I would be curious to know how often - in any given day - we start a conversation with the weather.
In 2014, a report by Influence Communication analyzed all major news stories of the year and concluded that sports and weather-related news dominate our headlines. Not sure about sports these days, but the weather is still up there – literally!
Don’t get me wrong; that is not a bad thing. We can learn a lot by observing the weather and its impact on the world around us. Data is collected and stored for that purpose.
Last year, I became aware of another method of documenting weather for future reference; it involves collecting data and just enough yarn to make a blanket.
I was introduced to the lovely work of Lori Mahar. She crocheted a blanked; it took her all year; not because she’s a slow crocheter, but because she had to wait to collect the daily temperature information.
Now last month, I received this lovely email from Wendy Oxley:
Hi Cindy - love your daily column in the CH and your public education mission. You make the science of weather come alive. I have a friend (Cat Montgomery) who knits weather blankets that are a very interesting chronicle of the year’s weather temperatures. She lives in Dartmouth and has knit two blankets. One of her blankets was rescued from a fire that destroyed their home but suffered only some minor scorching - which makes it even more interesting…”
I had to know more, so I reached out to Catherine. After a lovely conversation with her, I decided I should make a temperature blanket. The thought of knitting an entire blanket seems daunting but Catherine assures me it’s an easy project – just one row a day and you’re there!
I will be meeting with Catherine in January. I plan on preparing a video of my visit. If you’re interested in knitting a weather blanket, join me in January for a lesson from the pro!
I’m signing off now until the new year, but I'm leaving you with something quite special. Last week, I asked for photo submissions – I was looking for adorable Christmas Pet Pics; and you certainly answered the call. Be sure to check out the photos in print and online through to the end of the month.
I would like to wish everyone a magical and safe holiday season surrounded by traditions, both old and new.
- Want more weather information? Visit your weather page.
- Have a weather question, photo or drawing to share with Cindy Day? Email [email protected]
Cindy Day is the chief meteorologist for SaltWire Network
