Anticipation, is makin’ me wait….But, the wait was great! The Yarn Harlot arrives and Doula’s the arrival of an impromptu knit circle!

(Wins a “bloggy” for longest title, evah!) Yesterday was a day off and a day, out. My SIL and I went to the Ann Arbor Library to see Stephanie Pearl McPhee- The Yarn Harlot. I went over the summer- (Aug I think) and it had been packed- they had to hook up a video feed to another room. I wanted to arrive early to make sure were “in the main room.”

Boy, we were early. Arrived around 1. Event was scheduled for 2. Early- as opposed to my typical tardiness- I should have known there’d be “issues.” Knitters were everywhere. Yarn was flying- the hand-dyed yarn fumes were intoxicating. It must have been medicating as well- because barely a knitter batted an eye when told the poor “Harlot” had been delayed. A fog had rolled in and her flight turned back- to Chicago. We’d have to wait.

Out came the knitting and around turned the chairs. The knitting community, communed.

A Knitting circle of rather eclectic make-up, was born. I’ve never been to a knitting group- but I’d like to go now! It was great! I met: Dana, Beth, (Whom we could not allow to walk to her car in the rain…and tolerated my dirty car- graciously) Kim ,Khadijah…and a bunch of others!

We sat- we chat and we knit. New skills were acquired- socks on 2 circs demonstrated. FO’s were petted and fawned over. (Some, while still on the wearer- including my blue “Central Park Hoodie”) Yarns were fondled, some were openly coveted. I tried to slip Kat’s in progress- hot-pink “Simple Knitted bodice” into my bag–until other knitters, kindly intervened. (Sorry for trying to steal- I’m not usually a stealer- but it WAS my size- AND PINK)

I “Cast-Off” my black “Something Red Sweater” while we waited. It didn’t take much cajoling to get me to try it on. To my surprise- and delight- I (my knit) was literally cheered for;)

I highly recommend casting off at a “Cast Off” event- or Knitting Circle- completed knitting- met with cheers is all the cozier and lovelier! (Will post more pics after it’s ends are woven and it’s blocked;)

And the Harlot- arrived- running in like a blur. We were just glad she’d made it. Her talk was delightful and insightful. She’s a class act. Her authenticity, humility, energy and humor are infectious.

We didn’t wait while the ever gracious, Harlot signed loads of books. We were starving- for food and yarn. We went to the closest knit shop- Busy Hands. A great little shop! I picked up a fused glass button for my new sweater. Some Malabrigo Laceweight and some of the new Soft Sea Wool by Reynolds. Then we went to dinner! (During the course of the day, We covered all the comfort bases- people- knitting, shopping and Cracker Barrel.)

(Normally I’d apologize for a blurry pic- but with the day The Harlot had, had- it’s entierly possible that she was actually blurry- not the camera;)

In other news- my Sp 10 has already sent me a package! If I’m quick I should be able to use a new felted Easter Basket this year! THNX SP10! I love it!

Michigan Knitters- You’re GREAT!

 

Nashua Handknits- Baby’s First Aran, Oh my word- I’m in love!

Dearest friends, visitors and loved ones:

I have a confession. I am yet again- in love. No worries about my marriage I’m not talking adultery- I’m talking, knitting….. Baby Aran Knitting!

After weeks of searching for the perfect pattern, for some very special friends new baby- I finally found one! It’s from Nashua Handknits “Bloom” Booklet. It’s called “Baby’s First Aran” (Click to see the booklet and where it can be purchased.)The booklet has a number of projects I’ll be making- it has great, beautiful, wearable baby goodies!

I’m knitting it in the softest, machine washable wool- in the babiest blue, of course. I’m using my Lantern Moon Ebony US #8’s I’m knitting the 6 month size. I wasn’t sure whether I could manage the pattern, there are a 3 different cable patterns in a 24 row repeat. But dog-gone it—- I can! ;) (Chants: “I think I can, I think I can “ chugging like the little train that could, through her pattern repeats;)

I can’t wait to finish it and send it to a sweet little “Irish” guy- whose mommy and daddy are awesome.

Next up in knitting news- I’m finishing up “Something Red” in black, of course! The pattern is available at Knit N Tonic as a download- in the left- hand sidebar. I have to re-knit the button band— I ignored the pattern and just picked up by “eyeball” that was lame- ended up puckering like a Sharpei. Will re-knit- finish and block tonight- If I can pull myself away from the adorable, addictive baby cables…….

I’m thinking about wearing it to the Ann Arbor Library, Sunday, when I go to see The Yarn Harlot. I’m torn between wearing this- my CPH (blue cabled hoodie) or a piece of lace……..(as if it matters- but I don’t get to meet- see hang with other knitter often- so this is a big knitting day out for me!)

PS- the pox that has been upon us ( in the form of strep) is abating. We’re still pushing ibuprophen and antibiotics….. but are down to runny noses and crankiness- (Crankiness is mostly mine) PS- sick kids = a lot of knitting time.