Where does the time go?

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....

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 ...

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!

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

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 ...

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

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

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?

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

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?

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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?

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

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.