Mixed Emotions

I got an e-mail from Clare. Her hopes and dreams for the next academic year have come true. She has been accepted for a year of study in the UK at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. I know this is a good thing. I also know my primary job as a parent is to make sure my children can leave. Unfortunately, there's a part of me that could understudy for Norman Bate's mom. I don't want to admit this, but at the same time I'm rejoicing, a little voice in my back-brain is keening. I need to give it surcease.

I know, I know. I can hear you in my mind's ear. "Yeah yeah, Sure, sure. Whatever. We're only here for your knitting misadventures. What has all this mom-angst got to do with the important stuff?"

Enter the latest addition to my knitting library. (When feeling stressed, go shopping.)

I'd been looking for something that would free me from wool-knitting in Chicago's hot and steamy summers - a season that lasts from late spring to mid-Autumn. I am fiber-aware enough to know that dire things can happen when you just try to switch out wool for non-wool, even if the gauge matches. What I didn't expect to find was that the solution to this particular climatic problem could also solve my maternal one. It's a robe (surely a mainstay for all exchange students?) called "Sweet Indulgence."

Since it's knit with a chunky weight/CYCA #5 yarn it wouldn't need any more actual knitting than a sweater. Something I have to consider, since I only have until September to finish it. (Have I mentioned/have you noticed how slowly I knit?)

It is also, and here's a real problem, silk. I love the idea, but what is she going to do when she upsets a cup of hot cocoa all over it? Enter one reality check. I'll have to find a substitute, one that's machine washable and dryable. Well, what's a little research?

Now, if only Clare agrees it's a good idea, I can do something about that annoyingly shrill little voice. I believe it's called knitting up my ravelled sleeve of care.