A Fallen Woman

No, your feed reader isn't on the blink. I haven't posted since late June. If it seems I've fallen off the face of the Earth, perhaps it is because I have.

I'm back in the shop for repairs (or something like it). I've scarcely purchased any yarn. The books and magazines that cross my threshold tempt but do not inspire me enough to action. Those projects that do get started sit so long that they've irretrievably crossed the invisible divide between "In Progress" and "Unfinished." The longer I wait, the harder it is to start again. My only creative pursuits these days involve photography (Flickr).

I definitely think I'm still falling.

[Edited to add] I very much appreciate your concern and support. I do feel lost and rootless and I suppose that's some of what I'm really trying to convey. Even the intensive rehab program is on hold until I readjust my expectations of my wellness potential. Just a bit wonky is all. Retooling core definitions of success and of self is disorienting work.

FO: Boteh Scarf

Pattern: Boteh Scarf by Kathy Merrick from Interweave Crochet, Spring 2007
Yarn: 2+ skeins of allhemp6LUX, color: alioli
Hook: 4.5mm (G)
Modifications: 11 triangles instead of 16 called for in pattern yielded a 68" scarf, unblocked.

This is my first foray into working with hemp and it won't be the last. As mentioned, I did not block the scarf because it seems to have maintained its rounded, organic shape. I'm told by those who know such things that the fiber will soften with washing. It's already kind of soft - at least as far as hemp goes. According to the yarn store owner, that softness and subtle sheen is why it is considered "luxury" hemp. Someone on Ravelry likened it to buying jeans that are already broken in.

In other news...
I'm toying with using one of these two patterns for the birthday yarn: Eva's Shawl or Crocus Bud Shawl. Yes, I'm still in the crochet mood.

I just found out that I've been approved for one of the intensive pain management therapy programs at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. I'm hoping this will ease the pain enough for me to knit once again.

Oh, and one more thing. My cousin Simone will be going to the Olympics in Beijing as part of the USA women's basketball team. Pretty cool, eh?

A box of cat. Formerly, a box of cat food.

Say What?

Saw: Today I grew a new person
Says: Today I, the new person,

Saw: Gifts of contemptuous jewelry
Says: Gifts of contemporary jewelry

Saw: Light was in the glitter guild meeting
Says: Last night was the knitters guild meeting

Saw: Plenty of time to execute the guy thoroughly.
Says: Plenty of time to evaluate the guy thoroughly.

Could it be that I have some wires crossed in the cerebral cortex or some such? I used to think that my "creative reading" was just amusing but now I wonder if it goes deeper. I swear that I'm not making this stuff up. Could some latent visual perception dysfunction be emerging? Is there a neuroscientist in the house?

Well there's no mistaking this: FREE YARN!

Yes, it's my birthday May 29th but you get the gifts. Leave me a comment from now through midnight (CT) May 30, 2008 containing your best birthday haiku (English 5/7/5 style), along with your color family and weight preference. I'll pick three names at random, then announce the winners on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Be sure to include a valid email address so that I can contact you. For now, I leave you with this:

Spring is half over.
I've knit no warm weather gear -
Just bum shoulder blues.

Meanwhile...

I'm sorry if my last post gave the impression that I'd dislocated my shoulder. I did not. Instead, I suspect I aggravated the already torn ligament that keeps the ball joint in the socket. I thought I was doing myself a favor by sticking to small projects, however the intensity applied to completing them proved counterproductive. Time for a good, long rest of the right arm.

There must be non-crafting things I can do. What a perfect time for reading; something that does not involve politics (makes my blood boil) or medical research (makes me depressed). I just got handed a book that's been on my list for some time now: "Lamb, The Gospel According To Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal". I can also take a walk around the neighborhood and become acquainted with the settings beyond "intelligent auto" on my latest camera.

Trees blooming in the entry courtyard

Sadly, this one-armed business leaves gardening off the list. Good thing about perennials, though. They let me enjoy the proliferation of pink columbine from the comfort of the bench in my wee garden.

Once I do pick up my needles, it will be to Learn the Continental Style of Knitting (warning: video starts automatically!) . Old dog, new trick? What? I can do it.

Just Like Starting Over

"It's been too long since we took the time
No-one's to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It's like we both are falling in love again
It'll be just like starting over, starting over" - John Lennon

I'm working on rediscovering my love of crafting and the pure pleasure of seeing and feeling beautiful yarn and patterns. Like many things, it's often a course of action with no roadmap, making it all the more difficult. I'm clawing my way back at present and losing fingernails in the process. No, seriously. Ripped one of the thumb bits right off this afternoon. I'll be back fairly regularly once I find the delicate balance between tolerating the process to get to the end result.

Unlike my wisdom teeth, my finger-snapping, nose-twitching "Bewitched" powers never came in very well. Really though, what fun would it be to see a new pattern and have it come into being in a flash. The first few times it's kinda cool perhaps, but how much joy do you get from 'Open the closet, and POOF. New sweater from that fabulous yarn'. What would I learn about patience or creativity or pride in accomplishment? About messing up horribly then making it right? Nothing! Bugger all, being a thinking person. Hence the balancing act.

You have to be in the mood for life lessons though because, no matter how long you've been above ground and breathing, starting over is still no fun.

Dye Tripper!

*Picture heavy post*

I never really thought about the whole colorful, messy business of dyeing and distributing yarn. I learned a thing or two during the Hyde Park Knitting Guild's behind the scenes glimpse into life at Lorna's Laces. It was exciting for me to see how yarn moves from color concept

to realization

to a yarn scavenging frenzy. We got our pick of mill-ends, one-of-a-kind and the occasional oops dyed yarns - some as low as $1 per skein. Believe it or not, I left empty-handed, merely chronicling the event.

I think I was most surprised that the operation (and the people) behind this now-famous brand is nothing fancy or pretentious. Owner Beth Casey and her sweet Great Dane Pearl welcomed us as we reached the 2nd floor landing at the door of their space in this sprawling warehouse.

Pearl roams around the main rooms beneath the high ceilings and suspended PVC poles holding freshly dyed and drying yarns. Bare yarn lies in wait next to dye pots and utility sinks. The walls are lined with yarn-filled wire baskets fronted by handwritten signs bearing the names of a yarn shop near you.

Perhaps that is part of the appeal of our crafting adventures. It is humble. It is imperfect. It is one REAL thing in a culture often consumed with artifice. It is the work of our hands.

Ah, Spring!

Can't you just hear the birds sweet songs and feel the warming sunshine upon your face as it beams through crystal blue skies? Welcome to the first storm of Spring '08, where some areas to the north of here expect upwards of 8 inches of snow.

While I wait for things to clear up, I'll continue to beaver away at my second Monkey sock. The hand rash has cleared by and large, thanks to a prescription cortisone ointment, so finishing at least one thing seems reasonably in order. Happy stitching, all!

You Like Me!

For those of you who don't get the post title reference, it is part of actress Sally Field's 1985 Best Actress Oscar acceptance speech. Since she said it better than I, allow me to quote, in part:

"I've wanted more than anything to have your respect...And I can't deny the fact that you like me... right now...you like me. Thank you."

Why this gratitude? Because Sarah of Bella Knitting just awarded me by saying "You Make My Day". What a compliment that she and you would take the time and make the effort to connect with me on a regular basis. If you think about it, for those few moments we become part of each others lives. It is a gift and I am grateful because you guys really do lift my spirits!

Now, according to the rules, I must name 10 people whose blogs bring me happiness and inspiration, then let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. The tough part is that I read dozens of blogs, not all of them related to the craft. Here are my nominees, in alphabetical order:

Find out what clever writer and designer Susan is up to at A Few Stitches Short.

A visit with Leslie will always lighten your mood A Friend To Knit With.

You'll find warm and welcoming Opal at Akamai Knitter.

Witty and talented Bonne Marie rambles on about fashion at ChicKnits.

Chris always reminds me that there is goodness in the world at Crafty Angels.

Debi's got the tutorials, humor and an exotic short hair dubbed The P-Man at Fluffy Knitter Deb.

Anne gardens, cooks, and brings a modern, wearable twist to lace at KnitSpot.

Wry Meg is truly sweet, creative and caring. Inch By Inch.

Co-bloggers Lynette and Monica, prolific knitters with puppies and a positive attitude at PassionKnit.

Susan and Sally bring their knitting prowess and down-to-earth wit to The Rainey Sisters.

Limiting the list to 10 was tough. There are others, of that you can be sure but rules are rules. I mean I really wanted to give a shout out to my girls at Chicago Bites, because I don't dare dine in the city without consulting them; to Laura at Frog Is A Four Letter Word because she always makes me smile; and to Kathy, aka Grumperina, because she's a totally fearless, articulate and inspirational knitter.

Sometimes, I Knit

Sadly, for the past week or so, I've been doing everything but. I've done a few more repeats on the ZigZag scarf but nothing that bears a photo update: "Oh, look! It's longer than last time." Yawn.

Aside from the usual blah-blah (doctor) blah-blah, there's been quite a bit of design thinking (and sketching, planning, coloring, procurement) going on. That Ravelry is both a font of information and a cattle prod when it comes to pursuing what I've come to see as possible. Heck, at least it's forcing me to do proper drawings and come up with construction models for the designs. I love how the colored sketches look but can't share them with you. It's that old "first publishing rights" thing.

I did receive a special post-holiday treat that I can share with you. My friend Y stopped by for a visit and graciously let me take her photo as she modeled the hand knits I made for her.

Thanks, Y. Rarely do I get to see my gifts in action. You really made my day.

Gifts, Year-round!

The gift of friendship
knows no season, has no price.
It's always welcomed!

Not a lot of knitting in that mitten, but each stitch is full of well-wishes and good intentions for the recipient. The mate is more than halfway done. Although the pair will not be complete by Christmas, I have no doubt they will be no less appreciated.

Peace, y'all! And thanks.

Do, Or Do Not.

"Do, Or Do Not. There is no 'try.'" -- Jedi Master Yoda

Sure, Yoda. I live in the real world where sometimes "try" is all you have and failure is a strong possibility. What am I talking about? Exhibit One, your Honor:

I will not finish this gift of the Almost Garter scarf before Monday. For some reason, maybe concern for my recovery and lack of understanding, my caretaker-to-be has forbidden me to knit. I was read the recovery riot act last weekend. I love my mother, but she baffles me. I must comply for a few weeks, though, because I need her help. She once told me that even a good friend of hers calls her "The Warden."

Exhibit Two? I lost at least one friend through inattention or carelessness; possibly both. Here again, I tried but apparently - inadvertently - did not try my best. This loss does not make me happy. It does, however, make me realize that there are things I need to be mindful of, especially when it comes to other people's feelings. By the way, please do not rush to my defense. We all fall down sometimes.

There is hope for the neckwarmer, though. The brown leather buttons arrived earlier this week so it seems possible - no, likely - that I'll get this one in under the knitting ban wire!

Is My Past My Future?

There are plenty of articles positing that the way to your adult career passion is through careful examination of your beloved childhood activities. Upon reflection, I suppose this makes a certain amount of sense: did you like Legos? Maybe you'll find career satisfaction as an architect or a builder.

In my own childhood, creativity was the common denominator of things that made me the happiest: writing, reading, singing, acting, drawing, painting, knitting, crochet and clothing design. The ship may have sailed on my becoming a star of stage and screen, but I may yet discover success through some of my other passions.

I can't say what or where specifically, but a friend and co-conspirator may have just dragged me toward a future that I thought was just a dream. The beauty part? This venture relies on nearly all of the things I thought of as "child's play." Here I was, spending years wishing there were more dimensions of "me" in my work life; then perhaps I'd enjoy investing so much time - and so much of myself - in it.

It was less than a week ago that I first said, "Nah, there's no way. Maybe next time.", fully aware that I'd probably concoct some other excuse then too. Luckily, we'd been tossing around a few details of a design idea and just last Thursday, this friend made me believe in myself enough to give it a try. December 5th was the deadline and we made it! Thank Rufus for overnight delivery.

For The Love Of Wool

If we've chatted for more than five minutes, it would become apparent that I have quite a few interests. Alongside history, languages, travel, social justice and politics lives my life-long interest in fashion. Oh, the incongruity! Anyway, as I was going through my daily reads, I found this item at The First Post: Wonder Woollens. Apparently, knits - especially big, comfy knits - are all the rage in Britain. Does this surprise? After all, it is the home of Rowan, Jaeger, Debbie Bliss and Blue-faced Leicester.

Quite coincidentally, big, hearty, like-a-hug sweaters have been much on the mind of late. I credit Rebecca with the term, "February sweater" because it's about that time in the Midwest when you are really and truly sick of winter. It loses all its pretense of chilly charm, the stuff formerly known as snow has now become something definitely not from nature and you just want it to be over. Period. All I have to do now is decide on the perfect pattern. Maybe Twist? Or the Dollar and a half cardigan? The yarn has been selected from stash after much gnashing of teeth over plunking down additional dinero on tweed. I think it'll do just fine.

In the meantime, the race is on the finish two gifts in two weeks because I'm scheduled for a lumbar laminotomy and discectomy on December 10th. Since the new scarf is taking longer than anticipated, I may switch to *gasp* crochet to do the majority of it, then switch back to knitting to mirror the start.

I'll let you know later this week what I end up doing. It could be an interesting texture mix of hook and needle.

In Search Of...

Yarn


and food


with friends


but mostly, yarn

I had the chance to spend three yarn-filled days with Rebecca. I'm glad she was able to finally take a break from dyeing her own yarn to visit me in Chicago to, ironically, paw more yarn. A stitcher knows the love of fiber, despite being surrounded by it on a daily basis.

The tour began Thursday at Loopy Yarns, where we inspected a considerable amount of yarn from Cascade to Rowan and every popular brand in between. I made a modest purchase of one skein of tweedy amber-colored yarn for The Harlot's "Unoriginal Hat" pattern (PDF). That is, once I get around to my "me" knitting after the holidays.

If it's Friday, we must be at Knitwerks. Owner Cherrl Harmon welcomed us warmly at her table, which was laden with the latest books and magazines. Since I frequent her establishment, I showed Rebecca a few of the highlights - like Knitwerk's collection of Dream In Color - then left her to her own devices. I bought the last two skeins of plum, green and rust Ironstone Yarns "Bouquet of Colors" mohair loop as well as Louisa Harding's latest "knitting little luxuries." If you're on the fence about this book, don't be. It is a worthy addition to your library.

This past Saturday was, serendipitously, Nina's 3rd anniversary, where everything in store was discounted 20%. Good times. Good times. You may be surprised to learn that I did not go wild, spending a restrained $50 after tax on five skeins of yarn (including Blue Sky Alpaca's Suri Merino) and some Louisa Harding Kimono ribbon.

The only thing that marred this otherwise splendid few days was the casual thoughtlessness and infantalizing condescension shown friend Rebecca. You might not know this, but she is deaf. She also happens to be whip-smart with a Master's degree. She also happens to be funny and snarky and talented. In short, my kind of pal.

I found it galling that people would routinely talk to me about her preferences instead of addressing Rebecca directly. One restaurant employee asked me, "Can she read lips?" I said, "Why don't you ask her! "

Rebecca says it has become the norm for her to feel like a permanent foreigner. What's a thoughtful knitter to do to counteract this perception within his or her own sphere of influence? Wikipedia offers some suggestions with their "Disability Etiquette." Food for thought, at the very least.

Tomorrow: a new finished item to go with an old one.

Ghost In The Machine?

Scene: Friday evening at a popular downtown knit bar, Loopy Yarns. Some wine, chocolate cake and dozens of stitchers are on hand for local designer Bonne Marie Burns ChicKnits fashion show. This was apparently the place to be. I spotted so many familiar faces who'd come out to show some love for one of Chicago's very own.

The laughing and smiling and "how do you do" left me in good spirits for most of the evening. Good thing too, since otherwise I would have been a moping misanthrope had I known my usually reliable old Sony compact was going to let me down. Now I know I should've packed the big girl camera, especially with results like these:

Believe it or not, this was supposed to be a shot of Corinne of Lucky Penny Handmade, but shutter lag and other ghostly doings would belay those intentions. That's why I will not subject you, gentle reader, to any more of my fuzzy shots of this otherwise wonderful fashion show.

Bonne Marie showed nearly one dozen of her most popular styles beginning with the everyday ease of Ribby Cardi and ending with the chic new addition, Beryl. Take it from me: it is so gorgeous in person - especially the textured stitch detailing on the straight peplum at the bottom of the sweater.

I opted to take home Twist, shown left in the clearest shot of the evening. I expect this button-front hoodie should be a good chill-chaser once the winds begin to howl in the upcoming Chicago winter.

And yes, a skein or two of yarn managed to jump into my basket. You know I couldn't leave empty-handed. Temptation whispers my name oh, so sweetly sometimes.

Ode to Stockinette

Boring. Uninspired. Mindless. Oh, the ubiquity! This is oft your lot, my dear stockinette; much maligned, nay, overlooked I think might be a better way to put it. In reality, you should be hailed as the maker of quick work. As rest for weary eyes. As Zen for the fingers.

Stockinette in the round was the only way I could go from concept ("Oh, I should make a hoodie!") to over 75% complete on said project within days.

That uplifting feeling of accomplishment cannot be overstated - especially since it just dawned on me this week that it is holiday knitting time! I want to keep things manageable so I don't succumb to the self-imposed pressure of not keeping up. For now, I'll put aside all thoughts of "me" knits (Juliet, Anise, Honeybee Stole) and turn my hands toward making a couple of pairs of socks, a simple black scarf, two hats and the Tree Bark neckwarmer.

Does that seem like a long list? Maybe not, if you consider that my friend Stockinette will feature prominently in at least half of them. It may not be exciting or challenging but I don't need that shock to the system every time I pick up my needles. Sometimes, it's just about the soothing motion and controlled tension of yarn through fingers and loop over loop.

Entanglements

My original plan for today was to show you just how much sock I was able to twist up in 24 hours with my brand-spanking new yarn, the lovely sportweight Chewy Spaghetti in "Cheeky."

I was cruising along on one of the "Sensational Knitted Socks" chevron patterns late last night when I hit a wall of tired around 1 a.m. That's when I started to make mistakes in the 2-round pattern; the kind of mistakes that mean you first try the restrained un-knit, then you pull out a row or two in frustration. After doing this twice into the wee hours, I decided the sock and I would be best off put to bed. There was still much love for the emerging footwear goodness.

Once I awake from a foggy, fitful sleep and get a little caffeine going through my veins, it is once again time to tackle the sock with a positive attitude and renewed vigor. After knitting and un-knitting and laddering down and ripping back at least four times, my positive attitude dissolved like sugar in the rain. Oh, yes. Girlfriend snapped and that sock became tangled, angry string in no time flat!

Before, in a fit of frogging rage:


After I regained control of the knotty problem (and myself):

I don't blame the pretty yarn but I do think it wise to declare no socks for me - at least not today. I think I should back away from the Addis and call a truce with this particular effort. Does anyone else ever have one of those days where things just get all tangled up?

Just So Random

You know how we casually toss off the phrase, "stuff happens?" Today's post is all about small things and random encounters as I skip across the Web.

The first "small things" belong to my neighbor's newborn baby boy. Even though it took approximately 3 weeks off and on to knit the earflap hat with matching socks, I'm sure he'll graduate in no time to bigger and better things - in probably less than 3 weeks time!

Two- color hat and socks made from Jaeger Matchmaker Merino

Randomnymity

Here's another way to get small: Nikon's small world and the obvious companion piece, The Micropolitan Museum. There are so many interesting - and usually unseen - parts of the world around us. All we need is a little help in opening our eyes to them.

A word, if you please. Where do you go for your fix? You might find a new source or two in "A Logophiles Delight!"

Quilters already know about fitting small squares inside larger squares. See how commonly understood principles of logic and design meet harmoniously in "Layers of Meaning."

The Knitting Wasteland

There is the faint, haunting whistle of dust and emptiness; the antiseptic sweet aroma of mothballs and cedar. Mohair fluff mixed with cat fur form giant fiber tumbleweeds that huddle in quiet corners. Sad projects, begun with such promise, litter the landscape in various states of undone-ness. This is the knitting wasteland and it is not a pretty place.

I manage to knit a few rows here and there before my right shoulder resident, Madame SLAP tear, bites back. A baby sock. An accidental toddler sock that was supposed to be a baby sock (I had Addi gauge issues). An emerging second sleeve for Fantine. A promising start on the Honeybee Stole slumps to last place on the WIP parade. Too bad there's nothing consistently working. I've got plans and yarn, baby!

This charcoal Cascade 128 for Juliet:


Two sportweight skeins of Claudia's Handpainted in Peppermint Mocha acquired from The Loopy Ewe for a buttoned neckwarmer I have in mind:

Two flavors of Malabrigo (Loro Barranquero and Burgundy) with nothing in mind beyond some heavy petting. Come to momma, precious...


In the other news this week, my copy of Rowan NewShapes arrived. How you wound me, my beloved cover girl, Anise, for I cannot begin to begin you in either capability or good conscience.

Naturally, all these schemes are on hold - only to be played out in my rich knitting fantasies, where shoulders don't scream, fingers do not tire and the yarn (oh, the yarn) is soft, plentiful and wonderfully organized. A girls gotta dream.

I Love Buttons

...and so do dozens of other confessed Ravelry Button Addicts. I am most fortunate for I have a friend "in the business" as they say: among other things, Laura makes buttons from vintage fabrics she collects. I've picked up a few from her Etsy shop.

An East Coast transplant, Laura and I first met up earlier this year for the express purpose of visiting Chicago's Tender Buttons, a now-shuttered mecca for rare, antique and vintage buttons as well as thousands of beautiful modern closures. ETA: The store closed this past summer and has yet to relocate.

Other surprise finds? The word is getting out about Vintage Necessities if you're looking for unique buttons for your hand knits or just the right decorative finishing touches for jackets, hats or handbags.

(...)

OK, I'm back now. When I went to confirm the Vintage Necessities' address, I happened to see a one-of-a-kind set of faceted Bakelite buttons. They now belong to me.

Moving on to modern, I almost always find what I need at The Button Drawer. By the way, they will ship internationally. These beauties came today:

(Piedras - top, Twisted Flower - bottom)

Some of the most unusually beautiful closures and buttons I've come across are the handcrafted design work of the artisans at Moving Mud. While not inexpensive, the owners will work with you to capture movement, shape and colors in small pieces of wearable art.

As you've probably guessed by now, Fantine is languishing on sleeve island – a one-armed beauty in search of her mate. It is not for lack of trying. More medical blah-blah-blah equals zero knitting. Please to be distracted by the boys, whom you have not seen in a while.

Click the picture to embiggen or check out the entire Flickr set entitled, "All My Cats" if you just can't get enough Nikita and Rocky.

More ESIs, some physical therapy and a fresh perspective (quoth the doctor) and hopefully knitting can resume. My hands miss the action of the needles and the feel of the fiber. You know how it is...

More From The Fiber Festival

For years I've fondled the end product of the chain that primarily begins with fiber on the hoof, toe or paw but never really seen a concentration of the start of it all. As I understand it, most fiber festivals have some sort of "sheep to shawl" demonstration and the Michigan festival was no exception. Without further ado, say hello to a few of my fleecy (but noisy, bleating) friends:

Some ewes have been shorn, others not. None seem too pleased.


I am Blue-faced Leicester. Adore me-e-e-e!


This polled (hornless) ewe may be an Icelandic cross-breed.


I'm Icelandic all the way, bay-bee!


My Angora sister and I have some of the softest mohair curls in town!

There were lots of barns and pens and competitions going on but I didn't have the energy to visit them all. That's why I missed the Angora bunnies and probably the Alpacas and whichever other fiber-bearing creatures deigned to call during the week.

But wait! I failed to mention any purchases. Witness one tasty 1200 yard hank of Briar Rose "Celebration", a 60% merino /40% bamboo mix in the blue-green shades of the sea. Briar Rose' owner, Chris couldn't be nicer.

Other than some aromatic goodies, that's all I bought. The point of the trip wasn't to spend money so much as to get away from the knit cave and medical issues and the city for a spell. To that end, the deal was done, and in spades. Thanks for coming along with me for a taste of the Michigan Fiber Festival.

The Happy Wanderer

What a wonderful Midwestern weekend!

The weather finally broke south of 90 degrees (F) and the humidity is something that doesn't make my hair go "frizzzz" as soon as I put my big toe outdoors. Best of all, I got to spend the entire day with a busload of knitters from the Windy City Knitting Guild as they headed for the Michigan Fiber Festival, where I'd made arrangements for a secret rendezvous - but more on that later.

Get on the bus, Gus
7 a.m. - Depart Chicago with coffee, snacks and knitting in hand along with 50 or so other fine ladies for the rural life but 3 hours away. The Monday Night Irregulars commandeered the back row of seats on our luxury coach.

Lisa, Macarena and Nancy's head

11:00 a.m - As we pull up to the festival gates, we are assured by the signage that violence will not be tolerated. Therefore any tussles over fiber will have to be settled the old fashioned way: rock, paper, scissors.

Rendezvous
Once inside the festival grounds, we wandered through the vendor booths and demonstration barns for hours, connecting at various points with members of our group then splitting off again to explore the unexplored or return to a favored spot.

Bonne Marie has known Meg for a while, but the two had never met until Saturday.

I encountered Theresa and her amazing dad holding Baby Z as I crossed the fairgrounds.

Most fabulous for me? I met my "cosmic twin", Susan! We seem to have followed a similar path and thought processes - really clicking through the power of the Internet, so it was deemed a must that we meet and the Michigan Fiber Festival was the serendipitous venue. I just wish that we'd had more time to talk one to one about a whole host of things. That is my only disappointment. Thank you, Susan. I know you didn't feel so great but so appreciate you sharing part of your day with me!

Susan and me, holding a gifted skein of Aussi Sock "Spanish Fiesta". Olé!

Were there animals? It wouldn't be a fiber festival without 'em! Come back tomorrow for more if you have a hankering for sheepy faces. Until then, I'll leave you with a little Llama Lovin':

6 p.m. - We leave the land of rolling farms, grazing livestock and apple orchards. Somehow, we ably packed a weekend into one day and we were exhausted. To quote my friend Lisa, "This totally didn't suck!"

The Bella Challenge: What's Your Limit?

Sarah and Laura of Bella Knitting have this interesting discussion about creativity going on, and what in particular sparks your fire. Toward that end, Laura came up with a crafty list to be answered on an increasing scale of interest of 1 ("No interest") to 4 ("Love it!").

Here are my responses, grouped in reverse order:

4. Love it! This is my thing.

• Knitting, Crochet, Writing, Photography, Story Telling, Acting, Stage work, Music, Singing
  

3. I do or have dabbled in it.

• Cross-stitch,Needlepoint, Macramé, Other Crafts, Cooking, Entertaining, Gardening, Flower Arranging, Gift Wrapping, Poetry, Decorating, Graphic Design, Inventing, Video / Film Making, Beading, Jewelry Making, Sewing, Painting or Drawing, Cartooning, Calligraphy
  

2. I'll give it a try.

• Shibori, Quilting, Paper Making, Dyeing
  

1. I've got absolutely no interest.

• Candle Making, Doll or Toy Making, Scrap Booking, Stamping, Spinning
  

As you can see, I have quite a few creative interests. Must be the Gemini in me. So what are your creative limits? Feel free to use these or add on, as needed.

This is completely off topic. Some of you may have noticed that Bloglines has been throwing up some old posts quite randomly. My apologies if this messes with your unread stories count. Don't know what's gotten into the beast lately. Thanks for reading and commenting though.

There Is No Knitting Here

There are thoughts of knitting; plans and dreams and schemes of knitting - especially birthday gifts and baby clothes as I have discovered over the weekend that there are not one but two women in my complex due late this fall. Ah, sweet baby caps, bootees, and my poor, neglected Forest Canopy Shawl to which I've added but one 7-row repeat in the past week. It'll never get finished at this rate!

It's not that I've been stepping out on my ever patient WIPs. I haven't cast on for anything new as I am usually wont to do. Oh no! Mr. Ennui cuts a wide swath across Bloglandia and even I am not immune to the "mehs." So, while I sort out what to do and where I might find a cheap airfare to the land of excitement, I thought I'd share how the kitty boys stay busy.

Nikita does battle with a toothbrush in the guest bath.


Rocky doing what he does best: look real cute!

Old Hair, New Hair

After months of staying away from a professional pair of scissors, I finally decided to take the plunge. Why did I wait so long? The Heidi braids was the only hairstyle I could manage to do by myself for one. And two, since my cervical spine is now fused, I can't bend my head back well enough to sit in a a shampoo bowl.

Through the magic of the Comfort Cape, I was finally able to overcome the chief physical limitation that kept me out of the salon, and not a moment too soon. You see, the pinned up pigtails were getting old and, frankly, the constant brushing and elastics were breaking my hair something fierce. Was it worth it? You betcha!


Ten inches or so on the cutting room floor and I couldn't feel better!

Mr. In Between

Since it's no longer my birthday (huge thanks, by the way!) and I've only just finished the leg on the second Mona sock, I thought I'd divert your attention with another little pretty.

Beautiful flower bouquet left at my front door

Told you the knitting would be slow and, frankly, I don't think you give a hoot about a progress shot. There's something new on the horizon (besides socks), but I won't cast on until I have a finished pair to offer the Knitting Deities. You understand.

Potential

Asiatic Tiger Lily buds

...
Our gardens are enamored of the spring,
Of silver rain,
The cloudy green of buds slow-burgeoning,
The sorrow of last apple blooms that cling
And are not fain
To yield their fruit again.
We do not long for tropic pageantry,
Yet surge with love to see
The tiger lily’s muted ecstasy.
...

(From the poem "Tiger Lily" by Walter Adolphe Roberts)

Ouch! I've Been Tagged

OK. Maybe it doesn't hurt too much, Susan and Sally. I know the rules say I'm to tag 8 people but I'm a naughty little non-conformist so I hope all will be forgiven if I only tag 4 of my friends. Honestly, I can't remember who has already answered this meme. I choose to blame the pharmaceuticals.

Rules:

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts about themselves.

2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their 8 random things and post the rules.

3. At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and post their names.

4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Random facts about La Cabeza Grande:

1. I can say "Thank you" in at least 10 languages.

2. I won the Best Actress award in a citywide theater festival at age 15.

3. I was pre-med through my junior year but decided that life in the lab was not for me. I got a math degree instead.

4. I've interviewed a number of celebrities including Danny Glover, Bruce Willis and Michael J. Fox.

5. I jumped over one of the bridges along the Chicago River as it was going up. I didn't want to miss my train at Union Station and the bus was taking too long.

6. I was at Jeffrey Dahmer's trial and sat right in front of his parents. Once the 17 guilty verdicts were read, I went on the air with live reports for CBS News.

7. Once upon a time, I had a mohawk. I'd just quit my job and was getting ready to take off for Europe for the summer.

8. I didn't have my first legal drink until after I'd graduated college.

Tammy, Pattie, JZ and Jess? Consider yourself tagged. Anyone else who wants to play along should feel free to do so.

Cheers!

Threadless - In A Good Way

Sad but true: not all my purchases involve knitting. This is a brief chronicle of one such purchase, though one could (rightly) argue that it is a cotton knit fabric. I'm talking about the ubiquitous tee shirt.

My drawers are riddled with tees - some of which are only pressed into duty as sleepwear. There are those, however, that are really too good to suffer the "indoor only" fate. These are my fabulous Threadless tees.

My friends T and PA introduced me to Threadless about 3 months ago when both of them showed up for Sunday brunch wearing cool tees, the likes of which I'd never seen before. At that time, I was told of the fabled "Haiku" shirt but it was out of print.

The good news is that there is a way to get a shirt reissued. If a design garners enough voter support, it will be resurrected. Apparently my vote (along with a few hundred others) tipped the reprint scales in our favor. Not one to miss out again, I put in my order the minute I received email notification of the shirt's reissue.

Today, the postal guy delivered and I now have my very own "Haiku".

It's A Good Day!

Oh! It's a good day, for singin' a song,
An' it's a good day for movin' along,
Yes, it's a good day, how could anything go wrong?
A good day from mornin' 'till night! - Perry Como

By all accounts, it was a most excellent Friday. Not only was the weather cooperatively ideal (sunny, a tad cool), but my friend Stylish Girl took me to lunch (surprise!) at a beautiful South Loop restaurant, Zapatista. I wished I'd had my camera; the food was good to look at and even better past the lips onto the tongue. Yum!

Next, we stopped in to see a mutual friend - a friend who happens to own a yarn store. Like a moth to a flame, I tell you what!

(Claudia Hand Painted Yarn: John B. (l, r) and Woodland Moss)

After a much-needed nap, I headed downtown for Looptopia, Chicago's all-night arts, dance and theater cultural extravaganza. People, people everywhere! So many in fact that it looked like they'd been brought in by the bus load, clogging foot and automobile traffic and making it nigh impossible to avoid bumping into someone. Sadly, it seemed I was the only one within earshot whose manners ("Excuse me, pardon me") got any kind of workout.

With all those people, it was a miracle that I found Franklin, Michelle, Dana and Jonathan in the mass of folks who stopped in either for a quick knitting lesson or to add their own touches to the group knitting art piece set up in the center of the Garland Room at the Chicago Cultural Center:

(Windy City Knitting Guild's Interactive Knitting Project)

(Franklin shows off the his christening shawl, in progress.)

By the time I got home shortly after midnight, I was exhausted and achy but it was worth it!

Yes, it's a good day from mornin' 'till night!

Pas de Baa Pour Moi

Or so wrote Amy Singer in my copy of her new book, "No Sheep For You". A designer and author, Ms. Singer may be best known for her work at the helm of Knitty, an online publication featuring scads of fantastic free patterns and a wealth of information on the fine points of knitting and finishing techniques. Last night, she brought her trunk show to Loopy Yarns in downtown Chicago.

"No Sheep For You" is chock full of patterns for wearables knit from non-wool fibers such as bamboo, hemp, linen, cotton and silk. I admit to being a bit surprised at the variety and beauty of the designs. In this photo, Amy is wearing Tuscany, a lace shawl made from Handmaiden Silken. This will quite likely be the first thing I try my hand at, especially since I happen to have several skeins of SeaSilk in the house!

She shoots sheep
Although this book signing featured "No Sheep For You," ironically a few of the little lambs did show up - in the form of the cutest little handmade glass beads! Nancy Hunt puts torch to glass to produce these one-of-a-kind beads. They were so delightful that I had to get a shot of their little black and cream selves. Nancy has given me permission to show them here, as well as to let you know that she can be reached at TorchWench AT gmail DOT com if you'd like to herd a few for yourself.

A Taste of Mia
Why don't I wrap up this post with news of the latest incarnation of the Mia shrug. Yes, as you see here, I've completed the body of the shrug. Now it's time to turn my attention to the finishing details which, as of this writing, are still up in the air. Beads or no beads? Crochet or knit? Scallops, points or nothing at all? So many choices and so little time as I am hoping to have this complete by Easter so my mom can take a picture of me wearing the ensemble.

As I recall, a few of you decided pictures were in order. Let's see what I can do.