Cat Hair in My Belly Button

So now, did that get your attention? This isn't going to be an entry about cat hair in the belly button, though I do happen to find some there occasionally. And in my ear. Don't know what's up with that.

It Looks So Easy

This is a sweater. Or at least it will be. The other night I was looking for a summer-type sweater to cast on. I wanted something light and lacy. And, it wanted to be able to make it from yarn already in my stash. In digging through patterns, I came across a couple I ordered some time ago from Just One More Row. They're very similar patterns, but then I find that to be true with many of its patterns. Anyway, these sweaters are very lacy and don't take a lot of yarn--relatively speaking and for my size.

After finding the pattern for the Flyaway Jacket, I determined I had enough yarn and cast on for the swatch. Though measured on the stockinette portion, it suggests you practice the veil stitch, which I did. It includes crossover throw stitch I wasn't familiar with, but it came easily and isn't nearly as complex as one might think from the instructions.

It's an easy pattern, and I'm making some changes, but I do have a word of advice. Don't use Knit Picks nickleplated options for this. Now, you all know how much I love them, and really, nothing has happened to change that. This sweater is supposed to be made with bulky yarn or with two thinner ones held together. I didn't like those options, so I'm using Lion Brand's Cupcake. I heard someone call it Homespun for kids, and that's about right. But, I like it and, more important right now in my knitting life, I had some in my stash. The sweater is worked on an 11 or 13 needle, so the fabric is very loose. Couple that yarn with the nickleplated needles, and it's a fun time in the knitting house tonight! Can I just say "slippage"? The yarn slips all over the place. But, despite that, I'm actually enjoying working on it. Perhaps there's a bit of masochism in my knitting bag.

It Seems to Come So Naturally
I try to remember to post on Plurk and assorted other lists I frequent when I update the blog. I try to remember to post on Plurk and assorted other lists I frequent when I update the blog. Call me strange, but I would like people to read this. Someone on Plurk mentioned my writing style, saying that it seemed to come easily, naturally. I assured her that I didn't always find the entries easy to write, and it isn't always because of subject matter. Sometimes it's just hard to come up with ideas, or at least ideas that I would naturally be drawn to.

The other night, I was just sitting and knitting when, for some reason, I noticed my thought process. (Hey, it's all about me, remember?) I think like I write. There are complete sentences, properly placed modifiers, no split infinitives; it's as though I'm writing in my head. Sheez, I even caught myself going back and editing. All I'd have to do would be put the thoughts on paper, and I'd have a blog entry, story, or even a--shall I say it?--novel. And yes, most of this blog entry was written in my thought patterns long before I sat before the computer. I call this process thoughtwriting(TM).

Since this epiphany, I've caught myself thoughtwriting(TM) many times. Actually, any time I paid attention to what I was thinking. Who knows, perhaps I'm thoughtwriting(TM) my life. And now that I'm conscious that I'm doing it, will my life change? I'd like to think I'd throw in some goodies once in a while.

OK, I have a headache now. . .

As soon as it's thoughtwritten(TM), there will be another blog post from me this week. This one will feature knitting, including info about a new yarn club that I think everyone will enjoy.

In Whose Opinion?

OK, folks, this is me. Well, at least part of me. After literally years of not putting images of myself on the Internet, I had a change of opinion this year. Why? It's thanks to Oprah--May I call you Oprah, Miss Winfrey?

Yep, Oprah. As many of you know, I have delusions of becoming as successful as Oprah. I don't necessarily want to become a cultural icon; successful will do. But, when she went Tom Cruise-like about her weight gain over the past years, well, I was, shall we say, annoyed. She said she couldn't understand how she let it happen. She felt like a failure. Well, Oprah, welcome to the world of being human. Many--if not all--weight loss experts will tell you that it is common for people to regain lost weight--and more. Why were you surprised? Don't you listen to the experts on your own TV show or radio network?

Maybe it's just me, but her "self-flagellation" about her weight gain sent this message: "I'm fat, so what I say or do shouldn't mean anything."

Balderdash. There, I said it: balderdash. And yes, I'm fat. Oh, I could say (and have said) that I'm fluffy, plus-sized, and many other euphemisms. But what it boils down to is that I weigh more than the "average" individual. I've dealt with it. It doesn't mean that I'm stupid, without valid opinions, lazy, or unambitious. It doesn't even mean that I have serious health issues. My weight is only part of who I am. If someone can't deal with that, then they can't deal with me. Their loss. At least one good thing has come from this, however. Well, at least for me. I'm not hiding my photo anymore.

Now there's at least one knitting pattern designer who is professing to tell me what I should and should not knit if I'm planning to wear it myself. As it is, finding large-sized and smaller-sized patterns can be difficult. Even patterns that are labeled plus-sized can be misleading. Imagine my shock when I found a size 2X pattern in a magazine and found that it went only to a size 42.

The designer of whom I write indicates that some of her patterns do not lend themselves to larger sizes, and it would be a disservice to provide them in those sizes. I'm sure she's write. In fact, I daresay I know she's right. I would look ridiculous in the crop-style tops that have been gracing knitting magazines. But, should it be up to the designer to make that decision for me? Short people might not be flattered by long knitted coats. But again, should it be up to the designer to limit their selections? Designers of all clothing should give individuals credit for knowing what they look best wearing.

Now, this designer is definitely not the only one who feels this way. Take a look at how many patterns are offered only to a large or perhaps extra large size. The difference is subtlety. She has said what many apparently believe.

So what can be done about it? Buy designs by those who realize not all of the world is a size 6 (or even 12) and stands 5'8". Let designers, pattern companies, and even your LYS know that you want a wider range of available pattern sizes. Be active and advocate. Avoid pity parties. Remember the squeaky wheel concept. Become that wheel.

And yarn companies: Hello? Are you out there? Larger sizes, including longer lengths, require more yarn, ergo, more sales. Duh. Encourage those who design for you to include larger sizes.

Thank you, Oprah, for getting me off my butt and make a stand. To stop hiding behind photos of cats. To come out in the open.

I Have a New Appreciation for

Stockinette Socks like these.

I recently stealth knitted a new sock pattern. It's very pretty, but did I ever have problems with it. First, let me say that it was not beyond my technical abilities. Quite the contrary, even though it looks much more difficult than it is. But, it was a 24-row repeat, and I didn't happen to find the pattern conducive to memorization. I won't tell you how many times I had to frog the socks. It's simply pathetic. It's also not a sock I would personally wear. My shoes tend to run tight, and there's too much "bulk" to this sock for a comfortable fit. But, as I said before, it is pretty.

I fear the stockinette sock has been much maligned in favor of more complex patterns. How unfortunate. Stockinette socks are great mindless knitting, especially while doing the foot and leg. It's relaxing to sit and watch movies/TV while knitting away on a sock. And perhaps most important--to me anyway--is the fact that the stockinette sock can highlight the yarn.

And, you can still be creative with a stockinette sock. Snazz up the leg a bit. Do something a bit different with the cuff. Use contrasting yarn for the toes and heel.

When you're finished with your socks, show them off. Let everyone know how you feel about stockinette socks. You are not alone. Throw off the shackles of stockinette shame!

Giving Thanks

Brenden Foster died on Friday, November 21. His death wasn't reported on many television news programs or in many newspapers. But, it should have. In his short eleven years, he influenced more people than most of us will in a life decades longer.

You might have heard about him on CNN or read about him in Seattle-area newspapers. Brenden had cancer, and as his life drew to an end, he wanted to make a difference. On a drive, Brenden noticed a group of homeless people. That sight affected him deeply. He wanted to feed them, but he was far too weak. Brenden's wish could have ended right there, with good intentions but no action. After all, many of us have good ideas and intentions but they never see fruition.

That was not to be the case with Brenden Foster's last wish. People heard about his selfless wish, and they came to his aid--and to the aid of the homeless he had seen. Organizations provided food and other needed items to those he had seen that fateful day. But it didn't stop there. As people all over the country heard about Brenden on CNN and other media, they set out to help the homeless in their area in his name. This little boy, who could have lived unknown outside his community, had influenced an entire country.

In an interview shortly before his death, a reporter asked Brenden what made him sad. One might expect someone in Brenden's shoes to say dying. But, those who had followed Brenden's story knew that wasn't "him." So what made Brenden sad? People who give up. He encouraged people, saying, "Follow your dreams. Don't let anything stop you."

Incidentally, Brenden's desire to help extended beyond people. He was concerned about the declining bee population. He wanted everyone to plant flowers.

This Thanksgiving and holiday season will be an extremely difficult one for many. It seems as though you can't turn on the television without hearing about more business closings and layoffs. People who never before worried about whether they'd have a job no longer have that luxury. With such problems looming like the sword of Damocles for many of us, it can be understandably difficult to think of others at this time. As we struggle to put out a Thanksgiving dinner filled with mountains of food, how can we think of those whose every meal is in doubt?

How? Think of Brenden. He was dying, yet he didn't wallow in self-pity. He thought of others. Helping others doesn't necessarily mean starting an organization to feed the homeless and those in need across the country--even the world. Start small. Figuratively set another place at your Thanksgiving dinner. Take the money you would have spent on that serving and donate it to an organization that helps feed those in need. Don't worry if it seems small to you. Organizations such as Feeding America is happy to accept contributions of all amounts. You will make a difference.

And knitters, can you do without a skein of yarn to help those who have to do without food? I think you can. Take that money and donate it to help the hungry. Do you have stash that you don't think you'll use? Most of us do. There are different ways you can use it to help people in need. Sell it and donate the money. Donate the yarn to a shelter, where people can use it to create something positive. Knit a hat, mittens, scarf, or afghan and donate it to a shelter or organization that helps those in need.

All of us can be like Brenden Foster. In a world bereft of true, admirable role models, he and his actions will always stand tall.

Another Discovery

I have discovered the wonderful world of Log Cabin afghans! OK, I'm a late bloomer. I have the Mason Dixon book and had looked longingly of the LCs in there. But for some reason, I just couldn't get the hang of it. Then, at a recent knitting meet-up at my LYS, I happened to mention my desire to do one to the group. The owner heard me, and she came over and explained how to do it! Now it seems so easy.

This LC is a pet blankie for the Lily M. Foundation, Inc., Lily Pad project. Even before it was done, I was mentally designing one for me. I've been working on it along with socks. My new LC started out rather traditionally, but it has taken on a life of its own. That is one of the best things about this kind of knitting. I just start, and when I feel like changing colors--I do!! And it is so nice not to have to count once in a while!!!

Another good thing about LCs is that it's giving me the opportunity to use up a lot of the acrylic I have in my yarn stash. And if I do need to buy a particular color, acrylic yarn is usually a lot less expensive than what I usually buy.

Combining Skills and Young Knitters

For a long time I've been looking for a way to combine my love of knitting with my career as a writer/editor. Okay, I admit that one reason I wanted to do so was so I could deduct the costs of my knitting supplies from my taxes. Well, I've figured out a way to do it.

I've started writing a book about two young girls who become friends over knitting and two cats needing help that live far away. Here's where I need some help. Not having or even knowing any kids between the ages of eight and twelve, I'm not sure what these girls would be knitting. One of the girls is quite skilled, the other is just a beginner. Does anyone have any ideas of what they could be knitting?

I'm also working on a book of Lily M's patterns that will eventually be available at least as an e-book.

When is enough enough?

I love yarn. As a knitter, I do believe that happens to be a requirement. Okay, I can live with that, but where exactly is someone supposed to put that yarn?

I live in a smallish apartment with seven cats. Yeh, yeh, I know. Anyway, I seem to be amassing a rather formidable yarn stash. Since I never seem to know what yarn I have, I decided to get organized. Unfortunately, just when inspiration struck me, so did Mother Nature. A major bout of rain caused part of the bedroom ceiling to end up on the floor. This, of course, is where I keep the yarn. So, the safety of my stash secured, I moved all of it into the great room (a big name for a kitchen and living room combo). Not to be deterred from my organization frenzy, I bought several of those large plastic drawer units on wheels. Quickly they were filled with my yarn finds. Not so quickly was my ceiling repaired. Finally, after about four months, my the insulation in the ceiling was patched with a lovely shade of blue plasterboard; the walls and ceiling are white. My landlord assures me he will fix it soon (I am assuming that it will not be until after he returns from Aruba). So, in the meantime, the units stay in the greatroom--conveniently close to my knitting chair. There is not one empty space, so that should deter me from getting more yarn. The emphasis is on should.

New Knitting Buddies

I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Norman Thibideux (top) and Miss Phoebe Thibideux, my new knitting buddies. They are shelter rescues, and though the shelter says they are littermates, I have my doubts. They're probably related, but I doubt if they are from the same litter.

Norman and Phoebe were found when their family moved and just left them behind (jerks). By the time they found Norman, one of his arms was crushed and paralyzed. Because there was no way to fix it, they amputated it. He gets along quite nicely, thank you very much.

Phoebe was very shy at first, but she has come around--especially after finding the wonderful world of toys. On her back she either has a white elongated heart shape--or the mothman image from the film The Mothman Prophecies.