Just Nobunaga

A Stitch in Time

Having finished my setter scarf series for charity auction in August, I suddenly felt the urge to knit, something that had been lacking in my menopausal life for what seemed like an eternity. Woohoo, thanks to enjoying the doggie scarf knitting, I have finally got my mojo back! And knitted up a wee shrug just in time for the cold weather hitting us since yesterday.
The pattern is based on a Keitodama knitting magazine pattern, Spring Margaret by Mariko Oka, and there's no shaping which made for a quick and easy knit. I left out one of the crochet rows because I felt the edging didn't need extra volume or length, and didn't bother with a dangling cord on the arms (more to get caught in dog collar buckles or dip in the washing up soap). For the life of me I can't find the book for the exact year now, must be around Spring 2004 but it's hiding. Meanwhile Sherlock is getting the hang of modelling...he's such an eccentric wee setter.

The yarn has been sitting in a tupperware box with lavender and zeolite-based kimono sachets for the past 25 years, waiting for this moment: I bought it with the handicraft and shopping genius mum of my infant son's playmate on a girls' yarn foray to a wee (and I mean Japan wee here, so imagine beyond tiny) Japanese yarn boutique in Shimokitazawa called Rose. I remember barging in, breathless with excitement, filling the space totally with our two strollers, and I was so distracted by the wealth of beauty I didn't notice my son enjoying finding the scissors and cutting one of the skeins so I had to buy it! 

The original yarns were all custom-ordered by the owner to her specifications, and are simply unique, eye-catching and luxurious quality. I love the way knitting arches through time, and the joy of the yarn itself is the beginning of a creative process where every stitch is a celebration of delight, memories and love.

And of course the end result is such fun to wear, and so snuggly...temperatures right now are so pleasantly autumnal without being actively cold, the shrug just keeps the shoulders and neck warm as I sit and work, or walk the dogs. I kept the sleeves short on purpose so it wouldn't hang in poopies as I pick it up or catch in the leash as I juggle with three: Sherlock is still darting hither and thither in his joyful meandering walkie style. Or sleeping like an angel on the sofa when we get home...

Charity Auction Fever

 Gundog Rescue CACI  is the volunteer English setter and pointer birddog rescue organization my own three setters came from. They rescue abandoned gundogs from death in the pound and rehabilitate them as pets rather than hunting dogs-although some of the rescues have gone on to a stellar career with their new owners in field trials or other agility training. Basically they look for a great owner-gundog match! This autumn they are engaged in a drive for funds to continue rescuing dogs, and there's a weekly charity auction in Facebook: it's so easy, you join the group and make a bid in the comments section under the photo of something you like. I won the bid (highest bid at 10pm Japan time Sunday evenings) for this Dog's Trust tea towel.

 They make it easy to transfer the funds with an Amazon payment option or a post office account transfer. If you're not into auctions, you can just donate, of course! 
Mitsui Sumitomo Bank. 
口座名:三番瀬の犬達基金 (Account Name: Sanbanse No Inutachi Kikin)
 支店名:亀戸支店(店番:254) (Branch No.254)
 普通預金口座番号:2050095 (Account No. 2050095) 

The English Setter Close Up

Friends: English Setter and Golden Retriever

Meeting Dash on our evening walkies on our way through the local park...there was a time when he and Nobu would go round and round the garden chasing each other, but lately they're both all grown up and prefer to just vibe. 

Historically the English Setter and Golden Retriever would work together to hunt game: the setter finding the game, and the retriever fetching the prey once it's down...No wonder my three setters show absolutely no interest in retrieving, but are very friendly and collaborative with Dash. 

Sherlock loves these relaxed local walkies so much, this morning from about five am he was grumbling and muttering about nobody showing any signs of getting up...What was going to be a short and late after eight walkies due to heat got pleasantly extended: as the shade over the asphalt is longer, and with a bit of an early autumn breeze, it was still not too hot to go further afield. No pics though, just me enjoying quiet time with the dogs with the odd local cat spicing things up.

Yo quiero darte la gloria

North Korean missiles fly over Japan...what a waste of a life, to never see the beauty around you, to focus on spreading pollution and destruction, when natural bliss surrounds us and every day is a miracle of creation. 

Feeling grateful for the time to wash three dogs, lathering them up and loving the feel of their soapy muscles, fingers tangled in the tail feathers...and a windy day to wash the blankets and towels to create a clean, welcoming home.

And when the heart trembles, I take a moment to listen to Kany Garcia's joyful song, Yo quiero darte la gloria...so much beautiful music and joyous vibrations around us, take the time to tune in! Sending you all love and peace and blessings. 

All things wise and wonderful