Feral Knitter

The Road to Hell...

is paved with good intentions.

So many people wrote to ask for more details about the fabulous book I posted about in the last entry--Knitting Patterns Book 250--that I decided to get more information and answer in a follow-up post. Yeah. Sorry. Here's what I can tell you for sure:

• ISBN4-529-04176-X
• Paperback 127 pages
• 250 charted knitting patterns: 206 cable or cable+yarnover patterns--some of these are actually two or three patterns in one; 29 hems or edgings; 15 panels incorporating several patterns; photos of 6 sweaters that incorporate the patterns (but no directions for the sweaters themselves)
• An excellent visual representation of how to knit the charted symbols

I purchased my copy for $33.60 at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Seattle. There were several copies at that location when I found mine last weekend.

For those interested in Japanese craft books, check out this drool-inducing site: Crafting Japanese. As you look through the site, you will find instructions for ordering from Amazon Japan as well as links to other sellers of knitting books in Japanese. While clicking on links of related books I discovered several more stitch pattern dictionaries: Knitting Patterns Book 1000, 100, 300, 200, along with crochet pattern books.

No, I did NOT pull out my credit card!

Yet.

Wish You Had Been There

John came up to spend a long weekend with us, and his arrival coincided with a string of beautiful days. We drove north to the town of Bellingham, not far from the Canadian border, past the fields of tulips in the Skagit Valley and catching glimpses of the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains as we went. We were scouting out Western Washington University with Gingko--parents of teenagers well know this type of trip! A lovely campus, but unfortunately not the school for Gingko. I was sorry to hear it, because I found a wonderful fiber shop and equally enjoyable shop owner, NW Handspun Yarns, in town as well as a great bookstore and cafe with THE BEST chocolate cake. What more could a person want?

Well, a person might want this incredible stitch pattern book from Japan:

I've never seen such an inspirational set of patterns--lots and lots of cable-plus-yarnover designs, which could make a light and feminine garment. I think my fledgling Krystyna out of Euroflax linen will be frogged to make something new. Some of the patterns are shown in several different configurations, such as this pair:

And a person might want a nap:

But I've just taken John to the airport, and Gingko and I will settle down to a life without last-minute forays to Top Pot Doughnuts and Dick's Drive In (perhaps this explains the picture above).... until the next visit.

(Upon re-reading this, I can see that my focus is clearly on food, and not on the food Weight Watchers really encourages me to have. Don't worry, although I indulged a bit, I did not fall into the old pattern of eating the entire cake or entire box of doughnuts. I've learned a lot in the last 5 weeks--and I feel darned good about myself!)

What Makes a Feral Knitter Happy

1. Colors!

I received a set of the complete range of Jamieson & Smith shetland jumperweight yarns this week! One of the women on a chat list I participate in prepared the sets by winding the yarn onto plastic bobbins--this is a great way to organize the yarns. (In fact, I might just rewind all my other yarn samples into this format.) I'm having more fun arranging and rearranging the colors in different relationships.

On the table you also see a copy of Intertidal Wilderness--I was so inspired by the Monterey Bay Aquarium that I'm plotting a tide-pool inspired Bohus-type yoke sweater. This book has lovely photographs.

The woman who prepared the sample sets might possibly be interested in selling sets of J&S or Jamieson's yarns--write me if you are interested.

2. A meeting of The Feral Knitters!

Last Monday some 16 people gathered for the twice-monthly meeting of the Feral Knitters. I love this group! It is so important to have a community of people who support your knitting adventures. I founded the Feral Knitters about 3 years ago--Karen took over the administrative reins when I moved to California; the group continues to grow. At the beginning we pretty much focused on color work, but now a check around the table shows complex lace and cable work as well. And sometimes spinners show up an hour early with wheels or spindles to compare fiber notes. Over the past year, the group has set up some small challenges. Here's a glove that master colorist June is working on for a Feral Knitters' challenge (pattern is a free download from Interweave Press):

Not everyone has the luxury of a group that can meet in person this way, but if you live in a populated area it's not impossible to get one started. Let me tell you how the Feral Knitters began and what I think has contributed to its longevity. I had joined the Seattle Knitter's Guild in 2000 or so--this is a very large, active guild with lots of educational opportunities. I soon began exploring Fair Isle-style knitting and I longed for the kind of feedback and encouragement that a group of similarly obsessed people could offer. I put a little "ad" in the Guild's newsletter each month for a few months asking if anyone would be interested in such a group. Eventually about 8 people came to the first meeting at my house--we planned to knit a vest from the same pattern (Crofter's Vest inf Folk Vests by Cheryl Oberle) with colors we chose ourselves. I threw my yarn on the floor and we gathered around to choose colors.

For many reasons (sloth perhaps the foremost), only one person completed her vest--and it wasn't me! But it was enough to get us started. My house was very small, so I had scouted out a neutral place where we could meet. My criteria were the place had to be easily accessible, public (so the group would not rely on the availability of any one person), flexible (we didn't know how many people would show up at any given time), reliable (every 1st and 3rd Monday), and preferably food and drink would be available but not a prerequisite for attendance (some people can't afford a meal out so frequently). We are fortunate that the Commons at Third Place Books just north of Seattle meets the bill, although from time to time some oddly loud magician's routine detracts from the experience!

The group grew slowly--most of the original participants dropped out but by then word of mouth and regular notices in our Guild newsletter helped attendance grow. I gave a mini-lesson on Fair Isle knitting at a Guild meeting, which resulted in a batch of new recruits. I knew that you need to meet regularly over a long period before a group really gets established--I would say you need about a year. When people say they tried to get a Guild going in their area but gave up when it didn't work out, they usually gave it only 6 months or so, not quite long enough. 

It's hard to be feral in a vacuum, so I'm grateful for this group of fun, knowledgable, supportive knitters!

3. The Art of Possibility

This book, by Rosamond Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, is so fantastic I hardly know where to start! I'll quote from S. Ketchum's Amazon review:

The lure of this book's promise starts with the assumption in its title. Possibility--that big, all-encompassing, wide-open-door concept--is an art? Well, who doesn't want to be a skilled artist, whether in the director's chair, the boardroom, on the factory floor, or even just in dealing with life's everyday situations? Becoming an artist, however, requires discipline, and what the authors of The Art of Possibility offer is a set of practices designed to "initiate a new approach to current conditions, based on uncommon assumptions about the nature of the world."

If that sounds a little too airy-fairy for you, don't be put off; this is no mere self-improvement book, with a wimpy mandate to transform its readers into "nicer" people. Instead, it's a collection of illustrations and advice that suggests a way to change your entire outlook on life and, in the process, open up a new realm of possibility.

I saw this book on the shelf of a bookstore in Santa Cruz--I was drawn to it, took it up, put it down, wandered away, came back.... I finally said to John "I seem to have to buy this book!" He looked at it and said, "You know, I heard a talk by this guy at a leadership conference for work. He was really good!" And then I remembered John raving about this talk a year or so ago--and then I remembered that O Magazine had printed a quote from it that I'd hung over my desk. I guess I just need a lot of hints. The Art of Possibility is sometimes located in the business section of the bookstore, so it's not necessarily where you'd stumble across it. Three thumbs up!

Twizzlicious!

Details:
Cable pattern: Alice Starmore Little Rivers, from Stillwater (oop)
Basic sweater concept: Meg Swansen Wool Gathering #63 Saddle-Shoulder Aran Cardigan
Yarn: Briggs & Little "Canadian Regal" from Schoolhouse Press; 100% wool, worsted weight
Size: 1X  I used 7-8 skeins of yarn (I lost track)

I am exceedingly happy with the set-in sleeve shaping--the sweater sits very nicely on my shoulders even when unbuttoned. Another plus to set-in shaping is that the back of the sweater doesn't fly up (the way drop-sleeves drag down the shoulder line intensifies that sense of the back of the sweater creeping upwards). I also love the yarn and plan to knit more garments out of it. (The newest Wool Gathering has a charming color pattern sweater knit in Canadian Regal that has captured my attention.) In the "what would I do differently next time" analysis, I tripped up a bit on the sleeve cap decreases because the large size of the sweater throws off the percentage calculations. There's a bit too much sleeve.

Last Friday I got to attend a lecture by Catherine Lowe of The Couture Knitting Workshop. Long-time readers of Interweave Knits and Vogue Knitting will recognize her name. Catherine specializes in the little details of construction and fit that set "handmade" apart from You Knit What??  Catherine's website is under construction, but you can write find contact information there--contact her to get a brochure listing her workshops and kits. Her background as a college professor is apparent in the two monographs she has written as the first volumes of her journal "The Ravel'd Sleeve." I was really impressed by her construction methods--although my goal as a Feral Knitter is to encourage freedom and experimentation, I also aim for fine finishing and fitting techniques. Catherine showed us several of her garments--her shawl design that was published in Scarf Style was a surprise. I'd passed by that design in the book because it looked rather heavy as photographed--far from it: the shawl has a lovely drape and weight, very usable in the way that it sits dociley on the shoulders. Add it to the ever-growing list of intentions. Catherine taught some intensive workshops in Seattle last weekend, which I wasn't able to attend--however, Karen has posted lots of details.

My sister Tori came out to visit last weekend. She lives on the dry side of the mountains, so we don't get to hang out all that often--every visit is an event. We spent many hours at the Best of the Northwest Craft Fair. I get so jazzed seeing what people create! The scarf I'm wearing in the Twizzle photos came from the fair.

Registration for the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat (SOAR) is open now. I can't speak too highly of my experience at the SOAR Retreat last year--this year I plan to attend a workshop and the retreat. SOAR will be held at Lake Tahoe this year at the very end of October. Many wonderful classes are being offered--I'm torn between Jeannine Bakriges silk class, Deb Menz' synthetic dyeing, Sara Lamb's cut silk pile weaving, Nancy Bush & Judith Mackenzie McCuin on handcoverings. I keep reading and re-reading the brochure hoping to feel a certain frisson that will guide me.

I have not forgotten my promise to pay attention to my health! After 4 weeks of being more attentive to my food choices, I've lost 11 pounds. And yes--I began deep water aerobics this week like I said I would. Thanks for keeping me on track.

Mossy Cottage News

Ryan is having technical difficulties and cannot post right now--don't worry, she is fine!

The Dark Side of Knitting Revealed

Outlook Guarded for Demented Knitting Olympian

[Dateline: Seattle April 10]

Surprising and disturbing aspects of the Knitting Olympics were brought to light over the weekend when a crazed and disoriented Knitting Olympian burst into a private gathering in Seattle, apparently mistaking it for the finish line. The knitter, whose identity at first was not known, shouted, "Twizzle is done! The damned sweater is done!!!! Where's my gold medal?"

She then collapsed in a heap on the floor.

Even Frankie the rescue dog, here shown with head lowered in sadness, could not revive her.

At first, horrified onlookers could only gasp in confusion.

Luckily, the reclusive homeowner known as TMK (The Mysterious K, she explained) had a camera in hand to record the astounding series of events.

The knitter was quickly revived by the offer of a plate of brownies. She identified herself as the Feral Knitter. Her story was somewhat confused and, to many, unbelievable, but investigators have been able to verify many points of the convoluted tale. In February, caught up in the worldwide Knitting Olympics hysteria, Feral Knitter decided to knit a self-designed complex Aran sweater in a very large size. In a sad commentary on the lack of social concern in modern Western society, no one attempted to stop her despite what was quite obviously a crazy and self-destructive goal. She cast on when the Olympics flame was lit on February 10, urged on by other similarly delusional participants in a gathering with ritualistic overtones at the home of a well-known yarn shop manager, Nathania. (These gatherings are quite common among knitters, although the world at large remains ignorant of their existence. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on their investigations of these groups.)

Feral Knitter then set aside all other knitting in a single-minded yet ultimately doomed attempt to finish the garment before the flame was extinguished on February 26th. She lost interest in all normal concerns and soon lost contact with reality itself. The only thing keeping her grounded to human interaction was the repeated playing of Gilmore Girls and Lord of the Rings DVDs. Upon finishing the sweater on April 8th, it seems that she wandered aimlessly for hours looking for the Olympics arena so she could claim her medal. She saw someone with a knitting bag enter the neat home in north Seattle, so she used the last of her strength to open the door.

Knitting Olympics officials in Toronto did not comment, but those close to the competition were not surprised at the recent developments. "Many knitters are deranged," noted one, on condition that we not report his identity for fear that his wife would stab him with her #1 straight metal needle while he was sleeping. "They lose track of time, eat too much sugar, become monomaniacal, in fact. And they only get scarier when they run in packs."

"People think of knitters as sweet little grannies, but nothing could be further from the truth," said another person closely connected to the games.

Feral Knitter's husband John, when contacted by reporters, was only mildly surprised at the turn the story has taken. "Oh, yes. I kind of thought she was going over the deep end, but I knew that if I just OK'd all the credit card receipts she wouldn't attack me. There's a very dark side to knitting, you know."

Noted psychiatrist Snorri Culversdottir pointed out that,"They [knitters] lose all sense of reality. Have you noticed how much yarn they think they need to buy? It's a sickness." Dr. Culversdottir noted that early clinical trials are showing promise. "We can arrest the disease, but we have never yet successfully erradicated it. If you or someone you love is addicted to knitting you must remove all fiber stimulants from the addict's environment. We've found this difficult, as knitters are particularly adept at hiding yarn in 'stashes' that can be nearly impossible to locate. Knitters become nearly rabid when others approach these 'stashes.'"

The Yarn Harlot, founder of the Knitting Olympics, was unavailable for comment. It is rumored that she has gone to a 28-day residential recovery facility, although publicists claim that she is on a publicity tour for her third book. ("Three books in one year? You see how crazy they get? This just proves my thesis," said Dr. Culversdottir.)

The prognosis for Feral Knitter does not look good. She remains in denial and she is unwilling to change her social groups. In fact, this reporter witnessed one knitter. Rachael, handing Feral Knitter some yarn and needles soon after Feral regained consciousness because, "she looked a little lost without something to do with her hands." Those who work with knitters say that recovery is nearly impossible under these conditions, although all we interviewed agree that Twizzle is lovely.

Twizzle Sneak Peek

Missing Photos Located!

I hesitate to tell you where I found the missing camera.

OK, we have few secrets: it was in the box on the floor of the closet that I use to hold my clean underwear (because these are temporary digs, I've been doing without a chest of drawers). Why was it there? Do you think I know? I don't drink, so I can't even offer a blackout as an excuse. Just another mystery (like the time I put the hot coffee pot into the fridge and the cream onto the coffee warmer pad....).

So, photos:

Erika's Baby Shower

Erika with the baby sweater--did I mention that I had to wrap it up unfinished, with the knitting needle still attached? I told her to open it first so that I'd be able to finish it while she ohed and ahed over the other presents. Sweet capable gal that she is, she even sewed the buttons on herself.

Rachael and Lala's Wedding

My battery must be getting a little low, because there is a long gap between when I press the button and when the picture actually snaps. My wedding photos were pretty much like the one above.

Here's one John took of me and Rachael:

Here are Nathania & Kevin (the only publishable picture I took):

Other trip photos

Last week we visited the de Young Museum in San Francisco (fabulous exhibit on William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement). Here's Gingko feeding the penguins:

And the view from the de Young Tower, one of my favorite spaces in San Francisco:

Monterey

Finally, no good pictures from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but I really loved this little and unexpected walkway with three preserved shacks that once housed the people who worked on Cannery Row.

I Bet You Missed Me

I hope I didn't set off your fears of abandonment. Or strange subterranean worries that I had met with another personal disaster. Perhaps slipped into the Pacific Ocean.

Nope. Life has just been very busy--happily so, but busy nonetheless, and when life slips into high gear I have to prioritize. Not that I don't love you, but frankly family, work, non-virtual friends, and spiritual life come first. Or at least they make more noise.

So, let's get caught up. I'll start with Rachael and Lala's wedding, an absolutely lovely boot-stomping evening. Rachael looked lovely in her close-fitting beaded dress, and Lala's Western jacket was a perfect complement. They both looked very very happy. Cameras were flashing throughout the ceremony ("Damn paparazzi," Lala was heard to comment as she waited for Rachael to come down the aisle), and the woman who led the ceremony spoke eloquently about love and community and relationship. I will admit that a few soggy tissues were clutched in my fist by the end.

[Double-dog damn!!! I cannot find my camera anywhere... photos will have to wait, but Celia and Nathania already have some good ones up--there were a dozen bloggers there, so you can count on coverage.]

Ryan and The Mysterious K flew down from Seattle to attend--John enjoyed comparing notes on life as blog fodder with TMK. I felt grateful when I looked over the crowd to spy so many people I have come to know in my time in California--although it has seemed at times lonely and disorienting to move to a new state, I am glad that I have had the opportunity to make new friends.

The reception featured the lively music of the Shut-Ins (described as "a wacky blend of bluegrass, country and little bit of Hawaiian wrapped up with tight harmonies" on the California Bluegrass Association web site), and it was nearly impossible to keep seated. The crowd was as colorful as you would imagine the wedding couple's friends would be.

But I will let Rachael and Lala tell their own story. I wish them happiness, and the opportunity to wed legally in their own country! I've seen a lot of changes over the years and I remain hopeful. The crowd of well-wishers who surrounded them Saturday night augur well for the future of humanity, and I am honored that Rachael and Lala included us on their special day.

While in California, I also got to attend a baby shower for Erika. Again, I felt the comfort of people gathering to celebrate the joyous events of life, knowing that they will also be there for the inevitable times of pain and need. The occasion called for Koigu, of course, so I spent the week knitting a baby sweater, ripping, and knitting another one. I hope the baby stays small for a while, that's all I can say--or that it is a girl who can use the sweater as a doll outfit later on.

John, Gingko and I took a mini-vacation to Monterey during the week. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute gem and worth the trip. My favorite? The otters! no wait, the jellies! no, the penguins! the kelp! Check out the penguin cam and the otter video. We spent hours wandering the exhibits and staring out into Monterey Bay. (Otherwise, the Cannery Row area is an odd combination of tourism and sentimentalism, appropriating John Steinbeck's name to hawk jewelry and coffee--we enjoyed the historic downtown area much more than the waterfront. Good food at Rosine's, where the desserts proved to be more tempting than the concerns over Weight Watchers weigh-ins, and the Old Monterey Cafe, if you are ever in the area.) But if you clicked the link at the start of this post you will be aware that the Bay Area rains are biblical--a few cloud breaks now and then allowed us to enjoy the coastal scenery, but for the most part the wipers were swishing back and forth without a break. We made it to San Francisco on Hwy 1 before it was closed--but we could see small landslides here and there where the soggy soggy ground was beginning to give way.

Tomorrow I hope to show you some completed knitting! If I find the friggin' camera.