A Shameless Groupie

I am shameless. Totally. I just finished reading "Knitting Rules" by Yarn Harlot, the Queen of Knitting Blogs, in my opinion. TwinB gave me the "YarnHarlot's Guide" for Xmas, and I've been addicted ever since.

So in finishing the new book, I noticed a glaring omission, especially for a Canadian. She mentions many worthwhile activities which can be accomplished while knitting -- t.v. watching, travel ... but not watching HOCKEY! So, in a fit of impulse, I emailed her. Me! And even tried to be funny.

Here 's what I wrote:

Dear Ms. Yarn Harlot -- As an aspiring harlot myself (here in the States we may use the term "yarn slut"), and a rabid hockey fan, I couldn't help but notice you did NOT include watching hockey as a worthwhile pursuit while knitting. (The remainder of the book was, however, perfect!) Though I realize we most likely root for opposing teams -- Buffalo Sabres for me -- I can only assume Maple Leafs for you -- I can definitely state that watching the games on television has increased my knitting out put dramatically. Witness the paucity of finished objects during last year's strike -- it wasn't a pretty sight. Of course, I've been tempted to knit at the actual games, but haven't yet found a yarn to match the color of spilled Labatt's and crushed peanut shells.

Your fan, Susan Jones (h.i.t. -- harlot in training!)
PS Notice how I refrained from mentioning the fact that Buffalo is ahead of Toronto in the standings ...

And guess what???? She wrote back!

Here's her response --

Crap, right you are. I should have said something about hockey. My brother will be crushed that I neglected it. I'll keep my eye out for the colour of yarn you need...I know exactly that shade!

Either I am so cool, or the biggest nerd on the planet.

Interweave Knits Lace Socks

Here they are! The spring sox. From IK 2006. I used Debbie Bliss No.4 - DK weight - and size 3 dpns. They are very comfy and make me believe that spring will actually arrive someday in central New York.

And below is the monster. I'm working on the Denim Family Tunic by Debbie Bliss, from "Weekend Knitting". It's like a plate of spaghetti that you eat and eat, and it never seems to get any smaller. Only I knit and knit, and it never seems to get any longer! Granted, seed stitch on size 7s is one helluva lot of back and forth with the hands. But the yarn is so soft -- a cone of Karabella Marble -- half wool, half alpaca -- purchased at School Products in NYC for an incredible deal -- and the fabric drapes so well. I don't think I'll chose another seed stitch pattern for a long time, though. My forearms can't take much more.

Well, I'm off to see a Sunday matinee with TwinA. "Confederate States of America" -- if the South had won the Civil War.

"What do you mean? They didn't?" says Jack from Alabama.

sigh

Photos -- since I can't figure out how to post one in my profile!

Me in St. Croix ....
Alice -- the best dog EVER
Me and Jack in Eden

The (Kitty) Bane of My Existence

Here she is, looking slightly drugged. Miss Kitty, Queen of the Meow. There is not a moment that I can sit and knit without herself plopping on my lap, rubbing her nose against mine (okay, I admit, I spoil her), and biting the wool.

In spite of her slightly annoying behavior, I am compelled to honor her with a sweater. No, not for her - she already has a fur coat - but what I envision is a a soft yoked pullover, starting at the bottom with dark brown, gradually turning tan, then darkening again to the neck, where there might be a few flecks or rows of sapphire blue.

I'm still searching for the perfect yarn. Some of the Noro looks good, but it's already variegated, so the search continues. My only fear is that the creation of this sweater will be an ego boost from which she will never recover. On the plus side, I won't have to lint-brush her cat hair before I wear it -- it will blend right in!

50 Things

I've decided to list 50 things I want to do (or have done) before I turn 50. I know, it's more than a year away, but as my motto states -- "Life is short, and so am I."

So here's what I've come up with so far:

1. Finish writing one of my novels in progress.
2. Run, working up to a half-marathon.
3. Go to the Sterling Renaissance Festival and wear a princess dress.
4. See the Buffalo Sabres win the Stanley Cup. (okay, that may not be feasible, but a girl can dream, can't she?)
5. Tour Gettysburg and have my photo taken where my ancestors had theirs taken after the Civil War.
6. Cairo Cairo Cairo.
7. Write a fan letter to Ray Bradbury.

more later ... and suggestions are gratefully received!