Two Caps and Another Joke
Cassie's wish is, as usual, my command. Here are the two hats I've designed for my upcoming class on Fair Isle knitting at Madrona Fiber Arts Retreat in Tacoma, Washington (both hats look a little wonky because I stuffed them with plastic bags):
The Cascade Hat colors were inspired by our trip across the mountains last month. Our local mountain range in December generally doesn't have that white-gray look that I imagine the Rockies have; it's more a brown-gray, with hints of red (red willow stems), brown, dark green, and lots of yellow, with a light overlay of snow. The patterns are from Traditional Fair Isle Knitting by Sheila McGregor. I wanted to make something that was more along the lines of a traditional hat.
The Raven Hat design was inspired by a tapestry of a raven--the pattern is Willow Branch from Anatolian Knitting Desgins (like I said before, get this before it's gone and the prices climb on eBay).
I'm so looking forward to teaching this class--I'm afraid that I have enough material to fill a one-week long workshop, rather than the 6 hours I've got. But I think I'll bring along a whip and a whistle to keep everyone in line and we'll just zoom through it all!
Gingko turned 18 last weekend! It is amazing to me, absolutely amazing. She's a wonderful daughter, all told, and is approaching the challenges of adulthood with increasing confidence. Today at lunch I sat next to a man and his daughter--she looked to be about 8 years old and was clearly blind and deaf and perhaps suffering from some mental deficits. He was so sweet with her and introduced her to the foods on her plate and calmed her down from time to time with a soft but firm hand on the shoulder. She was dressed up--maybe this was their special weekly treat, I don't know. But seeing them reminded me of my good fortune.
To celebrate Gingko's birthday, my sister Tori came to spend the weekend. We indulged in a The Office marathon (my absolute favorite show! do not bother to call me on Thursday nights....) while we wrapped Gingko in duct tape to make a personalized dress form. I had gone out to do some errands while they stuffed the form; when I returned, I was startled to open the bathroom door and find SOMEONE lurking there!
Those are gorgeous hats. Although the colours of hte second one are more me, I am fascinated by the little white trees on the top of the other one. Will you publish the patterns for those of us not going to the retreat?
Posted by: JoVE | January 18, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Fabulous hats! You will be a great teacher. I always value your knitting (and other) advice.
Congratulations to Ginko and you you and acorn man (I have forgotten his blog name) on raising a fine young woman.
Posted by: Maia | January 18, 2007 at 08:32 PM
Great hats. I wish I could take your class. What a great party...duct tape and the office and the "girls".
Posted by: Barb | January 18, 2007 at 10:55 PM
As one of the VERY fortunate ones to have a spot in this class, I must tell you I am looking forward to it very much. However, the "whip and whistle" made me gasp. I promise to keep up to the best of my ability, teach!!!!! MaryB
Posted by: MaryB | January 19, 2007 at 02:14 PM
Happy birthday to Gingko. LOVE the Raven Hat.
Posted by: Linda | January 20, 2007 at 05:23 AM
tell g. happy birthday for me!
and could you please send me your address? it's almost time for valentines....
Posted by: erika | January 21, 2007 at 07:59 AM
I'm really looking forward to this class! I know I'll learn alot.
Posted by: Gail | January 21, 2007 at 09:54 AM
happy birthday ginko!
see you soon janine :-)
Posted by: vanessa | January 21, 2007 at 08:45 PM
As usual, here I am a day late. I love the hats, especially the Raven hat (and yay! I have the book already) but ... what yarn did you use for it? Will you publish the patterns after the class? I for one would love to have the second one. You know, so I don't have to figure it out on my own. (And while you're at it, can you knit it for me too? - just kidding.)
Posted by: Cassie | January 23, 2007 at 09:15 AM
I love the hats (especially the first)... I am not going to be able to take your class (I live in Boston)... I have the fair isle book you mentioned... could you tell me how many stitches (or # of repeats?)you cast on? I have some wool that would really be perfect for that hat!
:) Kate
Posted by: Kate | January 26, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Just back from Tacoma and heard rave reviews about your class. Would you email me about possibly teaching in Denver..jppearce1@msn.com
Judy Pearce
Posted by: Judy P | January 29, 2007 at 09:13 AM