September 2, 2009
You Know Fall is Coming When ….
…. you go to Starbucks and see that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back on the menu. (And Pumpkin Spice Scones!)
…. you see big yellow buses driving through the neighborhoods.
.… the air has lost a bit of “humid” and gained a bit of “nip”, even if it’s not enough nip to require long sleeves or a coat, yet. (Believe me, I’m so ready for nip that I’m hyper-aware of it sneaking in, a few degrees at a time.)
…. the tree in the front yard has a yellow leaf. Not a bunch. Just one. But that’s a sign.
…. the idea of an evening walk around the neighborhood sounds fun, (well, ok, as fun as exercise ever sounds) instead of sounding like a trip to the sauna.
…. the newspaper starts talking about flu vaccines.
…. the school supply aisles are full of brand new things (and you might feel compelled to buy a new box of crayons, even though you’re forty-something too old to color.) Although this box did make me think that having a good yarn stash full of beautiful colors is just as important as an artist with a palette full of paints, or a five year old with a new box of crayons – preferably the big size.
…. the list of “what I’m knitting for people for gifts this year” gets pulled out and doodled upon. Note: knitting doesn’t have to be started yet. Just the list. Does anyone have their list done yet? What’s on it?
How do YOU know when Fall is coming to your part of town?
Sheri thecrayonswereonlyaquarter,ofcourseIhadtobuyapack.
- interesting
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Jamie said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
My list is definitely written out and I have started on knitting. I am quite possibly the slowest knitter on the planet. If I don’t start by maybe mid-July, I’ll never get it all done. Haha. So far I have finished a set of mittens. Currently in the works is a Girasole, a set of hand towels, a cabled zipper hoodie and possibly another shawl in there somewhere. Whew. I’d better get knitting.
Nicole said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
Fall is coming when it is finally cool enough for us to turn the air conditioning off in our house and open the windows. We were able to do this the last couple of days and it was WONDERFUL!!
AnneS said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
I know fall is coming when htere is a certain change in the direction and temperature of the breeze. Since I much prefer cool weather to hot, I always get a boost each year when that breeze fisrt shows up because it is a sign that the oppressive heat here will in deed come to an end.
School started back here almost a month ago, football games are back, and the school supplies are now deeply discounted so most of the things you take as signs of fall just aren’t in sync with the South.
Remeber, you are never too old to enjoy a new pack of crayons (especially the giant set) or any other school supplies. I can always find a good use for a deeply discounted composition book, notebook, or three ring binder.
robyn said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
fall has definitely hit in my neck of the woods. i’ve already got long-sleeves on most days (although i tend to be cold most of the time, so this isn’t a surprise) and my holiday knitting list is out, about, and being worked on and revamped as we speak!
Susan said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
1. Taking my daughter back to college.
2. Everyone trying to give away Zucchinni
3. Sandwich Fair- last county fair in the state of Illinois for the year
4. Seeing spider webs on everything especially in the mornings with them covered in dew.
5. The Field Corn starting to fire.
6. Cool nights and warm days.
You just hit a note with me and casting the simularities between getting that new box of crayons as a grade schooler (and opening them and sniffing them as soon as you got home) and my yarn stash. Maybe that is why I love to “collect” all the colorful yarns.
Jenny said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
Im knitting toys for the babies in my life, my own included.
A bunny, a kitty, and a bat. (for my son, my daughter, and a comming soon to house near me baby)
A scarf for my Ex- Stepmother. (Stepmother removed?)
A hat or two for my mom
My daughter, and all the children I know are getting little art supply bags I put togther for christmas.
My christmas shopping is all but done. I am behind this year. No, Im not kidding.
Kathy said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
I’ve always enjoyed a new box of crayons and who cannot pass up just paying a quarter…. Now where is that coloring book, I know it is here someplace, oh well!
Liz said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
It’s not fall until after Labor Day. If the schools aren’t back, ain’t no fall in Chicago!
A :-) said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
It’s been such a cool summer here (highly unusual) that I sort of feel like it’s been a taste of fall for quite awhile already – but I did have to wear my Basic Black – Not! sweater yesterday, so clearly, fall is on the way.
P.S. You’re NEVER too old to color
Keri said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
New students (and their parents) are driving wrong way down the one-way streets near campus, glaring at me like it’s my fault. And new city bred/international students think that cars will stop on a dime for jaywalkers just like they do elsewhere!
Eleanor said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
I agree you’re never too old for a box of crayons
. I’m in my early 20’s so waaaay past elementary school, but I mentioned to my mom some time last year that all the other kids in elementary school got the giant boxes with 96 colours, and I got a box with 18 crayons if I was really lucky, so guess what showed up for my birthday! I brought that box into work and used them on my final exam in a graduate level molecular spectroscopy class to diagram the laser path in a research setup 
. You never know when they’ll come in handy!
Liz said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Eva looks fabulous!! I have been thinking about what to knit for gifts, but haven’t started yet. I think making a list will be necessary. I bought several boxes of the crayons for a quarter as well, and started decorating the halloween tree today! I guess this fall weather is putting me in the mood!
TMTTYRR said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
Sheri, you’re NEVER too old to color! Ask BFF Liz. I’ve got the BIG box of crayons!
(though contrary to what she says, school IS back in the Chicago ‘Burbs, where I am. There are school buses and moms walking older kids to school while holding on to toddlers on bikes and the family dog.)
I know it’s getting on towards fall in my neck of the woods when I can wear jeans again instead of shorts on the morning dog walks, and furthermore, the dog would rather get on the big bed and snuggle in than walk. And the cat is only mildly perturbed that the dog has dared to get onto HIS big bed. (Yes, the cat thinks it’s his bed. Makes life interesting.)
Karen said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
My knitting list for the holidays — Serpentine mitts (on the first one), a Girasole, and a Honey Baby blanket (my cousin’s daughter is adopting and it might go through by Xmas), and I also want to knit a Damson, which I just found and ordered the yarn for from you today. I have multiple scarves in stock “just in case” I need a present and don’t have something handy.
Barbara-Kay said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
My mother never gave up her enjoyment of coloring.
Fall in Louisiana means more frequent hurricane segments on the evening news. Other than that, summer carries on as usual. Le sigh!
Lisa in Los Angeles said,
September 2, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
Oh, I started my Christmas knitting a month ago, but that’s because I’m doing:
Two pairs of socks (in Koigu and Casbah) for my sister, a shrug and a sweater to match the two sweaters I’m knitting for her two boys, ages 6 and 4
Two pairs of socks for my Mom (Casbah and Starry), and the Girasole (Malabrigo Lace), if I can get it done in time,
A pair of socks for my husband, in Crying Dove Smooshy. He picked out the yarn himself!
Plus I’m sewing flannel pajamas for my nephews, too. I’ve scheduled all the projects and it looks like I should have them all done by early November – not sure about the Girasole, since I had to start all over again a few weeks ago.
I want to buy new crayons, too!!!
Sara said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Fall is relative… I’m excited that we’re having some days where the high barely touches 90… and I can bear to look at the set of sweaters I have earmarked for knitting.
Hannah said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Hi. sorry no fall here in the southwest. Today was 90 some degrees! But eventually it will arrive. We carry on as usual. I knit the same no matter what the temperature is outside.
I like the colors in a crayon box. Long live the little child in all of us!
southparknitter said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I set aside Sunday afternoons as gift knitting time with the idea that by this point I’d be well into knitting Christmas gifts–NOT! I’ve made 6 baby sweaters. Then I started weaving. I can make a set of 4 placemats and a table runner in a week and a half so guess what all my pals are getting for Christmas.
Last year I made my nephew’s fiance a pair of fingerless mitts (she’s 25). She looked at me and said what’s the point? She now works in the meat dept at supermarket and understands value of mitts so she may get another pair. Then again I might use up some of my Fixation stash and make her some socks.
Fall teased us a bit here this week but gonna be 90 tomorrow. I know it’s fall when I pull out my socks.
Brenna said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
I know Fall is on it’s way once we are not in the 90’s anymore (live in Austin, TX)!!!! We FINALLY broke 100 this past weekend. Oh and one is NEVER too old to color. Although, I would prefer yarn these days too
I started my list back in June. Am refusing to “Sprint Knit” this year. Or rather my husband said he did not want me to stress over Christmas presents this year!! haha
Kat Jorgensen said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
I’ve started my list of gifts and have almost finished one. It’s a Girasole in Butter Peeps for my daughter. I’m knitting a sweater for my son-Anne Hanson’s Whitfield Jacket. And I’ve got a couple of shawls planned, as well as socks.
I know fall is in the air around here when the doors and windows get thrown open and the fresh air pours in – and I need to wear socks on my feet at night.
After the hot, humid summer weather, I’m really looking forward to a great fall.
Anna said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:24 pm
I have to agree – never too old to color!!!
Pumpkin Pie Blizzards at Dairy Queen are Fall for me. And the lovely temperatures. Soon I will be able to tolerate wearing my hand knit socks again.
Diane said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
You know Fall is coming when all of the summer items are on sale and you can actually buy a decent short sleeve polo shirt which was already marked down but when you get to the register – you find there is an additional discount and you get a $22 polo shirt for $1.75! And you know Fall is coming when the stores are putting up all of the Christmas decorations already. (Can’t stand retail getting ahead of seasons!!!
But I love this between part of the year – not quite Summer – not quite Fall and you sort of get the “brunch” version of the seasons 
I think I must have an “inner clock” for the seasons because I know when Fall is coming when my thoughts turn to cooking comfort foods in a crock pot and you trade your taste for popsicles for warm apple deserts. I also know Fall is coming when I think I woke up too early because it’s dark outside – but then I look at the clock to find I slept 15 minutes more than I usually do
Re- crayons: nothing is as wonderful as the smell of crayons. I still remember being a girl and receiving a new box. Just opening the box was something to remember. That and the smell of Play-Doh. Two of the “comfort foods” of scents to remember.
Kelly said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Everyone needs a box of crayons. I still have a box of 64 staring at me right now.
Fall = college football season. I am flashed back to crisp Iowa nights and days with the smell of dry leaves, the wind blowing all around, and school spirit permeating everything, making every day an exciting countdown to the weekend. Even at a Division II school. I always associate fall with celebration and new starts, and it’s no exception this year.
As you can imagine, I’m a happy camper starting this weekend.
nyxs said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Of course you had to buy the crayons – that’s an essential to any household i totally understand
With me it’s coloured pencils .. always, every year a new box. I don’t really have an Autumn here but i suppose i would consider it Autumnish the day we stop turning the fans on in the morning and contemplate getting the heater out (contemplate mind you.. i think we only used it twice this winter). Oh and when i joyfully pull out my jeans and long sleeves and socks .. i am hoping by next winter i will have a magnificent collection to choose from 
As for christmas lists well i don’t have many things on mine, being mid summer knitted socks aren’t really the thing. But i do have plans for a dressing table runner for my mother’s antique dressing table. I really should start that soon .. (laceweight and 0000’s could take me awhile huh ?)
Siew said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
I love pumpkin spice lattes. And you know what comes next? Gingerbread spice lattes. Even better
Beverly Shaw said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
There’s not very many clues yet here in the desert southwest. When the temperature begins to dip below 100 is a good clue. We have several 12 month schools here, so school buses don’t count. We really only have 2 seasons here. Very hot and very cold!
Maria said,
September 2, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
I know a lot of people have said it, but I have to say it again–you are never too old to color!
I’ve long said that one of the good things about being a adult is you can buy yourself a new box of crayons–the biggest one–whenever you want.
rohanknitter said,
September 2, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
We’ve had such an unusually cool summer, I dont find myself longing for fall weather like usual. I’ve gotta be honest, I’ve spent most of my knitting time this summer knitting for others, I don’t plan to do much Christmas gift knitting unless there are special requests.
Sue said,
September 2, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
It isn’t fall here yet. Not by a long shot. We’re still doing heat wave and wildfires. Nor will it ever really be real fall here because it’s southern California FPS. Oh how I miss it! (Still don’t miss the humidity enough to move back, though.)
When I bought a skein (at least one) of every DIC Classy color, I called it my Worsted Crayola Collection. Seriously — it was important to have the whole box or my art suffers. (From someone who has yet to do any colorwork because the yarn dyers are doing it just fine, thank you.)
Tammy said,
September 2, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Sadly, we know fall is coming when we get forest fires and unbearable heat. I was shocked to see the Pumpkin Spiced Latte ad in Starbucks this morning, but did purchase a new box of crayons today.
Lulynn Foster said,
September 2, 2009 @ 6:24 pm
Fall is definetly in the air in Northeast TX! For the past week we have had high temps in the mid 80’s and the high 50’s at night. Very nice. It is also getting darker earlier and the sun doesn’t come up until much later than ususal. School started on the 14th of August. So have to be careful in the school zones! Area football has begun. I can start wearing jeans and socks again and something to cover my arms in the cool morning. Gotta love it!
Pumpkin Spice Latte- Yum- had one last night with my knitting friends!
My Christmas knitting list is made and has been revised a couple of times. I started the knitting in July, after I finished the KAL Griasole. So far I have knitted 2 scarves, 1 scarflette and 1 baby sweater. Presently am knitting mittens for my grandchildren.
Colors/crayons- you can never have too many when grandchildren come over and want to color. Soo it is time to get new crayons for the crayon box.
jaya said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
No need to feel guilty… I admit to being 32 years old and owning both a box of 96 and 128 crayons. If you can’t be a kid every now and then, when can you?
BethC said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
Fall is when I go back to work… oh and get to teach a whole new crop of kids how to knit (as well as teaching them some other things.) No list yet, except for a fall wedding and that’s in progress!
April said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
My knitting list has been made up and already has a few things checked off. If only I could stop myself from adding to it.
It still feels like summer where I live and probably will through the end of September. At that point you can get away with a hoodie and be out the door. So Fall is around once I can throw on another layer.
elise said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
I love that mannequin, tres chic!
When I’m in the town I grew up in I know fall is coming when all the college kids come back to town. Even if you don’t know the date you can tell when traffic gets a lot worse and see all these kids in target stocking up on stuff to fill their dorm rooms with.
Jen said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
It is a little early to be feeling the nip though! I don’t want summer to go away so quickly.
Nancy said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
I know fall has come to our house when we open the windows in the day and close them at night. I love fall! Plus the maple trees start to change color.
Kim B. said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
My list is complete and I have started a neck warmer and pair of socks that will be gifts. Fall in my area — well I live 10 miles from Penn State University. The first home football game is Saturday at noon. Happy Valley is bleeding blue and white. Soon there will be over 110,000 people in the stadium cheering on the Nittany Lions. Go Lions!
Bonnie Herrmann said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:28 pm
I know fall is coming by that certain “smell” in the air — a hint of fall mixed with a bit of tired summer air. I love new boxes of Crayons. It’s one of those things that hangs on from childhood, isn’t it?
Karen in Toledo said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Fall is here when we need the car heater in the morning, but can wear shorts in the afternoon!
I have the A/C off and windows open in the house. Holiday knitting? I usually only do one or two treasured gifts then. I knit all year round and gift items as I finish them so I don’t have a huge deadline to meet at Christmas. It works better for my health.
Julie said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
There a hint of fall this week in Washington, DC. But as I say summer is not over yet.
Started my Christmas knitting a couple of weeks ago when I was able to get some Classy Dream in Color for Scaves, mitten and hat. I’m hoping to get at least one set don’t before I go on vacation in a month. I ‘ll take a set along with me. That should get me a good start.
Kitten said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
You mentioned Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and I say that’s autumn to me! I nearly flipped out when my local Starbucks had their huge Pumpkin Spice ad up.
Deirdre said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:57 pm
The Pumpkin Spice lattes were the first thing I noticed this morning – the other thing that lets me know fall is coming is that the quality of sunlight is a little different – a little more clear, maybe?
Ruth Ann said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
There is just nothing like a new box of crayons. My Christmas knitting list is growing. Must get started, or it will be dishcloths for all. Our first game is this weekend, and then there is the Dallas trip to see OU/BYU. Fall has arrived!!
Gini said,
September 2, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
This will be short , must run to the store for crayons, giant box, then quick over to Starbucks, then home knit socks in recliner, what a country!!!
Angie said,
September 2, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
Fall is coming when the fields of corn and soybeans start disappearing and I’m getting stuck behind the combines.
Fall is the smell of chili and that “fall” air. I don’t know how to describe it but I know it hits me.
Fall is when the ladybugs that start invading my home.
The best…fall is when I start wearing my wool socks to work and thick wool socks are the first thing on the feet in the morning.
PS…I saw the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at the local Starbucks but I didn’t have time to wait in the line.
Castiron said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
I know fall is coming when I go outside at 11:00 a.m. and think “hmm, I’m not grilling.”
As I work at a university, I also know it’s fall when I’m running late leaving the house for work and decide that it’s faster to take the bus (40 minutes) than drive (20 minutes + try to find a parking spot).
Karen said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
I know fall is coming when my apartment no longer feels like a sauna (I keep saying next year for the AC, but it never seems to happen)
You are so not too old to color – I have a box of 64 in the house and some coloring books – it’s relaxing when I need a break from the monotony (sp?) of the day
juana said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
We know because we see yellow buses on the streets and school supplies galore in the stores. But hurricane season is still going on until november and it does not get cool until the end of december or january. Is 90 degrees outside and the afternoon daily storm keeps humidity high. Tree color changes in february some times, not always. Sweaters and shawls are needed not needed but we knit them anyway; we carry them to the movies and restaurants because the air conditioner is always high. I started today in my first Christmas project, a little shawl with the String Theory from the last update, I love this yarn. Crayons are great!!!
juana said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
We know because we see yellow buses on the streets and school supplies galore in the stores. But hurricane season is still going on until november and it does not get cool until the end of december or january. Is 90 degrees outside and the afternoon daily storm keeps humidity high. Tree color changes in february some times, not always. Sweaters and shawls are not needed but we knit them anyway; we carry them to the movies and restaurants because the air conditioner is always high. I started today my first Christmas project, a little shawl with the String Theory from the last update, I love this yarn. Crayons are great!!!
Kay said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
Ok, I have a confession. (this is because you showed that box of crayons lol) I love it when the school supplies start showing up in the stores. And this is my confession….I love to find a box of crayons and open the box and inhale deeply. Yes, I huff crayons. lol It always takes me back to when I first stared school and was so excited about all my school supplies. I love the smell of fresh crayons. And yes, I can tell if they are fresh or stale.
Margaret said,
September 2, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
Fall?? Florida doesn’t have Fall. We have Soggy and Soggier. I can’t resist any type of art supply…..or new pens and pencils and paper and blank journals. Men like Home Depot….I like Office Depot.
Carol said,
September 2, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
We know it’s fall when our season College Football tickets arrive in the mail and the thought of snuggling up in a warm sweater or blanket is appealing.
)
Charmaine said,
September 2, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
You know FALL is coming where I live…
The acorns start to fall off the tree onto the porch, when you step on them it hurts!
You see the squirrels scampering around gathering them up.
You can smell the crispness in the air.
This past Sunday we had a fire come close to our neighborhood, about a block.
It was scary but blessed no one was hurt. 50 houses were lost. Our little town is pulling together to help those who hurt.
We also know fall is here when the Santa Ana winds pick up & the fire season is upon us.
Lael said,
September 2, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
Fall is on its way – We have one maple tree that was damaged as a young thing – half of it turns yellow early – it’s already there this year.
The rams start sniffing the air, looking for their ewes, they’re getting frisky.
The last cutting of hay is in.
The fields smell like fall – that “late in the year, wildflowers going to seed” smell.
It is definitely nippy here – down into the high 30’s the other night – I have been turning the heat on in the mornings to get the chill out of the house so our “baby” (he’s in 8th grade!) doesn’t feel chilled!
I actually enjoy going out to do chores, since I am not immediately hot and sweaty.
The Brewers are on the downhill slide, the Cardinals are playoff bound and the Packers are about to start an exciting season!
And, of course, Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival is just over a week away!!!!
Melanie said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:07 am
…when it gets dark out before knit night is over.
…when you start working several hours a week for your child’s co-op school that hasn’t started yet and won’t for several more weeks.
…when you start blogging about Christmas knitting, even though most “sane” people (non-knitters, of course) would consider Christmas gift giving conversations “crazy talk”.
…when yarn stores start getting all manner of new colors and lines of yarn, thus making it almost impossible to resist the temptation of startitis.
Dorothy said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:27 am
We have had such an easy summer here in KY that I have not looked forward to colder weather. The leaves are changing though from cool nights. We can sit outside and have our morning coffee and enjoy the remailing humming birds. The kitties have found “their” place nestled next to my hubby’s ever warm legs.
I have already begun my Christmas list with lots of socks, scarves and mitts. Maybe a shrug or two. See how time treats me. I do have a quilt shop that keeps me busy too.
Theresa in Italy said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:35 am
So far it’s just the stray yellow leaves and the talk about flu vaccines—still not enough “nip” in the air for me—but within two weeks school will have started and we’ll be up at the crack of dawn to drop the kids off at the bus stop. And I think I need a new box of crayons, too. Just seems to go with the season. My Christmas list is still in my head; I’m afraid to write it down and discover that I should have started knitting in February if I hope to get everything done in time….
Kathy said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:42 am
I personally love summer so much, yes in all its heat and humidity too, that I cannot handle the leaves, the acorns, the school supplies on display, the dark mornings. If someone would please bottle June-July-August to get me through the chilly months, I’d be grateful.
Gift list: now here, I’m disgustingly smug, having finished 8 gifts on my Christmas gift list, one in progress, one to go, and two for December b-days. (full disclosure: this has been accomplished spanning TWO holiday seasons, since last year I did not finish any knitted gifts. But those who receive these won’t know of that oh so long delay)
Connie Benotti said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:53 am
Fall is already starting to show here in New England. Because of all the rain we had this summer it will be an early fall I think. Usually my vegetable garden starts to look old and shabby rather than the pristine beauty of summer. Normally I prune back the foliage and allow the fruits and vegetables to ripen faster in the much shorter days of September. This year the foliage on the plants are turning brown on their own and some Tomato Plants never did ripen; they’re still green on the vine.
This was a horrible year for gardens. Root plants did well. I think I have enough carrots in the freezer to take me until spring.
Summer hasn’t left yet and I already miss it even though I love the freshness of fall with football games and home baked bread. I also love the sounds of children playing outside and the smell of a roast or turkey cooking all day in the oven. Those are the sounds, sights, and smells of fall. I didn’t mention knitting because I never stop no matter what the season.
I usually collect my yarns and patterns over the summer and start Christmas knitting right after Labor Day. This year is a little slower for some reason. I have quite a few things on the back burner but they are mostly for me.
Sharilyn said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:39 am
I know it’s fall when…..
there are monarch chrysalises (yes, I did need look up how to spell the plural of that word) in the milkweed by the side of our house and the kids are romping outside every couple of hours and shouting their scientific observations through the open windows to me. I love this!
The couch blankets come out because it’s just a bit chilly downstairs in the morning
we go shopping for jeans for school (school starts after Labor Day here)
Fiber Festivals start showing up on the calendar (Finger Lakes Fiber Festival in 2 weeks!!) Woohoo!
(Oh and treat yourself to a proper coloring book (Dollar stores always have a great selection) to go with your crayons and enjoy! )
Kathleen said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:44 am
The list of gifts is started but no knitting yet. Mittens, fingerless mitts, cowls, neck warmers. Must start collecting yarn and get crackin.
Now, off to get my Pumpkin Spice Latte – or as we call it Pumpkin Pie in a cup!
Happy Fall!
Nadine B said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:13 am
I saw my Starbucks email yesterday and had to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte as well. And that means that soon Dairy Queen will have their Pumpkin Pie Blizzards. The grocery stores are already beginning to carry proper apple cider again. Yay! I guess I can tell it is fall because of the food.
Jennifer said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:23 am
I saw the pumpkin spice latte sign at Starbucks this morning and thought the same thing. I’m getting excited to ski – which usually means fall is around the corner!
Wendi said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:25 am
My list is out. I have socks, socks and more socks on it, a few neck warmers and maybe a shawl…. not too much but still enough. I have started it as well!
Joannah said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:35 am
I’m not making a list just yet, although my knitting thoughts have turned to mittens and scarves and worsted weight yarns.
Holly said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:40 am
Fall came for us mid-August, we have already had frost at night. For me, the high-pitched call of elk in the morning and the lack of tourist are the tell-tale signs of fall.
Ann Rose said,
September 3, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Sheri, you are NEVER too old for crayons. Never! Fall, to me, is when all the students come back to the university where I work, my professor husband starts muttering about syllabi and asking me to make an emergency copying run, and I start thinking that knitting something up in worsted weight might be fun. Just this morning, husband asked for a quilt for the bed, and yesterday, I had to wear a windbreaker over my short sleeved shirt for my morning walk down to the commuter train — just the slightest bit too chilly for going without.
No long gift list for me this year, just one pair of mittens for a co-worker (she sometimes pulls lightweight socks over her hands to keep them warm, so she’s getting some “Count von Count”-themed mittens — we both love Sesame Street, and you’re never too old for that, either!
.
MaryEllen said,
September 3, 2009 @ 9:48 am
A new box of crayons is perfectly acceptable – no matter how old you are! If you haven’t colored in a while, you definitely should… it’s actually very relaxing. (And you don’t even have to stay within the lines, if that’s not your thing
)
Barbara said,
September 3, 2009 @ 9:49 am
It’s much more “NIP” than “humid” here in Colorado and the Aspen trees are beginning to shop for their Yellow coats. Bears are roaming around stuffing themselves in anticipation of a “long winters nap” and Coyotes are howling during the night.
Happy Fall Everyone.
PS. I too purchased a new box of crayons….you never know when a little person might stop by and need them.
Jo Anne said,
September 3, 2009 @ 9:58 am
Dairy Queen has pumpkin pie blizzard and the state fair is in full swing.
Cindy in Happy Valley said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Grange Fair is here and ALMOST gone! And the first rabid football fans of the season are poised to descend upon us and all the merchants are doing a happy dance.
Jenna S said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:06 am
This will be my first fall in Texas, so I don’t have any idea. So far, the only inclination towards fall is that the temps are in the 90s instead of the 100s.
Trish said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:08 am
I’ll make a few things for my kiddos but that’s it. The only major gift knitting I’m doing is a shawl for my mom and she knows about it because she picked the yarn and pattern out.
You are never to old to color!
valerie said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:22 am
holy cow! just the other day my husband had to drag me past the school supply aisle in the supermarket because i suddenly felt compelled to buy a brand new box of crayons! we already have crayons (in our 30’s, no kids), but there’s just something about a brand new box of crayons….. anyhoo, i totally understand what you’re saying.
valerie said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:23 am
oh, right, and to answer your question….. the orchard down the road opens for pick-your-own! delicious!
Michele in Maine said,
September 3, 2009 @ 11:39 am
Today, there’s a big tractor mowing the fields around our offices – a sure sign of fall here! (reminds me that I need to call to get my own field done).
Never enough nip for me either!
Shana said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Fall is on the way here too! I can feel it! Although, you are in St. Louis and I am in the middle of Illinois so “here” is actually pretty close for us! We have turned off the A/C in favor of opening the windows. Night time is chilly enough that I have to wear long sleeves when biking and my pumpkin vine is dying! (That’s a good thing!)
Concerning my Christmas list, it’s been created since February and worked on through out the year! Since I decided to make a blanket for my little sister, that’s been on the needles since March! I’m not done yet but I’m well on my way! If every thing goes to plan I will be totally done by Thanksgiving!
Happy Fall Sheri!
Gail said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Fall is not here yet, still in the 90s this week. The only way I can tell is all my clients who are teachers are complaining about going back to work.
Amanda Cathleen said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
no one is too old to color! There is a definite chill in the air here in Western PA. I’ve had to turn the furnace on twice already this week at night because the temp in the house has gone down to 58! The 2yo refuses to wear layers it seems.
Sally said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
I know it is fall when the state fair starts. I love the fair… the food, the people watching, the animals. Even though it normally rains the whole time, I still make my way out there at least once or twice. LOVE the fair.
At work (I work in a quilt shop) we were just talking about how wonderful and magical a new box of crayons is just yesterday!
And as far as knitting goes, I haven’t started a list, but I have finished one project for holiday gift giving. I felt like I was really on top of it this year… then I realized it is already September!
Valerie said,
September 3, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
This will be the last weekend of summer holidays for my daughters and there are Hallowe’en candies on sale in the supermarket so I know fall is coming! I’ve knit one pair of gift socks but no list yet. I’d better get on that!
Debra said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
I agree with you about the Pumpkin Spice Lattes. When I saw there were back, I had to text my daughter at college to let her know also! Tonight is the first ESPN college football game. That is always a sign of fall in our household. My children went to rival State schools, so football is always a topic of conversation. I actually enjoy watching them with my husband– excellent knitting time!
Seanna Lea said,
September 3, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
I am wearing a vest with my long sleeve shirt. I avoided it even though it has been done for weeks, because I didn’t want to walk around Boston with wool on. Today it isn’t so bad.
Kim said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
It’s been so cool in Chicago this summer that I don’t even think we turned on anything but a ceiling fan so I can’t use weather this year. For me, fall begins when the big sun umbrella for the summer crossing guards is taken down and high school football starts. Yarn wise, I did wear wook socks two days ago….
Crayons? This mmms40mmmfff something says you are never to old for crayons and school supplies. I love having a fresh notebook and new pens evey September.
Virginia said,
September 3, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
You’re never too old to color! We have yellowing leaves too and one fell yesterday. Everyone is getting hats for Christmas. I have 5 knitted and about as many yet to go, so I’m well on my way. Happy weekend!
Rani said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
You had me at Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte….
Dee P. said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
How do I prepare for Fall? I try harder to lose weight so that I’ll be in fighting shape to gain it all back over the holidays. Sad, but true!
NewJerseyLaura said,
September 3, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
The best part of new crayons is the smell
No one outgrows that!
catspaw said,
September 3, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Lots of signs of fall here – crickets humming, screech owls calling, dogwood trees tingeing magenta, and acorns crashing onto metal roofs. Time to start finishing my sweaters!
Mary R said,
September 3, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
I live on Cape Cod and one of the first signs that Fall is coming is when the sea birds start to gather during their trip South for the winter. (We get a lot of birds that come down from Canada and Nova Scotia.)
Another sign of the impending colder weather is that most of the tourists and summer residents have left for home. The beaches are emptier and the roads as well. Yay for less traffic!
Liz in KY said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Crayons are therapeutic! I actually saw something on the Today Show or CNN or somewhere that sniffing crayons calmed people down by reminding them of simpler times. After spending the day ridding the master bedroom of the yellow jackets (we had a nest in the wall), I think it’s time for me to go sniff my 64-pack…ahh…
Bev said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:34 pm
You know when Fall is hitting the South (I live in SC) when the dogwoods turn a light green, almost yellow. They are the first to go. That happened about 2 weeks ago and they are turning daily. And then, when the temperature hits 80 and it’s breezy. That happened 3 days ago. I haven’t made an exact list yet, but I got started on holiday knitting over a month ago. I’m starting out with some scarf patterns I had wanted to knit, and some neckwarmers. They are quick and fun to do while watching TV, and make great gifts. I’m also doing a couple of kid sweaters for my grandkids, but they will probably just get them when they’re done and not wait for Christmas. I’m getting ready to drive to the Left Coast in about 2 weeks, and am lining up projects and bagging them separately with everything needed to knit them, and I’m copying patterns and putting them into a binder so I’ll have other projects to start if I suddenly see affordable yarn somewhere that is too good to pass up!
Marianne Y said,
September 3, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
Umm, would you believe this is the year that summer never came to Michigan, LOL? I wish I could say I was just kidding, but even the local meteorologists, who love cold, are complaining about the cold weather here this summer. It really has been like fall, all summer. All of the fruits are ripening very, very late this year (we’ve lived here for 30 years, & this is the latest in that amount of time, anyway), if they even come at all, because of the cold. I’m not complaining this year, though, mind you, because, in spite of the cold temps this summer, the warmth is bothering me more than it ever has before, so I like the cooler temps. My sons aren’t crazy about them, though, since the lake waters are all quite cold.
We are having a fabulous week this week, the best one of the whole summer, with clear skies & temps in the 70’s! (Not far from us, though, they have had frosts overnight earlier this week, which is awful for the farmers this early.)
August was a busy month us, with my youngest son’s marching band camp the last 2-1/2 weeks, first home football game tonight, first day of his senior year in high school on Tues, etc., among a host of other things. When it does cool down some more, we will start using our oven again.
Some peach or apple cobblers & pies, upside down cakes, etc, sound great! We have been seeing more than a few red-orange leaves on trees around here for 2 or 3 weeks, already. I don’t think I’ve seen any yellow ones, though, that I can think of, yet.
Vicki said,
September 3, 2009 @ 7:34 pm
You know it’s fall when you tire of geraniums and want to plant mums and kale. When you can leave the bedroom windows open and it leads to cuddling to stay warm.
Teri said,
September 3, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Fall coming (for me nowadays) really is marked by when that list of “knit for holidays” starts formulating in my head. It started this last weekend. The only item completely, absolutely firm and definate is for sister – an Aeslight Shawl with Wollmeise in the Safron. Her favorite color for life. I know she’ll never fully appreciate the yarn or how I came by it, but I do know I’ll be giving her something precious. The yarn glows golden and so does she
Carol said,
September 3, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
What is the scarf pattern on the manequin?
pam said,
September 4, 2009 @ 8:51 am
you are NEVER too old to color!!
Brianna said,
September 4, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
The way I know Fall is coming is kinda odd and long-winded. I run most evenings with my husband and puppies, and I wear sunglasses on almost every run. As the summer ends, and the sun starts setting earlier, I need my sunglasses for less and less of the run. So that’s how I know when fall is coming
Kirsty said,
September 4, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
Sheri!
We are totally in sync today! I feel the same way about Fall all of a sudden here in Southern Ontario, and thought the same thing while shopping for a backpack for my little guy today, about the crayons!!!….AND the walking!
Have a great Labour Day Weekend!
kit said,
September 4, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
I know fall is coming when labor day (and my birthday, sept. 2) rolls around. I look forward to ripe tomatos from our garden and turning the a/c off in favor of opening windows at night. I also look forward to breaking out the handknit wool socks that have been languishing in the drawer all summer and wearing wool sweaters while out cutting firewood for the winter.
Kathy Sue said,
September 5, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
My family is rife with late August and Septmber birthdays, so a lot of knitting will be gifted shortly, The I start on Christmas! What fun. it si!
Toria said,
September 7, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
My subconscious just garbled your post. When you were talking about Christmas knitting, I read the list of “what I’m NOT knitting for people for gifts”. I had to re-read it… I thought, “Wow she’s got one of those too?”
Terri said,
September 7, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Fall decorations are out in the stores and I saw pumpkins at the garden/flower shop yesterday.
Susan-a-Buffalo-Gal said,
September 8, 2009 @ 8:41 am
It is fall when the days are shorter and the sun seems more distant in the sky. Apples are at the farmers market. I see gigantic mums for the garden.
penny said,
September 15, 2009 @ 9:58 am
Sheri, you are *never* *ever* too old to colour with crayons. Trust me. A new box of crayons gives me about as much thrill as new yarn.
Nadia said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:29 am
I have been shown, once again, the true resiliency of the human spirit. The days are never too dark to keep on trying and when you are feeling stressed, a trip to a beautiful yarn store can indeed brighten the spirits – the colours and textures can brighten even the darkest day.