Posted by Renee Blixt
It's November, as I don't need to tell you dear reader, and I did something a bit odd. As you will kindly notice, I have left my June blog up all this time. "Why?" you may wonder...
Here's why; try to hit one of the links.
None of them work.
Did we find something fowl or foul? Was something knitted or plucked? I think we were led to believe that coq au vin was being served when really it was just plain fishy. If so, I would like to think that we had just a small part/piece/slice/serving in bringing this to light.
;o)
As always, thanks for reading.
Yours,
Renée
Posted by Renee Blixt
Earlier this week, I was perusing the current issue of Vogue Knitting and came across a remarkable
charity that is taking wing in the U.K.
The charity is called, “The Battery Hen Welfare Trust.”
BHWT is a rescue operation for ex-battery egg-laying British hens. According to its website, BHWT’s aim is “to inspire as many of you as possible to do all you can to help us achieve a better future for the 18 million battery hens currently in their cages.”
So those of you who don’t wish to warm your a la king (queen) in the traditional manner, (such as at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes) now have a brand new way to keep that chicken nice and toasty.
You see, oftentimes, when an egg-layer’s career is over, she is merely turned into fricassee. But! That doesn’t have to be the case! Many UK residents are now “adopting a hen,” allowing her to live out her natural days in a city backyard. Apparently, retired hens need help adjusting to life outside the work world.
Knitting vests for these hens is crucial because one of the largest problems these hens face is their lack of feathers. In a battery, hens become quite agitated and lose their plumes. So, when their golden years arrive after their golden eggs leave, it’s a challenge keeping them warm.
There are several
Chicken Vest patterns available on the web. They keep the hens simmered comfortably while their feathers are growing back in. (You’ve gotta love those creative juices, bullion-flavored or not!)
It’s unfortunate that the hens seem to dislike the vests altogether. In fact, videos show that they may even find it traumatic. Too bad…that does tend to make the whole concept fun afowl, ahem, afoul.
I’m not just mocking these bold, barren beauties. Au contraire! I find dressing up unwilling hens in sheep’s clothing wholeheartedly amusing. That is, unless these gals are allergic to wool. In that case, perhaps this charity isn’t all gravy...
Posted by Renee Blixt
I make it a habit to read fiction that I avoided when I was younger.
Luckily, I’m at a point in my life that I no longer have to memorize critiques and such; hence, reading even difficult classics is a true joy. (I can barely remember to close the refrigerator door...I can't see how I'm going to do justice to a "compare and contrast in about 1000 words” essay on the meaning of __________ . ) I’ve earned my degrees, work at my career, raise my kids, keep my house, etc… If I want to read a classic and simply enjoy it, then by Jane I will!
Speaking of Jane, I very recently finished all seven of Jane Austen's novels as well as Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. I was pleasantly surprised to find knitting in new places. Many of both Austen’s and Tolstoy’s characters knit and embroider. It’s so nice to be able to recognize an identical parallel activity on totally different timelines, locations, and even realities!
And, like a classic book, knitting is a staple: it will always have value, people will continue to do it for enjoyment and for self-improvement, and entire personal libraries will be devoted to the topic. I find it humbling as well as gratifying that people throughout the ages have developed, and will carry on, such a unique skill set with very little changing on the way.
Just one request, please…no quizzes…!
:o)
Renée
Posted by Renee Blixt
My dear readers,
I love hearing from you! Comments are one way to say what's on your mind, but many of you prefer to email me. Whichever you prefer, please feel free to contact me!
I'd like to ask for your assistance. This afternoon, I realized that there's one thing I never got around to asking all of you:
What's your favorite charity to knit or crochet for?
I've been researching this topic for a couple of months now so as to put together an informational article on popular charities. So, if you'd like to let me know about what charity/charities you like to knit or crochet for, please do so. I'd be happy to consider featuring them on this site.
Thanks so much, and I look forward to hearing from you...
Renée
Posted by Renee Blixt
Today is “Festa della Donna” also known as International Women's Day. This day is hardly celebrated but should be.
International Women's Day dates back to the early 20th century as women in Europe and America began to campaign for the right to vote. This coupled with the battle for better pay and decent working conditions, especially in the textile industry, incited the socialist women of America to initiate the first Women's Day in the United States in February 1908.
After female garment workers organized the Shirtwaist Strike in 1909, and notorious Triangle Fire of 1911 in New York took 129 female textile workers’ lives, feminists and socialists throughout Europe took an interest in Women's Day. Women from 17 countries attended the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1911. At the conference, Clara Zetkin proposed an International Women's Day, which was unanimously approved.
On March 8, 1917 working women of St. Petersburg protested for bread and peace, giving rise to the so-called February Revolution. Alexandra Kollontai, one of the revolutionary leaders, convinced Lenin in 1918 to declare March 8 a national holiday in honor of the "heroic woman worker."
While this international holiday has been sponsored by the United Nations since 1975, it’s not widely recognized, perhaps due to the Socialist connection. Most people also forget that women were the last to get the right to vote and even though they are 50% of the population, they are in many respects treated like a second-class citizen.
So today, as you go about your business, look around and take notice of the women in your life and thank them for all that they do. Remember without them we would not be here.
