Wednesday, 9 September 2015

La Rentree


Did you know that the French (and the Italians) have a word for this time of year? La Rentree (il rientro) is the autumnal time for going back to school. In these countries it's more than just the return to school. Often it's the return to work after the extended summer holiday (that they still seem to have for 2 weeks in August in Italy where every man woman and child seems to go on holiday and everything closes!).

I think it's a good word to describe this time of year. BigR returned to school on Monday (with labelled uniform!) and we start to settle into that autumn routine. It's a time for birthdays and for plans. And for stationery of course. It's a time when I feel relentlessly positive, a fresh start, a new moment. even the darkening evenings don't squash my perky mood

I'm more than ready for Autumn. We had a really good summer but this Autumn feels like a new year. LittleR is much better and things can continue in more of an even keel. 

I've been making plans:

  • things to do (places to go - I want to see the poppy exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park)
  • things I'd like to do in the house (including sorting through the epic number of toys and actually getting some out of the house, probably under the cloak of darkness), 
  • things I'd like to make (food and crafty stuff)
  • things which need to be done (replace a window - ugh!)
So my newest plan is to make a shawl for myself and knitted dolls for the girls from a most excellent book by Jane Bull

I've bought the wool for all the projects....and am itching to get going. 


However...
I've already gotten in a knot with the biggest Titus skein. I'm also totally confused by the pattern. Turn the work 90 degrees clockwise and knit into itself? Might as well be in gibberish! Ah well I'll get there eventually. It's a good job Autumn and Winter last a long time!




9 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see your knitted dolls. I was just looking at a book of crocheted amigurumi dolls that can be personalized to look like anyone. It was really neat. I hope BigR has a wonderful time at school this year!

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  2. Knitted dolls, how cute! We have had our Rentree ages ago it seems, we've been back nearly a month.... the motivation is waning. Wishing you all a good re-entry into the new year. xx

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  3. Hey N,
    I like that word. I always think of September as a fresh start too. It's a time to get things done. Spring and Summer are a time to get outside (hopefully). I have big bedroom plans here for the boys. It's all change upstairs.
    So glad to hear that little R is better. Long may it continue.
    Leanne xx

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  4. So glad that LittleR is much better. September always feels like more of a new year to me than New Year. The knitted dolls look great, I shall look forward to seeing yours. CJ xx

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  5. Glad to hear about Little R. I hope that you can work out the knitting! I love the idea of autumn as a beginning! xx

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  6. Oh I hate confusing knitting patterns! I am very lucky, my mum is an excellent knitter and she usually helps me decipher anything that seems written in gibberish! Look forward to seeing the finished dolls, they look pretty amazing!,x

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  7. That shawl!! Oh, it's gorgeous and I love the Yorkstone colourway. I miss Baa Ram Ewe, and haven't found a yarn shop to rival it down here yet. Good luck with the pattern - I find that sheer bloody mindedness can make me persevere with the trickiest pattern.

    I like the French word to describe Back to School, thank you for sharing that with us. There is such an upbeat feel of your post here, and am delighted to here that LittleR's health is so improved. xx

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  8. I've had a look at the shawl-- it's gorgeous! I'd love to make one too if I have the time and if I'm clever at knitting which I'm not. I'll be following your progress on it, do give us an update every now and then. The doll looks lovely too. They'd make perfect Christmas presents for your girls. I'm glad to hear Little R is much much better and I hope Big R is enjoying Year 1. Good luck with all your Autumn/winter plans! X

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  9. I knit almost exactly such a doll, a boy-doll with woolly hair and a belt, for my toddler son, it must be 37 years ago! He loved it and lugged it around for ages. Its sweater could be taken off. So go for it, improvise if you must, you can personalize them and even make clothes for them!

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