Is there a memory you go to in your mind as a happy place?
Is there one particular happy place location in the world you can’t wait to return to (once you are able to)?
What are your happy place hobbies/interests that help you escape the outside world?
1. My most happiest place is in my comfy chair in front of a fire knitting. I’ve cast on my Turtledove! My second most happiest place is probably my front porch.
Two of my babies at my grandparents’ farm many years ago. I love this photo.
2. Sometimes when I need to go to a happy place in my mind, I imagine I’m at my grandparents’ farm.
Iona, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
3. I’m not sure if there is one particular happy location in the world for me I can’t wait to return to. My grandparents’ farm isn’t the same without them there. Maybe Nova Scotia, but I’ve only been there once. We’ll have to try that again and see.
4. I think we know the answer to this question: knitting, and felt fiber art are the hobbies that help me escape the outside world. I’m going to include some Nova Scotia pieces in my show. And maybe one of my grandparents’ farm.
A lobster roll from our trip to Nova Scotia last year.
In the spirit of thankfulness for this wonderful online knitting community, and in the context of Thanksgiving — the season of food — I am going to respond to Karen’s last two quizzes about food in one post!
Questions:
What is your favorite food?
Do you have a favorite dessert that you can’t pass up?
If you were on a deserted island and could have only one food besides the fish and coconuts on the island what would it be?
What is the best meal you’ve ever eaten?
Is there a food you wish you could make?
If you could go out to eat today, what restaurant would you go to? What would you order?
We already talked about the best meal we’ve ever eaten? What is the worst?
Do you have fond memories of a bygone restaurant? Did you have a favorite meal you miss?
When I was a kid it was a huge deal to go out to eat. What childhood restaurant memory do you have?
Fast food and casual dining restaurants are all the rage in the US. Do you have a favorite? How about one you avoid?
Answers:
My favorite food used to be pizza, but now that I can no longer eat gluten or mozzarella, it’s tacos.
My favorite dessert is creme brûlée.
If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would require chocolate.
I think I’m going to have to agree with Kathy B and say Cattleman’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City: filet mignon, wedge salad with bleu cheese dressing, loaded baked potato, and coconut cream pie.
I wish I could make crepes. I would make chicken and mushroom crepes for dinner and strawberry crepes for dessert.
If I could go out to eat today I would go to Addi’s Ethiopian Restaurant and order a Veggie Lovers Platter. But we would have to call 24 hours ahead so they can make gluten-free Injera for us.
The worst meal I have ever eaten happened on the way home from Wisconsin in January this year. My colleague and I stopped off in a small town and went to an Asian restaurant. It was not only the worst Asian food I’ve ever eaten, it was the worst food I’ve ever eaten. It was a greasy pile of barely recognizable ingredients loaded with MSG. And we found out Dave may be allergic to shellfish. And the cashier was surly.
I miss Rubio’s Fish Tacos from when I lived in Southern California. I also miss seaside lobster dinners from Villa Ortega’s in Puerto Nuevo, Baja California, Mexico. Apparently I like lobster. Maybe I should make lobster crepes.
I took French when I was in junior high and high school, and we would sometimes have an “expérience culturelle” field trip, and the class would go to La Madeleine or The Magic Pan. This is why I want to make crepes.
I don’t eat fast food, mainly because I can’t eat most fast food. I did have a meal from Outback Steakhouse when I was traveling in August, and it wasn’t bad. I had it delivered to my hotel room. I’m not sure what qualifies as casual dining, but I get take out weekly from our local Mexican place Day Y Noche.
Addi’s Veggie Lovers Platter. Injera is kind of like a crepe.
Let us know if you will be joining in on the food quiz!
I sewed in the sleeves on my Halloween shirt today. I did a pretty good job, but if you look carefully, you can see a little puff on this one. I may take the seam in a bit, but I’m going to get the collar and front placket on first. If I can get it all sewn together tomorrow, maybe I will be able to make all the buttonholes this week and sew the buttons on so it’s ready to wear by Saturday!
Sleeves have always been a challenge for me in tailoring. I usually try to avoid setting them in after sewing the side seams, but sometimes you don’t have much of a choice — like with this pattern. I had to sew the underarm seams before sewing the sleeve plackets and cuffs.
1. What craft skill are you most proud of? Not an entire craft, just a little skill that you feel makes you a practicer of your craft with a capital C. 2. Do you have a secret mistake that you made for ages and when you learned you were doing it wrong you wondered how you managed for so long? 3. Is there an item that you’ve made so many times you feel like an expert? Is there one that even though you’ve done it over and over you feel like an amateur? 4. Would you like to teach your craft? Have you? Do you feel like you’re giving someone a special gift when you do?
1. I’m always proud when I can make a garment I can actually wear, and do wear. I’m proud when something fits and suits me.
2. I still get turned around on slip slip knit (SSK): Do I slip knitwise or purlwise? What is the default? Also, the first time I sewed a tailored blouse, I had the sleeves in backward. I never made that mistake again, though.
3. I don’t feel like an expert on anything, but I do feel like I’m intermediate to advanced on most sewing and knitting. There are some things I have done several times but I don’t do often enough to feel skilled. There are also some things that I do a lot of, but materials can vary a lot so the results also vary. That’s something I just go with.
4. I have taught knitting, sewing, and felting to children and adults. I’ve always enjoyed it and I think students have always learned something, as have I. Even if that something is, “Break the rules. Trust yourself. Make lots of mistakes and learn from them!” I don’t have the headspace to teach right now, though.
I hope you will join in on the quiz!
I was driving home after a storm and pulled over to get a photo of this rainbow.
1. Are you a one project at a time crafter or do you like a variety to suit your mood?
2. Do you reward yourself along the way with a new project after reaching a certain goal?
3. How do you decide which project to work on? Do you require that you work on a less loved project before you work on the one that is really firing you up?
4. How do you know you have too many things going at one time? If you had to chose between a project that is nearly done and a new exciting one which would you pick? Are you a process crafter or a project crafter?
Here are my answers:
1. No limits here. I always have a variety of projects going. But I have to have at least one or two mindless stockinette projects at hand.
2. Occasionally I feel overwhelmed or guilty about the number of my works in progress (WIPs – I’m throwing in explanations for readers who don’t get the knitting lingo) and I might try to finish something and reward myself. But most of the time I just ignore the number of my WIPs, because it’s my hobby, not my job. I said it’s my hobby, not my job. (I can’t hear you!) I said hobby not job! Is this thing on?
3. No requirements about what I have to work on other than I should enjoy myself.
4a. I always have too many projects on the needles. It’s my MO.
4b. I almost always pick the new exciting project rather than resentfully finishing something that isn’t bringing me joy.
4c. I’m a combination of product and process crafter. The finished object (FO) is definitely motivation, but if I’m not going to enjoy the knitting, I’d better not cast on. I have decided to knit the Arrowhead Cardigan (Ravelry link) which is colorwork with steeks (when you cut the knitting to add finishing, in this case the front bands), and it’s rated advanced. Now I’m wondering where I’m going to get the head space to make it.
But look at it. It will be worth it. Right?
Feel free to answer in the comments or if you’re answering on your blog leave a link so we can all read your thoughts on project management.
A friend of mine posted this (YouTube link) and it made me smile so I’m sharing it here. Warning: adult language and ear worm, but pleasurable ear worm, especially right now.
Boo!
Tomorrow is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit on Skype. We are having such a good time. I hope you will join us. DM me on Ravelry or Instagram if you need details.
I needed a project change so I picked up my Foursquare Cowl, designed by Whit. The variegated yarn is the Celtic Colours yarn I purchased in Nova Scotia last October. The purple is the same yarn but a different colorway. I think these colors are really gorgeous and I’m looking forward to wearing this cowl soon! Fall colors are my favorite. Or are they?…
We are all artists. We use our supplies be they fiber, yarn, beads or whatever to create pieces that express our vision. This vision can have texture or color. Let’s talk about color.
What is your favorite color? How is this color reflected in your crafting?
My favorite color changes. It was cerulean blue for a long time. But right now I’m really into orange and red. My favorite color to wear, however, is grey.
Do you prefer bright colors or more subdued shades?
I like deep, rich colors, especially jewel tones. But I feel more comfortable wearing neutrals. So whenever I’m choosing colors for myself, I vacillate between those two options.
Does your color mood shift with the seasons? Do you carry one color all year and just change the accent color?
My color mood shifts, especially in the spring when I favor white, pink, icy blues and pale greens.
Is there a color you avoid? Or maybe it’s underrepresented in your crafting?
Like others, I tend to avoid yellow. I really like yellow, but it’s a color I can’t see myself wearing.
When you pick out your crafting supplies how important is color to you? Is it the first thing you consider or is it a bit further down the list?
I rarely choose to knit something based on color. I’m more interested in the fiber content, garment construction, stitch pattern, and how the yarn feels. Color is usually the last thing I choose, and it’s a difficult decision for me. I’m not naturally gifted with an understanding about how colors work together, or how a color will make me feel when wearing it. So I deliberate over color choice. Unless it’s stripey socks, and then it’s all about color!
Do you ever consciously choose a different color palette just for the change?
If I try to consciously choose a different color palette, it becomes a very unnatural sort of 180 degree knee jerk move that usually doesn’t work out. That’s why I joined a yarn subscription, so I can be surprised by new colors and try them.
I’d really like to knit something in a rich chocolatey brown. Brown has been out for a while, and I’d like to see it make a comeback.
Feel free to answer in the comments or if you’re answering on your blog leave a link so we can all read about your opinions on color and how it pertains to your crafting.
Bob in the gansey I knit for him, which has since been washed and felted a bit and no longer fits. I told him it will fit me now, but he won’t give it up.
This quiz is from Karen at Nothingbutknit2. I love her quizzes.
Do you gift your handmade items?
Sometimes, if I feel inspired.
Do you have limits around who you gift to or what you gift?
Only family and very close friends. I also have a rule about being able to let go of the gift. Meaning, whether they use it or not has to be unimportant.
What type of things do you like to make and gift?
Hats, scarves, sweaters. I think I’m adding socks to the list.
Have you received handmade items?
Yes, from my Grandmother. And last year I received two handmade gifts from people at work, which I really treasured.
Have you ever asked for a gift back?
No.
Do you gift handmade items for holidays?
Yes, for the kids occasionally. I had an idea to knit a pair of socks for all the kids, plus Bob, for Christmas this year. Marilee talked me down. But I would like to do this some day.
It’s Saturdee! We have neither a theme nor a plan for Saturdate. Arachne is almost done and I’m ready to start the cuff on my PSL sock. I sketched an idea for a felt painting! It’s a long weekend, so maybe I will get a chance to start it. It’s cool and fallish outside. Virtual Knit tomorrow!
Do you have any quirky decorative pieces that you just love?
My house is full of quirky art and quirky handmade and quirky fair trade and quirky vintage. I don’t even know where to start. But I think my Christopher Walken nightlight sums it up.
Do you have quirky food habits? What is the quirkiest?
Other than allergies and intolerances, my quirkiest food habit is probably texture. I don’t like anything crispy and crumbly, like Halva. Crumbly is okay. Crispy is okay. But not both. Bugs. That’s why.
Everyone has a favorite shirt. Do you have a favorite quirky piece of clothing? Maybe it’s super comfortable. Maybe it’s your favorite color.
I love to wear overalls, or bibs, as they are called here.
We all love to craft. Do you have quirkiness involved with your crafting?
Yesterday, in honor of Sock it to Me Monday, I knit on my Pride sock as I walked the bike path. It wasn’t a stellar experience, but I think I will do it again. It felt like something that will improve with practice. Quite frankly, I would love to knit in public more often.
I like wood needles. I don’t like knitting with metal or bamboo or casein. I like that there are casein needles with glitter in them. But I would probably just look at them and not knit with them. And, no, bamboo is not wood. Bamboo splits. Wood doesn’t. And I don’t like the little join at the end of the needle on the circular needle sets. I guess I like my knitting experience to be smooth (wood), but not slick (metal). I think of this as being fussy, though, not quirky. I’m also fussy about natural fibers both in knitting and sewing and anything I’m wearing next to my skin. And I like my shoes to be leather, or wool for slippers, because I want my feet to be able to breathe. Canvas is okay, too, but I usually have to wear cotton or wool socks with canvas shoes. What was the question again?
I hope you will play along and tell us all about your quirks!
What one thing has kept you from losing it entirely the last couple of months? It can be crafting but feel free to step outside that box.
Work has kept me steady during the pandemic. It’s what gets me up in the morning and keeps my brain sharp. It has been stressful because of all the change. But knowing we support artisans and producers — who were already at risk of poverty before COVID-19 — who depend on our orders, well… it keeps me motivated. I’m glad we can reopen stores this week, although we are taking steps to ensure everyone’s safety. I am hoping I can take some time off later this month, though.
Secondarily, knitting and the Talking Tudors podcast have kept me going during downtime. I may have also purchased a little more yarn than I absolutely needed.
What meal is your absolute favorite? Be as vague or specific as you wish. Include an appetizer, dessert and drink if you wish.
If we’re living in fantasy land, it’s My Pi Pizza. It was a restaurant from my childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma which served the gooiest, cheesiest, doughiest, thickest Chicago-style pizza I have ever eaten. I’ve never been able to recreate it and now that I am gluten and dairy free, forget about it.
If we’re living in reality, I think it might be a salmon and tuna poke bowl from Hai Poke with their ginger green tea.
When you think back to your childhood, what is your fondest memory? Again feel free to be vague or specific.
Most of my fondest memories happened at my Grandparents’ farm: shelling peas on the porch, walks down the dirt road to get the mail, Grandma teaching me how to sew and embroider, feeding the cows with Grandpa, picking blackberries, horseback riding, and going fishing. I’m thankful every day for the time I had with my Grandparents and I miss them so much.
Do you plant a vegetable garden or a flower garden (or both!)? What is your favorite thing to grow? Do you ever experiment with what you grow? What was it?
I usually plant vegetables and herbs. I’ve held off this year since we’re hoping to move. Last year I purchased plants from an urban farm instead of starting them myself from seed. I think they performed a little better since they had a longer growing season. I want to plant a hummingbird garden at the new house this year, assuming everything goes as planned. We are still waiting to hear back in the appraisal.
Yesterday I received The Vintage Shetland Project in the mail. What a glorious book! Quiteayarnblog had posted about it and I knew it would be for me. It has knitting, history, and patterns! But my real reason for mentioning it is I want to ask you a very important question. Do you think I can pull off wearing puffy sleeves?
I know we all say, “You can wear anything you want!” But honestly, I think I may feel ancient if I dress in — what appears to me to be — a rather old fashioned style. I loved to dress vintage when I was younger, and it was easy for me to pull off. I think I may also have had a sweater like this when I was in my 20s.
Maybe I’ll start with the mitten pattern and use my Fairlight Fibers gift card. I’ll add it to my queue anyway.
Aren’t pics of images funny? How they distort and skew but seem real? There’s an art project in there. Postmodernism at its finest. It’s probably been done.
Today I was thinking I might challenge myself to sketch a design for a knitting pattern every day. That would be good practice.
Here’s a knitting fashion quiz for you:
1. Do you think it’s true “if you wore it the first time around, you shouldn’t wear it the second (or third) time around?”
2. Do you believe there is a “first time around” anymore? Have you seen fashion produce anything new lately that you would like to wear?
3. Do you knit things you would never wear just because you want to knit them? Do you gift them afterward?
Here are my answers:
1. As I get older, my experience is that I don’t look (or feel) good in retro or vintage styles like I did when I was younger. I look and feel better in classic and/or modern but more sophisticated clothing. In other words, my Mother was right.
2. I haven’t seen anything new in fashion since the 80s. Everything is a rehash, except the jeans with the clear plastic over the butt cheeks and I wouldn’t wear that. (ETA: Bob thinks this was only in a movie, but I thought someone tried to make it a fashion after that.)
3. I only knit apparel I have in mind for someone to use and enjoy. I love beautiful things but I am prosaically practical. I do occasionally knit art that is for looking at and contemplating, although it’s been a while.
Please leave your answers in the comments, or on your blog and let us know!
Thursday always feels like going downhill. Like when Treebeard said in Lord of the Rings that going south feels like going downhill.
I am almost finished with Hans’ Tread. He wants an extra pattern repeat to make sure it covers his ears.
After that I will swatch for my Farmhouse Cardigan. I can’t wait to get my hands in the Black Welsh Mountain yarn. Maybe I will swatch for my Gryffindor Winter Ferns hat as well.
Then it’s Linen Stitch Cowl all the way to Kenya and back. Sounds like a trip to Naivasha is on the itinerary to meet the ladies with the wool!
Are you curious how I managed to afford the Black Welsh Mountain yarn? Basically I had $500 tied up in a savings account I didn’t have access to. I went to the bank and closed the account, moving the savings to our checking. And when I recalculated how much I needed for the cardi, it went from 1400 yards down to 1200, so that brought it down to $350. I still discussed it with Bob because that’s a lot to spend on yarn! But he agreed because it’s an investment in my happiness and cheaper than therapy if you divide it by hours spent knitting. I didn’t even have to use that last argument to persuade him.
It’s time to start thinking about the spring planting. Here’s a quiz from KathyB!
Snakes & Cranes 