I think I'm finally done with my series on “destruction-proofing your family.” Not that we couldn't go on and on, and probably will.
Just as my friends and I do when we meet over iced tea in the kitchen, I'm sure you and I could talk endlessly here on this subject! I will try to address some of the things brought up in the comments of the last two posts — I haven't had a chance even to dip in there and reply.
What's amazing me, though, is the finesse and perspicuity of you, my dear readers, in your responses. Something must be afoot in this land, because how otherwise to account for the near universal understanding of the points I am trying to make — points that are not to be found in the way the world thinks — yet are to be found with all of you. For years I've felt nearly alone in what I will definitely characterize as a battle to live differently. And now I don't feel so alone, or so much like I am trying to express, clumsily, things I've only inadequately tried to live, to people, most of whom find it all incomprehensible.
So thank you! I'm… overwhelmed!
Meanwhile, the crafting continues. Yesterday you saw a peek at a little quilt I'm working on. And I did finish and hand over Nick and Natasha's quilt, so we need to delve into that.
Today let's talk knitting and reading with Ginny's Yarn Along!
I am trying to make a sweater for Finnabee, using the gorgeous yarn I used for a little shrug for Molly at Christmas. (Don't worry, Finnabee did get hand-knits at Christmas — just not a sweater.)
Naturally, I have run out of it (I mean, I did buy more, but still). So it's a bit on hold until I order more. That part of my brain that gives the “not enough yarn” warning is definitely broken.
And that radiator is definitely on. Maybe by the time you read this it will be tomorrow, when it's weirdly going to be in the 70s (weirdly because it's in the 40s now and will be in the 60s after, so why? oh, never mind.)
The book is my book (and David Clayton's and Deirdre's too!). Reader, it's so pretty. At first I was afraid to think about it or see it. Now I look at it lovingly, because it's something apart from me that's taken on a life of its own, mostly because it's designed so nicely. Wait until you see the gorgeous full-color prints of the icons in the back! That you can pull out and frame!
You can order it from the publisher or from Amazon. If you have already done so, I would love to hear what you think. This book is about connecting your home to the church and the world. It's about the importance of the home as a sanctuary, and practical ways to realize this. Is that something you are interested in?
I have already knit the sweater in the smaller size for my friend Erin's new baby, so let's look at that to see what is in store. I made it with six buttons instead of five, because I personally always liked a baby sweater that was a bit longer. (I'm pretty sure there is another button down there at the bottom. We'll ask her.)
We didn't know if the baby would turn out to be a boy or a girl, so I held off on that final eyelet at the bottom… but she is a girl! So I put it in. I know, isn't that so funny? Would it really seem much more masculine without?
The buttons are from my stash. If she had been a boy, I would have had cute blue ones. I had no cute little pink ones, but I think that white will make the whole thing useful for when she does have a boy (there are six girls and one boy now! So here's to hoping! Of course, we love little girls). I will post the info on Ravelry for you.
alisa says
such a sweet sweater!
Barbara says
Oh, that sweater is lovely. An heirloom! Lucky little girl.
I have not started the book as I’m not feeling well this week and want to be 100% to get into it. But it is beautiful.
Rachel says
Such a lovely little sweater!
Lisa G. says
I’ve been enjoying the book, Leila.
Elizabeth says
lovely! I do hope to get your book at some point (Mr. Husband does not want me buying more books until after we move in the next month) 🙂 Lovely knit! yay!
Leila says
Elizabeth, that does seem reasonable! Even I can get on board with waiting until after the move 🙂
mamasmercantile says
What a beautiful little baby jacket, a future family heirloom. The hangar is divine.
Cristina says
I finished the book this weekend and it was truly wonderful! And beautiful! It took a lot of self control for me not to grab my color pencils and go to town on the amazing pictures Deirdre contributed–I see now that you can download coloring pages of them instead but the weight of the paper in the book is so perfect it’s just begging to be colored in 🙂
I’m planning to get my own little oratory put together this weekend and I am so excited! Your book is so full of simple, practical advice. From now on it will be the first book I recommend to anyone wanting to begin a prayer life with their family and I’ll tell them to tackle the more in depth (and sometimes overwhelming) Mary Reed Newland type books afterwards.
On an unrelated note, I’ve never attempted a baby sweater before, but now that I’ve finally got a winter baby on the way I want to give it a try. Can you recommend any beginner baby sweater patterns?
Leila says
Cristina, the coloring pages (full size) are by David. Try printing them out on good paper! I save good heavy paper for just that kind of use. That way you will all enjoy coloring them.
I agree, the paper in the book is so high quality, as is the printing. That is what makes me like looking at it and feeling it! 🙂
Leila says
Oh, and try this sweater: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/leilamarie/babys-raglan-sweater-no-seams
It’s pretty easy if you have someone to help you wrap your mind around the sleeves.
Cristina says
Thank you! You give the best advice. I think I’d even consider becoming a northerner if it meant I could be your neighbor and that is saying something 🙂
Julia says
I’m planning to print them out on some lightweight water color paper and color them that way. Maybe a link up of home colored versions is in order. 🙂
Rain says
Such a lovely sweater!
I have been slowly reading the book and just love it. I entered fully into the church this past Easter Vigil! (so did my wonderful husband).
I’m very grateful for your and David’s instruction on bringing it home, it seems to be the perfect time to read The Little Oratory.
I can’t wait to dive into it more fully (the church & your book).
Blessings.
Kathy@9peas says
I ordered the book from the publisher and when I started seeing people get their Amazon orders I wish I could have been happy for them, but my first response was ‘WHERE IS MINE”…I’ve given myself an attitude adjustment and did find out yesterday that mine is finally on it’s way – thank goodness, I cannot wait!
The destruction-proofing series is wonderful and reading the comments also makes me feel so much a part of a group of like minded friends who want to raise the bar back on family to where it should be – it is a good feeling and I appreciate your bringing us together!
Such a darling sweater, lucky babies!
SS says
Loved the book… And I made that sweater in a marigold orange for my newborn son (but with only one button at the top, as I have barrel chested babies and I wanted him to be able to wear it for as long as possible.)
Erin says
It IS a lovely sweater! And *of course* there is a button at the bottom there. And, I have to say, we have many handmade sweaters (not by me, unfortunately!) and many of them are too short. This one is long enough! And so pretty! Alexis has gotten many compliments on it.
And the book is just fabulous. It is so very practical and accessible, while also being (but really, *because* of being) grounded in the theory, in the reasons the Church teaches what she does, in the Truth. It is as perfect for someone just beginning to think about setting up a little oratory for her family as it is for someone who has always done this, but is always interested in bettering and deepening her understanding of the family as the domestic church. And Deidre’s drawings are so charmingly perfect! And the icons are beautiful!
Thank you for the sweater AND the book!!
Rosemary says
Lovely little sweater! And the book, it is beautiful!! I have just started reading it–not much time for reading these days with five-month-old twins, but it is a lovely island of peace in my day when I’m able to crack it open. 🙂
Liz says
I am loving the book, and have been plotting setting up a little prayer corner in our home, complete with the lovely icons. It is a beautiful and inspiring book, and I love hearing your now-familiar written voice in it. I am so glad you acknowledge the awkward feelings we moderns often have about praying or singing in front of others, even our own family. My husband is especially plagued by this, having grown up in a Mass-every-week but otherwise silent-about-religion-and-non-singing (not even in church!) family, but I am hopeful that he will be inspired by your book, too. He has gotten fully on board with leading meal prayers since we’ve had children, of which I am glad.
Gemma says
Absolutely gorgeous! Love the detailing on the yoke 🙂
Rosie says
Mama, you crack me up. Have you *ever* bought enough yarn the first time around? xoxo
Kaitlin @ More Like Mary says
I am really enjoying the book so far! Heading to garage sales this week to look for a piece that will work as our alter!
Wanda says
That sweater is adorable! Such a sweet little garment for boy or girl. Your book? Oh you already know how much I love it, which social media have I not posted about it? Just life changing!
Rosie’s comment cracks me up! Mamma…..my girls call me that.
Mrs. B. says
It’s looking at sweaters so precious that makes me want to learn to knit… Is it even possible to do it on one’s own?? I don’t know any knitters… except my mother, but she’s across the Ocean 🙁
Leila, the book is truly a work of beauty – I am in love with its colors and design, it’s just a beautiful object in itself! I am even a little afraid of “spoiling” it by using it, so I am seriously considering buying another copy just to keep (and give it to my daughter when she’s grown!). I am so in awe that I have just dipped into it here and there: I really want to take it slow, to savor it and to let every bit sink in, so that a new outlook and new practices can grow on me more naturally and intentionally. I am very grateful that the chapters can be read somewhat independently: it means that each of us can read it her own way, as needed. My plan is to have my husband read it, too, or perhaps to read it together, if it’s easier that way. I don’t want him to come home one day, and suddenly spot a new prayer corner, with me saying: Oh, yes, from now on we’ll do this and this and that! That would be against the spirit of the book, right? 🙂
eclare says
Do try! Find a cute pattern, have a yarn shop help you pick out yarn and needles, and watch a youtube video for each step of the instructions. Then knit the same pattern a couple more times in different sizes and colors, and you will have a clan of mama-knit clad children! I learned this way (youtube plus Ravelry on my cellphone) just a year ago and have knit over 50 garments now. Give it a whirl!
Mrs. B. says
Thank you for the encouragement!!
Jamie says
As far as what’s afoot in the land- i suspect a lot of us are seekers and know there is a better way. A lot of us had a good dose of Dr. Laura to at least set us back on a track that home might be a good place for mothers to raise their children. I think the homeschooling movement has made its impact as well.