(Where I simply cannot recommend Cinnabon’s coffee.) My plane – the third in 24 hours, to be immediately followed by the fourth, is leaving really soon, but there’s free wifi here, so I thought I’d take a run at reporting on last night. I’m going straight from the airport in NYC to the Brooklyn Barnes and Noble where I’m speaking tonight, unless there’s time to pop in at the hotel – so I feel like I should make hay while the sun shines. I have 26 minutes.
This tour doesn’t have a lot of time for absorbing and reflecting all of the places I’m going. Some times people say that they think it might be fun to be on a book tour and see all these places, and for sure, some parts are totally fun, but the thing that it is least of all, is a visit with the city I’m going to. I see the airport. A cab. A hotel and a book/yarn store – and then I’m onto the next one. I can tell you that there is a river in Kansas City. I can tell you it’s beautiful. There are indeed, cows near the airport, as promised – and no tornados, as Sam feared. (I was a little nervous too, but it turns out that the tornadoes are mostly in the spring. It was a little windy. I asked. ) Beyond that – all I saw was the bookstore owners (Roger and Vivien – who are lovely, well organized souls) and the knitters.
(Note here. Now I’m on a plane, (where I also can’t recommend United’s coffee) I totally ran out of time, so I’m now writing from very high up – somewhere between Kansas City and Chicago. Does Chicago have free wifi?)
There were charming young knitters, like Amy (6) and Kathryn (seen here with her mum Carissa and her little brother Ryan, exhausted from his good behaviour) and there was Liz, celebrating her 13th Birthday.
Cheryl brought a fantastic washcloth. (Wait until you see what I do with all of these.)
There were first sock knitters… like Karen and Hattie Lynn, who actually showed up with one first sock and photographic proof that at one time there was a second first sock, except that she showed the gory evidence that her dog had eaten its mate. Horrific thing to see. Shivers down my spine. The total reason I have a cat. Next is Melissa, Shari, Nicole and finally Emily – all forming a fine first sock brigade indeed.
( 12: 40 – Now I’m in Chicago, but there isn’t free wifi, and I’m not buying it for the 10 minutes I have here. I’m boarding for NYC in a couple of minutes. Maybe I’ll make it to the hotel before the event to post. No time for coffee.)
(2:04 – or maybe 3:04. When does a time change start if you’re flying? Back up in the air, eating chex mix (which I think is one of the best things about the USA) and an apple, which is what is serving as lunch today, and were the only two things I had time to buy in Chicago. Breakfast was the aforementioned Cinnabon coffee and half of what was pretending to be a cinnamon bun, but in reality was a diabetic coma in baked form. It was the only vegetarian thing to eat on the security side of the Kansas City Airport. Nutrition is a pretty big problem on the road. )
I want you to meet three other knitters. This one is knitting his own kilt hose, which is the only responsible thing to do, since he’s a big enough knitter that he shouldn’t ask it of another…
This knitter brought pictures of her very own hand knit (by her) wedding dress – so beautiful you could cry over it. The skirt was so full that I bet the cast off took DAYS. Mind bending, traumatic, I can’t believe I’m doing this sort of days. Looks totally worth it.
This knitter brought me a wee wool pig (currently in the belly of the airplane – I have been hoping all day that my bag got searched and someone wondered what he was doing perched on the top of my belongings. )
Some knitters brought me babies, though I didn’t get to keep them… There’s Emily and Evelyn, and Rebekah and Samantha
Then the last knitters trickled off into the night….
I signed more books for mail order and other mysterious bookstore reasons, and I drifted off, back to the hotel and into my bed for the night. I managed to knit about 3 rows on my new project before I was entirely unconscious, and it occurred to me as I wrote that I haven’t shown you what I started for this round of plane knitting. I know I said it would be lace, and it sort of is..
It’s a skirt that I’ve been enchanted with for a while. It’s designed by Ruth Sørensen, and I bought the yarn at Madrona last year after seeing an example of it in Ruth’s class. (If you click this link, I’ve got a picture of it in a couple of samples in that entry.) Her example was knit of Evilla, a yarn with even longer repeats than Kauni, which is what I’m using, so I’m messing with things a little bit to make sure that I get only one repeat of the run all the way through the skirt. If things go well, it will be black near the waist, graduations of grey through the skirt, fading to palest grey at the hem.
I want equal proportions of each – more or less, but the skirt gets wider as it gets longer. Therefore, I’ve gutted and gored several balls of Kauni, dividing them each into one run of the repeat. At the beginning I used three balls, knitting one round from each of them in turn to extend the repeat. Now I’m at the grey, and I’m using four balls.
I imagine that as I get down towards the palest part things shall become very complex indeed, but I’m trying not to worry about it just yet. I’m just knitting and drinking bad airline coffee until I get to Brooklyn.
(PS. Happy election day to Canadians – I know we’re all thrilled that today concludes the six weeks of campaigning and releases us from any more conversations about bad sweaters, earnest moustaches and which national language you’re telling the truth in. Don’t forget to go vote. I did the advance poll thing – I’ve been counted. Remember that all you need to vote, even if you didn’t get your voter card (or you lost it – or you just decided today that you really do care who runs this country) is to turn up at your local polling station with something that proves your address (like a bill) and your identification. Takes two minutes and gives you the right to complain about politicians until the next go ’round – and considering our current crop… you wouldn’t want to be left out of that… would you?)
(PPS, if anybody at tonight’s talk is the sort who would know, I would love an election update from home.)
(PPPS – posted from the hotel – where I just have time to make this go before I do.)
I can’t wait to see about the washcloth! Please show us and write about it soon. What a lovely idea.
The one time in my life I get to go to Toronto and you’re Flying High Over Wherever. I’ll be at Lettuce Knit sometime tomorrow and I’m excited about that, but not nearly as excited as I’d be if I got to kinnear me a harlot.
I don’t envy you the travel of your book tour, but I do thank you for doing it. Meeting you in Cleveland last year was great, and I’m loving the new book. I read an essay each night before bed, so I can make it last. Sometimes it’s hard to stop myself. I only have a few left.
Ohmigosh! I’m second! (Or will be third/4th by the time I post)
Nice washcloths, cant wait to see what they are!
Speaking of GREY, I was just wondering if anything had happened to something… Oh, what is it called… A GANSEY? How’s that going? =P
(I’m excited to see who’s going to be the Prime Minister too- majority-minority? Opposition? Ooh, I’m dancing with excitement!)
That a whole new spin on travel!! Plus I LOVE the skirt!! Great idea on the repeats….
Sorry about the Kansas City airport. I know that Cinnabon and it’s terrible coffee. And I know that there really aren’t other options. I love many things about the city, but just not the airport!
Thankfully, you’ve been allowed to move on. Happy touring.
Glad you are at least holding up through the trip!
I wish our elections were over already. Things are starting to get nasty and I hate that.
Sorry I can’t update you about the election just yet. Voting is still going on. I’ll check back to see if someone has given you info later this evening. Love the skirt!! I must find me some of that yarn….. Happy meeting knitters, and try to find some good coffee so you can bear the travel nonsense. 🙂
Ohmigosh I lurve that wool pig. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing more of the skirt!
I suspect telepathic election reporting might not work, but just in case, I’ll be sending results your way. 🙂
Lovely to see you in KC last night. Sorry about the weather.
I can’t stand the suspense much longer…what’s up with the dishcloths???
Cheryl, of the Sunflower cloth
Wow. You get to have your election over with already! It would be nice, although, let’s skirt that issue for now (heh) and ooh and aah over that yarn.
If any knitters saw a lost and forlorn 5.5mm Holz and Stein rosewood needle with all identifying information (Holz and Stein, 5.5mm, that sort of thing) rubbed off, at Copperfield’s Books in Santa Rosa, its mommy is missing it, too…
These days, the Chex mix is one of the only things I like best about the USA, too, and I’ve lived here all my life . . . though the felted pigs run a close second. Maybe things will look brighter once the election is behind us?
Meanwhile, here’s to continued tornado-free travels for all!
Anyone attending tonight’s talk-please bring fruits and vegetables for our Harlot. Love the wool pig! Any hope of getting the pattern?
Just bear in mind you’ll need a slip for under that lace skirt – oops I seem to be channelling my mum there.
Can’t wait to see how it turns out, or to see you juggling 6 balls of Kauni at the hem!
There’s good coffee in Brooklyn. Wish I could be there but it’s a school night… I’m not allowed out after 7PM. Hopefully I’ll run into you at Rhinebeck on Sunday. And, I have to say, I didn’t know you wore skirts. I love a classic grey skirt. Can’t be beat. Have fun with your little balls of yarn.
That skirt!! I bought the pattern after you mentioned it once before, and have been pondering it over and over…your version of black to charcoal to gray to silver is the one I had thought most about. So thank you for doing it first and letting us see it! 🙂 Happy knitting, and I’m so excited to see your skirt.
If all options on personal update fail, try CBC on-line–they usually follow and update results like they are tracking an outbreak of Ebola. Thanks for the plug to Go Vote in such a well-read spot–there are still so many people in the world who would give an awful lot for the priviledge!
i am in the states
i am haveing a crisis
what do knit when you are in crisis
i think i may own a bank
florida is a battle ground state
be careful signing any thing
we do not need another recount
Glad to see that Kansas City knitters treated you well! I was born and raised there and now live about 30 min. away, so I feel responsible even though I wasn’t there last night. (Heard you in Wichita last year, tho.) And my profoundest apologies for the hell that is KCI, though they’ve improved somewhat in the last year or two. Loving that skirt too!
Six weeks?! You’ve had to suffer through six weeks of election speeches?!?!
Oh, the bliss! If only ours lasted 6 weeks instead of . . . decades!!
From a girl who recently tried on at least 45 wedding dresses and FINALLY bought one, I seriously HAVE to see more pictures (close ups) of the knitted wedding dress. Details, I need details. And I think that knitter needs some sort of reward, I don’t think a husband is the reward… for that anyway. Lifetime supply of Wine? Chocolate? YARN!?
Not to be labeled a total dweeb here, but dried garbanzo beans = best travel food EVER! Cook them however you like (I prefer curry, but to each her own) then dehydrate them. They should be crunchy but not I-just-incurred-a-large-dental-bill hard. I think slightly overcooking the beans before dehydrating keeps them from knocking teeth out.
Another thing to love about Canada: political campaigns of a sensible length, instead of what we have in the US, a kind of Homerian experience with nearly as much drama.
Oooh, I like that skirt pattern. It’s the Claudia Evilla, right? I just had to figure out the conversion between Danish kroner and USD.
I’m doing the vote-ahead thing too. I went and filled out paperwork for my absentee ballot because I will be recovering from a c-section and still within the “do not drive” window when Election Day arrives. I want to be counted, too.
How lovely to see you in the wool, finally. Thanks so much for trekking all the way to our humble town, and for taking the time away from your precious family to give us a little thrill. You’re a gracious and funny lady, and I hope you make a bushel of money for all your efforts!
Since you are on the road, how will this affect the furnace wars? Safe travels.
As a fellow vegetarian, I had to chime in to agree with your complaints about the slim pickings in vegetarian airport options. I pack snacks/meals/extra Luna bars whenever I can. My next trip, fortunately, is through Detroit, which has decent restaurant choices.
And on a happier note – your gray skirt looks like it will be lovely. 🙂
I’m exhausted just listening (reading?) but the cinnabon thing, yeah total sugar shock but oh so worth it!
Hey, that’s ME in the “last knitters” photo! Haha…though we were only still around because we were like next-to-last in the signing line. That, and we wanted to take you for a beer. ; )
Hope all was fabulous in New York! Enjoy the warm weather in Florida for me, won’t you? I miss it so!
Never knit a wedding dress, but I did knit my daughter’s wedding veil. And had to start over when I was 2/3 of the way thru and discovered that all balls of the expensive and fine white cotton I was using are not necessarily the same “white.” Anybody else needs a veil, they can use hers. I have it stored away. Hang in there Steph, and take your own food to the airport if you can. Nutritional wasteland doesn’t begin to describe it.
I think I have election envy. Six Weeks?! That’s a cake walk. We could have elected nearly sixteen Canadian Prime Ministers in the time we’ve spent on this one Presidential election. What a waste of time and money!
Kashi makes some good nutrition bars and I carry them with me so I won’t be at the mercy of fast food places. I have a stash of those too if you want some.
That is a beautiful skirt. I would love to travel to as many places as you have, but I would much prefer to have enough time to get bored of a city before I move on to the next.
I did the early vote thing too. Nothing like a good bitch about the state of the country due to some dumbass other people elected. 😉
Glad you came out to KC! You were a lot of fun and we all hope you will get to come back again someday. Hope you got a chance to drink your beer.
Thanks so much for last night in K.C. where Rainy Day books lived up to its name. Your tour schedule looks monstrous! Thanks again for making time to visit our area it was great. Loving your new book. (is it bad form to live off of the beer and chocolate everyone brings you?) Good luck with airport food!
Please, I ask you, is “This knitter: wedding dress” on ravelry? I need better pics…
Gee Steph,
Thanks for showing me that skirt. I really needed another big project right now, when I’m gearing up for the Christmas knitting that I promised myself I wouldn’t be doing this year after last year’s afgan and mittens and hats. And I don’t even think a knit skirt would look good on me, so why do I want to knit one?
Can’t wait to see what you do with 5 billion washclothes!
The river is the Missouri. I know how you like trivial bits of information….
Stephanie, thank you for your time, the wonderful photos, and for allowing me to give you a hug. After reading your post I wish I had given you my cell phone no. — I live close to the airport and would have been glad to bring you excellent coffee and some Kashi bars (like another poster, they are excellent travel/crazy day/no lunch in sight food).
Good luck on the elections = hope the right person wins. You only have 6 WEEKS of campaigning? We have more like 4 YEARS!! I can’t wait until it’s over, and hopefully the right guy will win here. The skirt is beautiful; I have debated about knitting one but not sure I have the figure for it. And the knitted wedding dress – wow! I would love to see better pictures of it! Can I ask you a question from another post? Happy Thanksgiving, by the way! My question (I hope this doesn’t sound too ignorant) is: what is your traditional Thanksgiving dinner? In US it’s the turkey/dressing/mashed potatoes/cranberry sauce with lots of other alternatives. Is it the same up over there? Just wondering! I hope you had a nice holiday and have a safe trip, a good time, some delicious coffee, and a good night’s rest. PS I have your new book, now when are you coming this way so you can sign it?! (Syracuse!)
Just home from voting. And I still say my big girl boots would look fabulous with that skirt.
What… the campaign is only 6 weeks long… you only need a bill to prove address and an ID to vote if you don’t have your voter card… are you people in Canada crazy… don’t you care about voter fraud??? (snark)
You Canadians have been sane about so much else, of course you’d be sane about this. I’m very envious.
I was too tired after work to go the Park Slope for Stephanie’s talk tonight. I heard her at FIT two years ago and loved her. I’m sorry to be missing her again and I’m going to Rhinebeck for Sheep & Wool on Saturday…
PS – If you need it for the plane, I have a suggestion for a good read: “The Wordy Shipmates” by Sarah Vowell. She mentions Canada quite often, in such a way as I think you will enjoy it. For some reason, whenever someone mentions Canada, I think of you…
Hmmm…don’t really uinderstand how you are using mutiple balls of yarn all at the same time but the skirt looks great and seeing as how you are knitting it, I’m sure it will be gorgeous in the end!
Election coverage starts at 9 pm Eastern, but we won’t get any real results until the polls close in BC around 10 pm. If no one’s posted the results when I get up in the morning, I’d be happy to let you know which party leader is now Prime Minister.
Beautiful skirt, beautiful wedding gown – thanks for sharing the photos in your exhausting schedule.
I second (or third or fourth) the emotions about the jealousy of 6 weeks of election drama.
I have had the pleasure of viewing election commercials for the past 14 months (Only three more weeks of mudslinging!!!)
Stephanie, you need to travel with two things… Yarn and SNACKS! Dehydrated fruit, Chex Mix and Goldfish crackers… People often ask if I’m traveling with children when they see my cache… Nope just me (I get cranky when undernourished) but I am always willing to share.
Happy Travels!
I envy that six weeks and done thing. It seems as if our current “cycle” started the day after the last one ended. May reason prevail on both sides of the border. So close to Brooklyn and yet so far….see you in Rhinebeck. I’ll be the one with the good coffee and the raw milk cheese. Please stay sane and healthy until then.
It was great seeing you in KC!!!!
You’ll be at Rhinebeck, right? I’ll be there w/ the newest book, my custom Converse Knitter shoes and the secret of what you’ll be doing with the washcloths (I haven’t told anyone – I swear on all things wool and lace).
The skirt will be lovely; I can just feel it. And I think the reason you haven’t worn that many skirts is because you totally haven’t found the right one yet. Perhaps this is it.
Thank you so much for coming to Kansas City last night. There was a small gathering there of parts of the Brew Chicks with Sticks, and we enjoyed listening to you immensely, even though I think I maybe didn’t spell that right. Too bad.
I’m sorry that Cinnabon left a bad taste in your mouth, and perhaps if there’s a next time, I think we should all bring you our favorite BBQ beans, sans meat, of course. You know that’d go over REAL good on the flight the next day. It’d be dropping a whole nother bomb than the K one, eh?
Hope Chicago treats you well, hope you get good coffee, and yummy food, and welcoming knitters. Oh, and a later flight. Those wake-up calls at o’crap o’clock suck.
If you are ever in Topeka, Kansas, you will have to join us at O’Dooley’s. Yes, we actually do go there and knit and drink.
It occurred to me we should have brought you some Kansas wine!
Forget diabetic comas and tornadoes — your greatest danger is scurvy. Did you know people died of it? The vessels in your brain start bleeding or something. Someone get that woman an orange.
Polls just closed in Ontario & reporting should start in a half hour or so, think it’ll change?
Only six weeks of campaigning? I am so jealous! It feels like the campaign here in the States has been going on for six years.
OH we loved having you and seeing you and hearing you and (ever so briefly) visiting with you. It’s an open door if you would like to return… 🙂
Have you ever heard Jim Gaffigan’s routine about Cinnabon? I was just listening to it yesterday and your comment about the bun was just classic. If you have time, you should look it up. I’ll see if I can find a YouTube link.
Uh, here’s an update for you. 10:42 pm Atlantic time. 27 lib, 22 con, 7 ndp, 3 BQ 2 other. May lost her seat to McKay.
10:50 Atlantic time: CTV just *projected* another Conservative minority government.
I am *SO SAD* that I missed you last night!!!!! You finally come and I’m SICK! *grumble*
Dammit I’m going to have to go to Canada aren’t I?
I voted. I always do. Not that I like any of the leaders, but I tell you, if Harper gets his majority, I will personally hunt him down, sneak through his RCMP guard, and stab him with a lace needle. (You know, the really sharp ones…)
And I’m allowed to complain about this because I voted.
Polls have just closed. Looks okay, but a bit too tight for me (Olivia Chow’s riding…). It’ll all be clear in the morning, and I’m betting Conservative minority again. Damn.
thank you for coming to KC!!! and what pattern was your lovely sweater that you wore???? have a safe trip…
You are an amazing woman. Simply amazing.
Oh, thank you, THANK YOU for letting me sneak a picture last night! Junior enjoyed your talk almost as much as I did! Right up until the moment he passed out… My boy knows a good mom when he’s cuddled by one. 🙂 Have a safe trip and a quick return to your family!
Oh, thank you, THANK YOU for letting me sneak a picture last night! Junior enjoyed your talk almost as much as I did! Right up until the moment he passed out… My boy knows a good mom when he’s cuddled by one! 🙂 Have a safe trip and a quick return to your family!
Just read on ninemsn in Australia that the conservatives have won your election in Canada. I won’t comment on that, but let you be the judge of that result!!
I checked CP24 just before I came into work and they are predicting another Conservative minority government–with pretty much everything shaking out like it was before the election(except us taxpayers are out something like $300 million!!). Just breathe, knit, repeat…
I can’t believe I forgot that Brooklyn was tonight!!! I was so planning to go and bring my first pair of socks, which are nearly done. Oh, I am so sad!!! 🙁
Happy election day! Looks like a conservative minority… 6 WEEKS of campaigning eh? You got off EASY – it’s been something like 8 MONTHS of campaign here. I must admit I was never very politically involved before I moved to California – it makes me kind of sad. Even though this election is dragging on for what seems like forever, I have found it thoroughly fascinating and I SO wish I could vote here…
I just KNEW I should get on this skirt before you did and actually blogged about it….now it will be so popular that…well…will we all be wearing our Ruth’s Skirts at Madrona ’09 instead of the Kauni cardigan? 🙂
oh Steph, i’ll be so sad if you don’t get to see how beautiful downtown jacksonville is when you are there friday. i’ll be at my doctor’s ; so i can’t come but i do hope you get to look around downtown.
rams – Peeling an orange on a plane is one of the best things – and also one of the most cruel (to your fellow passengers).
Mmm… fresh orange!
Hey Stephanie, hope you are holding up well. Just saw you last night here in Kansas City, and I wish I would have thought to tell you then (I never think of these things till after the fact-go figure), that I’m considering relocating to Toronto where my two favorite writers live-you and Margaret Atwood. A city where the two of you have decided to reside has to be great!!
Lucky Canadians-only 6 weeks of campaigning?? I think we have at least 2 years!!!
Whether vegetarian or carnivore–nutrition is sorely lacking at any airport! And now you have to pay for snacks on Northwest-they have an actual menu of snacks with prices-big prices!! There is a 12 dollar package! I try to carry lots of granola/protein bars and other non-perishable snack options.
Maybe we should band together and start a healthy snack and food establishment in airports? Or do people really only want junk food to comfort them as they travel?
It was great to see you last night. Thanks so much for coming to Kansas City.
Oh! This looks like a tour. Is it a tour?! And if it is, can you tell us where else you might show up? We’d love to see you down Texas way again…and I have received promises that may be contingent on your appearance… 🙂
Safe and happy travels, and happy End of the Election. A mere six weeks of campaigning sounds like bliss.
Oh, I would have loved to see you in KC last night! But, alas (and for joy!) I was cuddling my sweet little 3-day old boy. Will have to catch you on the next (ahem!) tour…. 🙂 Love the wool pig and the skirt–can’t wait to see it finished!
I voted, and I may now have the privilege of living in the only NDP riding in Quebec, though they haven’t called it yet (bonus points if you know where it is! just kidding, it’s Outremont).
Conservative minority again…bleh. C 144, L 74, Bloc 50, NDP 38, IND 2, as of 11:39pm on CTV.
Am I too tired to see straight or is there really no pattern link? I really, really like that skirt. Is the pattern available?
For the Americans envying the 6 weeks of election… don’t forget this is our THIRD election in FOUR years.
Safe travels, Harlot…
We have another minority government, still Conservative. I am not happy. I am going to bed now. Maybe tomorrow I will knit.
I’m just glad that the campaign is over. If I have to hear one more comment about “kitchen tables” I’m going to barf.
That’s a cute skirt. I’d need to wear a serious undergarment to keep the backside in check (mine, not the skirt’s)
I keep in touch with Canadian news by downloading Global News every day on iTunes… but you may already know that.
Ah! I somehow missed the you were in KC this week! I wish I had realized it so I could’ve tried to go. I was only a few blocks away too! 🙁
There’s a Starbucks somewhere at KCI, but I’m not sure if that necessarily means their coffee is any better. You might’ve been better off buying some BBQ sauce from the gift shop.
We do get tornadoes in the fall as well, just not nearly as many as spring.
I want to see more of that wedding dress… it’s awesome! I never would have considered anything so huge.
Skirt is going to be pretty. You’ll be able to wear woolies from head to toe Ü
bless you ’bout the coffee honey- here in the US, (if you’re not in the SF bay area, and yes, I admit to being a terrible snob) you must first look for Peets coffee, (it is available in many airports…) and if you’re absolutely sure that there is no Peets available, then, and only then, resort to Starbucks. Under no means shoud you accept coffee from any other source (quality local vendors excepted)- it almost always disappoints. And coffee (in my opinion anyway) is too important to mess with… Also, so sorry about the lack of veggie options- I guess no one warned you that here, you really need to travel prepared- close to nothing edible available in the aeroports for us veggies. We do hope to evolve, one day, though.
Jist 6 weeks of campaigning? M-m-m-m-m. I think I’ll pack. And move. To Canada.
Oh, I can’t wait to see what you do with all of the washcloths!
I’m completely confused about where you are now. Actually, I’m not entirely certain where I am, haivng just got off a plane and been flying for 20 hours (plus airport time, ditto on the coffee) but find that I’ve actually only been ‘away’ for 8 hours.
You were in New York, then you were in Kansas, now you’re back in New York? I’m in New York. See you at Rhinebeck!
Commiserations with the election result.
Campaigning has been described by my dad as “politicians begging you on their knees for 4 weeks, so you can beg them on your knees for 4 years”. (change figures as appropiate)
Quite curious about the washcloths now…
I was the one standing between you and the Kauni after Ruth’s class at Madrona, so I remember just how excited you were. The sample skirt was gorgeous. I look forward to seeing yours.
Cinnabon started here, so I’ve read that the large ones (only size now available by the each, I believe) have around 900 calories. Tooth-achingly sweet, even with decent coffee to wash it down. Good meal for when you need to crash on the plane.
Sorry about the election results. The upside is, because you voted, you get to complain about it. Believe me, I feel your pain. I would have been very tempted to keep the babies. The force is strong with you. I’m sure you’ll get a decent coffee and roll in New York. Safe travels!
I just wanted to say thank-you for your blog. It never fails to amuse or enlighten me. I look forward to each entry and what new insight into knitting or life you are sharing that day, Your attitude towards life and good beer are intriguing. Keep up the great writing. Try and work Virginia Beach into your book schedule. We have an ernormous untapped bed of knitters in the Greater Hampton Roads area. I’d love to see them have an opprtunity to hear the Yarn Harlot. We have many military families so we are a representation of the entire US and the world. Come see us!!
The knitted skirt is a great thing – I have only just become aware of this 30 yrs in to knitting & am now more than a little obsessed. Can’t wait to see how it progresses.
Happy trails, Stephanie! I can’t wait to meet you in Cambridge tonight! I hope the coffee will be better.
Don’t know where some of you in the US are voting, but here in PA you can vote without your voter card, too, as long as you have ID: either a picture ID or something with your name and address, like a phone bill, etc. And, if your name is not in the poll book, you can vote Provisional Ballot.
What on earth are you going to do with the leftovers of the “gutted and gored” Kauni?
It’s not as though there’s a shortage of grey yarn at your house.
I would love to see a close up of that knitted wedding dress… Does this girl have a blog post where we could see it?
I can’t wait to see your skirt finished. It’s going to be gorgeous. 🙂 Happy trails!
Stephanie, please come back to Missouri when you can stay longer. And to put some of your fears to rest: the water on your pants didn’t show, your shoes were fine, your hair was (in my experience, anyway) way smaller than it might have been on a lovely humid Missouri summer day and it looked beautiful, bra or no bra–we wouldn’t have cared, and if your knees were shaking, we couldn’t tell. Your time in the spotlight confirmed what I have always suspected: you would fit right in at the almost-round table at my favorite LYS. So come join us anytime. (And I was right about the cows at the airport, wasn’t I?!)
tinkarenknit
Oh, I’m so jealous! My family is in Kansas, and I haven’t seen them for a few months. One of my most memorable Halloweens was the night the tornado went through the trailer park just southeast of the “haunted house” we were going through at the mall. Spooky indeed!
I’m sure you’ve heard the election results. I watched for a while last night, and the best part of the evening was the Mercer report. But after the polls started closing, The National people showed up and started reporting. I admit that I don’t quite understand how it works, but I am faithfully watching CBC now that I live on the border. I don’t think I would’ve been happy with the results, but I’ve got my own country’s election to worry about! Take care –
Sounds a little complicated for plane knitting! But good on you to accomplish what you have so far. Have fun with the rest of your knitters!
I thought about knitting my wedding dress, but my good sense (for once) prevailed. A good thing too or I would have been a wreck. I can’t imagine how she managed to knit a wedding dress and plan a wedding at the same time. Wow!
So sorry you had to use the Kansas City Airport…it is one of my least favorite airports. The location is AWFUL!!!
Thanks for stopping by the little cowtown where I grew up. It was a wonderful end to my day to get to hear you.
Sincerely,
The big guy who responsibly knits his own kilt hose.
A knitted skirt and a knitted wedding gown !!!! OMG you people are ambitious. Can’t wait to see what becomes of the dish cloth. You have probably heard about the election results by now so I won’t go there. Take extra vitamins or whatever you have to do to stay well as there is a wicked cold going around here at home. All the BEST.
Cute skirt! I think I’d try it in some heathery shetlands-ish yarn. They usually have a good color range and I could probably get the shading that way. Maybe alternate rows between shades for a bit before moving fully into the next color.
Hope the coffee improves!
Sounds like a whirlwind tour!
Love the wool pig (that’s my mom, Barbara, who made it! I’m not really Knitter, but I am a Reader, and she lends me all of your books to read).
Best wishes,
Molly
Hey Steph ~ I’d love to see some up-close pictures of that knit bridal gown. Do you remember the lady’s name? Do you think you could ask her to email you some pictures so you could post them for us? It’s not that I’m planning on knitting anything so ambitious, it’s just my morbid fascination and appreciation for such unbelievably laboreous work! I mean, WOW!!! Sounds utterly INCREDIBLE!!!!
“and gives you the right to complain about politicians until the next go ’round” — That’s what I tell all the people I know who DON’T vote — they don’t get to complain unless they do participate in the selection of the politicians.
That skirt looks fantastic! Safe traveling, Stephanie.
A knit skirt? Oh, my. Please tell me it’s not as full as the wedding dress! I fear for your mental state if you have to bind off weeks worth of stitches!
Re voting. I’m so glad someone shares my viewpoint. Voting is NEVER an exercise in futility. If you voted and your candidate still loses, you can start to complain immediately. If your candidate wins and then turns out to be awful in office, you can complain. (And here in the US that can be for many years until the end of the term. You Canadians have a better idea – again.) Those who don’t vote have absolutely no right to complain!
It was so thrilling to see you in person in Kansas City. You are a delightful person. My husband came and loved you too. The best part was when you signed your book you complimented me on the sweater vest I was wearing -plus you read my favorite chapter in your book to us! I will remember it always.
stephanie, i agree 100% on the importance of voting. heck, in lake county, indiana (near chicago), some folks think it’s so important that they registered more than 50 times! (part of scandal uncovered by new york time . . . who says “mainstream media” have no value?)
but never fear — it was dumbasses trying to keep their jobs by turning in lots of aps, while knowing fake voters wouldn’t get to cast ballots. in indiana, you must be registered about 30 days in advance, and must show “official” photo i.d. (driver’s license or non-driving i.d. or military i.d.) at the polls to get a ballot.
this morning, i did the early voting thing at the city-county building. so i’m now licensed to bitch and moan from now to 2012!!
voting is so cherished in my family (my grandmothers were young women when women got the vote) that even my hippie son makes a point of voting. and maybe it’s because i never lectured them about party politics, but he and my daughter both vote for my party, not their father’s. so do my nieces and nephew. (bro and sil vote the “wrong” way, but live in a state where my party always sweeps the electoral vote.)
i hope your travels soon will bring you back to indianapolis, where hubbard and cravens offers great coffee by the cup and the bag, and where endangered species chocolate will satisfy another major craving.
To solve the problem of bad airport/airplane/hotel food choices, you should carry some Clif Bars in your bag (www.clifbar.com). They taste pretty good and won’t make you feel sick 10 minutes later from a sugar letdown. Just as you would never travel without a sock-in-progress, you should take along some healthy snacks.
Hi Stephanie,
Sorry to be a party pooper, but I think that Chex mix is rarely vegetarian (at least it didn’t use to be – I’ve not checked in a long while since it always disappointed me). It’s made with Worcestershire sauce, which (in the US at least) includes anchovies. I hate to burst your bubble, because the stuff does taste good. I hope you find something good to eat for the rest of the trip!
Sarah
The skirt is gorgeous, the babies are beautiful–and you are amazing. I hope someone at your next stop gifts you with truly good coffee–we all have our needs:0)
OMG — A knit skirt… I can’t imagine wearing such a thing, unless I were back to my weight and body shape of, oh say, 30 years ago! but I love what you’re doing with the color… brilliant, just brilliant!
As a Liberal campaign worker in Edmonton, you can imagine how I feel. The knitting pictures are brightening my day, though. I cannot belive Canadians have voted for a man who calls himself an admirer of George Bush…
try “gluten free and dairy free” in airports or at sheep and wool festivals. v.fun. no artichokes for me.
I was in Austin this weekend and didn’t get to see the bats (you didn’t either I understand) but did get to Whole Foods, and got to have some fruit and was blown away with the wine. It was “cool”, a mere 89 degree’s somewhat cooler when you were there!
Yarn shops rock but it would be nice to be able to “rate” a place other than the ementies of the airport. I still think Portland has the best. Have a great time in New York! Don’t you think there should be a time zone just for people flying around the world?
OK it is now Wed am & the election is done!
WEDDING DRESS – yes please we need close up photos of this lovely garment
TRAVEL / PLANE FOOD – I have for many years ordered a FRUIT MEAL ,(the veggie options are mostly some sad meat looking imitation) Then I bring baggies of nuts(cashews, almonds, pine nuts) then I graze my way across the country.
Please come to Vancouver Island next tour!!!
UNFAIR! How can you Canadians not have to suffer 3 more weeks of campaigning like we are in the US!? Here’s wishing you good travels anyway. And yes, Clif bars make excellent travel companions. My hubby uses them on business trips to catch extra sleep by not having to go get breakfast. Just a thought.
TECHIE QUESTION
my post, above, says 3:15 pm but it is only 12 noon here
is there a place to change time settings???? not a biggie in the whole scheme of things, I know, but just wondering
Chex Mix. Indeed, a wonderful creation. It’s even better when you make your own using the recipe on the cereal boxes. Extra buttery and garlicky. (o:
First, thank you for a wonderful evening in Kansas City! I laughed so hard I was crying. Loved the story of the tree and the PTA president, classic.
Second, the mid term I skipped to see you is being made up tonight.
Third, the first essay in your new book fits my youngest child to a “T” (by the way his birthday was the day you spoke in K.C.) and perhaps I’ll try setting him on the knitting path. Perhaps I have a knitting prodigy on my hands. 🙂
Just so you know…cats can eat socks, too. We adopted two kittens this spring, and my socks now must be hung to dry behind latched doors. One of them is obsessed with wool, and stole a newly-finished, never-worn sock from a closed drawer and chewed a hole in the cuff. The second one was hung at the top of the drying rack, which he had to have climbed to get to the sock. He stole 4 socks that day but only ate a hole in one of them. (He only goes for hand-knit ones, by the way…those Target tube socks are perfectly safe.) It’s a very good thing that he also has the loudest purr in New England.
It was such a pleasure to see you in KC! I drove 5 hours from down in the Ozarks, and managed to be the first one in the door and got the seat right in front of you. That’s the effect you have on your readers. The wee wool pig was a spontaneously needle felted gift — no pattern, so he’s one-of-a-kind. Having my picture posted on the blog was absolutely an honor. I’m totally thrilled! Thanks for what you do for the knitting community.
Delta’s coffee sucks, too. I tried it on Monday and blecch!
Dear Yarn harlot: The next time you visit KC will you please do the following? 1) Check to make sure American Airlines does not think I am a side of beef that needs to be kept in cold storage, 2) Check to see if the Italian government allows the heat on in hotels yet, and 3) make sure I can make it to your visit? I had my tickets (my mom was coming and she does not even knit) and my book and washcloths for you and my socks ready to bring and knit. However the airplane and hotel in Italy froze me to death and I caught a rotten cold. I did not feel like getting out and infecting the other fans. I am torqued I could not come see you and sorry about the airport, it truly sucks. I do love your latest book, it made me cry and laugh and is your best yet. That 10 hour airplane ride between Italy and NYC was only made bearable by your book. Can’t wait for the next one.
Abby
I had to work late on Tuesday and couldn’t get to Brooklyn to see you. I hope to run into you at Rhinebeck tomorrow.
I keep missing you! You spoke in Philadelphia last spring the day I left after a weekend visit. I live outside Kansas City but I was in Boston (OK, at WEBS) when you were in KC. I leave Boston and you go to Boston. Heh. What is up with that?
Hi–just wanted to thanks a bunch for your blog. I found a link to an entry of yours in March of 2005 (I’m sure you remember :)) about pre-drafting and prep work before spinning. I am just learning how to use a drop spindle–like I have only had it since Tuesday–and I tried the predrafting thing like you showed (awesome pictures btw) and it was so much easier!! I actually look like I know what I am doing! I feel so smart–because my friends saw me spinning after the big prep and they were totally in awe of me!! So THANK YOU, Yarn Harlot for helping me acquire a new addiction and for feeding my inner OCD patient. Hats off!
Marie
Yay for handknitted kilt hose and hand kniting kilt hose guy. My first sock project, my first in-the-round project, and my first cable project were kilt hose for my brother about thirty five years ago. Also the first time I wrote to a pattern manufacturer for clarification, which they supplied excellently. Brother wore kilt hose into holes, I knitted them fresh soles and heels, and he wore them as hiking socks and wore them to death. New kilt hose were purchased. Purchased!!! I tell you, I felt snubbed.
lol… Here I am trying to catch up the serious backlog of blog posts in my rss feed and I read that there are no tomatoes in Kansas City and that’s a good thing?! Oh, oh, tornadoes! lol Time to slow down.
I knit that skirt after you mentioned it in your blog and I used the same colour as you do. It’s fun to see it in progress again – like a déja vu. Mine is on Ravelry but no picture yet. I’ll try to add one soon. I used 2 balls simultaneously at the top and 3 in the middle section. It worked out fine.