Squawks! Fawkes!!

Finally, finally, I found the right fiber to use to knitting the Fawkes socks. I've been hunting for the right fiber for a couple of months and there it was - almost handed to me.

I was reading the Yarn Harlot's blog the other day when she was chatting about knitting (of course!) and making socks. Well, she was really chatting about her book deadline but she was using the sock knitting to soothe her stress. She had an amazing photo of her version of Cookie A's Monkey socks from Knitty. The pattern is lovely but isn't one I want to do right now. What I want to do is those Fawkes socks from Momma-Monkey (is there a primate theme here?). I've been eyeing that pattern since July when it was published.

Hopefully, it is obvious to all Harry Potter fans that the Fawkes pattern is in honor of Headmaster Dumbledore's pet phoenix. I knew, from first seeing it, that I wanted to do the pattern is a mix of twilight sky colors. I envisioned a combination of that orangey-peachy-yellowy, persimmonny-pink, red that is part of the early night sky. You know the shades, they come on a clear night right before the cornflower and midnight blues take over. Well, it's good to know what you want but finding it is tough - especially when I had such a specific image in mind. I did come across some roving of the right colors and thought I could spin what I wanted. Then, sanity reigned and reminded me that spinning was good but I don't, yet, have that kind of control over my spinning to get the colorway I wanted. There was a greater chance that I'd end up with a yarn that looked like a squished tomato rather than the fabulous combination worthy of Dumbledore's phoenix. Sigh . . .

The search continued until I read the Harlot's blog posting yesterday. As usual, she linked to the pattern and to the fiber source. I held my breath as I clicked the link for the fiber and it took me to Knittlestick's site. I found the fiber; it is the "Sailor's Delight" colorway. See, it is even named after that twilight sky color combination. "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning, red sky at night, sailor's delight." My fingers were crossed when I clicked to see if there was any left. Aha!!! There was a single skein left; my heart skipped a beat.

Okay, okay - yes, I am on a yarn diet. Yes, I'd vowed to knit up some stash before buying more; but, but, but, it was the right colorway! And, and, and, there was only one! And, it had the right name. Can't you see the stars aligning for these socks?!? Okay - yes, I've got other things to knit and yes, time is at a premium - but, they will be beautiful socks!!!

So, there it is. I rationalized (being the Queen of Rationalization!) I bought the skein. Yes, I did. I admit it, I am Dianne and I am a fiber-holic!

All that being said, I also admit to a certain amount of satisfaction and a bit of chagrin (only a bit) when I read the comments on the Harlot's blog today. I was scanning them and saw someone's comment about the yarn. The commenter mentioned that the colorway was no longer available. It was me! I bought it! (I hang my head in shame while I smirk smugly!!!)

Stitch 'N Pitch

Well, it is about time that I wrote about this wonderful experience. On 9/9/07, the Detroit Tigers hosted what I think was their first Stitch 'n Pitch event. This event is sponsored by The National NeedleArts Association and was open to whomever wanted to attend. This 'movement' was started 4 years ago in Seattle. Seems that some crafty women in the Mariner's front office suggested marketing to knitters and crocheters as a way of getting folks into the ball park. Since then, it has spread to 25 of the 32 MLB teams (I may have the numbers a bit wrong).

The organization for the event was amazing. The local yarn and craft stores sold tickets for specific sections in the ballpark. We also received coupons for a gift bag with wonderful goodies donated by the local and some national vendors. The bag I received (perfect for toting more knitting) had several pairs of knitting needles, some patterns, some yarn samples, a scarf kit, a magazine or two and some coupons. During the event, you could hear some exclaiming about the contents of the bags while other people were bartering and trading for needles and yarns -as if they were trading cards! The goodies were nice enough that a person could start a project while at the park - just in case they'd forgotten their knitting (as if!). It was grand!!

I have no idea how many fiber artists, friends and family were there but it was easily 500 or more. There were knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers, from what I could see. Some folks had big, chunky work and others had very fine work. There were non-knitters/crafters and those just learning. You could tell who the more experienced were because they'd be huddled over someone elses work offering advice or oohing and aahing over the effort.

Every now and again, you'd hear the shout 'show me your bag' or 'that's a great sweater'. You just knew that someone's needlework was being admired.

Afterwards, Miss Alabama, Miss Missouri and I spoke of this event. They are absolute baseball fans. Me, not so much; well, I wasn't until that day. Anyway, we are talking about doing a round of SnPs next year. We could see the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers play. For Alabama, I am not sure which MLB team we could see - but, heck, I am game to travel to a third.

I started a sock that day and am almost finished with it (see the photo above, same photo as 9/19). This is the 2nd sock in the pair, woohoo! Now, I think I have sock knitting down and can start doing it for other people.

I'd bet that the food vendors found their sales skewed a bit that day. After all, one can sip on a soda or eat a wrapped hot dog but don't get the cotton candy near the fuzzy yarn!

Seems that the Detroit Tigers have another fan and I've found another excuse to knit in public.
Life is good!!

Second Harvest

Well, today we celebrated the Autumnal Equinox. Our group gathered, celebrated and enjoyed the day recounting the gifts we've received this year. We talked of family, friends, spirituality, joy, health and so much more.

We also celebrated Bill the Obscure's birthday. He turned 50 and there was much celebration.

In addition to realizing what amazing friends and family I have, I've also been pondering the abundance in my fiber life. I've been, albeit slowly, loading books, fiber and projects into Ravelry. Last night, I saw that I've got over 40 books in my fibery library. These are the knitting books - there aren't any listings there for spinning, weaving or general fibery goodness! That's abundance! I sat back to examine this a bit and realized that i"ve been doing a bit of what I used to do when I was in law school. Then (and now) when I didn't have the time or energy to delve into a fiber project, I would buy something to help satisfy the need for creative flow. Sure, it didn't fill it completely but it helped. When in school, I'd surround myself with yarn or fabric and just feel the textures and take in the color. Now, I do a little of that, but I read about it more. I want to put a moratorium on books but I am not sure that will work. There are some wonderful books out there that I want for my library. Maybe I'll cull the collection and get rid of some of the books I do have. This will take a bit more pondering.

Here is a good example of knitted abundance. I made these cupcakes from the One Skein book. These were for when Miss Alabama, Miss Missouri and I met to have a stitch weekend. We were celebrating my birthday and none of us wanted cake so we had 'cupcakes' instead. I packaged them in mini-cake boxes - just for the fun of it. The photo reminds me about how good life really is and what amazing family and friends are in my life. Thanks!!

Time Flies!

I cannot quite believe it has been 2 weeks since the last post. It doesn't seem as if I've been doing very much - but, in retrospect, I have. I had to travel to Atlanta for work last week. Yep, that's right - I flew on 9/11. The airports were sure quiet. Our flight, on the other had, had a bit of excitement. Seems that some young men decided to be foolish and make jokes about bombs. Well, no one else found it funny and they were escorted from the flight (before we took off, fortunately) by state troopers. Sigh!

Anyway, while in Atlanta for work, I found Knitch. It is a lovely yarn and fiber shop not far from downtown. It took me less than 10 minutes from the Olympic Park area. The staff was helpful, the shop was lovely and they'd just opened a new dye kitchen that made me envious. I ended up buying a new spindle and some lovely merino silk blend for spinning. I also found out that the Yarn Harlot will be there this week (tonight, I think). I was a week too early!!! Sigh (again!)

The other thing that has been filling my time is Ravelry. I GOT MY INVITATION!! It came while I was out of town. I've spent a few hours here and there on it just exploring. What a gift this is!!! I am still trying to maneuver my way around (I am fatesthread on Ravelry) but am having loads of fun. These folks are amazing - the ones who thought it up and have exected it. I've got some techno challenges, as usual. I am 'graphically challenged' but it'll work out, I am sure.

On my needles: I am working on a 2nd sock of On-Line Superwash Sock yarn in bright colors; that's them above. I got to go to the Detroit Tigers Stitch 'n Pitch and started it there. I worked on it while traveling and am 2/3 of the way finished. I am already thinking of the next project so I must be close (at least psychologically) to finishing this one. I'll write more about the ball game another time.

Now, to bed to nurse this migraine.

So, I hope I am over the creative hump. I've reached out and purchased, I've started and restarted projects and I've talked to folks who I trust and respect and I think I've got a handle on this slump (or hump, or rut, or whatever).

I learned I am not alone in this. You can find blog entries, book chapters and conversations about writer's block and knitters block and all such. I just read an entry in "Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off" in which she mentions many UFOs.

At my LYS (Ewe-Nique Knits in Royal Oak), I spoke with one of the owners and she mentioned how changing techiniques would help her get past a block.

So, I found yarn and fiber on-line. I made my first Lime and Violet order. Also, I found some lovely sock yarn at Yarn Lust's site (she sent candy with the yarn so Yorble was happy). I ordered some new needles, bare wool and dye for here and to finish it off, I went, as mentioned to my local yarn store. At my LYS, I spoke with Marilyn, one of the owners. She helped me find a book I was looking for and let me vent for a bit. All of that seemed to do it. I felt as if I'd passed the test - I was ready to move on.

So, I (of course) cast on another project. This time it is a simple childs cap. It is Debby Ware's Gumdrop Cap. So, I am all set - now, to knit!!