Preparing for a Nomad’s Life

Well, it’s full on winter now, so we have cast off the moorings of our safe warm home and headed south for better weather, but rougher living!  Our boat Pandora is on land up the St. Marys River in Georgia.  Bob left her there in October and she had her hull buffed to a gleaming shine, and she had some mechanical work done as well.  Now we are provisioning her and getting ready for the trip down the coast of Florida and possibly over to the Bahamas.

It’s not unusual for the temps to dip below freezing in winter in southern Georgia and northern Florida, and that is exactly what has happened.  When I realized this was going to happen I decided it would be an excellent opportunity to wear the Wool People 7 sweater “Merle” (designed by Amy Christophers) before I lost this opportunity.  If not now, I wouldn’t wear it ’til next fall.  I only had 1 1/2 sleeves to go, and it went quite quickly.  I am now happily wearing it!

I’ve got a number of projects to keep me happy while we are away.  This is the first year I’ve brought a lace pillow onboard.  I have a little book of lace hearts and I’d like to make 2 or 3 of them.  I am on the last bit of my first heart, and it has been an easy project.  Whew!  I was beginning to feel that I was never going to gain any proficiency at making lace.  It does help to work on beginner projects!

I also have about 8 very small knitting projects on board.  A pair of gloves (almost done with the first glove), a pair of mittens, two pairs of socks, a moebius scarf, knitted slippers, and a small handbag….hmmm…that is only 7, so I have forgotten the last one.

I also have five sweaters onboard this year.  The first one is the “Merle” which is finished (shown above!)….so that leaves the other four.  “Arabella,”  another Wool People design by Anne McCauley, which I am knitting with Cascade Yarns Venezia sport, which is a blend of merino and silk.

I also have with me the wonderful boatneck sweater by Carol Sunday called “For Irene” which I am knitting in Phildar Cotton 3.  I’ve got Alice Starmore’s “Mary Tudor” with me, which I’ve neglected for over a year, so maybe I will make some good progress on it.  And the last sweater is a casual sweatershirt type design that I picked up at Halcyon Yarn the last time we were in Maine….possibly more than 3 years ago now.

I’ve got two tapestries with me too.  I’m not sure I have the proper yarns for them, which is a big worry.  I also forgot to bring any bobbins!  I know I could weave without bobbins, but it wouldn’t be pretty and I do want to do the best work I can.  A good friend from the Wednesday Group has sent me a package of bobbins!  They have arrived at the local cruising station, and I will get them today.  What a good friend!

AnnaByrds bobbins

Pandora will go in the water on Saturday or Sunday, depending on temperatures rising and no rain!  Then we will be off living like nomads.  Today I am provisioning food and household staples for the next 4 months.  Wish me luck!

 

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