desire," or something with a fabulous madtosh merino light yarn called "happiness," or this gorgeous Gudrun Johnston sweater called Laar ("light breeze") using this stunning hand-dyed paprika lace-weight yarn from Jill Draper.  Unfortunately, there always seemed to be too much other "stuff" to do to even bother starting. Those bigger "me" projects kept getting pushed aside, as doing things for ourselves is wont to do.

On the first day of my vacation, I popped into the local yarn shop in Nantucket called Flock.  It was completely adorable and full of yummy things. While browsing, it hit me. I knew just what to do. I knew of a simple sweater I could make for myself on vacation in one week. It was a challenge I would set for myself (okay, I know that doesn't sound very vacationy). Still, it felt like a contained space and I would walk away from vacation with my very own hand knit sweater. This felt so indulgent to me that I just had to do it. I've been admiring Laura's Cap Sleeve Lattice Top since I first saw it on the Purl Bee.  It fit the task perfectly.  Isn't it cute?

Photo from the Purl Bee

I could do almost all of the knitting mid-conversation or mid-kiddo-watching without even thinking.  I used a gorgeous Anzula worsted weight yarn called Grace for the body, along with Appalachian Baby Design organic cotton for the top.  I adjusted the stitch count, as Laura made it in a sport weight, but using the worsted made the knitting fly by!

Did I do it? you ask.  Did I finish the sweater while on vacation? You know what?  I almost did. We got back last night, and I literally have four rows left as I write this now. That's it. I think I'll go do it right now.

A photo journal of Nantucket will be coming soon, along with a fun Squam giveaway! Lots more crazies coming up though - we're off to Baltimore next week to look at schools, neighborhoods, houses, etc.  Lots of real work squeezing in everywhere around the edges. Posting might get a bit sporadic in the next few months.  I might come regret my vacation time indulgence with so much to do, but as soon as I put that cute top on, I really truly think I won't!