Autumn Mood Board: Harvests and Sweater Weather

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

At last, my favorite season is upon us… the most enchanting, colorful natural phenomenon that is seasonal death. That might sound a bit dark, however, like the Major Arcana Death card in Tarot, the reality and symbolism of death is not the literal end of life, but rather, a meaningful end to a situation or an era. Subsequently, new doors open up, and we must walk through for better or for worse.

This year, I chose the theme of Harvests and Sweater Weather because I am both energized and stressed this fall; harvesting food and creating sweaters are major relievers of this stress. While navigating unpredictable and dangerous life here in the United States, I’ve maintained my sanity the same way women have for centuries: going all out, viciously crafting everything in sight. It is the most common response when autonomy and freedoms are severely restricted. As a society, we are definitely reaching the death of democracy and capitalism as we know it, and we’re being forced to walk through a new set of doors leading to unknown rooms. What happens inside of these rooms has yet to be revealed, but as the British sort of said during World War II, Keep Calm and Carry Yarn.

From taking control of the creative mind to secret enigmas woven within fibers, the one thing people in power cannot totally control is your mind… and, that is what makes them utterly paranoid. Harvesting your own food, and keeping warm with your own clothing are just a couple of countless methods we can use to our advantage when refusing to participate in rogue capitalism. We don’t have much money to participate in it anyway. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Seasonal Goals

1. Eat Seasonal and Local Fare

Like spring, autumn is a unique moment in time where food is most plentiful and hearty. There is much to take advantage of from squash to figs to leafy greens. We’re going to attempt to shop seasonal and local fare as often as reasonable.

2. Participate in Fiber Arts and Crafts

We do this regardless, but let’s bust through our stashes and shop intentionally for supplies. No hording per se, but given unpredictable tariff policies and supply chain issues, it is important to still create yet also source what we can through unlikely means. What local businesses or second-hand shops have the supplies we need? Is there a family member willing to part with supplies? We need to be creative during times of need and scarcity.

3. Be Financially Responsible

Let’s carefully budget and use our supplies wisely. Disposable income is becoming a luxury, so for every time we spend, let’s also save and invest.

Project and Craft Ideas

Even though I get the majority of my knitting done in the summertime, I still knit pretty much through fall. The past few years have been wonderful knit-wise. 😉 The most rewarding part about knitting, however, was actually enjoying my handmade knits and wearing them proudly throughout the year. This season, we’re not going to craft for the sake of it―it will be intentional, practical, fun (mostly), and rewarding.

Book Tasting

Last Mood Board, I made it a point to distance myself from a lot of technology, especially AI. I am proud to say that my reliance on it has decreased, and my boredom of it increased. After unknowingly reading a novel written by AI (this title shan’t be named), I became disillusioned with many post-modern stories, and thought it would be beneficial to relive the classics.

Seasonal Mouth Amusements

Fall brings with it some of the most lovely flavors imaginable. When done right, you can never get enough apple and pumpkin.

What are your ideas and plans for the season? Do you plan on trying anything from the mood board? Let me know in the comments below!