Mary Jane Mucklestone -- Living in Color.

She has the perfect name for a children's book character, say of the Rowling variety, but Mary Jane Mucklestone creates her own fantasies, in living color, and they're made mostly of yarn.

Originally from the Seattle area, and now a very popular knitter and blogger based in mid-coast Maine, she's all about color. And yarn is her medium. She has a wee bit of wit as well. The very clever 'olive' knitting pattern she published for free on her blog was an internet hit.

When she's not out gathering inspiration, you can find her working with the well-known nautical photographer Allison Langely in Camden. But the best view into her sweet world is her blog -- MaryJaneMidgeMink. She writes and photographs on a regular basis and each posting offers a different view into the colorful life she's created in Maine.

She has gained fans from all over the world, with a keen interest coming from Scotland. The only thing missing now is more time to create knitting patterns . . .

Why do you live in Maine?
I was living in the East Village when I got pregnant. Neither of us wanted to raise kids in the city. His family was in mid-coast Maine, which was driving distance, so we came to Maine.

Where do you live?
Searsmont, Maine.

How did you find it?
We drove all over the 1st summer looking for affordable (ie very cheap) houses. We found the 2nd oldest house in Searsmont with 16.8 acres and bought it. It has since burned down and we have re-built in cement way back from the road.

What do you like -- don't like?
I had a hard adjustment at first but now I like just about everything. Except crummy internet service! Also all the driving. I miss take-out food the most, and a variety of inexpensive, interesting resturant options.

What are the major decisions you had to make?
We just plunged in blind.

What are you giving up?
Good take-out and culture...and ethnic diversity. In the past I've been known to follow anyone who isn't white. It can be a little monotonous all the sameness.

What are you getting in return?
A great place to raise kids and beauty everywhere. No locks on our doors, we leave the keys in the car...it is beginning to change however...everywhere is.

Your favorite spot?
It used to be behind our old house under the apple trees in summer, and the point down by the lake that is now posted "private property." So now I guess my daughter's room...when its tidy!

Where do you vacation?
Mexico, Asia, the pacific northwest. My husband goes to the Azores. We don't go anywhere regularly. . .or regularly go anywhere.

Would love a list of your favorites -- food, colors, season, people, hikes, jokes, etc.
I like fall and winter. I like fresh Maine shrimp. Green is my favorite color. I like to hike behind my house, down to the pond. -- The kitten in the oven joke. (For those who don't know the joke, it goes something like this -- If a kitten was born in the oven, would you call it a muffin? -- Referring to who actually qualifies as a true Mainer.)

Any 'Maine' stories?
Hmmm. I've got a long one that I don't tell well. The one about the guy who wouldn't cut his wood because if he died what would be the use of all that work. He just stuck one end of a log in the stove and burned it down. The real story has his wife fixing supper, stepping over it etc.

The laundromat when asked if they folded said, "No! Then everybody'd be in here."

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