Perfect Yarn World

At the MSKR I bought this fabulous little book, "Toys to Knit" by Tracy Chapman (didn't she have an album out a few years ago?). The book is super cute but this post is not a review. Instead, it's about finding the perfect yarn. You all know that buying yarn is easy. You see the skein, the color, its texture and you're racing to the register with your wallet flying open. Then those beautiful skeins sit, taunting you, waiting for the perfect project to come their way. Unfortunately, that perfect project doesn't always come their way and with that we have the basic definition of stash building.
I give you exhibit A, the alpaca I bought at Alpacas of Easton on my trip. It mocks me, it knows I don't know what to do with it so in the storage ottoman it sits getting cozy with the cashmere.

I decided to knit an amazing, little teddy from Ms. Chapman's book. I left nothing to chance.

1. Pick the pattern - check
2. Get the yarn - not specified in the pattern, few options at the LYS
3. Knit it - way-layed by the yarn

Getting the yarn for these kinds of projects is always difficult especially when the pattern doesn't call for a specific yarn (as is the case with Teddy) or worse, that seemingly perfect yarn pictured with the pattern is no longer available. Soemtimes you need to leave things to the experts. I sent a picture of Teddy to my knitting mentor/guru in Los Angeles and asked her to pick the yarn and ship it off to me. Thank you Edith! I couldn't have found better choices! It's New Tweed by Tahki Yarns and a merino, silk, cotton, viscose blend. It's 70% merino and so beautifully soft -- perfect for endless hours of teddy hugging!

The brown tweed is the perfect shade and the pink is absolutely spot on. I just can't get this kind of yarn goodness in Florida. I miss having a yarn store with tons of options and unsurpassed expertise. She even included the embroidery thread! So when in L.A., visit La Knitterie Parisienne, you're sure to find the perfect yarn or at the very least ... something for your stash.

CSM Update: has not arrived yet but we are waiting patiently.

Dave, I didn't know you were a CSM'er as well. This is good, between you and Joe, I've got some serious expertise at my disposal. I'll need help, I'll be in touch with both of you -- you can count on it. I could come to Boston for some instruction and see Mel while I'm there (even though she mocks my turn of the century technology). How's that new IPhone working out kiddo?

Krystal, they're great old machines. If I can ever get it to knit socks, a pair will be made for you, for all of you!

Kyle, so disappointed about Seattle. I checked the airfare costs for New Zealand (that's not gonna happen)! Maybe the Midwest one, if it gets off the ground.

And welcome Christopher, he's from my college town and has the cutest dog!

Should I knit a layette?

Casa Knitguyla has a new addition and I want to introduce everyone to my new baby! I haven't named him yet but he's like Bejamin Button, he's about 100 years old but getting stronger with every day! I finally bit the bullet and bought a circular sock machine or CSM. It's in great working condition (supposedly) and guaranteed (I use that term loosely) to knit and rib! Everything I've read about these machines begins with "be prepared for a steep learning curve". We shall see, so far everyone thinks I'm crazy.

Them: "You're going to buy a machine from 1908 for $1,000+ dollars and it may or may not work."

Me: Yeah, that about sums it up. What? No good?

The nay-sayers won out and back in February with "steep learning curve" warnings everywhere, I decided I shouldn't buy a CSM and a few months went by without incidence. Then I got the urge again and starting asking the experts really pointed questions but again, decided it was too big an investment. I told myself, it's just not something you buy online especially when you've never even seen one in action. "Wait till Rhinebeck" I told myself, they'll be a demo there and every question and concern will be addressed. That was a good plan and I stood behind it for a few more months. Then, last week I gave myself the speech. You know the one, the "this is why I work" speech and started researching with aplomb. It didn't matter that I signed up for another retreat and it didn't matter that I just purchased new living room tables... it didn't matter because "this is why we work", right?

It seems rational, like the cashmere new cotton yarn I just got for $1.98 a skein, yeah, love that $1.98 cotton. Come to think of it, I'm going to need some sock yarn, wait... no... I'm going to need a ton of sock yarn! Where exactly does one buy sock yarn by the ton? stratches chin inquisitively

Oh, and for you CSM'ers out there, it's a Legare 400. A beautifully restored machine that I can't wait to show off to all of you. In the meantime, I'm plugging along on my size 1 needles working my ribbing one row every 10 minutes. LOL. Just think, soon enough (hopefully/fingers crossed) I'll be pumping out whole socks by the hour! How fun is that? I may never leave the house! Yahoooooo!

Craft in America

I don't know how I missed this program a few years back but if you, like me, didn't see it, you should. It's the Peabody award winning mini-series Craft in America. "Craft In America is a groundbreaking, comprehensive visual exploration of the history, vitality, and cultural significance of America's craft movement."



This video is a 9-minute promo for the series and if you didn't see it in its entirety on PBS, this will give you a great overview. For anyone who has ever crafted, in any shape or form, you can't help but be stimulated by the creative endeavors of the artists hightlighted in this program.

First off, I had never heard of the Penland School of Crafts. "Penland is a national center for craft education located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Penland's focus on excellence, its long history, and its inspiring, retreat setting have made it a model of experiential education. The school offers workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing and painting, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, wood, and other media. Penland sponsors artist residencies, a gallery and visitors center, and community education programs."

If you're a weaver, you'll want to check out Penland and their resident artist/class studio/programs. I was a bit disappointed that knitting wasn't represented but weaving was and since I just shared a few emails with my friend Dave today, some slack was given. Dave is a weaver and writes about it on his blog HandweavingToday. He's also an amazing photographer and several of his photos adorn the walls of my home. The work being done at Penland and the individual artists highlighted throughout the program were remarkable and inspiring!

When I dream about my life in rural America (handsome lover included) where I run a rewarding bodywork practice, sheep farm and knitting/CSM studio, these are the people/lives I imagine. If you're laughing while thinking about me on a sheep farm, that's where the handsome lover comes in. In the meantime, buy this CD program from PBS and promptly lend it to me. I only caught a fraction of one of the 3 episodes so I can't wait to find an airing of it in its entirety.

Back from Paradise

Last weekend was spent in Greenwich, NY at Easton Mountain where the 2009 Men's Spring Knitting Retreat was held. Our hosts, Joe and Ted, couldn't have done a better job at organizing the event.

I decided to attend this retreat to restore my desire to knit. My passion for this amazing art was never lost but the desire had waned. As readers of my blog know, I don't post about knitting nearly as much as I should. In California, I knit every day. I think to a certain extent as an escape from my day to day life. I went to Rhinebeck last October hoping to catch the fever but it served as a social outlet and an opportunity to meet Ravelers. Don't get me wrong, I loved it but it was definitely the prelude to the kiss.

In the most simple terms, attending this retreat was awesome. I had few expectations. I was quiet, an observer and learner. And I learned a lot -- to cable, crochet, crochet border, drop-spin and finish. Plus, I visited an alpaca farm and came home with some super stash! Check out the alpaca and the most amazing hand-dyed reds from Briar Rose Farms. Their website is a must see!

What surprised me the most were the men and the comaraderie that prevailed over the entire event -- they were smart, TALENTED, interesting, fun, free spirited and did I say TALENTED. I was amazed by lace, double knitting, intricate sweaters, even crocheted ones and a mathematical marvel that translated into really cool hats!

My afghan square was brought together with the others and will make one unique blanket when its completed. As QueerJoe said in my comments (come on, I had to say it). It's not often that knitting legends comment on blogs like mine. His was the first knitting blog I ever read and I consider it a sublime pleasure to have made his acquaintance. He's an amazing knitter and a great guy. Check out his Niebling lace and drool!

I took a deep breath as I stepped into the car to leave, taking in a sense memory I will look for as the long, hot Summer begins. The only difference is I'll be cranking the central air and letting nothing stand in the way of my knitting pleasure.


This shot of Kyle, Peter & Chuck is from the alpaca farm and was a communal moment as we sat in the grass waiting for the alpacas to introduce themselves.

It was a pleasure meeting all of you and thanks for a great weekend.

I celebrated my 45th birthday since my last post and made a glorious long weekend of it. I dined with the folks, went out with the wild friends and spent a day recuperating on my own. I enjoyed a massage, a swim, some sun and a bit of knitting. I'm not exactly having a mid-life, but instead a bit of a makeover. I give you exhibit A, my new glasses. In addition, I'm sporting contacts for the first time in 2 decades. I love my new glasses but I'm enjoying me sans specs even more! It's remarkably liberating.

The current knitting is for the community afghan project and although I toiled over the gauge, I love the result. The right side is fun and has an interesting movement to it and the wrong side is remarkably all sorts of fun.




Hope you're having a great weekend! J.

Bea always knew how to make us laugh and never seemed to take herself too seriously. It's a loss and an end of an era. God speed Vera Charles, Maude, Dorothy ... Bea, you'll be missed.

A Favor...Bravo Giorgio!

A dear friend of mine has a chance to have his short film shown on Reel 13 on PBS. It's called Bravo Giorgio and it's a lovely piece about a young man, his grandfather and a first haircut. You can see it and vote for it here.

Thats here...

http://www.thirteen.org/sites/reel13/category/vote/

He's in second place right now but I know he can come from behind. Hush your dirty minds. You don't need to register or become a member just hit the link and with one click, you'll have voted.

Thank you, now go vote!

I love stitches! I love stockinette, garter, moss and cable stitches but the 21 stitches I've got sewn into my finger are like an unwelcome guest the morning after too many gin and tonics. The doctor said one more week so there's still little knitting at Casa Knitguyla. I've given up on the television and instead have been surfing the web trying to entertain myself. Praise the Lord for Rav!

You may know but I detest reality shows and really dislike shows that purposefully look to ridicule people's dreams. I came upon this video from the show "Britain's Got Talent", a Simon Cowell creation, seemingly the worst offender! Normally, I would instantly click away after seeing Simon's smug face but something told me otherwise. These kinds of shows should really be about showcasing amazing talent that would otherwise go unnoticed. This piece exemplifies this in every way. I encourage you to go to YouTube to see the whole video there as embedding it here was not permitted. What the judges had to say was remarkably honest and Ms. Boyle's performance in its entirety is Broadway worthy! Cut and paste for the whole piece here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Or watch the abbreviated version here! It'll make ya feel good!

Susan Boyle Sings on Britain's Got Talent 2009 Episode 1 @ Yahoo! Video

Tomorrow I'm finally having my pesky hand surgery with my hottie surgeon guy so typing, thus blogging and knitting will be on hiatus. I'm sure I can get by with some one-handed typing but knitting is definitively out for a week or two.

Maybe I'll organize the stash, patterns and needles.
Maybe I won't and instead just sit around, watch movies and eat bon bons.

Actually, I can't even think about chocolate right now. Tonight, I went to my folks for Palm Sunday dinner and my Mom made all of my favorite things. I'm uncomfortably, Thanksgiving-style stuffed but remarkably content!

I'll leave you with something that can't help but make you smile even in my absence. If someone can find out where this was filmed and why, I'd be most grateful! Consider it a get well gift!

No April Fool's Joke

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

I might be the only person on the planet who hasn't seen this but it's a fight that's not nearly over and worth mentioning at every opportunity. If you're having trouble seeing the full video screen, click on the link just below the video and you'll automatically be directed to the original site.