Spinknitty

There will be no complaining about work ...

2012-01-31T13:14:00.010-05:00

I have not actually given my blog address to many of my friends. I figure most of them won't care about knitting. And some of them will just think I'm crazy.

But today, one of my friends -- the recipient of the travelling sock -- got his hands on my blog address. Since he is also my boss, it means I have to say nice things about work. Like, he is the best boss ever. I am so lucky to work for him. He brings joy everywhere he goes. (Even though he makes me cry every day.)

Actually, he is the best boss ever, and more importantly, he's a great friend. I'm blessed to have him in my life. Really.

On a knitting note, I've actually been pretty productive. We'll pretend I didn't wait more than six months since my last post. As promised, there were brighter socks in warmer weather. Scott and I went to Florida for our 10th anniversary.

We went here:

The socks are brighter:

My brother's daughter-in-law had a baby this summer -- so there was a sweater:

Starts like this, and then

Origami magic!

The whole clan went camping up north --

Next post, through the magic of fast-forwarding -- Christmas!

The sock goes to camp

2011-06-15T08:45:00.007-04:00

Since my last post, I finally got a chance to go camping. Over Memorial Day weekend, Caroline and I went to Ft. Custer with my brother and his family.

It was cold.

And I got to spend some quality time in the shower house with about 75 new friends. We were invited there by the tornado warning on Sunday.

The sock was shocked when we got back to the camper. And grateful that socks are not required attire for wading back into your campsite.

The sock and its mate were finished during this trip, and delivered to their new owner, who has assured them that they will never, ever have to go camping again. His idea of roughing it is a three-star hotel.

During the camping trip, my dear sister-in-law Dorsey took a break from knitting to crochet a scarf. Although I've never really taken to the process of crochet, the speed factor is certainly attractive. She finished the scarf in a day-and-a-half --

and then she gave it to me!!!

As my friend, the aforementioned sock recipient, would say, "She's the bestest!"

Next post -- new sock, warmer weather.

New York, New York ...

2011-05-26T10:20:00.006-04:00

After the last few weeks, I really needed a break.
A change of scenery ....

And familiar faces ...I spent a few days in New York, visiting my sister and my son -- both of whom work and live there.

My travelling companion was, with a nod to Stephanie, the sock. The sock is a gift in progress for a friend who had foot surgery. What better celebration of recovery than handknit socks, right?

The sock enjoyed the sleeping compartment on the train ...
And brunch at The Farm on Adderley. The chocolate brioche with butter and sea salt was amazing and the Bloody Marys were the best I've ever had.

I dragged the sock to the Poetry House in Battery Park. For a word nerd, it is like a trip to Paradise. Books, journals, tapes, CDs -- all poetry, all the time.

The sock lit a candle at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

But wisely stayed far from the flame.

It walked across the Brooklyn Bridge -- with a little help.

And it found its dream bicycle parked under the bridge.

The sock visited yarny kin at La Casita and Knitty City. There was only one purchase, some gorgeous lace-weight in shades of red. Destined for a shawl, just have no idea which one.

And while the sock rested in its knitting bag, and I walked around a chilly New York in the sweater I'd made my brother 17 years ago, Cecelia and I remembered him with tears and with laughter. We talked about how family bonds are reconfigured around a gaping hole. We celebrated having each other and having time together.

We reminded ourselves that love really can see us through.

Knitting Memories

2011-05-06T09:53:00.030-04:00

Thank you to those who wrote or posted comments to express sympathy on the death of my brother. It is much appreciated.

This has been a week of memories, some of them related to knitting.

At my brother's funeral, his partner gave me a bag that contained almost everything my brother owned -- a stuffed toy soldier my grandmother made him when he was 2, an afghan my mother had crocheted, and this --

an Aran cardigan I knitted 17 years ago.

He loved it, wore it often at his office and took really good care of it. It was in close-to-perfect shape -- after a quick bath in Eucalan, I've worn it twice.

It moved me to realize that a man who'd lost almost everything, who'd been through bankruptcy twice, who was living a life tormented by addiction and had few possessions kept these three handmade things. It speaks to me of the power of emotion and memory that can attach to the things we create.

When I look at this sweater, I remember what was going on in my life when I knitted it -- at that time, knitting was my refuge. I would stay up half the night knitting -- everything from a stuffed jellyfish for my daughter's kindergarten "under the sea" project to a knitted snapping turtle for my son's nature studies homework. Anything to keep my hands busy and my mind off the husband passed out in the next room, and the rum bottles hidden around the house.

It sounds as if this sweater should call up a host of bad memories, but it doesn't. When I see it, or wear it, what I remember most is the pleasure the knitting gave me more than the pain I was trying to escape.

Some knitting memories are simply happy -- no angst, no hidden sorrow. A couple of weeks ago, my nephew sent me a text message with this photo -- he was cleaning out his baby things. Or as he calls it, his "box of repressed memories." This is the very first sweater I ever knitted. It was from Vogue Knitting's premiere issue and I thought it was adorable. I still do.

But I'm glad the photo is taken from far enough away that I can't see the finishing. I'd probably want to take it apart and reseam everything.

As he prepares for his wedding, it makes me smile to think a child of his may wear this some day.

Also as promised, here is Mr. Greenjeans, which went from this --

to this --

This is one of those very few patterns that I know I'll be knitting again. Next time in wool, with long sleeves instead of bracelet length -- and a full complement of buttons instead of a single.

I wonder if I'll always look at this sweater and remember that I was finishing it on the day I got the phone call my brother had taken his own life. I hope that instead I remember better times -- when we were happy and life was filled with promise.

Sad

2011-04-22T20:31:00.003-04:00

Today, I had planned to post something about Mr. Greenjeans. It's finished, it's blocked, it's lovely.

But I don't really care. Today, I received news that my brother David died during the night. Since my mother died a couple of years ago, David has been a lost soul. He attempted to soothe his hurts with alcohol and medications. Sadly, they are the things that took his life last night.

At one point, David and I talked every day. Although he's been in his own world for a while, I will miss him every single day.

Spring?

2011-04-18T12:03:00.007-04:00

Remember this?

We are almost there --

I have about 3/4 of a sleeve left to do before Easter. Because of course, for Easter I want to wear something springy -- like the cotton/silk blend of this yarn

But when I woke up this morning --

I wondered whether I need to dig Mom's fur coat out of the back of the closet instead.

I'm trying to keep a hopeful thought:

April is Poetry Month

2011-04-12T15:40:00.007-04:00

And so ... a poem about spinning --

A Spinner's List
The old woman whispers -- come to me
and I will tach you to make magic,
cast the spells of Gideon and Arachne.
She folds my fingers around a stick
of warm basswood with a maple whorl
and slides wool across my palm,
shows me how to draft each curl
into a feathered fan, and feel the balm
of thick fragrant grease
and breathe the incense of lanolin.
I flick the spindle and release
the fragile fibers into thin
air, where they embrace emptiness and make it whole.
Now, she murmurs, chant the spell --
qiviut, bombyx, tussah, merino,
rambouillet, jacob huacaya, suri.
She whispers again, be slow --
the spider at her web does not hurry.

Wonderful weekend

2011-04-11T15:35:00.004-04:00

There was a meeting of the Spinner's Flock --

I hadn't been there in a long time. I mean, a reaaallly long time. I was warmly welcomed -- and I got to show off my Irish Diamonds shawl during show and tell. The group is growing --we're at member number 800 and something.

And yesterday, it was 82 degrees. It was short-lived, but gave me hope that yes, indeed, somewhere out there is spring.

I'll know it's really spring when there is a sighting of these --

But best of all, I had both of these in my house this weekend --

Doesn't get better than that.

Not my grandmother's knitting

2011-04-07T13:30:00.008-04:00

My grandmother didn't knit. But she did sew. If there was a scrap of fabric lying around, Grandma made into something beautiful or useful, or both. My Skipper doll (Mom didn't believe in Barbie) had the best outfits in the neighborhood. My favorite was her fully-lined red wool suit with bracelet-length sleeves -- it would have done Coco Chanel proud.

I think of my grandmother a lot around Easter -- a time of year that usually meant a new outfit from her Singer. I still have a few of the dresses, and a gorgeous designer suit. My daughter wore them on her own Easters, and, like my mother before me, all I had to provide was the round hat and patent-leather shoes.

I am sure my grandmother would have been thrilled if I had learned to sew. She tried -- but I was not only abysmally untalented with a needle -- I also loathed it. As a mother, I made sure my kids learned early how to sew on buttons, mostly so I could avoid it myself.

But mostly, Grandma was a maker. She took next-to-nothing and made it spectacularly "something." And she encouraged me to find my own way to be a maker too.

When I saw a neighbor girl knitting, and thought I'd like to give it a try, Grandma got me needles, cool flecked yarn, a pattern for two -needle mittens and a little workbag.

She knew enough to show me a backward-loop cast-on and the basic knit and purl stitches. And she knew enough not to nag me about my little project.

I didn't finish the mittens -- and I don't know what happened to them. I didn't take up knitting again for 20 years, when books taught me all the techniques and tricks my grandmother didn't know. And then you couldn't stop me from making things -- baby sweaters, Christmas stockings, Aran sweaters, intarsia, lace -- even the top to my wedding dress.

So, my grandmother didn't exactly teach me how to knit ...

But I still have at least one of the needles she gave me

and the pattern book -- somewhere.

and have acquired the love of making things that my grandmother passed on as her legacy.

For that, I am forever in her debt.

Starting over in the frog pond

2011-04-03T12:35:00.006-04:00

I spent most of yesterday turning this, the Mirage pullover from More Big Girl Knits,

into this

and then this

and finally this

Now, it is becoming Mr. Greenjeans.

When I began the Mirage, I weighed 30 pounds more than I do today, so I knew it was no longer going to fit the way I'd originally envisioned. Not that that is a bad thing, you understand.

As the swift was spinning, and the sweater was raveling at my feet, Scott asked me if I had regrets about all those hours of work being undone.

Yes and no. I'm sorry to lose the work -- it does feel a bit as if it's time wasted. But I learned something from the process and I'm fired up with the vision for Mr. Greenjeans, so I'm looking ahead more than looking back.

I've done that a lot, I realized. With education, with work, with marriage. Once upon a time, I began each of those things with a vision for the finished product, the happy ending. Eventually, though, I looked at them and realized, "That just doesn't fit right." I pulled the loose thread and raveled. And then made something new -- I went back to school, I got a new job, I met Scott. I learned to take nothing in my new life for granted -- having experienced the worst, I am grateful every day for the best.

I had a vision for this sweater when I began. I knew what pants to pair with it, what jewelry I would wear. I could see myself wearing it. Then I couldn't.

Now I am imagining a new sweater--can't wait to try it on!

A yarn about yarn

2011-03-30T12:24:00.008-04:00

Irish Diamonds is finished.

And it's huge.

It's more like a cape than a shawl. I think I love it.

I made this from Bartlettyarns 2-ply fisherman's wool in Blackberry. It's not the recommended yarn for this pattern. And it's not what I originally intended to make from the yarn. My plan was to knit an Aran sweater -- a twin to the one I made my brother almost 20 years ago, during the summer I really became a knitter.

My 3-year-old son and I had gone to a cottage in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It belonged to my ex's aunt, and she wasn't using it that year. So we were blessed with a free stay in a home overlooking Boothbay Harbor, on a balsam-covered island, during a summer that was, at least in my memory, sunny every day.

My ex was supposed to join us after two weeks, and then we'd drive home together.

He "forgot" to get his plane ticket.

Which meant I had 11 weeks alone in Maine with a 3-year-old, no TV to speak of, and not enough to read.

But there was a yarn store in town. All she sold was Bartlettyarn from Harmony, Maine. It may not have been the softest, but it came in heathery colors and still smelled a little like sheep. Somehow, it went with the rocky coast. I bought enough to make a sweater from Maine Island Kids. It had a little sailboat and some fir trees on it.

Then I made two more -- with apple orchards and chickens.

I made a Christmas stocking for a new nephew.

I made a sweater with intarsia loons on the front for my then-husband. The irony does not escape me.

Then I began the Aran sweater.

It was for my brother, who was my best friend. He came to visit me in Maine and we shopped for just the right pattern. He wanted a cardigan, no collar, and classic creamy wool. The Bartlettyarn was perfect for this project, and the yarn store owner had the perfect, out-of-print pattern, which she gave me.

I cast on that summer, and knit about half of it -- but then life and other, smaller sweaters got in the way.

When I finally picked it up again, the pattern was gone -- tossed in the trash by my then-husband. I was not as yet proficient enough to carry on without a clear map, and thought I'd have to rip back. But, amazingly, I found the pattern in a tiny, old yarn store in Tecumseh.

I finished the sweater just in time for Christmas that year. My brother loved it, took it to work, and wore it often.

A couple of years ago, I was on a fiber and winery tour in the Fingerlakes region of New York and bought this yarn. I planned to make the exact same sweater as my brother's.

Then life intervened again. My mother died. My brother, who had struggled with alcohol for a long time, gave into grief in the most destructive ways. He survived, but our relationship has not. He no longer speaks to any of us, least of all to me.

When I picked up knitting again, I knew I wanted to do something with this yarn. It reminds me of when I first learned to knit. It is simple and warm and its smell takes me back to long quiet evenings in Maine -- when I knitted while my son slept.

I didn't have the heart to make the Aran, though -- and so I chose something else. I wanted to keep the Irish theme, and I wanted something warm enough for chilly Michigan or perhaps for visits to Maine. I also wanted something that would wrap around me like the hugs I miss from the people I have lost.

This will have to do.

Mildly annoyed

2011-03-29T15:10:00.005-04:00

I am almost finished with Irish Diamonds. I'll post photos tomorrow or the next day.

And there are things about this yarn I really love -- mostly having to do with the memories it holds -- more about that tomorrow or the next day as well.

But there is one thing about it that really irks me --

This skein alone has had at least four.

I have had a lot of practice untying them and grafting the yarn with the "Russian join." My mouth is getting dry.

A time for fiber fun

2011-03-27T12:21:00.007-04:00

Friday, I drove to Grand Rapids to see my daughter's play. We stayed up until 2 a.m. talking, and then I hit the road at 7 a.m. so that I could get home in time to go to the Black Swamp Spinners Guild fiber event.

Scott chatted with the people who make spinning wheels and spindles.

I chatted with fiber and yarn.

Briar Rose was there --

I managed to resist the temptation at their booth, but I did buy a couple of skeins for felted slippers from Amazing Grace Farms They had other stuff, too --

I could not resist some gorgeous English Angora fiber from Prissy --one of Jan Vandenhout's lovely bunnies:

And what about the shawl?
I knitted in my hotel room before my daughter's play, and afterward, while we talked.
I knitted while Scott drove us to Bowling Green for the fiber fest.
I knitted last night.
I knitted this morning.

I started promising myself little rewards for completing a row -- like a couple of these:
or a trip to the bathroom.

I am on the last patterning row, followed by two rows of stockinette, an eyelet row, two more rows of stockinette, and then 12 rows of garter stitch -- which I am referring to as the Bataan Death March edging.

While knitting, I've been singing --
"This is the shawl that never ends; it goes on and on my friends;
some knitter started knitting it, not knowing what it was, and she'll continue knitting it forever
just because
this is the shawl that never ends ..."

You know the tune -- feel free to sing along.

This is the shawl that never ends ...

2011-03-25T11:26:00.004-04:00

Why do so many shawl patterns begin at the neck?

Is it because the construction is more efficient?
Will the shawl fit better?
Does it make the stitch pattern line up correctly?

No.

It's because nobody in her right mind would voluntarily start a pattern that began,
"Cast on 810 stitches."

That's why.

It's never going to end.

More yarn?

2011-03-23T08:37:00.007-04:00

When I came back to knitting last month, I virtuously proclaimed my intent to knit only with stash yarn. After all, I still have yarn. A lot of yarn. When I went to visit the stash, it was like greeting old friends -- the Cherry Tree Hill silk in the Dusk colorway (so pretty), the Fleece Artist mohair and worsted combo skein for mittens (so warm), and of course, the balls of alpaca roving (so soft)

So how come the mail delivery personnel brought all this to my house?

Zen Garden 20

Knitpicks Gloss Knitpicks Palette

The Zen Garden is for socks for a friend who had surgery. Merino, cashmere. How could I resist?

The Knitpicks yarn came with a delivery of these. I thought I'd use them to block the Irish Diamonds shawl, but I think I'll need a few more sets.

Can you see how long one row is? I put a pen on the floor for comparison -- hundreds of stitches .

But back to the yarn. Obviously, I had to avoid shipping charges, right? So I needed to get up to $50. I was being thrifty.

Holy cow, it's been a long time since I've posted ...

2011-03-18T13:41:00.012-04:00

A really long time. Until about a month ago, I hadn't really knitted in almost three years. I'm blaming it on the family tragedies/drama of the last couple of years. But really, I just didn't care about anything woolly for a long while. I still liked yarn, I just didn't want to do anything with it. Then suddenly, a month ago, I got interested again. Really interested.

I went on a knitting retreat at Sauder Village in February, and just was inspired by all the creative knitters. And the yarn everywhere. I was supposed to take a workshop on knitting lace mitts. But when I started to do the three rows of homework, I got carried away -- I picked a lace stitch pattern and just winged it. By the time the workshop was supposed to start, I was here:

And then I just got carried away -- I made two pairs of these:

one for me and one for Caroline!

I made these for my darling sister in New York:

And I'm about 2/3 of the way through the Irish Diamond shawl from Folk Shawls. I am making it in Bartlettyarn in blackberry -- it's going to be really warm, and the perfect alternative to the Aran sweater I thought I'd be making with this yarn.

Although I've been away from blogging, I've been writing a lot, and have had some poems published. And I have a new favorite activity:

Scott wouldn't camp in a tent -- but he will in this little beauty! We bought a pop-up two years ago, and I am in it every weekend I can be. This year, it's going to Allegan with me for the Michigan Fiber Festival in August. Hope to see you there!

Been gone so long

2010-01-26T19:44:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been gone so long. My mother died last year, and that event seems to have frozen all of my interest in fiber arts. I haven't knitted anything except one lonely sock for more than a year. However, I am writing profusely -- the poetry seems to be flowing. So, for the moment, I am only maintaining my poetry Web site. (And really, I've just started doing that).

Thanks to all of the readers who commented, or contacted me. I know that I will be back in the world of spinning and knitting at some point -- but not just yet. Hope to see all of you around!

There are days ...

2008-07-23T22:11:00.003-04:00

You know, it's amazing what happens when you let $350 worth of parking tickets accumulate over, say, a six-month period.

Want to know? Ask my son.

I spent more than a fair share of today bailing his car out of police impoundment purgatory --sent there by the nine unpaid parking tickets he'd accumulated. And then, of course, there was the tenth ticket he was receiving when he called yesterday -- as the tow truck driver was hoisting his battered little VW onto the winch. What with the towing charges from the city, the towing charges from the company, the state charges, the unpaid tickets -- we were looking at a $610 bill.

And how does one finance such a bill when one is broke? National Bank of Mom, of course.

So now, the car is in a different impound lot -- ours. The fee for release? Lots and lots of hard labor -- painting, mowing, gardening, and so forth. Ad infinitum.

I did go to my "Ladies Who Knit" group this evening -- and actually got some knitting done. On socks for me -- fall will be here before we know it at the rate summer is going.

For those of you who have requested poetry, I can only post previously-published work, or I lose a lot of ability to submit it elsewhere.

So, I can give you this one --

First Supper

Burgers glistening in grease
cheap fry – no steak
Table not set for four, but three
three forks
three plates
three milks, no scotch
at table or sipped
surreptitiously at sink
We eat – our first words clumsy
mouths lumbering
We’d forgotten how
not to sit in silence
not prompting rage
We’d forgotten how
to pass salt without
waiting for head to fall to plate
In this new empty space
our bruised voices
swell to chatter, staccato laughter
raucous peace.

The good old summertime

2008-07-19T08:17:00.007-04:00

Is clearly not a time for me to blog.

In fact, other than work, I have not even been online at all. I do check my Ravelry messages every so often, but I am finding myself spending no time in the forums.

Of course, this may be because I'm also experiencing a bit of a knitting lull. I haven't really done much with the pink pullover from More Big Girl Knits -- and I just need to finish sleeves and yoke. I've knitted a little on socks, but that's about it.

What have I been doing instead? I seem to be in a writing mood -- right now, in my world, it's all poetry, all the time. When I'm not writing it, I'm reading it. Or listening -- for our anniversary, Scott gave me a copy of Poetry Speaks. It is amazing to hear poets read their work -- especially old recordings of Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Yeats, and so many others.

We went to Berea, Ky. for our anniversary in June -- the craft studios were wonderful and we bought some handwoven table linens from the students at Berea College. If you like crafts, it's worth the trip.

And for the first time in years, we went on a full week's vacation -- to Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

This was the view out the back door from the porch --

I kayaked -- We watched the sunset from Sleeping Bear Point -- The moon made dizzying circles in the water -- I didn't want to go home.

Where exactly has May gone?

2008-05-26T20:46:00.008-04:00

Obviously, not to blogging. May is one of my busiest months -- we have an annual gathering of all our editors to plan the upcoming year. Getting ready for it and hosting takes more time and energy than I thought I owned. I'm also on the committee for our local historical home tour event -- so I spent last weekend dressed like this -- I got more spinning done in two days than I've done in two months. And thank God it was not too warm. If I had actually lived in the 1800s, I think I would have gone quietly mad with the clothing. The thigh-high woollen stockings, the petticoats (plural), the hoops, the separate sleeves and collars, the voluminous dresses ...

And as a side note, I love how the clothing adds about 30 pounds. Charming.

Memorial Day weekend means a trek to Alma, Michigan (Scotland, USA) for the annual watching-guys-in-kilts event otherwise known as the Highland Festival. The bands were great -- sorry I don't have sound, but hum Scotland the Brave to yourself.

And really, is there anything sexier than a man in wool knee socks?

I am the worst blogger ever ...

2008-05-05T20:34:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, I went to ThreadBear to take a class with Susanna Hansson on Rovaniemi mittens. But did I remember my camera? Of course not. Because I am the worst blogger ever. See title above.

You'll have to make do with the photos of my project in process.

We started with worsted weight yarn as a practice piece ---
And then we moved to the fine weight Finnish yarn and smaller needles. In my case, 0000s. It's like knitting with fettucine.

This technique is fascinating. It's intarsia -- see the little skeins? Eleven little skeins. It's stranded. And it's weaving -- look at the inside.

Too cool. And Susanna is a great teacher. Particularly for those of you, like me, who are former Catholic school students. She kind of reminded me of Sister Jean Albert.

On other, larger needles -- the Mirage pullover is moving along.

Slowly, but at least it's moving.

Lastly, I leave you with a photo of one of the two most beautiful things I have ever made --

Oh, ok, and here she is with her boyfriend

Where does the time go?

2008-04-26T22:41:00.004-04:00

The Mirage pullover is coming along nicely -- finally. I ripped it out three times, thinking that the double sets of K2tog in the center of the mock cable panels just didn't look right. Of course, that would be because I was working of a photocopy of the pattern, instead of out of the book. (Yes, I own the book -- I did not make a pirated copy.) Once I looked in the actual book, I realized that the little / symbol on the chart was in a gray square -- purl 2 tog.

Easy peasy. I've got about 1/3 of the body done and the pattern is memorized -- for now, anyway. If I go a few days without knitting, it will disappear. It is the frustration of my existence that stuff like that will go away just when I need it -- but the phone number of my best friend from second grade? Right there, baby.

Most of my recent writing has been poetry -- hence the lack of knit blogging. Also, I've been struck by an essay in the current issue of Poets and Writers. In it, the author talks about the increase in technology creating so many distractions that we don't have time to let our minds wander and create. He suggested the value of mindless activity such as walking or looking at the ocean ---I simply don't understand how he could have overlooked knitting. Or spinning.

But I realize that once I turn on the computer, I can fritter (nod to my grandmother for that word) away huge, irreplaceable chunks of time. Mostly on Ravelry. I love Ravelry, and the stash organization and project queues are great for me. But really, how much time do I need to spend reading the threads about the indie dyer who allegedly faked her own death?

I am, in my extraverted way, mostly thinking "out loud" here -- what do you think? What distracts you, sucks away time you could be spending doing other things you'd really like to do?
Like knitting?

Ahhhh....

2008-04-18T16:12:00.007-04:00

I give you ...

spring!

And thankful am I to finally see it.

So, being fickle and constantly lured by the siren song of new projects, I have momentarily abandoned these --

wool socks. Because on Monday, I went to Thread Bear and got this --

As promised, Rob had asked Jillian and Amy to sign a personalized copy for me, which was waiting at the counter with a chocolate cupcake/mocha buttercream frosting. The perfect lunch!

After licking my fingers clean, I went to fondle yarn. (Just kidding about the fingers, Rob. Really.) I was pretty sure I wanted to make Lisa Rowe's Mirage pullover from the book, so I actually bought the recommended yarn --

Classic Elite's Classic Silk in a pretty salmon pink. I think this may be the first time I've bought the yarn specified in the pattern. As soon as I got home, I abandoned my poor woolly sock and cast on --

The color is better than the picture, really. The yarn is a silk and cotton blend, which I'm liking a lot better than 100% cotton. I really am all about the wool.

The pattern is easy, and I'm knitting it on size 5 needles. After all the socks and lace, these things feel like broomsticks in my hands. It's probably hand-healthy to change back and forth -- preventing cramping and carpal tunnel, right? Yes -- this is my justification for having many projects on many different needles.

I'll be on the train to Chicago on Monday morning, so I'm sure I'll be back to the sock for the trip. And I get in to Union Station about two hours before my meeting --hmmm, I wonder how early Loopy Yarns opens?

When you want a camera ...

2008-04-13T18:33:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was our Spinner's Flock meeting. I thought about bringing the camera. And then thought -- "Oh, hey, it's just elections; I don't really need it, do I?"

So I left it home. Heck, I didn't even bring the spinning wheel -- I just knew it was going to be a busy meeting. And it was -- but we had a full slate of officers, so the election went quickly and smoothly.

Of course, when I don't bring the camera is exactly when I want it. Because yesterday, Amy Singer and Jillian Moreno showed up at our meeting. They were in the area for the worldwide launch of their new book, More Big Girl Knits today at Threadbear in Lansing. One of our guild members, Lisa Rowe (spinsterrowe on Ravelry) has a design in the new book.

I introduced them during the business meeting, but do I have pictures? Of course not -- that would involve having the camera.

But I did get my very own knitty.com button from Amy Singer.

And Rob at Threadbear has promised to save me a signed copy of the book.

And maybe a cupcake.

Life is good.

I got to hold the sock!

2008-04-11T22:55:00.008-04:00

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, the Yarn Harlot, was in Ann Arbor today for a 7 p.m. talk. My sister-in-law and I got to the public library a little before 3 p.m. There was one other person there -- and a couple of others had gone to get lunch.

We scored front row seats and settled in to knit. Or, in Kathy's case, crochet.

By 4, it was a little more crowded. Everyone was exchanging Ravelry names, and Lisabai had thought to bring name tags so that we could all identify our ravatars.

Brenda brought the largest knitting needles I have ever seen -- the ends were like crutch tips.

I can't help but wonder how achy my shoulders would be if I actually tried knitting with those -- but look how much she's gotten done.

And is anyone else thinking, "Wonder what airport security made of those?"

By 5:30, they were sending people upstairs to the overflow room.

Stephanie was great -- she was witty and entertaining, and has great comic timing. We all left feeling vindicated in our belief that, really, knitters will take over the world. We may be the only ones with the brain waves to do it. (Go hear her talk, read the book.)

There was a huge line to have books signed, and Stephanie was warm and gracious to all of us.

I got to hold the sock!

Afterward, we went to Busy Hands --everything in the store was 20% off; how could we resist? I managed to get away with nothing more than a skein of Lopi Grignasco silk/merino laceweight. I'm going to use it for Sivia Harding's Shetland Garden stole.

This sums it up --

Today will be a good day

2008-04-11T07:11:00.002-04:00

So far, this week has been ... interesting.

Here's a picture of the lace stole ...

Oh, right, I had to rip it back. Again.

And here is the clapotis I started in the leftover gold silk (handpainted, beautiful) that I used to knit my sister-in-law's wedding gift evening bag.

Oh yeah. Dropped an edge stitch. In silk. Ripped it out.
Twice.

Now, I am going to go rent a car, since mine is still having the tufts of deer hair pulled out of it and the smashed bits replaced. And while I am grateful that I'm uninjured, etc., etc., I am still mightily annoyed at the deer. (Since it's dead, however, the annoyance thing only carries so far)

But, TODAY! Today will be a good day. I am going to lunch with another sister-in-law. (I realize that this designation is somewhat honorary -- we were married to brothers. We divorced them. But hey, I didn't divorce her - and she is more of an aunt to my children than some of their "real" relatives)

And then, I am going to Ann Arbor to listen to Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka The Yarn Harlot. I am fully prepared to knit, to laugh, and then to go to Busy Hands to party.

Hope I'll see you there.

In the absence of real knitting content ...

2008-04-08T09:41:00.001-04:00

So the lace is gone. Well, it’s cast on again as one row. With a lot of markers. We’ll see if that works. This pattern is not that difficult – why do I keep screwing it up? I haven’t even gotten to the point where I’d normally put in a lifeline – there haven’t been enough correct rows.

Also, I hit a deer yesterday, so there was not a lot of time for things other than trips to the body shop, dealing with the insurance, etc.

And since it seemed to be the first question and primary concern of the 911 operator, the guy at the construction site where I pulled off, the deputy and others, I will tell you now:
No, the deer did not survive.

But I’m fine, thanks for asking.

In the absence of knitting, we turn once again to poetry. Week two of National Poetry Month. This one was written to describe a time just before I filed for divorce – which at this point, is more that 10 years ago, but hey, you get the idea.

Ten Years Ago, Out My Window

When no one is looking
I go to the window
smearing the smudges
trying to see the snow.

There is one small spot clear still
bright as new wine
a tiny clean place
protected from the filth of time.

My hand can conceal it
keep it shielded and safe,
I can look when I can
a child’s peek-a-boo game.

But my hand left a blot –
the corner I saved for myself
is gone.

My tears, clichéd, pass
over my cheeks like diamonds
and I remember what I knew
somewhere, long ago –
diamonds cut glass.

Reach out with my left fist
diamond flinging
refracted light
fingers clenching

I scratch the pane deep and hard
digging a keyhole.
If I press it with my tongue,
I can taste the balsam cold.

Someday, the hole will grow
larger still and I will be very quiet and small
and I will go through the hole like Alice
and walk in the snow.

The more, the merrier

2008-04-06T10:12:00.011-04:00

Yesterday, a group of knitters who had mostly only "met" on Ravelry got a chance to meet in real life. And, you know, actually touch the projects we usually only see in little computer thumbnails.

We met at the Yarn Basket -- Soulbabe and Erksnerks, Catknittian,Forevermore (she of the amazing cookies) Ruanawoman, Mrs. Abi, Erksnerks, Kyrthira, Rynna (I think, so hard to remember Ravatars vs. real faces) and a couple more -- apologies to anyone I forgot. Senior moment.

And our hostess, Betsyboo --

There was yarn, there was coffee, there were cookies (thanks, Deb!) and a lot of sharing.

As others have mentioned, it is amazing how diverse people can be so connected through the medium of some sticks and string.

I got some knitting done on the lace stole. (OK, I made yet another mistake and ripped back. Cherry chocolate chip cookies, conversation and lace do not mix. But I fixed it and moved on later in the afternoon. )

I acquired yarn --

And, um, some Opal, too. I cast on socks with said yarn --

Then I went to lunch with my favorite non-knitter --

He and I went into Ann Arbor later -- I totally forgot it was the day of the Hash Bash. When I was at U of M, it was still on April 1. Now, in an amusing sort of mimicry of the federal government, it has been moved to the first Saturday in April.

While we were at West Side Books, we were treated to the police racing by to break up a fight at Conor O'Neil's. I stopped into Busy Hands, where the owner had almost hit her "drunk quota" for the day -- three and she's ready to close the doors. Ahhh, the Hash Bash. I had forgotten how much "fun" it is.

Busy Hands is partly sponsoring Stephanie Pearl -McPhee's visit on Friday evening, and will be open until midnight. With food. And adult beverages.

Who's with me?

Let us knit lace

2008-04-04T15:54:00.005-04:00

I've been knitting lace a lot this year; right now I'm knitting a summer stole from some salmon-colored laceweight I bought in Chicago. The pattern is compiled from Shetland lace patterns in Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting. My plan is to knit the body from the Madeira and Diamonds pattern, and the Doris edging. I'm not sure if I'm going to include borders at each end.
I think it will be lovely.

Or could be.

I've knitted about 50 rows.

Of course, they consist of the same five rows 10 times.

Perhaps next summer.

I promised (or threatened) poetry, didn't I?

2008-04-02T12:29:00.013-04:00

I'm sure I did.

And it's poetry month, so what better time to share? If you love poetry, or would just like to try some, consider Knopf's poem-a-day, which they present every April. You get one great poem a day in your e-mail, sometimes with an audio clip of the poet reading it.

It won't hurt, I promise.

And in the spirit of April ---

Angels in the Snow

In the throat-closing cold

across the empty snow

the air is still as a chapel

and house lights scatter chunks of gold.

I search for angels in the night,

listening for the silent flight

of wings or the sound of

glorias being raised on high

trying to call to mind stories

of angels bringing comfort and peace

but remembering instead Jacob wrestling

and shepherds on their knees.

I then recall that

angels always say 'fear not'

at each meeting with mere mortals

who may regret being caught

by this presence of fire and air

these heralds of our destiny and fate

I, too late, begin to wonder

did the shepherds fall not in awe

but terror?

I turn and see the sweep and line

of moon-sculpted shadow, a flying

messenger of God's desire

this towering angel-form -- mine.

I didn't actually intend to buy anything

2008-03-29T18:58:00.004-04:00

But hey, that never stopped me.

I taught a Fair Isle knitting class this morning at the Yarn Basket-- we were covering knitting with a color in each hand, tension, weaving in ends. For Corey and Michele, it was also a chance to learn continental style knitting -- which they did in, like, a minute. They're busily making the White Witch mitts from Knitting Daily. Of course, having spent the morning looking at the mitten pattern, seeing the pretty colors people chose, etc. -- I'm feeling the need to make a pair. So I told Beth I'd take my earnings in yarn, please. I'm going in this week to pick out some.

I didn't have time to choose any today, because Scott and I drove down to Bowling Green to the Black Swamp Spinning Guild's Market Days. They had lots of fiber --

I brought some home --

It's Polwarth, tussah silk and angora from Linden Lane Farms -- Liz Cowdery is a member of my spinning guild, so I was happy to give her the business. (You can probably assume that I mean that in both senses of the phrase)

I also picked up a couple of magazines and some information about historical re-enacting events taking place over the course of the next few months. I've done a little Civil War-era demonstrating, and I like it. Except I don't really like the battle re-enactments, so that does limit things a bit.

I'm beginning to develop an interest in the early American/Voyageur era -- feeling the need for a new costume. I'm abysmally uninterested in current fashion, but hey, let's talk bonnet styles of the 19th century, and I'm right there.

I'm dreaming of a white ... summer?

2008-03-28T13:24:00.008-04:00

Sigh.

We woke to this --

It's pretty. I guess. But really, right now, I'm looking more for ...oh, I don't know....

SPRING!

The mail brought my fiber from Sivia Harding's auction -- it's organic cotton that is naturally colored. Pretty. And it will give me something to do with my little charkha. I don't knit that much with cotton, though, so I'm not sure what to make with this. I don't think it's enough for anything too large.

I'm working at home today, so at least I didn't have my usual 1 1/2 hours of driving each way. And of course, during lunch, I had time to finish these.

Wool socks. I'll be wearing them in July at this rate.

A very good fiber day

2008-03-26T21:32:00.005-04:00

Today was a very good day -- for friends and fiber.

I got an e-mail from Sivia Harding saying that I was the high bidder for two balls of Fox Fibre organic colored cotton she was auctioning off, along with other stash items, in memory of her father. All proceeds are being donated to Doctors without Borders, an organization I wholeheartedly support. As a thank-you, she very generously threw in a free pattern of the bidder's choice -- I'll be casting on the Shetland Garden shawl before you know it.

Tonight was my wonderful knitting group meeting at Trees of a Feather. This is like walking into Cheers -- if they don't already "know your name", they'll find it out quickly. It's fun, it's about fiber; what more could you ask?

Then, I got home to find that Scott had purchased this -- Nice detail on the mother-of-all --

Scott is a woodturner, so he appreciates the craftsmanship of old spinning wheels, and he's getting into repair and creation of wheels. (At this point, imagine my fist thrust into the air accompanied by a resounding, "Yesss!") He found this wheel at a local antique mall -- and it was underpriced. (Again with the "yes") It needs a little bit of work, but it should be ready for me to use it at a historical re-enactment in May.

We are trying to figure out a little history about it, though. It's not in Spinning Wheels and Accessories by Pennington and Taylor, as nearly as we can tell. It appears to have the mark, "I HOAR" or "F: HOAR" on the end of the table --
It's not a great photo, but it gives you the general idea. Any thoughts?

See? Good fiber and friends day -- I'm especially appreciative of my best friend, who knows that the way to my heart is woolly.

Happy spring? Not so much ...

2008-03-22T12:41:00.012-04:00

Remember the robin? Spring? I shouldn't have knitted the d*mn spring socks -- obviously a jinx. We woke to this --

a foot of snow.

I watched a squirrel doing the breast stroke through it to get near the bird feeder. He looked so hungry, I couldn't resist --

Sorry Steph.

So, I pulled out a skein of Trekking XXL and started on another pair of wool socks.

Which brings me to this -- my profound philosophical ruminations on socks, knitting and the nature of the universe. I bought Cat Bordhi's book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters, on my birthday last year. It's a great book --I have deep, deep admiration for the way this woman's mind works. I'm glad I have the book and I would recommend it to everyknitter. So, yesterday, I sat down to make socks and looked through the book to decide which pattern I'd like to try.

Here's the thing -- the socks are great, the "engineering" is amazing, but I found that I don't want to actually make any of them. I knit a lot of socks; I love knitting socks. I really love wearing handknit socks. But, for me, part of the joy of making socks is the almost total mindlessness of them. They are the vanilla ice cream, black coffee, white bread of my knitting life.

Sure, I may put a stitch pattern in the leg -- note the spiral rib in the Trekking socks. But basically, they are just socks. I don't need to think about what I'm doing -- knit the cuff, knit the leg, make a square heel flap, turn the heel, knit a foot, make a toe. Et voila, sock! And they are perfect because just when one part gets boring, it's time to do the next part.

So, no disrespect to Cat Bordhi, but I think when I want challenging knitting, I'll stick with the Shetland lace shawl I'm making from Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting. I think it will be beautiful, and I won't wear a hole in its heel.

Insomnia knitting

2008-03-21T00:03:00.004-04:00

Once again, I am out of bed in the middle of the night. And here I was having such a lovely time staring at the ceiling and worrying about work. There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a looming deadline, the panic over whether photography is in, the mental proofreading where you wonder if you had the details of the cover story adequately fact checked. Ah, the glamor of publishing.

My solution? A trip through Ravelry -- in many ways, it's like spending time in a small city. Where everyone likes to knit.

I can check out other people's patterns and get inspired. Check out Phazelia's work -- just beautiful. And there are beginners who need a helping hand. There are the dramas about a yarn supplier who has possibly faked her own death,

and there are the knitting celebrities.

Now, of course, I should probably get to work on some actual knitting -- but if you don't see me with needles in hand, you'll see me at Ravelry. If you haven't joined yet, please come on over and check it out -- we're having a great party here.

It's Spring, and the world is mud-luscious ...

2008-03-15T11:43:00.005-04:00

i love ee cummings and that is one of my favorite of his poems -- and today the world is indeed mud-luscious. It's everywhere -- including my entryway. But mud brings these --

and for me, there is nothing at all that says "spring" like a robin. I'm feeling a twinge of hope that we may also have sunshine and warmth at some point.

I've finished my Tofutsies socks. They're just a Quaker rib-type top with a plain foot. Mindless knitting for the train. The yarn is OK knitting -- nothing spectacular, but I am very happy with the finished results: the socks are light and very comfortable. Perfect for slightly warmer weather. (If I knit spring socks, spring will come?)

And when I was in Chicago, I bought some merino laceweight at Loopy Yarns -- I want to make a shawl for spring -- any suggestions? I'm thinking maybe something from Victorian Lace Today? Or Stephanie's dewdrop shawl. But I'm open to other ideas ...

I also got some Trekking XXL -- it was a 60% off sale and really, can you ever knit enough socks?

Right Brain, Left Brain?

2008-03-12T21:28:00.002-04:00

If you have not seen this yet, go check it out. Is the dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise for you? I have always thought of myself as left-brained (you know, the whole word/language thing), but I am telling you, this girl spins clockwise when I look at her -- which is supposed to be a sign of right-brain dominance. In fact, I really thought my sister was pulling my leg when she said she saw her spinning both ways, depending on what she was thinking. Finally, I took her suggestion and did some math calculations while I was looking at her, and there she was, spinning counterclockwise! Go check it out and tell me what happens for you!

We were in Chicago last weekend -- did I bring a camera? Of course not. But we went to the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Cultural Center. The latter, housed in the former Chicago Public Library, is a tribute to language, to poetry, to books. That people spent the money and artistic effort to build this paean to the written word warmed my soul.

Of course, we had to find a yarn store. So we headed to Loopy Yarns on Wabash. I bought sock yarn and some lace weight for a summer shawl. And a cute little knitting pin. Everyone who worked there was delightful, the double entendres and laughter were flying around the cash registers -- I'll be back next time I head west.

Better Together

2008-03-10T08:22:00.005-04:00

Have I mentioned that Scott is a woodturner? (If you've talked to me for five minutes, I'm sure I have.) In fact, his woodturning is what brought us together -- in a way.

Picture a funeral, a hand-turned urn -- the need to transfer ashes from the utilitarian box to the urn. Trust me when I tell you that you need two hands for this. Enter Scott with the urn and me with a paper funnel. This would be the Readers' Digest version of our first date.

So anyway, Scott is a woodturner. His woodturning group issues a monthly themed challenge -- this month it was to make a collaborative turning with someone else. Scott and I have collaborated before; remember the Christmas ornaments ? For this challenge, we decided to do something that reminded us of trees at sunset --

The base is turned cedar, the vessel is felted from Cascade and then needlefelted with hand-dyed roving (Corriedale).

Unfortunately, we were out of town during the woodturning meeting, so we have no idea whether anyone liked it. Fortunately, we were out of town in Chicago -- more later.

Time alone

2008-02-28T16:07:00.002-05:00

I was just reading Stephanie's blog about being alone in the woods and it brought back memories of my time at Visitation at the IHM motherhouse in Monroe. I stayed in one of the tiny hermitages to get some writing done. And I did -- it was wonderful.
It was also the first time I had ever been alone for that long. I actually lived with my parents until I married the first time. After I divorced, my children were always (thankfully) with me. And then I married the man who is my love, my life partner. So being alone for more than about a day was not something I'd done.

What I discovered was not only that I am pretty decent company; I more profoundly found time to play. I wandered down to the pond and spent a long time really watching the tadpoles, wading in after them. There were no set times for anything -- meals, bed, waking. I painted really bad pictures, I watched the moon rise, I wrote in the middle of the night, I ate dinner in the middle of the day.

Although I haven't done it again recently, I have carried the memory of play with me and I find it now and then in my "real" life.

Harbingers of spring

2008-02-28T08:20:00.006-05:00

The last issue of Piecework reminded me that I had knit the cover mittens 12 years ago for a friend's 40th birthday. The gauge is off -- I'm a better knitter now than I was then.

But the project was truly a labor of love, and had its own challenges -- mostly, charting a poem or saying that would fit into the mitten graph and make sense. Although it's hard to see in the photo, these read:

Through winter storms'

bluster and blowing snow

drifts piled mountain-high

to touch the ice-blue heavens

true friends bring us

the warmth of blazing hearth,

outstretched hands and laughter.

(My friend's name and birthdate)

On another note, the snow is still thick on the ground. I slid off the icy roads yesterday (no damage, no worries, just a little adrenaline rush). But spring is just around the corner.

How do I know?

That's how.
So festive, so cheerful.

And yet, so inciting violence.

Happy thoughts of spring.

Teaching lace ...

2008-02-19T21:11:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, I'm scheduled to teach a class on knitting the Ice Queen. The people who are currently signed up for the class are experienced knitters -- just not with lace. And while I may knit a lot, I'm not necessarily an experienced teacher.

So, I have a question -- if you were taking a class in lace knitting, what would you be looking for? Chart reading? How to "read" what you've knitted? Fixing mistakes?

And what little bits of information, tips or tricks do you think it's essential to pass along?

Any advice will be gratefully accepted.

And possibly followed.

I am... the fleece police!

2008-02-17T11:17:00.005-05:00

OK, now doesn't that give you visions of me in a shepherdess outfit, brandishing a shepherd's hook as if it's a billy club? The reality is a tiny bit different ...

Yesterday was the Spinner's Flock Fleece Fair -- for spinners and knitters, the equivalent of being a squirrel let loose in a peanut factory. (Yes, I know it's an odd analogy, but I didn't want to use the cliched kid in a candy store, and my brain is a little fried from hours at the emergency room this weekend with my brother.)

There was roving ---

There were spinning wheels -- There was handspun yarn ---

Spinners, teachers and shoppers --

And miscellaneous "stuff" --

It was great!

So what does this have to do with fleece police? Well, someone needs to make sure the products are all really handspun, that nobody has hung his or her skeins of yarn over someone else's, that the fibers are all grouped together appropriately, etc. Mostly, it's a great excuse to do some early shopping.

Which, of course, I did.
I scored several balls of roving --
I really like this one from Spinning Moon Farms -- it's 70% Corriedale and 30% mohair. I think it will make fabulous socks. I've spun Edie's roving before to make my daughter a hat, and the colors were amazing. Meet Janice -- a lovely and clean (I mean amazingly clean) Border Leicester fleece from Linda Koeppel's flock. I think I could just shake out the little bit of chaff that is in this. I'm really looking forward to processing it -- but since I only wash wool outside, it will have to wait for spring.

Spring is coming at some point, right?
I also succumbed to the temptation to try needle felting. A couple of the members were demonstrating -- And so I bought some foam and needles to get started. Actually, Scott and I are working on a collaborative project for his next woodturners' guild meeting, and I want to needlefelt a bowl.

I'll keep you posted how that turns out -- those of you who know me know that I am a bit of a klutz, and these needles came with warnings about tetanus shots. I just hope I don't bloodstain everything I try to make.

And my real score were these --
A boatload of old Spin-Off magazines. The earliest is from winter of 1985, before I had started spinning. I cannot wait to go through all of them -- not only as a spinner, but as a magazine editor. I'm fascinated with the design upgrades and changes throughout the years.

So, you can see that my Sunday afternoon is well spoken for. If only I didn't have that pesky work thing tomorrow -- I could spend the whole day in fiber heaven.

A few of my favorite things ...

2008-02-15T09:49:00.006-05:00

In a shameless, admitted attempt to be the number one item on my blog, Scott went out of his way to make Valentine's Day lovely. Usually, we go out for a great dinner at the Evan's Street Station and exchange cards. This year, when we got to our table at the restaurant, this was on the table ---

A little bit of springtime in the midst of this. See the little flakes falling?

Well, maybe not. But trust me, they're falling. Again.

And then he gave me this ---

He knows I'm a sucker for dichroic glass. This man -- my partner, lover, best friend -- has really made me aware of how blessed and lucky we are in our marriage. We both have previous bases of comparison -- this relationship really is my favorite Valentine's gift.

I also finished this --

I was totally charmed knitting the Flower Basket shawl by Evelyn Clark. It's a Fiber Trends pattern and is simple, easy to "read" your lace so that you can fix mistakes, and was a pretty quick knit. I used two skeins of Schaefer Heather in the Margo Jones colorway. I loved the yarn and loved the color -- my only complaint was that there were several areas where a ply of the yarn had broken and frayed. Other than that, though, it was really lovely.

Last, but not least, in my book, is this ---

All the members of my knitting group have used these as knitting gadget cases for the past two years, and Brenda bought me three of them the other day. These little pencil cases are the absolute BEST knitting tool cases I have ever used. The fine mesh at the bottom keeps everything in, but is transparent so that you can see your stuff; there is a little pocket on the inside at the top where you can keep small or often-grabbed things like folding scissors, sticky notes and darning needles; and it sits upright on the table. I love it. Sad, isn't it, the little things over which I can geek?

Tomorrow is the Fleece Fair in Chelsea -- lots of stuff to buy, lots of fiber to fondle. I'll be working as the "fleece police" -- hope to see you there!

Old tools, new tools

2008-02-12T22:15:00.004-05:00

It's official -- my computer has died. Luckily, its precious memories live on in its child -- our external hard drive. However, one cannot live on memories alone. I need a replacement.

This is not an exciting purchase for me to contemplate -- it does not compare to, say, a trip to Threadbear in Lansing. This is more like replacing the water heater -- an expensive necessity. But it is a necessity -- I cannot keep working from Scott's computer whenever it's not busy doing his actual business stuff.

I have to say, I'm also feeling annoyed. Irritated. Ticked. The late computer was only 3 and a half. I know the computer geeks out there (like my son) will assure me that that is old for a computer. But, see, for $1,500, I expected a longer time together.

This has prompted comparisons between this tool -- so necessary when one's profession is that of editor -- and the tools I use in the other, unpaid part of my life. I have knitting needles that are older than my children. They have never broken. In fact, I think I've only ever broken a couple of Brittany Birches and the cable ends from one KnitPicks Options cable. Not bad for more than 24 years of knitting. And we're talking, what -- $10?

I also have a couple of spinning wheels. I've had them for a long time. I understand them. In sentimental moments, I like to think they understand me. It's a beautiful relationship -- when I am stressed, they help calm me; when they have a problem, I can actually make them better. They do not require an examination by a computer student, followed by a terminal diagnosis I can barely understand.

And I have to say that I think my knitting and spinning tools help me produce things of beauty. Colorful yarns, cabled sweaters, lace, the top for my wedding dress.

I'm not sure that anything I produce on the computer, this much more expensive and complicated tool, ever compares.

Well, maybe the occasional poem.

Maybe.

Too sick to knit

2008-02-09T00:19:00.000-05:00

Scott and I have both been down with a flu so nasty that we've each had to take an entire week off from work. I don't think I've ever done that before. However, it's hard to be productive when you're underneath the wheels of the truck that's running you over every day. I didn't even have the energy to knit until today. However, now that I'm back at it, I'm working on the Flower Basket shawl in Schaeffer Heather. Great yarn, lovely to knit -- and I would show you some pictures, except ...

My computer has also been sick for a week. It kept shutting itself down with a long Windows error message. One of my son's friends thinks it's a Windows update problem and is trying to fix it. For now, I'm on a borrowed computer, and no pix. But soon. Sigh.

Tomorrow, I'm going to summon up the energy to go to the Spinner's Flock meeting. I'm not sure I can muster up enough zip to take the spinning wheel along, but I can at least knit.

If you're in the Ann Arbor area and want to spin, maybe I'll see you there.

Can I knit a cocoon?

2008-01-31T11:29:00.000-05:00

This week, my baby got her driver’s license. For her, a milestone in freedom and independence. And, as we remind her often, in responsibility. For me, the next step in the “mother journey” – the continual exercise of letting go.

I’m happy for her, really; and I’m proud of her ability and her new skills. But there is a place deep inside me that wants to knit her a cocoon to keep her safe – from other drivers, from herself – and, heck – from the whole world. I want to wrap her in something thick and soft that will shield her from any harm. Like woolly bubble wrap. But little butterfly that she is, I know she’d eventually find her way out. And that’s as it should be.

Perhaps what I really want is not to knit, but to unravel. If life were more like knitting, I could gently pull the yarn of time and go back – to hold the tiny baby she was (and will always be to me) and to be able to control so much more of life’s dangers. I could re-knit the same pattern, but omit some of the mistakes I made along the way.

Life is not a sweater, however. Her life is changing, and so is mine. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But if you see my baby out there, treat her carefully. She’s precious.

Franklin in Michigan!

2008-01-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

The weather was snowy -- the driving was terrible.

But I was first in line in the Threadbear parking lot yesterday to meet Franklin Habit. Which was good, because I had a baby shower to attend and the line got long fast.
See, this is how I know I am officially middle-aged -- my biggest celebrity crush is on a knitter. Who, by the way, is delightful in person. He does a great job of making his photo subjects feel completely at ease. Which is a real gift.

I knit on the scarf for the 1,000 Knitters project.

I talked to Franklin.

I watched him work.
I got my picture taken with him.
I was smitten. I want to fix him up with my brother.

Then I went to my sister-in-law's baby shower for another dose of feeling old. I actually heard myself saying things like, "Wow, they didn't have those (insert name of coolest new baby gadget) when I was having babies." Oh my God, it's exactly what my mother used to say when I was pregnant.

There was a lively conversation about the value of disposable vs. cloth diapers. I suggested to the women on the cloth side of the debate that I think we should return to cloth diapers as soon as all women are also ready to return to torn rags for sanitary feminine products. Not so many takers on that idea. Ah well, it's tough to be cutting edge.

Laura looked beautiful.

And she loved the peapod sweater set. Now, I just have to deal with my daughter and her friends who want them knitted up in their sizes.

Peapod Finished!

2008-01-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

I finished the peapod sweater and hat for my sister-in-law's baby shower tomorrow. I love the pattern, and I designed a pair of baby socks to go with. Leaves on the ribbing and a little leaf on the heel.
And tomorrow, before I go to the shower, I am going to Threadbear to see Franklin! Scott laughed a couple of weeks ago when I saw Franklin's post that he was coming to Lansing -- because I squealed like a middle-school girl with a crush. Who'd have thought knitting bloggers would make me swoon?

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to meeting him -- and I would LOVE to be part of 1,000 Knitters. But I'm not sure how that process works.

So, I may be late to the shower. But hey, I could get a chance to meet Dolores.

Where in the world?

2008-01-22T13:19:00.000-05:00

You know, I've had statcounter on my blog for a while. And really, I was stunned to find out that anyone besides my sister was reading it.

But then, the other day, I realized that statcounter had a little map feature on it. So you can find out where your readers live.

Oh

my

God!

From the map, it appears that you come from all over -- Berlin, Norway, France, Ireland, London, Cincinnati, British Columbia, Lima (Ohio), Brazil and other US cities too numerous to mention.

Wow.

I'm feeling pressure to write better. To be more interesting. To lose more weight before I post another picture. (I'm at 43 pounds and counting -- although, over Christmas, the counting came to a screeching halt. Because Christmas cookies and eggnog make a screeching sound, right?)

So ... next blog post, we'll have POETRY!! (Because really, I know that's what you all want to read. Right? right?)

Feeling productive ...

2008-01-17T22:40:00.001-05:00

The knitting part of my life feels productive lately. I've finished the Ice Queen -- I really loved knitting this, which surprised me, because the only time I knit with mohair in the past -- I have to be honest -- I loathed it. But the Rowan Kidsilk Haze is soft, silky, delightful. I'd make something with it again in a heart beat. I've gotten lots of compliments on this; the only thing I would change would be to make it a couple of inches longer. I chose not to switch to the smaller needle for the bind off because I really wanted a loose drape around my face, not something tight.

And Scott's Norwegian hat is also in the "FO" pile. He loved it. I was pretty pleased as well. The leftover yarn will now go to a pair of mittens for my son, who has very specifically requested what he wants in a mitten.

I'm also making great progress on the peapod sweater for my not-yet-born nephew, Joseph. I'm using Reynolds' Seasoft. It's nice, with a lot of bounce. And Kate Gilbert's pattern is completely adorable.

It is good that I am making progress with knitting, because I haven't spun since the last guild meeting, and the weaving is languishing on the loom. But I bought a book on rigid heddle weaving from my sister's bookstore, so I'll be studying that shortly. I feel like the little engine -- I think I can, I think I can.

Brrrr!

2008-01-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

We woke up this morning to cold air blowing from the furnace vents. Scott is in the basement even as I type, trying to figure out what's wrong with the blasted thing. Meanwhile, let us give thanks for wool.

Yesterday was our monthly Spinner's Flock meeting. This is a great group, and I am thankful for the years of help they have given me (and many others) in learning to spin.

There was spinning and chatting --

shopping (so much fleece, so little time) --

and a happy gathering of fellow fiber addicts --

Not all of our members are, precisely speaking, human. This little guy provides some lovely angoraEspecially after his haircut --

I bought a few books about weaving, which serve to teach me that there is so much I do not know. Lessons are clearly in my future.

I am casting off the Ice Queen and am hoping to wear it this week. And I finished the Norwegian-patterned hat I designed for Scott.

Pictures will follow, but my fingers are getting too cold for the keyboard. I hear Scott on the phone with the furnace-repair guy, so I'm going to head out for practice driving with my daughter --- the car will be warm, and the adrenaline rush will keep me alert.

Old car, new life

2008-01-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

The other day, we sold my 1999 Ford Escort. It was time for it to go to a new home, and I was glad to sell it, but it was bittersweet as well.

When I got divorced in 1998, this was my first major purchase. It was the first new car I'd had since 1982 and it became a sign of my independence. I really could do this alone-- raise two children, earn a living, go back to graduate school. Over time, I've bought other cars, gotten better jobs, married a wonderful man. My son drove the car through high school and half of college. It now sports a rock station window sticker that somewhat negated its "mom car" status.

It never broke down, never needed more than routine maintenance for more than 150,000 miles. And for me, it is a symbol of what I could do -- of strength I didn't know I had. In so many ways, that car never let me down.

In remembering the time of my life when I bought the car, I thought about other things I counted on. My family and friends -- there aren't words to express what they did for me.

And oddly, I also thought about knitting. I began knitting for my children in the midst of a marriage whose difficulties exceed description. I won't even try. But knitting became my distraction -- something close enough that a screamer couldn't come between me and it. It became a way to express love to my children and family, a place to focus my energy and anger. I knitted through some horrible times -- and in some ways, it was the knitting that kept my sanity intact.

Now, I knit for creative expression, for meditation, for the pleasure of yarn in my hands, and color and pattern before my eyes. Now, I knit for joy.

Happy New Year!

Will I ever be a weaver?

2007-12-31T01:13:00.000-05:00

I am having a great time with my new rigid heddle loom. But what a lot to learn! I took a few weaving books out of the library just to familiarize myself with some of the terms. I think it will be really good for me to crack open the rusty old brain and try to gain some new skills.

In the meantime, however, this is some pretty sorry-looking weaving --

Selvedges are clearly not my friends.

I am taking the occasional break from weaving to take comfort with my old friend knitting. Since Christmas, I've made myself a pair of felted mittens to match my daughter's. So quick! So warm! So easy!

And I've begun the Ice Queen from Knitty -- I'm using a warm red Kidsilk Haze and some size 8 beads in almost a matching color. They add a little sparkle without being too glitzy.

Tomorrow, we take a break from all things fiber for our traditional New Year's Eve celebration. Karen and David will be coming over for an hours-long, multi-course dinner of wild mushroom crostini, consomme, shrimp salad with lime-ginger dressing, (the wonderful palate-cleansing citrus sorbet with its generous helping of tequila), beef wellington, grilled asparagus and lemon sponge pudding with raspberry sauce. I shall obviously be spending time cooking tomorrow -- and enjoying every minute of it. This is our favorite way of ringing in the New Year -- friends, family and good food. (And champagne!)

Wishing all of you a wonderful 2008!

Peace.

Happy Day after Boxing Day

2007-12-27T23:35:00.000-05:00

I've always loved the day after Christmas. In fact, all the days between Christmas and New Year's Day are among my favorites. The house is clean and nicely decorated. There are plenty of cookies already baked to serve when people come over. The stress of the holiday itself is over.

And there are toys to play with!

Christmas was wonderful -- over many days, we saw friends and family. We went to Greenfield Village for the Holiday Nights extravaganza. (Of course, on our chosen night, Dec. 23, there were wind advisories and a wind chill factor of -1F. But hey, that's what wool is for, right?)Gifts were finished on time. Scott loved his vest. (Perhaps not quite as much as his new Nikon D40x digital SLR camera, but close) Caroline loved her knitted, felted mittens. Ileana was happy with her alpaca scarf.

And Andrew's socks were a hit, except for a bit of bagginess around the ankle. His legs are slimmer than his size 13 feet would suggest. So, I'm going to try a bit of fulling. I'd better not over-shrink these, because I dread the idea of making another enormous pair.

Kathy's felted tote, filled with handspun yarn and crochet materials, was well-received. And everyone loved their ornaments. All in all, a good gift-giving holiday.

And a great gift-getting holiday. Among many lovely things, I received some Schaefer yarn and a knitting bag from the Point in New York, courtesy of Ileana. (coincidentally, we got each other's names in the family name-draw. No, really, the fact that I was the organizer of the drawing is just serendipity. )

My son gave me Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop DVD, my daughter gave me a knitting book.

And my darling husband gave me a 32" rigid heddle loom!

I have wanted to dabble a bit in weaving. Nothing too much. Perhaps. In any event, after warping it wrong -- and then figuring out my mistake, cutting off all the yarn and warping it right -- I have started playing with weaving. There is nothing like trying to learn a completely new skill to appreciate how much I don't know. But hey, it will keep my mind sharp, right?

And even though this one was finished this summer, I never took a picture of it. So, here is the beaded evening bag I made as a wedding gift for my new sister-in-law, Cathy. It's 100% silk, lined with velvet. And was a bit of a pain to knit.

Hope you all had a wonderful, peaceful holiday and wishing you a fabulous new year!

Christmas countdown

2007-12-21T13:31:00.000-05:00

Ack! We celebrate Christmas tomorrow with my family, and I still need to bake cookies (peanut blossoms, butter cookies with icing and gingersnaps to replace the ones my son apparently found). I have a squash casserole to make, and not a gift has been wrapped.

Oh, and the knitting.

Scott's vest is still not finished. I had picked up all the stitches for the buttonband the other night, when the cable for my Knitpicks Options needles snapped. And stitches slid smoothly off that nice flexible material. Sigh. I'm hopeful this is just a fluke with one cable, and not indicative of a problem, because otherwise, I love these needles. No snagging at the join, smooth -- love them.

I have now picked up the dropped stitches, knitted past the buttonholes-- and just need to do a couple more rows on the button band. Then the armhole bands, the side seams, sewing on the buttons and blocking!

I also have to put the cuffs on these --

Felted mittens for my daughter.

Although I feel slightly overwhelmed, I realize my knitting schedule is nothing compared to Stephanie's. I figure if she can get all those projects finished in time, then I too should be able to travel through a rift in the space-time continuum and do the same.

Merry Christmas.

Sometimes I love winter

2007-12-17T15:19:00.000-05:00

Like many people in the Midwest, we had a few inches of snow on Sunday. Fortunately for us, we had none of the negative power outages or tragedies that many others experienced. Instead, we are left with this ---

It looks like Christmas!

I finished the felted tote for Kathy. Remember that I did not buy nearly enough yarn for this when I was at Fingerlakes Fibers in Watkins Glen, NY? So, I had Matt from ThreadBear in Lansing order me some. Not only did it come in time, it was the SAME dye lot. I felt like Julie Andrews singing, "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good."

Since Scott was around all weekend (which is a good thing and yet makes gift knitting so hard), I got a chance to knit up a pair of felted mittens for Caroline

I just need to add cuffs and they can go in the stocking on Christmas morning.

Now, if I can just get back to Scott's vest.

How many knitting days until Christmas?

2007-12-16T00:41:00.000-05:00

This has been a week of major progress. My sister-in-law's felted tote is finished and successfully fulled. Yessss! It is in the dryer even as I type. Photos to come.

Ileana's scarf is finished --

And Scott and I have finished about a dozen of these (I know the picture is not great -- in an unusual moment for Michigan, there was too much sunshine. I couldn't bring myself to close the blinds -- we may not see the sun again for months.)

They are knitted, beaded ornaments with turned finials and icicles. We actually got enough of them finished to give away for Christmas. (Of course, we didn't finish any in time for the Spinner's Flock annual holiday sale, but there's always next year, right?)

A few years ago, I made this for Scott

and I love it. So, when I was on my birthday yarn crawl this year, I bought a complementary kit for a stocking for me --

Since I made a Norwegian stocking this year (that is still hanging in Carol's store), I don't think this one is a rush. But I'd like to have it for next year -- so if I actually started some time before next November, that would be good, yes?

I also bought a copy of this almost two months ago, and I am getting itchy to start some of these socks. If you haven't looked at this book, it's mind-blowing. I cannot wait to try out some of the techniques in it. Perhaps I'll get a chance over my two-week Christmas break.

We're all waiting for the blizzard "they" have predicted will be hitting us overnight. I'm grateful to be home, warm and safe -- and with my Christmas shopping finished!!! Tomorrow, I'll enjoy the snow and bake cookies with my daughter.

(The astute among you will notice that I did not mention Scott's vest during this post. I am in denial. The number of hours left to knit and the amount of knitting actually left to do may not exactly correspond to reality. Perhaps the wool elves will show up during the night and finish a few rows for me. Or the big guy in the red suit himself?)

Christmas Panic Knitting

2007-12-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

The panic has officially begun! I have two weekends prior to the first family Christmas celebration. And those weekends are filled with Spinner's Flock and knitting group parties, Christmas parades and Christmas-tree-setting-up.

And let's not forget weekdays filled with work. It is at these moments I wish there was more mass transit -- I could get a lot of knitting done in the three-hours total that commute each day.

And Scott's vest still needs a right front, and the neck and button bands.

My sister-in-law's felted bag is still more like a do-it-yourself knitting/felting project.

I was hoping to make some felted mittens for someone's stocking -- but I'm not sure it's going to happen.

Take a deeeep breath.
It helps to make the scream louder.

It would help if I read the pattern ...

2007-12-03T12:51:00.001-05:00

I was busily knitting away on a felted tote for my sister-in-law, when I realized there was no way I was going to have enough yarn.

I don't mean I was a little short -- I mean I only had about half of what I need. I have no idea how I did this. I bought the yarn (Lamb's Pride Worsted) and the contrasting yarn (Noro Kureyon) and the pattern (Fiber Trends) all at the SAME place -- Fingerlakes Fibers in Watkins Glen, NY.

At first, I thought maybe I just started knitting the wrong size. But no, I don't have enough for even the smallest size and I know that wasn't what I intended anyway. The Kureyon will be fine -- it's the Lamb's Pride I'm woefully short of. I think I need about 1400 yards, and I have 600.

Obviously, I did not read the pattern.

At all.

So it was off to ThreadBear in Lansing today. GREAT place, if you haven't been there. Matt is ordering my yarn. And with any luck, I'll get it in time to finish the bag.

If not, my sister-in-law will be really happy with her "make your own felted bag" kit, won't she?

Christmas knitting

2007-11-25T20:35:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving week was wonderful -- a poetry reading by Laura Kasdorf on Monday, time with my daughter, family on Thursday and on Saturday.

And fiber-wise, I finished five more knitted and beaded ornaments -- ready for Scott to add the turned cherry finials and icicles. And Ileana's scarf is finished, grafted together and blocked. The back of Scott's vest and half of the left front are finished too. And yesterday, I spent some time demonstrating at the Spinner's Flock Holiday Fair in Ann Arbor. It's always inspiring to see what beautiful things the members of our guild make -- and I succumbed to some socks (all my handknit socks were in the laundry basket) and some handspun to give as part of a Christmas gift.

Hoping everyone's Thanksgiving was filled with peace, friends and family.

Ouch!

2007-11-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

I learned a very valuable lesson last night.

When you leave a knitting bag on the seat of your car, it is important to check that these

are not poking through before you sit on the bag.

And I have definitively determined that you really can penetrate flesh pretty far with an Addi Turbo.

Just a word of warning.

Birthday stash!

2007-11-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday -- we won't say which one -- suffice to say it ends in "9."

In a sequel to last year's fabulous yarn store crawl, Scott took me on another tour -- this time of shops in Northwest Ohio (and one in Michigan that was almost in Ohio)

First, we went to Vintage Yarns in Lambertville -- what a great store and lovely people. I bought an Elegant Heirloom stocking kit (The Hapsburg Santa). I made the Christmas tree version for Scott a few years ago and loved it, so I'm making one for me.

Then it was off to Marblehead, Ohio, home of an old lighthouse and some fascinating history involving the Revolutionary War, cholera and the first woman lighthouse keeper. You should look it up. We visited Just for Ewe, a really cute little shop --

packed with lots of yarn --

I bought some of the Noro Kureyon -- for socks!

There were also some hungry fiber animals --

and who am I to resist making a llama smile?

And some not-fiber animals, but cute nonetheless.

Christi has lots of gifts and Christmas ornaments, and she's a knitter and spinner. What's not to love?

After lunch overlooking the marshes, we headed to Perrysburg and visited Dale Ann and Bobbie at Yarn Haven, which is located in a little house on Second Street. They are warm and friendly, and helpful without being pushy. I bought Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters and Knitting Memories (on CD, so I can listen in the car.)

Last was FiberWorks in Toledo. Packed with great stuff, and now missing a few skeins of Rowan's KidSilk Haze.

After all that yarn, we had to get sustenance. So we headed to Barnes and Noble to make shameless use of their restrooms to change into our clothes for dinner. And of course, we were in a bookstore, so I had to buy Knitting America --
and then it was off to Diva in Toledo for one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Absolutely fabulous food, and a lovely wait staff.

And dinner with the person I love most in this world.
Truly a happy birthday.

Dyeing and carding

2007-11-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

Last week, I decided to do something with the walnuts I've been collecting. They'd been soaking for a while, so I had some nice dark "dye liquor." When I went to drain off the liquid, I noticed some splash marks and a few nuts lying outside the container. I've been watching the squirrel feeder to see if one of these has darker-than-usual feet.

There was plenty left for me, however, so I strained out the solid bits, and brewed up the liquid on my trusty dyeing grill -- and then added some Rambouillet.

Looks good enough to eat, doesn't it?
While it was simmering away, I thought I'd card some of the wool I'd dyed the week before. I like carding outside when the weather permits; all the yucky stuff blows away instead of embedding itself in my dining room carpet.

I started with this --

Then did this --

And ended up with this --It has a few noils, but I picked most of them out while I was pulling it out into roving.

Meanwhile, Scott decided to try tinting some of the ornament finials he'd turned by dipping them in the walnut dyebath

We could tell it was really fall, though -- I needed this to keep me warm enough to card.

The walnut-dyed fiber came out of the dyebath and onto screens, but a week later, it is still wet. So tonight, it is naturally staining our basement floor while it dries.

And then -- I card it, spin it, and knit it into something to wear with my Civil War era garb.

Works in progress

2007-11-01T12:30:00.001-04:00

Christmas is coming -- like an out-of-control freight train heading at me in the tunnel.

The Novemberness of today is frightening me -- so much to knit, so little time.

I've made progress on Ileana's scarf, but of course, no photo. Scott's vest is still looking frighteningly like this --

I have to remind myself that last year, I was steeking the sleeves of this the day before Christmas Eve.

So, it could be worse.

I haven't even begun a couple of gifts.

And these have been languishing on the needles for almost a year.

So, am I knitting?

No, of course not.

I'm spending all my time on Ravelry!!

A walk in the woods

2007-10-28T19:04:00.000-04:00

Today was beautiful. I mean, incredibly beautiful. The kind of day you try to recreate in memory when the skies are slate and the slush is falling.

Scott and I took a walk in the woods at Hidden Lake Gardens --

I knitted some more on Ileana's scarf--
It was a perfect day.

A Day at the Fiber Expo

2007-10-28T07:56:00.001-04:00

My daughter and I were supposed to go camping this weekend, but it was rainy/yucky. So, Scott and I went to the Fiber Expo at the Washtenaw County Farm Council Grounds . There was lots of color to brighten up the gloomy day --

There were bunnies who were moving too fast for the camera ---
There were adorable alpaca --

I wanted to take one home. I'm sure we could convince animal control that it's a service animal. Couldn't we?

But I think this will be the closest I get ---

I spent a little time turning it into a Christmas gift for my sister's girlfriend --

See the white stuff on the leaves? That's frost.

And so it begins.

Dyeing Day

2007-10-22T20:44:00.001-04:00

I was supposed to work on Sunday, but my boss, who is the best (no, really, I've had lots of bosses -- he's the best), gave me the day off and did my stint at the convention thingie for me. And it was beautiful here in Michigan --

One of those perfect fall days that makes me think it isn't so bad to put up with months of gray slush.

And so of course, it was a perfect day to dye --

That's me at the trusty Weber grill, submerging some of my Rambouillet fleece into the dyepot. Cushing Dye. Salmon.

Now, to me, salmon implies an intense orangey pink. This is what I got dyeing 1/2 pound to full exhaust (the amount of dye is suggested for 1 lb at full depth of shade)

The photos don't really do justice to this blah color. If I were making lots of little stuffed caucasian dolls for Christmas, this would be the perfect color for skin tone. Not quite what I had in mind. I was more inspired by this --

the dogwood turning russet-colored in our backyard.

So back to the dyepot with some terra cotta. Lots of it.

Now this is more like it --

Next stop after drying -- carding and spinning.

Stash Enhancement

2007-10-19T20:14:00.001-04:00

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to have a baby -- yessss!

A baby to knit for that I get to hand back when its diapers are full. Perfect.

Since I have to work all weekend -- poooooor me --- I took a little time off this afternoon and went to Thread Bear in Lansing. I'd say it was like being a kid in a candy store, but candy stores have nothing on yarn stores.

If you haven't been to Thread Bear and you live anywhere within a couple hour's (heck, within a day's) drive of Lansing, you should definitely go. Go now. It's a little yarn mecca.

I was hoping to pick up a Dream in Color kit for the Tulip baby sweater. I read in Franklin's blog that they had some at Thread Bear, but alas, there was only one left -- in the original colorway. Now, I am pretty enchanted with this sweater, and I love the original colorway, but it's got a little too much pink for a gender-neutral sweater. (At least, I'm pretty sure my brother-in-law will think so.)

So I opted for this yarn instead --

It's wool, it's washable, and best of all from Scott's point of view -- it's Norwegian! The photo really doesn't do it justic -- the colors are clear and springy, perfect for a baby due in March. I think I'm going to make EZ's baby surprise jacket with it -- I love the way it magically comes together at the end.

I will wait until the Christmas knitting is done before I begin. I will.

Caught in the act

2007-10-14T22:21:00.000-04:00

Today, Scott was going to a camera show. Perfect time to get in some knitting on his Christmas vest, right?

So, I went to the Appleumpkin Festival --- with crowds of scarecrows

and crowds of the more traditional sort --

and then I ducked into the yarn store and sat happily knitting with Beth. When I heard her say, "Well, hellllooo," I knew without looking who would be standing there. Like last year with his Dale of Norway sweater, I was once again caught in the act--although I think he has no idea what this year's gift is. Given its progress, or lack thereof, who could blame him? For the record, it's the back of the Flying Geese vest.

The back. To the armholes only.

And it's the middle of October.

Given the list of other gifts I need to make, the panic is quietly beginning to set in.

Women of Craft

2007-10-14T10:07:00.000-04:00

At the end of September, my wonderful friend Carol from the Trees of a Feather yarn shop in Brooklyn invited us to camp.

We made new friends --

We raised money for the food bank by auctioning off the stuff we made (to each other, because who could possibly be a more appreciative audience) --

Some of us quilted --

Or made paper or felted, made jewelry or tie-dyed. We learned weaving and got massages.

I sat in the sun with my spinning wheel and basked --

And enjoyed the incredibly beautiful, peaceful weekend --

Thank you to Carol, her wonderful daughter Lisa (who organized us, made us laugh, and photographed us) and everyone else for the gift of the Women of Craft Retreat 2007.

Big wheel, keep on turning

2007-10-13T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today was Spinner's Flock -- always good to see the crowd, and shop! I managed to avoid actual purchases, other than lunch at the Common Grill with Gwynne afterward.

I did get a tiny bit of this done --

destined for the quaker rib shawl thingie that I'm trying to put together. Someday.

After the Christmas ornaments, Scott's gift, Andrew's socks, my sweater (just sleeves to go -- I think I can, I think I can!)

I'm already feeling the Christmas pressure. After all, it will be Halloween before we know it!

And then, this --

Doesn't Scott look cute in his little hat? He'll love that I've posted this shot.

Tomorrow, I plan to knit at the Appleumpkin Festival (yes, it's as small-town cute as it sounds) while Scott is at a camera show.

Lovin' knit night

2007-10-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

Wednesday is always great -- it's knit night at Trees of a Feather in Brooklyn. Carol, the owner, is fabulous -- warm, welcoming and incredibly generous. And the other knitters are the best.

This Wednesday was doubly wonderful because I spent the morning at a creativity workshop based on Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way. I've tried this book on my own before, but I get stuck at the chapter where I'm supposed to give up reading for a week. Not happening. Maybe I'll do better with group support.

And it's COLD -- we dropped about 30 degrees over the last few days. Lovely weather for shawls and sweaters, but I was remembering that just last week, I was here

happily spinning in the courtyard. Today's weather was a reminder that this is just around the

corner--

Sigh.

On the plus side, I did get a lot of spinning finished for the quaker rib shawl/wrap I want to make -- after the Christmas gifts, ornaments, socks for my son, sleeve to my sweater, Lucy Neatby mittens.....

It's three-ply, two from roving I got at Allegan and one from Spinner's Flock roving. I did another bobbin of all one roving, and I'm going to grade the shades throughout the shawl. It's the first three-ply I've done in a long time -- I think I'm going to like it better for this project than my usual two-ply.

Let's try this one more time!

2007-10-09T21:39:00.001-04:00

Schaefer Heather
Originally uploaded by spinknitty

I cannot believe it has been a year since I started this blog and I have only posted ONCE. I realized it's not the writing, it's the photography that I find so painful. I'm the type who never remembers to bring the camera to anything. I went on a great fiber tour to the Fingerlakes region of New York (visit an alpaca farm, visit a winery, visit a yarn store, visit a winery, visit a sheep farm, visit a ... you get the idea), but did I take photos? Nooooo.
I did, however, buy yarn! Beautiful Schaefer yarn, mostly. And I did manage to photograph it when I returned so that I could organize my stash on Ravelry.

Perhaps that will get me back into the habit of blogging -- or get me to start!

2006-10-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

My first blog entry -- I'm so geeked. Mostly because this is probably the only place outside a yarn store where I can rant and rave about knitting and spinning without driving my husband, kids and cats to don their I-pods to shut me out. (The cat looks quite fetching with those little white earpieces.)

Tomorrow I am heading off to my spinning guild for the first time in (gulp) two years. What can I say -- new job, long commute -- I just lost track of time. But the fiber bug has bitten again -- hard.

So tomorrow, I get to spend time turning some of this --

into this ...

and then, perhaps -- a hat for my daughter, not the cat.

Knit on --
Elizabeth