“Stay low, stay quiet, keep it simple, don’t expect too much, enjoy what you have.” — This statement by Dean Koontz sums up my philosophy of living a simple life. I’m continually saying, “Enjoy what you have.” I think we all have some kind of mantra that we either live by or are known by.

“The whistling dawn, the sussurration of the leaves, a honking goose, and then a sentimental confab at the Solid Rock Gospel Church with a wounded soul who poured his heart out …” — Edward Hoagland, In the Country of the Blind. I can imagine it!

Australian Shepherd Heidi www.dianeschuller.com

Heidi says, “hi” even with her mouth full

After finishing the Trenchcoat socks the sock fairy somehow cast on another pair. This time for her amazing son.

men's socks by ©Diane M Schuller

men's worsted wt socks ©Diane M Schuller

I loved knitting these husky socks. In fact, as I was knitting them I kept thinking how cozy they would be as house socks for me to pad around in this winter. I have lots of yarn leftover.

“Knitting is clothing made in spare moments, or round the fire, whenever women gathered together… It’s something to celebrate — clothes made in love and service, something women have always done.” — Anne Bartlett, Knitting

A dear neighbour and friend gave me a luscious skein of yarn last year which I made into a shawl but the shawl was a tad small. Not wanting the gorgeous yarn to go to waste I frogged the shawl (unraveled the whole thing), rewound it into a nice ball and decided it was meant to be socks. Although I much prefer knitting socks toe-up, I’m trying out a new pattern so have to be open minded with this cuff-down version.

knitting with Sweet Fiber Yarns Super Sweet Sock

Yarn: Sweet Fiber Yarns Super Sweet Sock in the colour way, Seastorm.

socks, two at a time

Of course, as you’ll see, I had to jazz them up a bit too.

socks two-at-a-time ©Diane M Schuller

If you’re thinking that in my spare time I must be doing nothing but knitting, I actually have written a few letters too.

hand written letters || www.dianeschuller.com

I’ve been enjoying picking up unique and quality gifts at the local Christmas fairs (I even bought myself a pair of hand knit socks made by another knitter). Last year I didn’t buy a single gift outside of our area, Qualicum Beach / Parksville. I’m trying to do the same this year.

I love that by buying handmade instead of from a large corporation, an actual person benefits. It also contributes directly to our local economy.

This weekend when I attended the local Christmas fair, with an abundance of handmade local goods, I received a bonus: I won a door prize (and it’s handmade too!) so buying handmade had a wee karma surprise come back to me.

Until next Monday may you embrace simple pleasures with family and friends.

5 thoughts on “Keeping it simple”

  1. Another homy post with gorgeous images and comments I just nod away at! Your knitting is superb and beautifully presented. And I am on the same wavelength about buying local. I bow to your success.

  2. Orange is one of my favorite colors so that heel pop is wonderful! Yes to keeping it simple and loving what we have. I have a card on the wall that says, Gratitude tipurns what we have into enough.

  3. This year, for the first, and possibly the last, time everyone I love will be at our house for Christmas. Time will be the greatest gift-for walks, sitting by the fire, telling stories and reconnecting.

  4. Oh! You opened with a quote using one of my favourite words. (And now I’m going to throw a curve ball and make you guess!)

    Let me know how you fare with the cuffs-first socks.Here, it seems the most common way, but as I no longer knit I’m out of touch.

    I am easing back into artwork.Baby steps!Scribbly sketches (one on the blog)and ideas to try as lino cuts. And the never-ending garden work …

  5. Diane, these socks are BEAUTIFUL!!!
    I especially love the blue ones. That yarn is truly gorgeous.
    I wish you a wonderful week ahead, my friend.
    xo.

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