Week 34 and 35, ‘My Body My Choice’ and ‘Be More Dolly’

The kids are back at school, which means we’re back into the familiar routine of evening clubs, ferrying children around and, rather happily, crafting in car parks! I’d actually missed those little half hours to myself, sitting with the Kindness Cardi and getting a few more rows in while I wait.

We also escaped to the boat this weekend, which was a lovely way to mark the end of their first week back. Naturally, the knitting came too, so between car parks and canals, the Cardi is growing nicely.

And we have two new panels for weeks 34 and 35.

The first is My Body, My Choice.

With governments around the world seemingly increasingly intent on policing women’s bodies, I wanted to make it very clear where I stand.

The second is Be More Dolly.

We’ve lost some incredible people recently, including Tim Curry, Peter Cullen, the unmistakable voice of Optimus Prime, and the extraordinary artist Yayoi Kusama. But the loss that hit me hardest was Dolly Parton.

I used to sing Jolene to my eldest when he was a baby, Dolly has always had a special place in my heart. But what a legacy she leaves beyond the music. Her Imagination Library has given hundreds of millions of books to children, and throughout her life she seemed determined to use her success to do good.

She was relentlessly kind.

What a brilliant way to be remembered.

Be more Dolly.