Show and Tell: The Benchmark Sock OR Thoughts on Efficiency and Pride

Well friends, it's official. I have arrived. I am, officially, a Knitter of Socks. I see your reactions vividly in my mind: those of you who don't knit, or who do but haven't crossed the scarf/hat barrier yet, are all sufficiently impressed by my skills. You are marveling at my handiwork and shaking your heads, sure you could never complete such a project [which is of course completely untrue, as I remember thinking this once myself]. For those of my friends who do knit, you are remembering that first sock of your own. You know what it means.

This is both a proud and puzzling moment in this knitter's career; I realize, as I reflect with pride on the admittedly impressive article I've constructed, how truly inefficient sock-knitting is as a use of my time. I mean, honestly. Socks are cheap, and often hidden by shoes. They are an extremely challenging and time-consuming project, and, frankly, a rather anti-climactic final product. So . . . why? I think, largely, because I can. I have now entered that unspoken club of knitters that knit socks. I keep waiting for someone to jump out and teach me the secret handshake. Or maybe I don't learn the handshake until my first sweater is completed?

Anyway, I love my sock, and it's partner is currently under construction. I can't wait to wear them around the house and tell everyone around that I made them myself.

Show and Tell: Labor of Love

Take note: I'm writing this in a whisper, so we don't wake Colin . . .

Finally, here are the pictures of my biggest . . . as in, actually largest . . . knitting project ever! I knit this blanket for Eliza and Adam for their wedding this spring. It was an awesome, consuming winter project - easy, as far as the actual knitting went, but a true marathon, a test of my knitting endurance and patience. This project became our 6th housemate, a member of my daily carpool, and, for a time, turned me into that knitting lady, the one with a huge tote bag in tow and blanket over her lap during meetings. During a particularly tough spring break, this blanket was my primary companion as I knit my way through the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. We have a real history together.

I also really rode the deadline on this project - I was literally sewing in my loose-ends the evening of the wedding, as Colin picked out his tie. Luckily, I finished in time for a quick photoshoot before I wrapped it up to give away - and I'd like to dedicate these photos to all of my friends and students in Portland who accepted this blanket as a part of their own lives when it was all I could do or talk about for a while there. I wanted you all to see the outcome of my labor and your own enthusiasm and support.

I loved putting so much of myself into a wedding gift for such dear friends - I hope it keeps them warm for years to come.

Show and Tell: Holiday Knitting Fashion Show!

You've waited, and wondered at the sudden dearth of crafting news over the past month. You may have worried that I'd finally ridden my wave of productivity to its end, and even pictured me - sans knitting needles - stranded on the couch in the basement watching bad basic cable. Oh no, my friends! Oh contraire! Picture me instead, knitting needles a blur, cranking out homemade holiday gifts with the fervor of an elf in a workshop. Buddy the Elf. In an impromptu Chanukah workshop, in front of the fire in a suddenly white Portland or in my parents cozy living room in North Carolina. And imagine me eager to post news of my creations, but also imagine that those receiving the gifts under-construction made up over 90% of my readership. Well finally, for all of us, the wait is over. I bring to you, friends, a holiday fashion show.

First: Caitlyn is an apple! A delicious, Granny Smith apple. Mmmmmm.

Second: The magic of felted slippers! My greatest masterpiece so far, hands down. Oh, and don't be confused: I knitted a pair for myself and a pair for my mom. The felting process does not affect color (the before pic is mine, the after my mom's).

Ok, so the final knitted product, before felting, looked like this:

And AFTER felting: TADAH! Perfectly foot-sized! Hooray!

Finally: My dad modeling his one finished glove (and cheerfuly awaiting the other half to this pair).

OH, and finally finally, the in-progress section: I have a scarf still under construction for Jessie that currently looks like this:

I trust that she'll send us a professional self-portrait modeling the final product, once it's finally in her hands.

Show and Tell: One Giant Step

It finally happened.

You've watched me picking up speed over the past few weeks, and now it's official: I've broken through the scarf-hat barrier! I'm now moving at the speed of mittens! A whole new world of knitting has opened up to me, friends. Behold: I can shape things! I can read a pattern (sort of, with lots of help from the internet and the friendly folks at my favorite yarn store)! I can K2tog and Kfb! And, most importantly, I can keep my hands warm during this cold, rainy winter. Tadah!

Show and Tell: Bear Hat!

Show and Tell: First Hat & Pumpkin Hat!

Hey friends, it's time for our new Show and Tell series!

First, an introduction, explanation, and disclaimer: As many of you already know, it may be an understatement to say that I've been something of a homebody/domestic enthusiast lately. The main events of my days have been baking pies, cooking soups, and knitting hats . . . and I love it. And I want to show my stuff off. And what is "blogging" if not the creation of a small, public universe of which I am the center? What better forum to show off my own accomplishments to the people I love most?

Also, on a slightly less self-centered note - I think it's time that domesticity got a little positive publicity. It was, in large part, my self-prescribed summer reading diet of Barbara Kingsolver, Wendell Berry, and Michael Pollan that inspired my recent life change and landed me here in Portland with enough free hours to pursue my domestic goals. I strongly believe that re-connecting to the processes that sustain us, paying attention to and taking control of what we consume and where it comes from, and re-learning many of the basic skills we need to sustain ourselves (i.e. producing food and clothing) are among the most essential and empowering life projects we can undertake. The way they've been devalued, especially in regards to "women's work" or "housewife-ery" is a shame. So, basically, I'm just excited to share a little bit of the joy and pride that these projects are bringing me.

Phew! Now you're fully prepped to interpret my knitting projects for the politically charged, revolutionary acts that they are. And you thought they were just hats! Here goes:

Hat #1: This was my first knitting project of the season, my first hat in years. Tadah!

Hat #2: My pumpkin hat! I'm really proud of this one.
And, coming next time . . . .

I'm planning this hat:

But in my size, and in these colors:

Stay tuned!