Home from Rhinebeck

I know you've probably seen this all over blogland, but I can't resist:

It's the Gaint Pumpkin! We laughed and laughed. One R even named her new bear "Gerhadt Gaint" in honor of the silliness.

We spent our Rhinebeck time on Sunday revisiting vendors, chatting with friends, and doing a little more shopping. We were visiting Spirit Trail and happened to be there when the Yarn Harlot stopped by. I grabbed Judy from down the way, because I knew she'd like to meet her -- we both would. She wanted to be able to tell Stephanie how participating in the Knitting Olympics inspired her, and to thank her. We did that. And we felt like goony junior high-schoolers. We hope Stephanie forgets the whole thing. Really, we are grown-ups. We have jobs and everything. Don't let the giggles fool you.

By early afternoon we were ready to go home, so we did. We had the best time ever. We couldn't -- and can't -- stop marveling about our lovely, inspiring, hysterical, delicious, exhausting weekend. After a short detour through the beautiful grounds of the Vanderbilt Mansion, we turned toward home.

Happy,

sleepy,

and already making plans for next year. So far: bring lunch, and our own pillows!

~:~

I began a scarf with my Brooks Farm Acero yarn today. Not lace this time around, but a diagonal rib. I'll take a picture as soon as there's something to show. I'm aiming for a soft, drapey, kind of wide, long scarf. So far so good.

Rhinebeck

By now you know that Saturday's sky looked like this:

And that there were lots of these:

That's about it!

Just kidding.

I didn't do so well in the photography department, but I sure did have a wonderful time! We -- my friend (blogless) Judy and her daughters, the Amazing R's -- stayed in our new favorite motel in Hyde Park, which is just five minutes up the road from our favorite place to eat, the Eveready Diner. We enjoyed breakfast on both mornings, the better to fortify ourselves for the days ahead.

That's right, Sandy, No Crybabies!

Saturday: full of pancakes and sausages, we parked and made a bee-line to the big building to visit the peeps at Spirit Trail -- Jen and Martha and Purlewe and Shelia. Hugs all around, with a little squealing.

Then we spent a while going in circles, discovering things like this:

• Brooks Farm's newest yarn, Acero -- 60% superwash, 20% silk, and 20% viscose. It's beautiful, and not yet available on their website.
• Susan Borger's lovely lavender sachets, of linen and cotton, some with delicate embroidered patchwork designs.
• Grafton Fibers batts. I did not realize that they were those batts until after I had purchased some.
• Spirit Trail's incredible silks and fibers and sock yarns. And everything. I'm going to wait till Jennifer's appearance at the KR Retreat.
  

By the time we made it out into the open, it was clear that the crowds were bigger than ever. Weaving in and out, trying to stay together, we saw the most beautiful knitting being worn by just about everyone. Shawls of every type and color, with knitters stopping knitters to ask what pattern? which yarn? Sweaters, hats, scarves, socks. And fingerless mitts! The fingerless mitts were on just about every hand (including the R's, because I finished theirs just in time).

I didn't go to the big blogger meetup, and I'm only a bit sorry that I missed it. You see, we were already having a magical, wonderful day, and I didn't want to interrupt it. Next time.

We took a car break in the early afternoon -- we stowed our purchases and had twenty minutes of peace, a chat about our plans for the rest of the day, some water, and we were good to go. By the time we met up with a friend in the late afternoon, we'd made it up to the top of the fairgrounds. I got lost in the Morehouse booth, emerging with enough beautiful variegated lace yarn to make a little shawl or a big scarf. I'd also found the fiber of my dreams at Carolina Homespun -- Chasing Rainbows Dyeworks Cashmere-Tussah in a color called Hallie's Berries. One R caught the knitting bug right there in the middle of Building 31. Cotton yarn to make a placemat for Grandma. Good thing I brought my needles!

After a delicious dinner at our traditional Saturday Rhinebeck spot, the Rhinebeck Grille and Cantina, we went back to Hyde Park to rest up and knit and sew (the other R was working on a fantastic felt creature). And gab. When you've known someone as long as I've known Judy (34 years!) (we were babies, I tell you!) and you can still make each other laugh so hard you can't breathe, then I'd say you're best friends, wouldn't you? And when you immerse a pair of girls, starting at birth, in your Philosophy of Friendship, then by the time they are almost thirteen they're right there with you, making you go breathless, too.

~:~

So that was Saturday. It's late now, and my work day was a long one, and I'm still basking/recovering. I'll be back.

T is for...

...Turtle.

Turtle is my own, my "totem" animal. I don't know why, except that as a symbol it has always just come to me. What it represents -- a creature who can protect itself -- means everything, for my Turtle habits have shielded me many times. Its pace -- slow and careful -- means that I might take my time getting somewhere, but when I do, I'm ready for the next journey. I like to live on Turtle Time. Turtle is grounded, at home on earth but also in water. My strengths come from being at home there, too.

This is my little Zuni Turtle, brought to me by V at a time in my life when I couldn't be like Turtle. I was scattered and uncomfortable and scared. That was a long time ago, though. She gave it to me, she said, because Turtle carries his home wherever he goes, as I always have.

This Turtle is the last of my favorite pair of earrings. I bought them when I was on the verge of knowing I could move somewhere-not-at-home. I wore them almost all the time, for many years, until one disappeared. I must not have needed the pair any longer.

Ah, Turtle. Slow and steady wins the race.

:~:

Warning: Sock Club Spoilage Ahead.

Sundara's next Petals Collection shipment arrived today. Don't look if you want to be surprised when yours arrives, but I can't help it, I must share this color.

Knitters, meet Fall Foliage. I wish I could photograph red, though.

:~:

I'm trying to contain the Rhinebeck Frenzy. (Be like Turtle, Jane...) All I can think about is leaving work early on Friday, getting in the car with Judy and the R's, laughing till we drop off to sleep, and then...

I can't wait to see old friends, greet new ones, and discover treasures at every turn.

Hardly an original idea

First, the hands: It's all Sandy's fault. When a perfectly brilliant idea is put right in front of me, I pay attention. Fetching, from the Summer 2006 Knitty. For two Fabulous R's. By Rhinebeck. Sure. This is a fun pattern to knit, and the Cashmerino is a knitting de-light. This first creamy pair is just off the needles, and needs a little wash 'n set. Do these qualify as mittens, for the Warm Hands Knitalong? Sandy?

Then, the feet: I've made a good start on my next sock project, the one I'm taking on the road. It's Fleece Artist in Indian Summer. The cuff stitch is Twin Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks -- simple, stretchy, and perfectly suited to the yarn. And what a perfect color this is! I've been saving it just for this time of year.

And on to the week ahead:
Workworkworking.
Cleaninglaundrypacking.
Listingdreaminglaughing.
Road trip! Sheep! Knitters!

Hydrangea-fest

I just finished my Petals Collection Hydrangea socks -- really, just a few minutes ago. I had to take a picture, even though this has got to be one of the dreariest afternoons in a long time, and the socks haven't even been blocked yet. They're a little rumpled. I thought I'd add these pictures of the hydrangea bush that's in my yard, just to make things a little brighter. I took them on Sunday, when it was sunny. I like the way the colors are fading at the end of the season.

Anyway, I love these socks! I love everything about knitting with Sundara's yarn. The soft stripes were a surprise and a treat. The yarn, as always, is soft and luxurious. The colors are stunning, even in the poor light.

Yarn: "Hydrangea" from Sundara Yarn's Petals Collection Club
Pattern: Basic cuff-down, stockinette, eye-of-partridge heel flap, round toe sock
Needles: 2.5mm DPNs for the leg, 2.25mm DPNs for the foot

~:~

Next up: Rhinebeck! It's almost time! The Magnificent R's are excited, Judy and I are excited, and we've got one week to channel all that enthusiasm into getting ready for our road trip. We decided to skip Stitchy's Blogger Bingo, since we'll have enough to do just keeping track of each other. We'll make frequent stops at the Spirit Trail booth, though, to visit Jen and Martha and Shelia, and to meet up with any other KR folks who happen by.

On my Wish List: Sock yarn for my friend K (there's a rumor that Brooks Farm will have some this year). More Blue Moon fiber from The Fold for me (that cashmere/tussah blend is what I'm really after, but I'll take whatever). Spinning and knitting do-dads, the kind of things you happen upon as you're making your way along the row of booths. That's it -- so far.

We're leaving right after school gets out next Friday and staying till Sunday afternoon. This time they're coming to pick me up. We'll get some dinner, and check into the cute little motel in Hyde Park, the one we've passed every year and said "We'll have to stay there next year." We'll have a blast!

I think I have enough going on to occupy my last few brain cells. Besides work (yes, I have to do that, too), I'm on to knitting another pair of socks, continuing a red scarf (I promise, Norma, this one will be long enough!) (I said I'd read the guidelines, but did I follow them? That would have made sense.), and working on a Dulaan hat idea. And "Lost" is on tonight. And "Project Runway," too. I'd better get going!

All about my socks

I'm finally getting around to answering...

Lolly's Soctoberfest Sock History Questions!

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative, or in a class?

I taught myself to knit socks in December of 2002, using Clara’s excellent tutorial at Knitter’s Review and books (I don’t remember which ones, but I do remember that the Twisted Sisters book both helped and annoyed me). I kept returning to the tutorial, and remained with it through the first few pairs. I also learned a great deal from reading and asking questions on Knitter’s Review Forums.

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

Here is my first pair of socks. Cherry Tree Hill in “Java.” They’re baggy, lumpy, and weird, but they are my first pair so I love them anyway:

And this is what I wrote in my journal on December 3, 2002:

“I made it past the instep gusset at last – after tearing the sock back to the beginning on Sunday (wrong gauge) and running to Hildreth’s for smaller needles. Took out the heel flap twice (constructed it wrong). Started the gusset over once (picked up all the stitches wrong). Now I’m sailing along – have another couple of inches to go before I start shaping the toe. I love that I am doing this. I love knitting. I love this one sock (mostly, except for the funky ribbing) and I can’t wait to make the other one. My frustrations with the directions were actually helpful – I stuck with them, tried to analyze them, and in the end I succeeded. I really do feel I’ve conquered something – I turned a heel!!”

What would you have done differently?

I would have ordered good needles when I ordered the yarn. I had Bates aluminum DPN’s, and I hated them. Other than that, I don’t think I’d change anything about that first experience.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Hand-painted yarns in superwash Merino take up most of the space in my sock yarn stash. I like Sundara’s yarn a lot (1.5 pairs). I like Socks That Rock (4.5 pairs), Cherry Tree Hill (4 pairs), and Lorna’s Laces (5.5 pairs). I like Fleece Artist (1.5 pairs so far) and Koigu (2 pairs). I guess I have to face it – I like ‘em all. I purchase most of my sock yarn online, but whenever I'm in a yarn store (or at Rhinebeck!) my Sock Yarn Radar is set on high. My stash also contains Claudia Hand Paints, Nature's Palette from Hand Jive, ArtYarns Ultramerino, Trekking XXL, miscellaneous self-patterning yarns, and enough Elann solid sock yarn to last three lifetimes (you know, just in case).

Do you like to crochet your socks, or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I knit my socks with five DPN’s. I know how to use two circulars and the Magic Loop (a definite must for sweater sleeves and hats), but I love my double pointed needles. I love the sweet little square that collapses into a tidy little bundle (which I keep safe with all those Stitch Keepers!).

My favorite needles are my many sets of Brittany Birch and Crystal Palace bamboo. The sizes I use most are 2.25 and 2.5 mm. I rarely go up to 2.75 or 3.0 mm. I usually use a larger needle for the top of my socks and a smaller one for the foot. Or not.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap or short-row?)

I like to knit my socks top-down with a heel flap. Flap heels fit my foot better. I know how to do short-row heels, and I know how to knit toe-up, but I just like what I like. I’m on a round toe kick right now—it’s so pretty and, well, round!

How many pairs have you made?

About twenty. Fourteen pairs are in my sock drawer, and the rest are keeping other feet warm. I have five pairs in various stages of completion (hmm…I’m at least part-way into the second sock on all of them) and I’m having a hard time resisting the call of at least two skeins of yarn right this minute.

Here's a photo of my latest pair:

Yarn: Regia Bamboo (45% bamboo, 40% wool, 15% nylon) in Jamaica, 2 balls
Pattern: some ribbing variation that came from I-don't-know-where (helpful, aren't I?)
Needles: I used, as usual, 2.5 and 2.25 mm (US 1.5 and 1) DPN's
I've worn them already, and they are very soft and comfortable.

My sock knitting technique and execution have improved a bit, I think.

~:~

One Red Scarf Finished!

Here's my first scarf for the Red Scarf Project.

Yarn: Cascade Pastazza (50% llama, 50% wool), one 132-yard skein
Pattern: Simple Ascot from Knit Ponchos Wraps and Scarves by Jane Davis
Needles: 6.0mm (US 10)
Finished Measurements: 5 by 38 inches

I've already started another one in Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed (in Deep Red, of course).

~:~

P.S.: I almost forgot to tell you about Jane's Second Annual Show Me Your Socks Contest! The deadline is tonight, though. If you have time to photograph your socks, go ahead and enter. It's fun, and there are prizes!

Sweet spot

The sky is so dark and dreary today. Every once in a while the sun tries to break through the clouds, but all it can manage is a pathetic little brightening that lasts for about ten minutes. I can't take a picture of my finished Regia Bamboo socks if there's no light, can I? They're soft and comfy, though. And it's almost cool enough to wear them.

So I'll give you some pictures of my mother's favorite spot, the pond in her "back yard." She says that she loves to go outside in the evenings after dinner to sit for a while, and that it makes her feel very peaceful. I'm so happy that she has this spot of sweetness in her life.

This was a busy week -- the first half was spent wringing my hands over the book review I wrote for this week's Knitter's Review. What a lot of misspent energy! It turned out well and I'm quite proud of it. The second half of the week was work-busy, with the new session of our local Knitting Circle thrown in. It was nice to see everyone after the summer, and as usual our chatter reached dangerous decibel levels! I worked on my first Red Scarf scarf, which I finished that night. I'll take a picture when the sun comes out again (along with the socks).

I spent the morning deciding what to think about. I'm spending the afternoon thinking about doing something productive. Along the way I've knit about three inches on a new sock (the Petals Collection Hyacinth yarn I mentioned yesterday), and it's the perfect knitting for a contemplative day. I don't think there wil be any spinning today -- I'm feeling too much like lounging! Soon, soon...