Out of the indigo dye vat, into thin air


This is not my piece, nor my dipping. I was lucky enough to watch Kathy at earthues speak and dye during the Men’s Fall Knittng Retreat. (Her place is beautiful, a must-see in Seattle.) I am even luckier to call myself the owner of this fine scarf, now a deep, dark indigo blue. It’s currently drying on the stair railing.

I looked back to see if I posted anything this time last year about the lasr retreat. Sadly, I hadn’t. It was the start of a time of transition, as I was preparing my homework, an hour-long audition, for my current role that would see me leave a nine-year stint at Clif Bar. I was also knitting my wrists off to complete a raglan sweater (that was just published) and another garment (fate still TBD). I remember sitting in the Seattle airport, concerned about the future that I hoped to open up for me.

Much like the indigo dip, the retreat (as with many before it) stands out in my memory as a watershed event. There’s great oxidation & transformation that follows upon exposure to air & life afterwards. I ended up getting that job and what a ride the past year has been. I’ve turned many new shades of me and have come out wildly different than it initially appeared.

In its own special way, this year will similarly have yet to reveal itself. I hadn’t planned on attending this year’s MFKR, but I’m glad they could accommodate a late addtion after an impulsive Labor Day phone call. A stressful project had just wrapped up and I could imagine being social and not stressed again, if imminent a weekend.

I need a forthcoming transformation, boy, do I ever.
Who knows? Maybe it will reveal itself like last year, in just a few weeks.

4 Responses to “Out of the indigo dye vat, into thin air”

  1. Mel Says:

    I’ve been waiting for and working toward a transformation for years now. Patience, patience, and more patience.

  2. QueerJoe Says:

    There’s nothing more interesting to watch than someone or something in transition.

    The anticipation of how he/she/it will turn out is more compelling than most other things I can think of.

    Can’t wait to see what you develop into.

  3. WonderMike Says:

    I’m so glad you could join us for the Men’s Fall Knitting Retreat, Stephen. It would NOT have been the same without you. I hope you enjoy the lovely scarf (want to see a pic of you sporting it, fo shizzle). I’ll be posting your Project Fiberway pix shortly. 🙂

    Here’s to your metamorphosizing future, both fibery and otherwise.

    Your brother in all things fiber…

  4. Darcy Says:

    More of your you-ness getting unleashed is a good thing for the world, I think. Wishing you gentle easy transition time.