I remember when hyperlinks became a reality (800 years ago in computer years) and I felt what can only be described as joy! The ability to link from one thing to another non-hierarchically reflected how my mind works so much more than any previous way of organizing information. So here's a post filled with links I've enjoyed recently!
My head is filled with ideas for two new designs, but I need something straightforward to knit at other times of the day. Luckily, a new pattern arrived that satisfies my desires to A) knit garter stitch; B) knit with several colors, but simply; and C) use Jamieson Spindrift yarn, so cuddly in garter! Color Affection by Veera Välimäki, available as a Ravelry download for about $5.25. I'm heading off to choose the 3 colors as soon as I've hit "Post"!
The designer's lovely Finnish name reminds me: I'm going to Scandinavia this June! Gingko, my sister, a friend and I are signed up for a 2-week Rick Steves tour. I cannot tell you how excited I am!
Bless you, YouTube, for introducing me to DJ Dave! First it was the Whole Foods Parking Lot video that made me laugh while I sat in the hospital with my mother last June; the it was You're Not Berkeley Enough, which captures so much of what makes my new hometown so special (and I do drive a Subaru).
And now: Put Your Phone Down. Genius!
Lara Neel of Math 4 Knitters interviewed me for her podcast! To be aired February 20th. I'm nervous about this—I've never been intereviewed before and lord knows what I'll sound like. In December she interviewed Meg Swansen—worth a listen.
Dr. Bréné Brown posted an interview with artist Nicholas Wilton about creativity and vulnerability:
. . . much more of an artist is revealed in their work by the evidence of their difficulty, their mistakes and struggle than their easily repeated successes. The feelings of vulnerability and unsuredness are not particularly pleasant but I have come to accept the fact that they are always present in authentic artistic efforts. They are, for me, indications or small reminders, that alert me to the possibility that I could maybe make something significant, something more meaningful on that particular day.
Brown's blog, books, and TedX talk are a constant source of support for those hoping to live their lives with authenticity.
This heartfelt 6-minute video by Seung Chan is a talk about the meaning of making geared to designers and artists:
... creativity, innovation, and transformation are all side effects of our desires and abilities to empathize and connect.
Lots of thought-provoking stuff on his website.
I have a copy of the Spring 2012 eMag Sockupied (available for PC, Mac or iPad vid iTunes apps in a non-intuitive way). (Strangely, although Interweave has worked hard to create lots of digital content, it is not easy to find these eMags on their website—if anyone is listening, I think you should add information to your magazine pages rather than letting these publications disappear into the store listings. Just my two cents!) I might have to try toe-up construction on my next pair: there's a good article on different cast-ons for this construction, plus a modified short-row heel that looks like it could solve my fit issues.
Anne Merrow, the editor, included two photos of Rachael Herron, Maia Discoe and me holding the Sockupy Oakland sign we had at the original Occupy Oakland encampment. (The pattern for the 99% Hat I'm wearing can be downloaded from the link in the sidebar.) Many knitters had shown up to show that world that clean, employed, sane knitters supported fundamental reforms in our government—we had the joy of teaching several people how to knit that day.
I need to go listen to that podcast. Have you looked at Cat Bodhi's New Pathways socks for insouciant knitters? You knit a foot ball, snip one marked st, put the lifeline sts on the needles, and make an ankle. My socks made is way are AMAZING!
Posted by: Colleen | February 03, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Scandinavia - one of my favorite parts of the world, and I'd go back again in a heartbeat. (I wouldn't see the maritime museums again, but then that's not my particular interest; they're still worth seeing once. Ask me if you need any suggestions on where to head during free time). The Sognefjord cruise is magnificent. Bergen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Reykjavik (you're not going to Iceland this time, I see, but you need to!) are among my favorite cities in the world.
I've always liked Veera Valimaki's designs - I need to see Finland, too!
Posted by: Gretchen | February 04, 2012 at 08:19 AM
Hello,
I read your blog very often, and want to thank you for many useful links and descriptions. As I read about your tour in Scandinavia, I just wanted to say hello and that you may feel free to contact me while you are in Lillehammer - where I live and knit! On ravelry I am "Knitspiration", my blog is not activ at the moment. In Lillehammer I recommend a trip to our beautiful museum "maihaugen" with lots of inspiration (old houses, old craft etc.)
regard from Ingrid
Posted by: Ingrid | February 05, 2012 at 11:15 AM
It has taken me over an hour to "read" your blog tonight. No space here to tell you how fun, informative and enlightening the trip has been. Thanks again for your willingness to share such wonderful stuff from so many arenas.
Posted by: Deb Tanner | February 05, 2012 at 10:36 PM
looking for a simple stockinet stitch shrug no collar for a 7 year old little dancer. It almost looks like a scarf pattern
Posted by: Helen Riberdy | February 14, 2012 at 03:12 AM