Big Change

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As I posted the little green leafy scarf yesterday, and sat down to ponder my next project (while knitting the leafy green socks) I decided that really, I needed to mix it up a bit.  Get going on something else.  But what?

I fondled some new yarn, I looked at some new books (really liking Veronik Avery’s Knitting 24/7 and Tanya Alpert’s Haiku Knits.  Actually, what I really like about Haiku knits is the idea that I might ever be chic enough to wear something in there. Dare to dream.) In any case, I spent all this time going through all this stuff and imagining my new project, and then I was overcome by this huge wave of knit guilt.  Now, I hardly ever get knit guilt.  I think it’s lame. Knitting is supposed to be fun, it’s a hobby- and seriously, what could the consequences of starting sixteen things and not finishing them possibly be? It’s not like anyone is going to swoop down here and give me a ticket or a stern talking to.  Still, I’m only human and every once in a while when I’m looking for something to start, this little voice in the back of my head says "How about looking for something to finish?"

Since that part of my brain doesn’t get a lot of air time, I decided to go with the impulse, and went into the living room knitting basket to see what I might be neglecting.  One layer down I found a tank top that I started eons ago, but didn’t finish for some reason I can’t imagine now. (I’ll bet that winter came and I couldn’t see the point of a summer top.) 

It’s the Roundabout Leaf Tank from Knitting Nature . (Yes.  I know I have this weird thing for Norah Gaughan. I think it’s normal and I’m not ashamed.) and I’m knitting it in Silken Straw from Alchemy Yarns. (Pretty serious crush on that company too.)  Now that I think of it, considering how much I like the yarn, how much I like the pattern… I have no idea why I put it down ever… or why it’s taken me until now to pick it up.

Anyway, I was knitting along on it last night, having just the loveliest time, when I realized what I’d done- though you probably figured it out already.  I went into the basket and picked out the only UFO (UnFinished Object) that was… you guessed it.

Leaves.  Green. I am nothing if not predictable.

150 thoughts on “Big Change”

  1. Well, Stephanie, on my screen it looks more golden straw color – doesn’t that let you off the hook?

  2. In understand. I just emailed my yarn guy (I worship him) for 6 more balls of the exact same yarn in the exact same shade of green that I have now done about four projects in. I can’t seem to stop.

  4. But you DID mix it up a bit. Maybe not in color/theme, but finishing a UFO sounds different enough (for the moment) to count.
    I also have a thing for Norah Gaughan, though I haven’t made anything of hers yet.

  6. I could get “green” with envy of all your beautiful projects. Just go with the flow.

  7. Whatever floats your boat…. I think that they have all been beautiful and you will enjoy the tank top when summer arrives.
    P.S. I’m loving my self imposed sock of the month club… thanks for the idea. Wanting to knit up as much as I can before Sock summit 2011!!!)

  8. I can SO relate. I am usually into pinks and reds. But suddenly I am buying and knitting greens. Last 3 projects have been green camo, or green print and all for babies.

  9. I got so distracted and envious that Karen @ 11:43 has a yarn guy that I forgot what my comment was going to be. I need a yarn guy.

  10. Or, Stephanie! You might trying knitting a pair of socks that has oh, say, 100 tiny, tiny, vines and maple-leaf thing-ies that you stay up until 2am with that particular “jag” and then they all, at some point, have to then be appliqued onto the pair of socks…! But just for fun. lol!

  11. I love the silken straw. I have a tank I made (the pattern from Lettuce Knit) out of the dragon color. It makes me think of summer every time I pull it out!

  12. And what am I knitting, pray tell? A lace stole where the pattern looks like peas climbing up a trellis (well, to me, at least) and what is going on in my garden? The peas have just begun climbing up their new trellis (installed Vic Day). A-hem. hahaha.

  13. I keep finding myself drawn to greens as well — but I can’t wear them! Instead all of my stash is…wait for it…blue-green. All shades, hues, intensities.

  14. Well I guess that proves it! You are in a rut!! But on the other hand, most of those greens look pretty similar, so you will at least be nicely colour-co-ordinated!
    I’m always a fan of finishing UFOs – even if it takes a few years to get there…..don’t you just have a HUGE sense of virtue when you do? Like you are being sooo good and responsible and sensible….even if it is just once in a blue moon!

  15. Dear Steph,
    It is my pleasure to inform you that in my opinion, you did indeed mix it up. You did not use a different color of yarn, or even a different theme, but you did start knitting on a ufo ( and a tank top to boot). Hope you enjoy the tank top when the summer comes!
    All my love,
    ~The Krazy Knitter

  16. I have been wondering what happened to this top. I really wanted to see this pattern finished when you first started it then silence.

  17. Stephanie: I just googled “Roundabout Leaf Tank” and found a finished object you might enjoy viewing. Very interesting! Best wishes, Louise
    FO: Roundabout Leaf Tank « SknittyJun 18, 2006 … Pattern: Roundabout Leaf Tank from Norah Gaughan’s Knitting Nature Yarn: Berroco C

  18. Wait! In Canada you don’t get a ticket if you start something even though 10 pairs of socks, 3 sweaters, and 2 blankets are waiting to be finished? That does it! I’m coming up.

  19. “I know I have this weird thing for Norah Gaughan. I think it’s normal and I’m not ashamed.”
    Completely normal. *nods knowingly*

  20. My New Year’s resolution was to work my way through my big stack of UFOs. Yeah, right! Every time I pick one up, either a shiny object lures me away or somebody needs a gift. Guess I’ll keep trying!

  22. After seeing your blog about the leafy green socks and I realized that I have the pattern for those socks. I’ve decided that they are the next pair of socks going on my needles.
    Donna

  23. I see what you’re doing now. You’re trying to recruit an army of green knitters. How can anyone find any thing odd in your green phase then? Well, you have excellent choice in ammunition: that yarn + norah = soldier of the green period.
    Years from now, knitting anthropologists (ones that get published, in order to differentiate from myself), will say, “May 2010 is now recognized as the beginning of Pearl-McPhee’s Green Phase. It is similar to Picasso’s Blue Period, but with more structure (and silk). Careful analysis of ravelry and blog archives demonstrates a statistically significant proportional relationship between other lesser-known knitters’ green projects and McPhee’s autobiographical chronicling of her body of work.”

  25. Laugh. Out. Loud!!! Thanks for bringing Haiku knits book to my attention. Chic indeed! I think you might like the “fallen leaves” pattern or “morning glory,” when you are ready to branch out to those flowers. :o) Love your knitting projects, as always!

  26. How awesome you can get rid of the “knit guilt” and still remain in your green mode.
    Two birds, one stone, very frugal!
    🙂

  27. By the way, I knit your “Pretty Thing” cowl in a hot lime green for my youngest. That was her color choice.

  28. It is beautiful in its leafy-greeness! Knit Guilt is the very reason I have declared this to be my “Summer of Selfish Knitting”. I’m putting on hold other requests and gifts so that I can finish up my own UFOs.

  29. Hee hee. I am currently obsessed with knitting a summer cardi in green cobweb-weight yarn. Go with it.

  30. I usually knit blues and greens (the colors that work best for me), but I’ve been on a red/pink jag lately. It all started when the January shipment from Blue Moon arrived. I’ve finished 3 scarves, 2 cowls, and 4 pair of socks since the end of January which have a substantial amount of pink and/or red in them. I’ve finished other projects as well (in other colors), but for me, this is a LOT of pink for a few months.
    I just finished Cubist Socks (a new Cookie A. design that was a free download from Interweave Knits’ Knitting Daily) in Claudia Handpaints Plumliscious color, have the cuff done on Flabella (Blue Moon’s yarn), and am planning to do the other January design in Cherry Tree Winterberry. All are pink yarns.
    The blue and green WIPs just stare back at me forlornly.

  31. Wow, I’m working on a green silken straw project too — LOVE this yarn and it’s making me want to buy more of it plus Alchemy’s other wool free yarns. I’ll be interested to see how it knits up in a tank. I’m doing the Moonlight Sonata Shawl.

  32. But Stephanie! You’re finishing an UFO. Now THAT is something to be proud of (not that all your other accomplishments aren’t worthy of pride as well). I recently went through my stash, bagged it (I’ve been knitting for 4 1/2 years and NEVER worried about moths until I started reading your books) and arranged it in drawers. When I got to my UFOs, all I did was arrange them into another drawer with the thought “I’ll get to them later” and started a new project.
    I have to say as a new reader and somewhat new knitter, that I appreciate that I have so much in common with someone who’s been knitting most of her life and actually writes books about knitting. How I feel about my stash and my “hobby” (addiction) is all laid out in your books. It makes me feel so much better. Thank you.

  33. Just give in to the greenness. Why not? As you said, this is a fun hobby. Never apologize for your hobbies, unless they’re illegal. Just as there are no knitting police, there is no color gestapo either. (I seriously love green too. Threee out of four of my current projects are green. Two have leaves.)

  34. predictability is comfortable. i mean, think how traumatizing it would be for your family (and we the readers) if you suddenly started crocheting thongs out of red heart acrylic while eating a burger and swearing off beer?
    mixing it up is overrated.
    keep it simple.

  36. Maybe my comment yesterday about picking up a green UFO hit a nerve subliminally! Why fight the urge? Go w/what’s working.

  37. I giggled as soon as I read the name of the new project 🙂 ! Looks lovely … go ahead a finish it up – the heats on down here in the lower 48. It should be arriving in your neck of the woods soon I would think.

  38. I remember when you started on that top. I think you gave it up because the cat unraveled part of it, and you lost your place. I’m glad you’re going to finish it; it’s a pretty thing (no trademark infringement intended).
    Nothing wrong with going on a jag now and then. The hard part will be when you’re finally done with green, and your family and friends are still giving you green yarn as gifts because they “know” it’s your favorite.

  40. I think you’ve infected me long-distance, because I’ve got green sock yarn balled up and ready to cast on, and I’ve spun some light grey Shetland/mohair that I want to overdye green and knit into one of Romi’s newest designs!

  42. agree about Knitting Nature–got yarn, needles and plans for just about everything in the logarithmic spiral section (and I just caught myself staring at a huge moonshell my sister has over the sink instead of finishing the dishes–what a pattern!). They’re a bit down the queue, but soon.
    ps how come the embossed leaves sock looks better in your picture than it does in the pattern? I was going to pass them by, but–

  43. Hey, babe, I say go with the flow! Knit those leafy greens! Go green until can’t stand it any more, and finally get it out of your system. It’s not like any of this is ugly, harmful, or looks bad on you.
    I have been where you are (minus the beautifully skilled leaf motifs, and, of course, actually finishing very much.). I have walked into clothing stores and only been able to see the green garments, walked into yarn stores and only seen the green skeins. Yes, it feels like a sickness, but there IS light at the end of the tunnel. (Think aqua……)

  44. I prefer the term “consistent” to “predictable”. I’m pretty consistent, myself.

  46. So what–like you said, Knit what you like-no one will swoop down and give you a ticket. What a waste of time it is to knit something you don’t care for just because you “started” it–so what, unravel, give it away, donate it, trash it–it is yours to do with what you like. Knit what you love even if the house fills up with green leaved knitted items !!
    I bet if you open your front door anything you don’t want will find a home.

  47. I think it is gorgeous!! And I love all the leafy green goodness coming from your needles! I say go with it! (So glad you are…)

  48. And here I was wondering what ever happened to that tank? Can’t wait to see it finished. I have the book, have been wondering what it would be like in silk…

  49. the best thing about picking up a UFO to finish is that usually it’s about half done and you can get the satisfaction of finishing a whole project in half the time! hey, all i can say is it works for me sometimes!
    (the tank looks lovely)

  52. OOh. I was just thinking about that tank you’d been working on (only, in my mind, you’d finished it . . . ) because I’m thinking of knitting it myself! Thanks for the linky to remind me in my absent-mindedness!!
    :O)

  54. I can relate. I once spent an undisclosed amount (but let’s just say the phrase “piles of money” was used) during a yarn crawl for my birthday. Bought LOTS of yarns in LOTS of weights from 4 or 5 different stores. Only to find, once I get home, that Every. Single Skein. is either deep teal or dark purple. There were even some that were deep teal AND dark purple. But in the obscene amount of yarn that was brought home, there was not a single skein that was any other color. LOL
    Right now I’m planning my vacation knitting. I’m not a fast knitter (but I do have some skilz) and for a 10 day vacation I’m taking FOUR shawl patterns! And FOUR sets of yarn! And I looked at them last night and realized…they’re all blue. *sigh* LOL.

  55. But you started it a few months ago so maybe it’s only because you like green and leaves!

  56. You could knit something from Haiku Knits with Alchemy Haiku, tehe.
    I have a very SERIOUS crush on Norah’s designs myself. I just don’t think this particular design would work for my body type. Maybe if I turned to go up and down instead of around and around…

  57. I think that never got finished because your row gauge was off and the leaves weren’t lining up where you wanted them to?? I’d love to see it finished up!

  60. Yes, but it doesn’t matter because it’s a UFO. I’m doing the same thing right now – knitting only UFOs. Problem is, there are SO many, I feel guilty no matter which one I pick. So many of them…..

  63. You know, it looks yellow-ish/green-ish to me. I don’t think it’s a *solid* green, therefore I think you’ve broken the green streak. As for the leaves, they’re pretty!
    At least, that’s how I’d look at it . . .

  66. I just read your new glasses are totally hopeless. If your eyes have not adjusted to the new glasses within 24 to 48 hours, go back and have glasses and prescription checked. They do sometimes make mistakes. For me, they once mixed up right and left eye and turned the prescriptions around – I noticed immediately since my eyes have a great difference in prescription.
    As I said, go back and have them checked. It could be anything from giving you the wrong prescription to making a mistake fitting the lenses into the frame.

  67. The last time I remember seeing this was in a July, 2006, entry when there had been a mysterious separating of the ways of the current round from the previous round without the loss of the correct number of stitches. Was that mystery ever solved?
    It’s good to see it back.
    Choc

  69. Like you said, it is a hobby and supposed to be fun. Knit whatever you feel like. If you end up with 16 green FOs you’ll have mix and match and you will have enjoyed every minute. Besides I’m partial to green, too.

  70. I prefer to think of it as the Universe working in mysterious and wonderful ways. Maybe you’re supposed to be knitting things of a theme right now. Who knows what good could come of it? Like you said, it’s a hobby. No one is going to come and swoop in and give you tickets!
    And you’ll have a tank top ready for summer soon too!

  71. I’m saving your post to show anyone who laughs at me for knitting project after project with blue yarns! It isn’t just me after all. I’m only emulating one of my most favorite knitting people. And who isn’t crazy about Norah!? 🙂

  72. The part I like best is that it surprised you, that you didn’t realize it spot on immediately. We have such interesting little brains 😉

  73. What is all this “when summer comes” business? It has been over 95 degrees here all week and my swamp cooler is erratic and fickle. Summer is most definitely here in my neck of the woods. I’ll trade you anytime.
    Anyway, laugh out loud hilarious. Every time I notice that I am on a color/pattern kick like that, I try to knit something that is at the complete opposite of the color wheel (although I have never knit with orange yet, I don’t know anyone who would wear it). It keeps me feeling fresh.
    Still, I have an awful lot of blues and greens in my stash. Oh well.

  74. Yes, I’m kind of stuck on greens right now too. But that is the nature of Nature these days. Everything is as green and growing as it can be and after a winter of greys, browns, blacks and whites, for now, I’ll just wallow in all those beautiful shades of green. Thank you.
    The summer solstice is nearly here. Knit something yellow in honor of the longest day of the year if you need a change.

  75. Same thing happened to me with this cute baby blue halter top. There’s no point knitting something for summer when it’s so cold out it’s hard to imagine summer.

  76. That’s the reason my current WIP sweater is burnt orange- I realized I either had 4 shades of green to choose from or 4 shades of plum/wine to choose from in my stash.Or I could have chose to work on the colour-work vest that’s both green AND plum…I think it may be contagious…

  77. I’m sorry, I can’t help giggling. But really, it’s your knitting. Why worry about being on a jag if you’re enjoying it?!

  79. Green is the color of the earth in Spring and Summer, too. It’s soothing, warming, cooling — all of it. It’s the color of life. Knit green and be happy.

  81. I emailed you asking about this UFO over a year ago — I was so curious to see how the silken straw worked up in a pattern that I’d been coveting. It’s great to see you pick it up again. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the leafy green knits obsession keeps hold until you get an FO.

  82. Being overweight this top would not be a ‘goer’ for me, and I don’t have the elan to carry it with confidence, but I do think it looks very ‘knitterly’ and very clever, yea for Norah who is very clever.
    I think you look delightful in these green shades (not me, I am more of a ‘jewel’-colours person). Just go with the flow – there has been a time in your life when your couldn’t afford these passions, but with the family getting older, and other changes, those times are passing.

  83. Hi Stephanie, Try knitting “Riverbed” from Haiki Knits in a coppery brown and wear it with brown pants and a pair of gold earrings. You’ll look like a million dollars, and the brown color, being casual, will make you feel more relaxed and like yourself than a dressier color would. At least that’s my theory.

  84. (lighting torches, thumping butt end of spear on ground)
    All hail Nora Gaughan!
    (commence enthusiastic Goddess-worship dance)
    I’m on a green jag too, and I’m smack in the middle of green Ground Zero. Ever been on the bayou? Even the water is green.
    Used to be, anyway 🙁
    Maybe it’s the oil spill that has me focused on green these last several weeks, but I’ve been dyeing green sock yarn, dyeing green roving, and working on only one project which is not green. You’re not alone.

  86. I remember that tank from the time you started it. And I remember thinking some time ago, what had happened to that interesting piece of knitting. Was it ripped because of bad fit or unsuitable yarn? I’m excited about the end-result in this case.

  89. Looks yellow-straw in my computer. Hm.
    Still, to find that you didn’t deviate from the leaf theme is funny. 😀
    Also, I notice that you have yet to put your Earl Gray sock pattern under your ‘Free Patterns’ header. Just felt like pointing it out. 😉

  90. I definitely understand about the whole Norah Gaughan thing. It’s perfectly understandable and yes, I think it’s very normal. (So do most of my friends.) I even understand about the whole green thing and getting into a particular style of knitting and going with a theme or color. (Except I really like Blue and purple though not necessarily together. I’m sure you understand.) I do hope that this does NOT mean that you’re starting a trend and everyone will be finishing their UFO’s and talking about how good it feel to finish them. etc. etc. etc. Then I’ll feel like now I have to finish my UFO’s and that just won’t be that much fun. I’m just saying that in my case, those projects are UFO’s for a reason, mainly because they just don’t work and need to visit the Frog Pond. I’m such a slow knitter and I’ve spent so much time working on something that just won’t work that I just can’t stand to rip them all out! So please, have pity on all of us slow knitters and please don’t start a finishing trend. We would really appreciate it.

  91. “Consistency is the chief hobgoblin of a petty mind”–Emerson, as paraphrased by Isaac Asimov–which I interpret to mean, go with the creative flow. Moreover, Emerson was from Concord, Massachusetts, as was Henry Thoreau–who was “green” long before it became trendy. Coincidence? I think not!

  92. Go with the flow. I love the green leaves in their many permutations.
    Had an ‘orange’ jag for two years and now rather greeen myself.

  93. Oh, that’s right. There is a tank top loitering in my UFO pile, too, stopped at the end of last summer when I had the same “why do I need a summer top now” thought. Thanks for the reminder.

  94. I love reading your blogs. I wonder sometimes if my obsessions are unatural, but at least I know I am not alone.

  96. Boy do I ever wish I had a body that could wear summer knits. There generally isn’t enough “body” to them and the drape hits body parts that I dress to COVER, not call attention to. Consequently, I am still making winter socks. I’m wondering if linen, knit at a tight enough gauge, would work for a summer top? Ever done that? Would it still be cool enough for summer?

  97. i’m the same way with green, you know. my whole house: green. most of my stash: green. current sweater and socks: both green. on tap, more of the same. Why fight it?

  98. I currently have 5 WIPs. Four of them are blue. I definitely understand about the color affection. But what I want to know is, are you going to knit some green pants?
    One eye doctor reversed my prescription. Instead of seeing items that were close to, and peering at things far away, suddenly I couldn’t read anything near by, but I could make out the markings on the aircraft landing at Logan, several miles away. Check with your eye doctor.

  99. Ha. I’m realizing just why I had some things hibernating, so I’m mostly spinning instead of knitting. That will change if/when I get some reading material that doesn’t require frequent page turning. Colleen McCullough probably.

  101. Why are all the things in your UFO basket so pretty and mine are .. well.. there’s a reason they’re in there…
    I love Norah, too… but I’m currently two timing her with Nancy Bush’s Estonian Lace book.

  102. UFO’s, WOW! do you have to bring up an unfinshed sweater…thank goodness, there is no guilt..I have one I started and have finished all but 4″ of the sleeves..Just can’t seem to get to it..Fairisle doesn’t go good in Texas..yes and it is GREEN!!!

  103. I’m with you. I’m not knitting green but lately it’s been simple. Quantity. like I just churned out three cotton dishcloths, and started a baby blanket. I’ve got the need for speed..

  104. I wish I could wear green – it’s so pretty! I think though that a UFO is sufficient departure from your previous projects that we can forgive its being green as well 🙂 I’ve been working through my UFOs this summer and I love the feeling of finishing them! (like the hot water bottle cover I started – get this – ELEVEN years ago…)

  107. I have exactly one green article of clothing in my possession. After seeing all these lovely greens of yours, I think I need to get some more.

  109. I confess that I have a Yarn Harlot quote a day calendar. I noticed that June 14th is your BDay. Happy Birthday and thanks for what you do!

  110. I remember this one! I was so curious about how it was going to turn out, but I think your sweet little nephew decided to “help you out with it” when you weren’t looking…and we never saw it again. Looking forward to the finished object!

  112. Okay, so the other day when I read this and posted all about how I avoid such jags by mixing it up, I chuckled to myself, “That silly Yarn Harlot,” and went on my merry way knitting along on some WIP’s of my own. Then, yesterday I had a terrible day, bit of a breakdown and I decided to cast on something new.
    This pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tikvah-shawl
    This yarn: http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Shimmer_Hand_Dyed_Lace_Yarn__D5420112.html in Eucalyptus
    I stopped, looked at the knitting in my hands. Green; check. Leaves; check. Apparently, I have no will of my own. Must knit what Harlot knits. Must knit green leaves.

  113. doesn’t look green on my monitor. looks kinda yellow. but it certainly does have leaves. no getting around them.
    i’m swatching for a manu. in moss.

  114. Just had to comment; I found myself wondering just the other day what had happened to this tank of yours. Can’t wait to see it!

  115. *singing* Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Stephanie, happy birthday to you!

  116. Since it’s after midnight here in Alaska it must be even more after midnight in Toronto so it’s your birthday. Hope it is happy, filled with joy, and that you have a great year ahead of you.

  117. I was dumb enough to klick on the picture for the lemon merengue pie mentioned in the tweet in your sidebar. Bad idea. I almost drooled on my keyboard…….
    And of course: happy birthday!

  118. Happy Birthday Stephanie,
    I remember you birthday, as I share it. I am having a birthday knitting holiday as you suggested. i am having a wonderful day, snuggling through my yarn collection, deciding on a new project. Wonderful.

  120. Happy birthday. I hope someone’s making you YOUR favourite dessert. I’m with your Mum; I’ll take the lemon meringue pie(my middle son’s ONLy dessert).

  121. I finally clued in-all this silk is in honour of the upcoming Knot Hysteria event. Wish I could be there, but unfortunately, I don’t spin(in the sense of producing yarn from fiber).

  122. There is no challenge in finishing projects. Anyone with patience and nagging friends or conscience can finish a project. The challenge is to think up new ones. I’ve knitted and crocheted by that principle for years and it works for me. Makes the house a little crowded with projects sometimes but hey, I’m busy finding new challenges.

  123. Happy Birthday; and watching your twitter feed: yes, you absolutely can spend the whole day knitting and drinking coffee (not that you need my permission), but you might want to switch to beer at some point. Just sayin’.
    Enjoy!

  124. Habby b-day! And there’s nothing wrong with a green-yarn rut, if it suits your style precisely! I’ve currently got four sweaters started, all in brown, and all for me. ‘Cause I like the color, look good in it, and need sweaters.
    Now the leaf thing — summer’s here next week though so maybe you’ll switch to another motif?

  125. Happy Birthday to you! Your green leafy stuff makes me smile! I just snagged myself a lovely green skein of Mountain Colours Crazy sock at TNNA, thinking it will be perfect for that Cat Bordhi sock pattern that was in Knitter’s a while back. One of the wonderful things about summer is the beautiful combination of blue sky, white clouds and leafy greens of the trees – this should jog me out of my knitting slump. Have a beautiful day!

  132. And what is wrong with green leaves? You are making me want to knit something very warm with green leaves in/on it so that along about next St. Brigid’s Day I can remind myself what they look like.

  133. Happy Birthday! Happy coffee drinking! Happy Knitting!!! And thanks for the many smiles you give me! Knit On!

  134. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Just read on my Harlot calendar that today is the day. Have a great one! AnnDS.

  135. Happy birthday! Do all the things that make you happy, and avoid everything else like the plague.

  136. Happy birthday to my birthday twin. What are you doing for yours? For mine — well, I’m working. Shouldn’t this be a national holiday or something?!
    My Aunt Donna (whose birthday was August 7) used to say that the smartest people were born on the 7th. To which I replied that people who are double-smart are born on the 14th. That works, right?

  137. The horseshoe hat in the recent issue of Spin-off. I’ve cranked out 4 in the last few days, and am not embarassed to say I plan to crank out a few more. they are GREAT car knitting, and when you arrive at your destination you have gifts for everyone, and I don’t care that it’s june and no one really needs a wool hat in June. They will thank me later.

  138. Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow. And if that means knitting a lot of green and a lot of leaves, well then, so be it. If it makes your heart sing and puts a smile on your lips, it can’t be bad!
    Remember, you’re 42 now…and you know all the answers to all the questions!

  139. Dear Yarn Harlot, happy birthday and live on in good health. About your glasses: I have been wondering about those eyedrops and being allowed driving (some of your readers )and having taken tests for the prescriptionglasses while you are still seeing blurry. Go take your glasses and have this taken care of. In our country we have a small blast of air on our eyes, we do not get blurry vision. To all of you suffering of the blurriness, just a suggestion. Can you not make a double appointment, one day the drops, a few days later the prescription tests, so your eyes are clear-sighted when you have that glass+ or – thing done. I was wondering if somebody would come up with Joe’s gansey, my guess is he has already worn it to shreds or else, maybe a green dyebath while you still have the greenflow?;-)

  140. I think it is completely normal to think Norah Gaughan is wonderful. I went into a button bar in Adelaide on the weekend (it sells knitting needles as well as buttons) and one of the shop assitants hailed me with ‘Is that Norah Gaughan??’ (she was referring to what I was wearing… swirled pentagons from knitting Nature) and proceeded to gush about NG and give me 110 out of 100 for my jumper! Proof, I reckon!

  141. If that was “one layer down” I am dying to know what lovely things you have at the bottom…

  142. Leaves, green: phew! If that’s all!
    For a moment there I thought you might have continued knitting with the wrong size needles (I’ve done that before. Just couldn’t, for the life of me, remember that I was “resting” the project on smaller needles!) and that you didn’t realise until you frogged it four times…
    Yep, that’s what I managed to do.
    Leaves, green: absolutely no problem! Think nothing of it.

  143. There is nothing wrong with knowing yourself and what you like.. in fact I think that it’s great! (if you could see my closet, you would know immediately that I like both Red and Tourquise!)
    KNIT ON..whatever speaks to you!

  145. I’m so glad you picked this up again! I wondered what had happened to it. Didn’t Hank or some other mystery unraveler get his hands on it for a bit?

  146. When I first heard your moniker I asked myself what was she thinking…but as I let my mind drift over it I decided that being a harlot was also a passion. Yours just happens to be a passion for yarn…and all that means…

  147. Apparently you have a leafy green itch that needs some good scratching … don’t fight it. Just enjoy it and reap the yarny benefits in beautiful leafy green finished projects!

  148. By the way – I think these scarves are so beautiful, that I went ahead and bought the pattern. This has answered my dilema about what to do with some wonderful cashmere that I bought a few years ago at the Fiber Fair in Hamilton, Montana! I’ve been “saving it” for something very special, and wearing it out in socks just seemed so wrong! Thanks for the inspiration!

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