Togetherness
Loving my quiet island life
It’s officially fall, and as I’m writing this, it’s a welcome rainy day on the Vineyard. It ought to be cooler than it is, but I’m going to pretend that I need to wear a sweater because I like sweaters, and that would be normal for the end of September. I’m longing for normal.
Gray days mean the floor and table lamps get turned on well before sunset. There’s something so comforting about sitting in the living room under this warm light, sewing something or reading.
People often ask what on earth we do to get through the off-season on this island. It really is my favorite time of year, though.
Our libraries are plentiful and accommodating, and offer a lot of interesting programming.
We are lucky to have one of the best-anywhere local cinemas.
Have you been to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum? It’s one of my favorite places on the island any time of year.
For current listings, I turn to MVacay. It always has the latest on pretty much everything, including cafes to meet friends for coffee.
Getting out is healthy. Doing things with other people is also very reassuring. In my case, that includes silently writing at Featherstone every Sunday, watching a film in a theatre full of people, or wandering through any library or museum. Not talking, but not alone. There are lots of articles out there about how important it is to share time with people, especially in creative or contemplative ways—think yoga or church, or art classes.
I love all these places, but I am also very happy to hunker down in my studio or stay cozy at home. (Ask me again in February.) When I’m looking for comfort, which I often do these days, I stitch.
On a cold day back in January, I started a little cross-stitch, but had to finish other things first. But last weekend, I had to go off island and over to another island and then all the way back again, so I got lots of ferry (aka stitching) time. Sadly, the message is still relevant.
In the past, I haven’t been a fan of online courses, but after viewing a couple of sewing lectures that I enjoyed more than I thought I would, I decided to go for something bigger, requiring some commitment, involving more people and lots of color. So next week I’m diving into the 6-month-long Block Studies Collective offered by quilter Tara Faughnan. I can imagine how welcome this will be come winter.
Participants play with color, consider design, learn new techniques, and share their discoveries with each other. Inspiration is promised. Community is automatic.
Recently, I had a sale of sewing supplies in my studio. (Next one is Oct 11.) It was so fun to meet people and hear what kind of stitching they like to do. There is a need on this island for a needlework shop like the one I sold before moving here, but I think retirement suits me too well to want to start another business. (I’d be happy to serve as a consultant to anyone who wants to start one themselves.)
But one thing I really miss about my old shop is gathering regularly with fellow makers. I calculated once that I had attended over 500 “knit nights” not just because it was my store and I needed to run the show, but very importantly because that place tied me to my village, giving me a sense of purpose and of safety as well.
Nothing could keep us from showing up to be together: not rain, snow, heat waves, national tragedies, or power failures. I’m thinking I should get another group going here in my new studio, because creativity and togetherness is never a bad idea. Especially on an island in the off-season.
Great piece. I just started crocheting. Is that allowed at Knit Night? But seriously, Any historical research into earlier centuries (I have a novel set in 1860) quickly shows us that hand work, like knitting and quilting has always bonded women together. I am the least crafty person on the planet and yet I find it deeply satisfying! So interesting.
Lovely piece - makes me want to pick up some yarn or fabric or something! I am an artsy/fartsy/crafty type and need to do it more :)