Saturday Morning

It's Saturday. I'm at work, but atleast I got to watch a beautiful sunrise.

Traffic Jam Narrowly Averted

I appreciate all the supportive comments. Knowing that so many of you are willing to lay down road flares, cones, traffic barrels, and post signs warning of a knitter down to avoid the possibility of me becoming another speedbump on the road of knitting mishaps is truly touching. Fortunately, it won't be needed.

The sleeves are indeed a bit too long - to my knuckles. If I were to knit it again, I'd shorten it by about 2 inches. However, it is usually cold in my office and I like my sleeves to hit just above my thumb. So, I am willing to live with the way this turned out. If I find the sleeves annoying after it's first outing, I'll threaten it with scissors then.

Now for the details.
Yarn: GGH Safari, color #09. Thank goodness, I choose the same color as the magazine. Otherwise I would be scouring the internet to learn whether Farbe or Partie is another word for color. It's Farbe, by the way.

Needles: I distinctly remember Addi Turbos. The pattern calls for size US8. Since I usually hit gauge I'm going to guess that's the size I used. (Did I mention this has been off the needles for almost a year?) I would recommend bamboo instead though. This yarn is very slippery on the turbos.

Pattern: Grecian Cowl Pullover - IK Summer 2003

Started: Oh, let's say somewhere after July of 2003 and before Jan of 2004. I know that I originally stated July-ish 2004. That was before I had to hunt through all my summer IK magazines looking for this pattern to block it. I know I started it shortly after the issue was released.

Finished: Today. And does it ever feel good!

Facing the Inevitable

I had been waiting to block this sweater until the humidity level dropped. I would hate to add mildew to my list of worries about this sweater. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. That I am blatantly ignoring the very real possibility of having to cut the cuffs and reknit the sleeves shorter had nothing to do with my procrastination.

I choose to wet block the sweater instead of steam it. One, the sweater really needed it after more than two years of laying around waiting for the end. Two, I figure if I am to learn the truth about it's real proportions this would be the way to do it. After all when I finally decide to remove my head from the sand, it is usually with an enthusiastic desire to know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I am a person of two natures, what can I say?

The sleeves still look really long even after I managed to take about 1.5 inches from the seam by wriggling the stitching around. Tomorrow, it will be dry enough to wear. If my husband is posting instead of me, you'll know the results weren't favorable and I had a lie down in the road.

Worthy of Royalty

According to this source, the first purple dye was extracted from shellfish around 1900 BC and became known as "Tyrian Purple". Given that it required a huge amount of shellfish for a very tiny amount of dye, it isn't hard to understand why only the wealthy and powerful could afford it. All that changed in 1856 when William Perkin discovered how to make a synthetic purple dye. An incredible feat when you apply the knowledge that purple doesn't exist.

There is no denying that my purple colorswap partners exist. I have the goods to prove it. I was lucky enough to swap with not one but two, yes two, people this month. Dyann and Jo sent packages fit for a king queen.

Dyann's had an incredible odor coming from the box even before it was opened. A wonderful smell, mind you - lavender soap. She also sent along a skein of Frog Tree Alpaca, Idena Mohair Lux, and an anonymous tweedy dk weight blend. I almost swooned from the wonderful fiber haul. But the royal treatment didn't stop there. There was also a raspberry chocolate bar (not shown because it was recovering from heat exhaustion in the refridgerator - hee hee), raspberry tea, a button, a post it note pad that gives a great reason to eat chocolate, a crocheted purse, and stitch markers! Dyann, thank you so much for a great purple experience. It is a wonderful package that you put together for me!


Jo's package came with smells too. She had included two candles - lilac and lemon-lavender scented. I am saving the Indian Eggplant dish, only because my husband wanted to cook it right away. I never said I was nice all the time. ;) She sent along some JaggerSpun Zephyr and Crystal Palace Kid Merino which is destined for lace greatness. There is also a magnetic note pad, a crochet hook, a kitty picture frame, and some wild berry tea. Not shown in this picture is a package of grape gummy candy from Japan. I don't think I've mentioned it, so she couldn't have guessed. I work for a company that is partly owned by a Japanese organization. I was able to get a great translation of the packaging. Jo, you (and Willow) know how to do purple right. Thank you so much for the great package!

U-Turn

After having a serious case of the blahs, yesterday morning did not dawn much better. Someone decided in the middle of the night that my lace stole knitting needles made a great toy. Essentially, I had to tink back ten rows to find a spot that I could start moving forward again.

I didn't get a picture of the mess I found. I was too freaked out to think about the camera. I am amazed that ten rows looks like such small yardage. That doesn't seem like a lot of fiber for the hour and half I spent unknitting it.

However the day did take a turn for the better. I found a box full of goodies on my front porch, from my secret pal8.

A beautiful, soft mohair skein that doesn't feel at all stiff or scratchy like some mohairs. Also inside was the summer 2005 Knitter's magazine - one I don't have. Trail mix, a Boyd's Bear pin, craft rings, a cute card, stitch/row markers, a vintage thread cutter and two US1 circular needles round out the list of goodies.

I've already attached the thread cutter to my project bag as I can never find the scissors when I need them. The trail mix has been properly hidden from husband who can smell peanuts in the house from a mile away. I'm also doing my best to ignore the lace sweater pattern that is trying to get my attention from the center of the magazine. Because, you know, I don't have enough on my needles right now.

Thank you so much SP! It really brightened my day! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to invent cat proof needles.

Untitled

I really tried to think of a title for this post. Nothing. Not a single cliche or kitchy phrase. Probably due to the fact that all week it has been hot, humid, and/or rainy. Also, my husband left for fish camp earlier this week. Therfore I have been suffering from a case of the blahs. There has been knitting and almost an equal amount of unknitting. The mystery stole was kicking my butt earlier this week. I think I have finally shown it who is in charge around here. I am now 2/3's of the way through clue #1. Or it has taken pity on me and is letting me think I've won. Either way...

I also did a little shopping for my upcoming trip to Stitches Midwest. I needed some beads, sock yarn, and a spindle. Ok, I needed some beads and a spindle. The yarn was a bonus. Since I have already tried my hand at the first step of yarn making, I thought I'd give spinning a try. I don't know if the lesson will start a new hobby, but I thought it would be nice to give in to my curiosity.

While I am excited about learning to use a spindle, I must admit the beads have pleased me most. I was unsure if I would find beads that worked with the red and the blue spots of color in the Lorna's Laces. What do you know, reddish blue beads!

Did I mention it was hot?

Houston, I Think We Have A Problem

Ailsa has told me the first clue of the Mystery stole is a beautiful knit. The chart certainly indicates that. But, the overwhelming number of WIPs is beginning to nag at me. If I had a volume control on the little voice in my head, I would turn it to mute and cast on for the stole immediately. Alas, I don't. So, I awoke this morning full of energy to finish something.

It's made from GGH Safari, 78% Linen & 22% Nylon. It hasn't been blocked yet. Why do I think the sleeves are going to reach my knees?

Straight Up

If you lay down on my deck, this is what you see. By now, you should realize that the trees always have to get in on the act. Actually, I don't think I could take a treeless picture anywhere in the neighborhood.

Are You a Knitter?

Recently I had a conversation with a friend that went something like this -

Friend: "Oh, I'm not a knitter. I just knit blankets. YOU are a knitter."
Me: "Why am I a knitter and not you? What's the difference?"
Friend: "I know how to knit, but I do it to keep busy. For you, it's a passion."

Is she right? Is being a knitter more than understanding how two sticks and some yarn make fabric? How does one distinguish between "a knitter" and "a person who knits"?

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition defines the word knit as a verb. Knitter doesn't even rate it's own entry. It's merely tacked on to the end of knit as a noun. Obviously then, according to this dictionary a knitter is one who knits.

KNIT: verb - 1. To make (a fabric or garment) by intertwining yarn or thread in a series of connected loops either by hand, with knitting needles, or on a machine. 2. To form (yarn or thread) into fabric by intertwining. 3. To join closely; unite securely. 4. To draw (the brows) together in wrinkles; furrow

I don't think that explains the whole story (although the furrowing of brows is often witnessed around here while knitting a difficult piece). I know of several people who rub two sticks together to generate a scarf once every few years. However, I'm not sure I, or they, would say they are knitters. Surely, to be a knitter you would practice the craft more often than once in a blue moon.

The definition of a seamstress includes payment for sewing. Is this the critical difference? If payment for your craft is the necessary action to move one from a person who knits to knitter, than I don't personally know a single knitter - including myself.

I wouldn't define a knitter by talent either. I've met some knitters who make the most beautiful lace - by accident. Frequently. No amount of instruction in the world could help them. Still, I think of them as knitters.

Perhaps, my friend isn't that far from the truth. Passion is the key. Passion is defined as a powerful emotion and boundless enthusiasm. Every knitter I know certainly has that. Some may display their love of knitting quietly or privately, but always passionately.

Ever see two strangers bump into each other at the LYS or better yet in public, like the grocery store? Two strangers who are knitters? They go from being complete unknown random persons to best of friends in less than 60 seconds. Their zeal for pointy sticks and wool eliminates all social barriers - regardless of politics, religion, or any other bias.

Is it true that passion for the craft is the invisible line that divides knitters from those who knit?

Oh, and because I don't have anyone to wrestle me to the ground until I come to my senses and finish a few projects I thought this looked like fun.

Early Morning Sky

If you look real close, there is a straight white line about the middle of the picture. We live about an hour and a bit west of Selfridge Air National Guard base. Our house is in the flight path. Several times through out the day we will hear jets or helicopters.

I also received a great Tribe pressie from Cece. After I've had my morning cup of tea to wake me up, I'll post all about.