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Thursday, 4 February 2010

The Quiet Gathering Amidst The Storm.

It has been a quiet week here, with coughs and colds and all sorts. I'm hoping we are coming to the end of it now and things can get back to normal. There was a few promises broken due to my own need to come straight home every day, so hopefully we can do some catching up over the weekend and next week. We had plans to celebrate the returning light which we look forward to sharing with you here when we pull ourselves out of the couch and onto our feet again.



So tonight we went ahead with our weekly meeting for knitting and stitchery of all kinds. I was very glad as it was lovely to see everyone and catch up. And they braved weather foul and wild to get here, for which I am very grateful!


After my disappointment that not one of the children made a Brigid's Cross in school this year, I intended making one myself with them. But then this cold got the better of me and it never happened. So I was delighted when the lovely Siofra arrived with an armful of reeds she collected locally and proceeded to make the fastest crosses I've ever witnessed!



And as she left one with us, I can now consign last years to the fire. 

And yes, though the wind and rain did beat and wail, there was the lovely quiet in the room of needles clicking, of voices murmuring and gentle laughter. There was stories told, and tips and know-how shared generously. And I was very glad to take up my needlework again, and hope to have the finished piece to show you this weekend, all going well.


And so now, I'll take myself off to my bed, to listen to the wind and rain and be thankful. For friends, and fingers and a cosy bed!

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29 comments:

  1. Anonymous5 February 2010 at 01:09

    beautiful cross. lovely prose. happy stitching!

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  2. Susan5 February 2010 at 01:31

    Those are lovely things to be thankful for. Your descriptions of the weather outside are great. Keep warm and cozy. Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

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  3. Pamela Terry and Edward5 February 2010 at 01:42

    Such a cozy post. How I would have loved to be there with my knitting needles too. And your cross maker has lovely hands, doesn't she?

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  4. rayfamily5 February 2010 at 02:09

    I'm envious of your evening, sounds perfect!

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  5. nancy5 February 2010 at 02:49

    beautiful. have always wondered how to make a st. brigid's cross. now i know! thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and this reminds me i've to finish my own knitting project for Lochie before he gets to big to wear it! sheesh!

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  6. christine5 February 2010 at 03:14

    sounds like a lovely, cozy time with friends. i have seen st brigid's crosses but didn't know that they could be made with local plants. very nice pictures. i hope you are soon well again.

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  7. Gigi Thibodeau5 February 2010 at 03:49

    What a wonderful and homey post, Ciara! I met for knitting with a girlfriend/former student last night at one of our favorite coffee shops, and I had one of those moments of pure joy as we talked. Something about the needles clicking and the conversation flowing does it to me every time!

    Wishing you a lovely weekend. xo

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  8. nancy5 February 2010 at 06:30

    p.s. I nominated you on my site for an award given to me today...I'm passing it on, but of course, you are not obliged to participate yourself in what the award entails or requires of you. Entirely up to you. Just thought I'd let you know. Thanks Ciara!

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  9. Martin5 February 2010 at 06:59

    Let the wind and rain to their worst. You have the cosiness of home and the warmth of friendship for protection.

    Hope you're feeling better soon.

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  10. Mise5 February 2010 at 09:40

    I'm glad the crosses are still being made. Do you still have Bridget's belt/ Crios Bhríde as well? I haven't seen anyone coming round with one of those here for years. "Crios Bhríde, mo chrios, Crios na gcceithre cros..."

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  11. Tia5 February 2010 at 10:49

    Ohhhh Ciara , so jealous you can have a knit n stitch meeting in your home ! And I cant believe the kids didnt make crosses in school !!!! I managed to collect a few reeds near the canal here , enough to make some crosses as gifts , but Aideen ended up using pipecleaners to make the last batch...such a lovley tradition of the Saint/Goddess Briget ! Happy stitching and hope you all feel better soon !

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  12. paintnpencil5 February 2010 at 15:03

    What a lovely post, and beautiful crosses made also. A warm evening with friends. Stay well.

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  13. Erin5 February 2010 at 15:05

    What a beautiful post! I love the crosses and the idea of everyone getting together to knit. What a lovely time!!

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  14. affectioknit5 February 2010 at 15:52

    Knitting with friends is awesome! Love the cross!

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  15. Stephanie V5 February 2010 at 16:00

    Such cosy photos. There's nothing like knitting and talking with friends. It makes any room warm.
    The crosses are interesting...I've learned something new.

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  16. Vanilla Press5 February 2010 at 16:59

    Hi there Ciara
    Lovely post..hoping you all get better soon. There have been a lot of coughs & sniffles around this house too!
    Jas
    x

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  17. Pandorah's Box5 February 2010 at 22:52

    I wish I could have been a part of this! Looks lovely in every way :)

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  18. Irmhild5 February 2010 at 22:56

    We have fortnightly knitting sessions up here, always really looking forward to it! Most of us didn't know each other before we started it, yet there's always lots of chat and laughter.

    Love your tablecloth!

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  19. Rebecca S.6 February 2010 at 05:00

    I always look forward to your photographs. I was inspired to monogram some handkerchiefs for my dad's birthday this year. Alas, that is the extent of my skill at such things. I appreciate the handiwork of those who can and do, though. Very much indeed.
    I had never heard of a Bridged's Cross! Lovely.

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  20. marty, sharon and pearl6 February 2010 at 14:13

    hey ciara....knit & stitch (& bitch!?) night, how fab....great photo of it all happening around the kitchen table. s x

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  21. Deirdre6 February 2010 at 16:55

    Looks like a lovely cosy evening, Wish I was living a bit nearer...

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  22. gz6 February 2010 at 17:13

    Hi Ciara-fellow cold-sufferer-we are addicted to air!! Hope your cold has gone soon.

    Interesting seeing St. Bride's Cross- just like one of the many Celtic signs for the Sun.
    I suppose St.Brides is also Imbolc, the Celtic Festival for the beginning of Spring, so the Sun is returning.
    It figures, as they say :-)

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  23. Abigail6 February 2010 at 23:04

    those remind me of the things we used to make on Palm Sunday in church when we were bored! So cool, I may have to go back to church just try and replicate that, ha

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  24. Mimi6 February 2010 at 23:10

    Fingers, friends and a cosy bed are indeed good things to be grateful for.
    It is sad that children don't make St. Brigid's crosses in school any more- I went to a demo some years ago in the IMMA with my little ones, and they loved it.I never consigned the crosses to the fire- still have them, but would need reminding of the technique.

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  25. Snafflesmummy7 February 2010 at 18:50

    That looks like lots of fun. Wish i could find some fellow local knitters, would be lovely to arrange a meet up.
    Hope you keep having fun at your meetings.

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  26. Anonymous7 February 2010 at 22:30

    I belong to two groups! the Clever Crafting club and The Little Gem Sessions - I love them both!

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  27. Ellen8 February 2010 at 02:26

    I need to learn to knit...I would like a cozy evening with friends as our needles clicked and we chatted...sipping tea...I should find someone to teach me and begin....your evening was a fine one!

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  28. Terra 8 February 2010 at 23:33

    How lovely that your friend brought the reeds and made some Brigid's crosses. I didn't know about that custom, and am way over here in California. I do love when customs are observed and maintained!

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  29. Róisín17 February 2010 at 22:41

    Ah, the nostalgia! I haven't made a St Brigit's Cross since primary school. I used to love going out looking for reeds the evening before class. Thanks for bringing back the memories!

    p.s Great blog!

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