Our fall nature table has been in the works for a while. The little one and I have been collecting acorns and fallen leaves for over a week now. I was just waiting until I got the chance to dye some fall-colored playsilks. Yesterday, I finally set to work dyeing a couple of playsilks (using the Kool-Aid stove top method) and it took me all of five minutes! So satisfying.
The book was a birthday present the little one got from Sasa and the pine cone person was something I got for the little one at her first Common Ground Fair trip. The leaf garland was an idea I found on this blog. I found leaf templates online (Martha Stewart's website has them) then cut the shapes out of wool felt, hole punched the top and strung a piece of yarn through. And of course, our felted acorns and two mini stumps the little one found recently exclaiming, "Mama, these would be perfect for fairy houses!!" I just love the teensy bit of moss growing on the top of the smaller one.
Rhythm is a huge component to how we live. Rhythm in daily life, monthly life, and yearly cycles. It's all important because it grounds us and keeps us close to nature. It's important to me that the little one be reminded of this rhythm; especially the seasonal rhythm. Having a nature table is the first step. Other things we do that seem to be our natural rhythm to celebrate the arrival of autumn are :: nature walks and discussing the turning leaves and other fall happenings, apple picking, lots of baking, creating a new indoor space for cozying up, getting out craft supplies (wool felt, yarn, embroidery supplies, paints), soups, soups, and more soups, the changing of our local produce and eating more greens and root veggies, hikes, and evenings spent curled up on the couch under a blanket, reading books and drinking hot apple cider.
What do you do to prepare for the changing seasons? And...I know there are knitters out there. Sasa and I have made a winter goal of each learning how to knit (hopefully a hat each!). Any beginner patterns we should be aware of? We'd love any tips!!
