I swear that I had meant to post about the Portland event the day after I did it, as I made my way home, but something happened the minute I did the last event… as the relief that the whole tour was done and the realization and that I was going to get to go home came over me, and I crashed. I was a zombie in the airport, and I tried to do it on my layover, but all I could do was sit there, trying to stay awake. It was like I suddenly had permission to be tired, and all I’ve done since then was sleep and rest, which has been amazing because (deep breath) I leave again in the morning to do the Colour Retreat up at Port Ludlow, which will be a heap of fun, but really turns coming home into a quick three day stop at home just to unpack from the tour, do laundry, and repack to be right back on a plane to the Pacific Northwest and yes – I do know that it would have been easier to just stay, but today is Joe’s birthday, and I really wanted to be home for that. In any case, here I am, and here is the Portland report.
(Apologies for anything I get wrong, by the way. I’ve discovered today that one of the problems with doing the reports a few days later is that I have trouble deciphering my notes. I scrawled something about a flub, for example, and it was only a minute ago that I realized I meant flute. The pictures help. Flute you ask? Yup. You’ll see it when it goes by.)
Behold! The knitters of Portland!
Look! It’s Judy Becker, and she brought me a copy of her book
I didn’t take her picture, but Laurel Coombs brought me her books too – booklets with socks Inspired by the Lord of the Rings. (Number one and two) Very geeky, and very nice.
I got to see some nice future knitters and their knitter mama’s, like Katie and Ellie,
and Jane and Gus,
Rochelle and Christine
(There is nothing I like more than babies in woollies.)
and a whole family of knitters, three generations of them. This is Debbie, Bonnie, Shega, Christina and Renae – all knitters.
(I don’t even want to think about what the competition for stash is like around their place.)
Libby brought Gertie (9) and Ira (7)
Both fine knitters. This is Timothy, Laurie and thier family,
the lot of them showing up to show off all that Auntie Amanda has made for them. (Say it with me…. Awww.)
Eileen, let me tell you about her. This is her blanket, but really, this blanket is much bigger than it looks,
because she had to knit a big chunk of it twice after a the first swing at it was stolen out of her car. (I know. I have a lot of respect for anyone who starts the same thing again after that. I’d have been two demoralized by the loss. The only thing you can hope for is that it was stolen by some poor desperate knitter out of yarn. That would be a comfort, but since they took everything else out of her car too I don’t think that was it.)
This is Katie, and she played us "Mary had a little Lamb"
It was a perfect choice. (And she knits.)
It was close to Hallowe’en, so I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised to find the very crafty Margo masquerading as the very crafty Molly Weasley…
and yes, she did make her top, and also? She dyed her hair to make it perfect- which is it.
Jae got a present for Roxanne. 
And Karen showed off her first pattern, The Bridges of Marion County.
Then there was the predictable parade of first socks, which also predictably, got unpredictable. Fox showed off her pair – which are only sort of a pair in her mind, but she had a tiny cute sock, so who cares. 
Lisa brought her first socks, and Kevin showed off his first hat – which is also the only knitted thing he’s ever produced.
Jen had first socks,
and so did Laura and Barry.
This is Marta’s sock, which isn’t her first sock. She was just showing off, which I think is wise, considering how nice that bad boy is.
and this is Caitlin, who didn’t have her first socks, but brought these to be their spiritual stand in.
Denise knit these socks for her husband Marion – and heck yeah, that’s a lot of knitting.
Laia, perhaps inspired by the tiny chicken the other day, had no first socks but brought a knitted Kiwi instead. (I know. What can I say? There’s a small knitted bird thing developing that I can’t really explain.)
and Laurie brought her first sock, which is not at all the size tha
t she wanted it to be…
and Karen brought a first sock that remarkably, came out exactly the size she wanted. (I think she said it was a Christmas stocking. Man, I hope that’s what it is.)
and with that… it was done, except for one great moment that I loved. The knitters were clearing out, and Tina noticed a piece of paper on the floor. She dashed over and picked it up, and sure enough it was a chart and pattern. Worried some knitter was going to be desperate when they discovered it gone, she asked around, and then went to the info desk and asked if they could make an announcement – because this knitter really was going to want this. They agreed, and we all had a smashing moment, when over the store loudspeaker system we heard:
Would the knitter who was knitting gnomes, please report to the red info desk. WE HAVE YOUR PATTERN.
Couldn’t have been a better way to end the tour. Worth it just for the looks on the faces of the regular customers. (The knitter did come back, by the way. It’s a happy ending.)
So that’s it. One book tour under my belt, many knitters met, many books signed and talks given, and I want to really thank everyone who came out, and every one who bought a book or showed me support in anyway at all. The kindness of knitters made the whole thing a remarkable event in my life – and the coffee and chocolate some of you brought made it possible. I’m deeply in your debt. Even if your contribution was reading the blog and hanging in with me, I thank you. It made it less lonely in my hotel rooms to have you guys with me, in a virtual sort of way.
Thank you.
(PS. Thank you extra actually, because as of a few days ago, this book was on the New York Times bestseller list, and it’s all because of the power of knitters.)
(PPS. My sister won the furnace wars this year. Joe wimped out on account of "the cat looked cold" and I wasn’t here to stand between him and the thermostat. Victory belongs to Erin this year. Next year, game on. )
Great knitted kiwi!
I’m glad your getting a rest. It seems the package I had sent to Powelle’s did not make it to you so they and I are working on tracking it down. Hugs.
Have a good rest! Are you planning to come in Montréal soon?
Congrats on finishing your latest tour! I’d love to meet you someday, if you ever find yourself in MN – our weather is much like yours, so there are lots of us knitting away!
“The cat looked cold”? Whoa. Clearly Joe is just too nice to want to send Erin down in defeat.
Thanks for taking us along on the virtual tour, Stephanie, and introducing us to all the lovely knitters. I’ve really enjoyed it.
And now, because I’m still whimpering under the shock of it myself…has it registered that there are less than 8 weekends left before Christmas?
No, I don’t know how that happened either. Knit on!
Thank you for still updating while you’re on the road and warring with Gwen! Because you could have done what I probably would have done and thought, “I’m tired, and busy, and I really don’t feel like posting anymore…so I’m not gonna.” Instead, you have kept us all faithfully updated and encouraged and taught some of us a fixing technique that blows our minds AND helped us de-stress from the joys of studying med school. Thank you. 🙂
Thank you for all the great posts of your tour. I hope you come to Northern California where the knitters would love to see you!
Sleep with the cat next time Joe. You’ll both be warmer. I know from experience.
A great wrap up. I’m glad you’re rested and hope the return to Port Ludlow is magnificant.
So glad you got to go home for a bit before you travel again. Thank you for sharing all your fun stories with us, it is one of the highlights of my day! 🙂
How fun! I must admit I was beginning to wonder why no post…congrats on your triumphant engagement! (You may go ahead and rest now.)
Hey, I see my peeps there! Glad you had a good time. I missed the event; I was in Hawaii being warm. Next book, next time? Or a Sock Summit? Or?
Have a great time in Port Ludlow!
Lord of the Rings socks! You’ve made my day. I’ll knit them as Xmas presents for the family while listening to the BBC Radio production. Thanks.
I played the furnace wars against myself this year. Well also against the wishes of my husband and two children, but I ruled the thermostat with an iron fist.
And I’m sad to say that despite the fact that I was only competing against myself to make it until November 1st, I caved yesterday and turned the heat on. I am weak.
Joe’s a good man. I would turn on the heat for my cat too, if he looked cold.
We missed you in Atlanta this time out!
Come back!!!
Wow! 24 on the NYT Best Seller list! Doesn’t that make that twice you made the list? This time around you have beat out Harry Belfonte and a lot of people who got to plug thier books on John Stewart and the Colbert Report. Very impressive. Congratulations! And by they way, make sure the next tour includes Michigan.
“The cat looked cold”? OK then…
I would have LOVED to hear that announcement regarding the knitting chart! I wonder if anyone got a photo of the confused looks on the non-knitters’ faces.
Happy Birthday to Joe and congratulations to you on a tour well done. Although I have to say, I’m a little ashamed that NY seemed to have the smallest group of knitters. Next time maybe we can get you in to the B&N in Yonkers.
Boy are you AMAZING! I’ve been reading your blog for months….(actually i read it from beginning to end within a few months….but don’t tell my boss). I enjoy you, your family, your friends, your personality, inspiration and of course your knitting. I have wanted to ‘shout out’ many a time but never knew what to say. I just wanted you to know that I’m out here….thinking you are AMAZING!
We still haven’t turned the heat on at our place, but to be fair, we have 4 reptiles that each have at least 2 heat sources. That helps to keep it warm without the heat on 🙂
Glad you are home in one piece, get some rest, you looked really tired in Portland.
My home furnace is totally locked up 🙂 We went back to the woodstove … being retired adds up to time to cut the firewood (that’d be The Husband’s job) and time to knit enough coverings (c’est moi).
Thanks for the great trip, Harlot. I loved every moment.
maggins{stephanie}maggins
Hi!
The Portland evening was wonderful. Thank you for traveling so far to spend time with us. Now I can’t wait to read the book. Will see you at Madrona.
Your hotel stalker knitter, Kris
My copy of the book arrived today. It’s killing me to sit here at the office & work & not thumb through it.
Jeez…the cat even has it’s own insulation (and, if anything like my two furry demons, will just warm itself on the nearest human).
Happy Birthday Joe! but, didn’t the Harlot leave you with enough knitted coverings? 😛
I’m glad that you took the couple of days to rest and zombiefy. Your tours look like hard fun work, and it doesn’t matter how much fun it is if you just want to rest and watch the world go by when you are done!
Congratulations on your NY Times Bestseller list! Happy birthday to Joe! And looove the knitting announcement at the bookstore.
You have to love a man who turns on the furnace for the cat…
As always, I enjoyed reading about your tour and was hoping you would write about Portland. I especially enjoyed your post about the Seattle reading–I saw you read there the previous time you were here.
You’ll be in Port Ludlow this weekend? I’ll be at Fort Worden for the knitting retreat. It’s my first time and I’m looking forward to being amongst many knitters.
And let me make this clear. If one single person points out a typo, misspelling, lapse of syntax or other ostensible imperfection, I will hunt you down and devour your lungs.
There. Please continue.
(And good for Joe. Jeez.)
Laia did a great Kiwi, but that scarf/shawl she is wearing looks gorgeous!
Thank you so much for coming to Portland! I don’t think I’ve smiled or laughed that much in a long time. My cheeks were still hurting 24 hours later. I hope you have caught up on rest, wonderful vegetarian food (A cheese sandwich, perhaps?), and time with your loved ones. Thank you to your family for letting us all of us borrow you for a bit.
That’s true love for you right there, Joe, that Steph would cross the country all over again just to be there for your birthday. Say it with me: Awww…
Happy that you made it home safe, but sad to learn that Powell’s didn’t have signed books for those of us that couldn’t be there. Next time, I’ll order from someplace earlier on the tour!
Happy Birthday to Joe! Wish I was going to Port Ludlow this week….
I caved today and turned the heat on. Nov. 1 in North Carolina. Can’t have the students trying to play the piano at lessons in a 60 F house. That would be bad.
Well done on the tour and the NY Times booklist placing! That’s really cool!
Uh-hm. My husband stated, with a completely straight face, that the thermostat should be higher because ‘the cats will get cold’. I suggested that once he’s wearing a full-body coat of fur he can try that argument again. Although I also caved near the end when they were old, arthritic and not entirely well. Seemed the least to be done since I couldn’t make the sun shine on command for them.
I was the gnome knitter– and I’m so grateful to have my pattern! Thanks again!
(Also, that announcement might just be the high point of my year.)
Well, you know how persuasive cats can be. Happy birthday to Joe! And hope you got some really good rest to carry you thru the retreat. Congrats on making the NYT list once again!
Just finished your latest book…loved it, as I knew I would! The line on page 61–“As usual, the sock yarns had no idea what was going on”–just about had me wetting myself! Thanks for another great yarn (pun intended!) 😀
I love your blogging about your book tour. The pictures of knitters and other fans at every stop were fantastic. I am sorry about all the hotel rooms and being disconnected from family and home space.
And, your husband and the furnace wars,…”the cat looked cold” !? that was laugh out loud funny. I guess recruiting new “talent” for next year’s furnace wars is out of the question.
You’ll always be on my “best” list!
Another tour finished. Good job, and thank YOU so much for sharing. It’s always fun to travel with you.
Joe, Joe, Joe! Well – next year then. here in the central US I keep going back and forth between the AC and the heat. Hmmmm – must be fall.
You must have an indoor cat. Mine still spends most of his time outdoors and would look at me disdainfully if I even tried to use him as justification for turning the heat on. Well, turn it up, since we don’t participate in Furnace Wars and turned our heat last month. But most people think our house is freezing anyway, because we keep it at 58 when we’re sleeping or away from the house, and 65 when we’re there. 68 if somebody’s sick or the wind is blowing from the north.
Can I ask when the furnace wars were won? I was trying to hold on until today (November 1st), but I had a dinner guest on Friday and just couldn’t make her be that cold. (Note that I am about 45 minutes South of Lake Erie, so cold, but probably not as cold as you.)
I know book tours are hard on you, but I am really really going to miss your blogs about it. It was ever so fun to see socks, knitters, socks, babies and their mom’s, socks and so many smiling knitters with socks in one place. Rest up for your Colour Retreat and I hope the holidays aren’t so rushed for your family. You and your blog make me smile. Thank you.
Happy birthday to Joe!
Congratulations on finishing the tour and being on the NY Times bestseller’s list!
I’m totally in awe of your furnace wars – as a Vancouverite (aka, hothouse flower) I wimped out right before Thanksgiving. In my defence, I live in a post war bungalow with lathe and plaster walls and single pane windows. It was only 63F inside and the cats DID look cold as a matter of fact 😉
I am so bummed, we had to leave at 8:30 (when you were reading your hilarious rendition of what you’d really like to say) so, I didn’t get my books signed. I wanted one for me and one for my niece (a Christmas present for her). I want to send out a great big thank you to my husband and son (sorry, you don’t hold the interest of a nine year old boy) for sitting with me so I could come to see you. I hope to catch you next time to get the books signed and I’ll just have to give her your book without your signature. 🙁
Thanks Stephanie!
I love the fact that you lost the 2011 furnace wars because of the cat. My dad is very similar, he will hurry up to let in the cat, but take his time to let me in!
My husband and I were doing our own version of “furnace wars” (okay, I live in VA…and you would probably not use the furnace at all most years…).
Anyhow, Saturday night, the predicted low was 38 degrees, which would translate into the 40’s inside…and I wasn’t sure that my birds would take it that cold, so I wimped out and turned it on.
The cat, however, was perfectly content to sleep in the living room near the wood stove!
Thank you for sharing your book tour with us! I had to be a mom the night you were in Boston and was sad to miss the event 🙁 But I really enjoyed reading about your travels and all the people you met. I lost the furnace war this year too. DH caved early in October because he was cold working at his desk. He’s such a wimp! 🙂
Yay – thanks for Portland!
Wish I could join you for the color retreat, but I’m left hoping you all have so much fun you want to do it again next summer.
Also I loved seeing your book in the Amazon sales list (for crafts and hobbies) – I think it was #9 when I looked. And #1 was Free Range Knitter. And #11 was the Kindle version of All Spun Up, so I don’t know how those add up. But it made me happy for you.
I wish I could have met you on this tour, perhaps the next. I am running out to get a copy of the book at my local book store! More happy knitting!
H-A-P-P-Y BIRTHDAY JOE!!! “Thanks” for ALL the laughs Stephanie….luv,luv,luv your blogs & SOooo happy to be the proud owner of 4 of your books…’thanks’ to a grrreat older sister!!!((:
Congrats on the NY Times! How often does that happen to a knitting book? You give all of us street cred. Thanks.
Loved reading your tour blog. I don’t know how you found the energy to travel, do the readings and signings, take pics and write the blog and then post it all. You should knit yourself a Wonder Woman outfit.
Oh, I love the kiwi. Is there a pattern? Anyone?
Thanks for taking me along on your tour virtually. I loved seeing all the socks and babies and young knitters.
I want to be a contender in the furnace wars but Durwood gets cold easily and is home alone all day. I got home and the heat was on. Ugh. Congrats, Erin. Joe, shame on you. “the cat looked cold?” Really? Tsk.
I have been waiting for this post! (although I’m glad you got some rest). I am bummed I couldn’t make it to any of your book signings, but super stoked that my awesome cousin and family made it to your blog!! They are the cutest and deserve every knitted item they get from Aunt Amanda 🙂
So did you get upgraded to Business Class? Glad you’ve been resting and not doing that crazed cleaning thing!
It was amazing to finally meet you!
Clearly your kitty needs a sweater 🙂
Joe is such a good egg. He and the cat clearly have a special bond hence the cat loving her Joe Soup.
Strangely enough, I was wondering about your furnace wars this weekend, since you weren’t at home to monitor the situation…… I think that Joe is hiding behind the cat on this one (and is evidently plying said cat with ‘Joe soup’ as you discovered)
Today is my husband’s birthday also. I just finished baking him an apple walnut cake with a carmel glaze. Happy Birthday, Joe…you’re welcome to drop by for a slice of cake!
I think you can find the kiwi and more at cheezombie, online or on ravelry. I’m partial to her slug myself.
LOVE your book, have it on my iPad, am reading it and following your tour as I recuperate, both keeping me in stitches instead of complaining. You’re a best seller on my list!
I’m so excited! I saw that Jae got me your book. I’m from Illinois but was visiting in Portland until the Wednesday before you arrived. If I couldn’t see you in person I’m so glad she did!
Hi Stephanie, I have loved your book tour…it has been fantastic to see all of those knitters who I feel are just friends I haven’t met yet. It has been great fun to follow your antics, thank you for doing it for all of us who don’t have books and have never had a chance to do a book tour. I have been with you in spirit (and also finishing off some UFO’s over the school holiday)
Thank you!
I was just telling my co worker how our early snow ruined the furnace wars…she didn’t understand.
Cr*p. I was perfectly satisfied not knitting socks and not really being interested enough to learn…UNTIL the Lord of the Rings socks. Talk about a fatal click.
I wonder if anyone’s designed Star Wars socks? Dare I even look?
Oh my!! The furnace is already on! I look to you for support and toughness. Now how am I going to convince my other half that the furnace needs to stay off? I guess i’ll just have to keep him away from the blog.
Congratulations on being on the New York’s bestseller list! I am so glad that I got to meet you in Dallas! Driving the 150 + miles was worth it and I will do it again. I brought you the Texas dishcloth and can’t wait to see what you are ding with the ones that you receive. Glad you got some rest before you embark on your next outing. Happy Birthday to Joe!
No no, thank YOU, Stephanie. Reading your blog about the book tour has been one of the few things this homemaker has had to look forward to. It’s been tough times around here, and virtually feeling the presence of hundreds of knitters has made me feel safe and at home, especially with all of your whimsical humor. I’m sad to see it end but am looking forward to your (hopefully!) many more posts.
Best!
Loved all the knitterly stuff in this post, of course, but what really puts it over the top is the flute serenade. “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. . . the first piece I ever learned as a young fluteplayer. Still a classic, apparently!
Hey, cut Joe some slack. He isn’t hiding behind Millie–in our family we learned long ago that felines possess ESP–I say telepathy, but in my mother’s case – kinesis. One siamese in particular could always make mom get up and open a door to let her out, and when she wanted back in, mom would (dutifully) get up to let her in and say “who let the cat out?” and would laugh when we told her SHE let the cat out. For my part, I could always tell when there was a cat who wanted back in…even if I got up and went to the door and didn’t see a cat, if I opened the door the cat would have been waiting off to the side for the door to open.
I was so bummed when I tried to pick up a copy of your book after the Portland reading and they.were.all.gone. This just doesn’t happen at Powells. Good on you! And, of course, the NYT thing. Thanks for coming, and I hope you get some rest soon!
“The cat looked cold…” What a sweet guy!
Thanks for all the posts – It was almost as good as being there (well….almost). Anyway, glad you’re home, even if briefly, and can get some rest. Happy Birthday to Joe! …I live in the burbs of Atlanta and have already turned on the heat – what can I say; some of us are just wussies!
Happy Birthday Joe! I think with that we can forgive the chilly kitten looking all puppy dog sad and using all the cat wizardry in the world to adjust the thermostat. My Shadow does that to my husband all the time. The cat’s the reason I have a wall heater in my studio/office, so his window sill can be heated. And congrats on surviving another tour. I’m still kicking myself for not putting together a coffee survival kit for you. Next time.
Thanks so much for a vicariously enjoyable trip! I’m glad that it went smashingly, and hope on your next one ( after you’re well-rested) you’ll make it to New Jersey!
Thank you for sharing your tour with me. I laughed so hard at the page announcement that my kids just checked on me. I needed that!
Just remembered one thing missing: a picture of you wearing that glorious new sweater..?
You know, if you lived in Vancouver, those trips to the PNW would be easy peasy.
As an added bonus, you’d be guaranteed to win the furnace wars every year.
Not only do I love imagining the muggle expressions for that announcement, but if any muggles were watching people put their feet up on the table to you could take a picture of their socks? Excellent.
I don’t think that *you* lost this year’s furnace war … but Joe, now. Still, we’ll give him a birthday pass. Congrats on the NYT list, and enjoy your next trip!
Congratulations on getting on the NYT Bestseller list!! Just goes to show that knitters know good writing when they read it. Now we just have to get you on something like The Daily Show….
Congratulations on being on the New York Times Bestsellers list again! Woo Hoo!
All of us Yarnivores so enjoyed meeting you and laughing at Vroman’s in Pasadena. Glad to know you got home safe to celebrate with Joe.
Squeee! I’m there with my scarf pattern! So are Katie and Ellie who rode up with me. What a great evening it was. I was still grinning the next morning.
The Cat looked cold. LOVE it. 🙂
Your book is right behind “The Puppy Diaries”! The author was just interviewed on National Public Radio last week! Congratulations on another successfully fantastic book tour. Enjoy your time at home.
Wonderful tour! Great reading your blog and getting to go along on the tour with you second-hand. But, do you think on your next tour you might divide it into two or three parts and give yourself a week at home in between? Something to think about. Anyway, thanks so much for all the pics and the knitting folks and everything. Wow!!!
“the cat looked cold”… thank you SO much for giving me something funny as i wrap up this dreadful day… :]
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE! Hope it’ll be a good one! 😀
And, “The cat looked cold”? Shuuure it was the cat. Stop blaming innocent kitties, please. 😉
I’m glad you made it home safely. I hope I didn’t frighten you too much. There should be enough in the F2F lambswool skein to knit a small sock or a full pair with a little colorwork border on the cuffs.
Ohmygosh 17 to 24–we have SO got to beat Dick Cheney! Buy this book!
Happy Birthday, Joe!
“Knitting gnomes” – that is so Portland. Glad you had a great time here, congrats on the NYT list!
Thank you for letting us share your tour. So happy your book is on the NYT best seller list. You deserve it many times over.
awww, poor kitty – they are great at those looks 🙂 maybe knit a sweater for her next year so she’ll stay warm and you can win the furnace war!
OMG the same excuse my DH used! I was supposed to fly out to Seattle for Cat’s retreat and since I was leaving could I turn on the heat since the cats need the floor warm for their cold paws when they come inside (we have radiant heat and geothermal). So I did and then my flight got canceled because of the snowstorm on the east coast so I didn’t get to go to San Juan Island! And I was trumped – the heat was on.
guess I need to knit socks for the cats – two pair each, 5 cats that’s 20 socks and they should be felted . . .
BTW – I gave my local B&N a hard time tonight because they had your book in knitting but not ALSO in the NYT best seller section!
Thank you for the great book tour! I finished your new book today, and boy, it was a fun read! Congratulations on making the NYT best seller list, and Happy Birthday to Joe. Enjoy your few days at home before heading off to Port Ludlow.
Glad you made it home safe. That cat is ultra-furry! The cat was not cold. The cat was just messing with the furnace wars. Cats amuse theirselves by manipulating us humans…
I was starting to wonder about the furnace wars. We’ve already turned ours on in D.C. so I figured either it was unseasonably warm up there or you were being extra stalwart this year.
Those cats and sympathy for their temperature plight will get you every time! Good luck next year and congrats on the finished tour.
Nothing more miserable than a cold cat. Happy Birthday to Joe!!
Congratulations on both NYT and the successful completion of (this leg?) of the book tour! NYTimes Bestseller! Right ON! It’s on my Christmas list.
And cheers for landing last in Portland. Man, I miss that place. Didn’t see any familiar faces (I moved away three years ago, but worked in a LYS there) but there are a LOT of knitters in Portland. Haven’t made it back for Sock Summit since I left, but hopefully next time.
Haha, the cat looked cold! I am totally guilty of this at our house. I’ll tell my husband that I’m fine to put on another layer, but we probably ought to turn on the furnace because I’m convinced either the dog or the bird look cold.
Glad you had a good trip and met so many great knitters! One day, I will be in the crowd! Do you travel to other countries? Quito has a number of yarn people! 🙂 Congrats on making “The List”! Thanks for sharing your trip with us and enjoy the next one.
Congratulations on the NYT Bestseller status! I just finished reading it and you birthed another great book, Stephanie!
So funny about furnace wars, I was just talking about this the other day! I won this year, held out until today (Nov, 1st!).
I hope you can make it down to Rochester, NY sometime. Preferably after December 18. (that’s when I graduate nursing school) I’d love to hear you speak. I listened to your books on CD (the ones I could find) because there is just something special to hear the author read their book.
Glad you’re home even if for just a few days.
My daughter lives in Corvallis, Oregon, but had the unmitigated gall to go to Portland for the weekend without notifying me so that I could have her pick up one of your books and autograph, even though I already have the new one!! And all of your previous ones, also. I see now her training is incomplete 🙁
Happy Birthday Joe! Very sorry to have missed you in Skokie (out of town for a long-planned trip). But I am enjoying your new book!!!!
How could we not stick with you? There is just something so amazingly entertaining and fulfilling getting to read these posts each time you visited a new city. Thanks for your commitment to your blog and those of us who follow it faithfully!
p.s. I was in Columbia, MO at the Oklahoma State vs. MIZZOU football game at the very same moment you were in St. Louis! Nearly killed me not to drive over there! However, my ruffled feathers were smoothed since the OK-State Cowboys won!!!
Happy birthday to Joe! My husband’s birthday was today also, but he was the one who went out of town, so he can’t blame me if he’s alone tonight!
I’ve really enjoyed the book tour posts – it’s nice to see all the knitters(and their knits and babies), since I don’t think you were anywhere near me on this tour. Welcome home, even if it only for a few days!
Thanks so much for sharing your tour with us. It was really nice meeting you in Portland. Congratulations on your book making the NY Times best selling list! Woohoo. How many knitting books are on that list? Knitting rules. As you do!
I thoroughly enjoy your posts about your book tour, especially when you get to Seattle and Portland [because I grew up in Oegon, a knitter, and lived in Seattle, cultivating my stash, for 27 years.]
But I burst out laughing with “the cat looked cold” comment, ending this year’s furnace wars…..
And congrats on being A New York Times Bestseller. Again. :>)
Happy birthday to St. Joe of Toronto, patron saint of knitting enablers. May he enjoy many, many, many more years of enabling our dear Yarn Harlot, sympathizing with the cat, and being the all-round good guy he is — but nowhere near that long continuing to wonder where his gansey is. (Take a hint, Harlot!)
Maybe you have two time zones residing in you since you are frequently on the west coast.
I hope you got plenty of rest. Thanks again for sharing the tour.
Yes, I can certainly see why Joe had to put the furnace on for the cat. Kitties can get so cold without regular human contact. My kitty likes to sleep on the vent.
I’m loving the book – loved seeing pictures of places that I have lived and visited, Seattle & Portland. We lost our furnace wars as well – seems my beloved, Dave thought that since he had a cold he was entitled to a house warmer than 55F. We dropped out on Halloween. Next year!
Yup it’s a Christmas stocking. Has Joe asked about the corks yet? Here’s the ravelry link, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/korknisse
I see me! =) I had such a good time! I was the one with the little guy on my back wandering up and down the aisle trying to keep my 5 year old happy long enough for me to actually hear a word of what you were reading =)
I have a pic and blogged about it here: http://pucaandpixie.blogspot.com/2011/10/yarn-harlot-take-two.html
Portland was such a blast! I’m so glad I got to finally see you speak after reading your books and blog for so many years. Baby Gus (5 months old) also enjoyed your humor, he giggled and shrieked at just the right moments. Congrats for making the List, and thanks for doing what you do. Lotsa luvvv~ Jane and Gus
love the new book. as a bonus, I pre-ordered thru an independant bookstore.. not a box chain.. gots to support those mom and pop stores, right!!
My brother-in-law won the furnace wars this year. Why? Because my daughter resorted to wearing her snowsuit in the house, and my husband caved.
Thank you for coming out to visit all of us. I always love seeing you, and I’m really enjoying the book!
oh, dear. I’m only in Spokane WA- the heat has been on 3 weeks! Total wimp out here! Wish I could have caught one of your readings. Happy Birthday to Joe!
You’re in the PNW so much these days, have you considered buying a little condo in the area? Port Ludlow/Port Townsend perhaps? I’m in real estate in the PNW and could totally hook you up. Besides, the idea of living near where the Yarn Harlot lives (even parttime)is SO Squee-worthy!
Thank you so much for coming to Portland, and for blogging all the stops so we could virtually join you for the tour. It’s been a blast.
OMG I am so excited you put Caitlin on your blog!!! She is my BFF and I wish I could have been there with her!!!
I sent my friend Jessica to see you because you weren’t coming anywhere near me (Arizona) and she went somewhat relucantly. I got several texts durring your talk about how awesome you are. I just thought you would get a kick out of it, as she decided at your talk that she is going to learn how to knit. *snicker* She had no idea what she was walking into, and now she’ll be one of us. :oD
Love the post but I think the thing that cracked me up the most was the update on the Furnace War. We got a bunch of snow last weekend so my husband finally got to turn on the furnace on Friday when I wasn’t home. He’s really a big cold pansy!!! I just cracked up when you said that Joe said the cat looked cold because my husband thought our dog would get too cold LOL! Jeez, men!!! If our kids said that, our husbands would giving them such a hard time about how the lame it is to use the dog or cat as an cover for their cold intolerance LOL!
Heehee – GNOMES. Were they MY Gnomes??
“The cat looked cold”. I love it. Enjoy your time home – today is going to be GLORIOUS!!
Thank you for the book tour – I enjoyed the travel. Always look forward to your blog. Your book is on “WANT” Christmas list. Congratulations on your success.
The cat needs a sweater!
“The cat looked cold”! Love it! While I’m laughing, I confess that I have turned down the air conditioning because my kitties looked hot–which is a true sacrifice on my part because I’m cold natured; 80F is my comfort zone. Ah well, wearing a sweater in the middle of a Texas summer isn’t a lot to ask a devoted (translation: neurotic) kitty mommy.
I was just wondering about how the furnace wars were going while you were away! I’d love to hear the “official” rules again.
Well, another tour under your belt! Kudos for your stamina; hope you get your deserved rest! Your pictures have been terrific; makes me feel I was almost along with you! Thanks for sharing, as always.
The cat looked cold Joe? Really?
We turned our heat on way too early too. Also because my husband wanted to. His reason?
My beer isn’t fermenting!
Happy birthday Joe! My husband just flew from China to Atlanta Ga, Only to turn around two days later to fly to Australia. Why? It was our oldest girl’s 12th birthday. Some things can’t be missed!
The cat looked cold? Just sit down and the cat and your lap willing get warm.
Give Erin a parakeet before next winter. They need to be kept warm.
Armchair traveling is thoroughly enjoyed here and so is your latest book. We also broke down and started a fire in the stove last week.
Good idea on the parakeet to tips the odds on the furnace war. Hedgehogs also need to be kept warm.
Fun…and while we were in NYC last weekend for our daughter’s 13th birthday celebration we went to see Daniel Radcliff and John Lithgow in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, they were both KNITTING on stage…made a knitter smile!
I’m always happy to see an update on the furnace wars. Thanks for letting us know every year how it turns out!
“the cat looked cold” had me cleaning spitted soda off the monitor! so funny.
& that’s my Kiwi! I’m so proud, here’s the pattern for the previous poster http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEdf11/PATTkiwi.php
I’m glad to get an update of the furnace wars, they have made October a more exciting month (how long can we go?).
I hope Joe has a wonderful happy birthday, even if he has a lame excuse for turning on the heat.
Molly : )
always enjoy hearing about your travels. and loved seeing you in austin. we got to hear your reading and we got to sit next to the girl knitting her wedding veil. felt like we got to see two celebrities! congratulations on the NYT bestseller list! what an accomplishment for you and for knitters everywhere!
Thanks so much for all the updates of your book tour. Living in Perth, Australia I obviously couldn’t come along, but it was great to read all about it. I bought your new book and it’s fabulous so thank you for that too. 🙂
I thought of you and Erin and the furnace wars this October when I headed to the thermostat. We had only been heating from the firesplace, but it truly was a howling gale off of Lake Huron. I hesitated, tried to mentally enter your competition, and then succumbed to the concept of heat. Sorry!
Well you can’t have a cold cat…it just wouldn’t do!
Wish I could have gone to one of your events, maybe next time.
I think of the furnace wars every time Fall comes. I always shoot for November first, but rarely make it. It has been cold here in New Englnad, I would have lost too.
Only one knitted bird? I kind of hoped that in Portland they would have put birds on everything…
I am a blog lurker though I did see you in New Orleans a few years back. Love the posts and the pics, but WHERE is the picture of STEF and GWEN?
THANK YOU for taking us with you on your most excellent adventure! It’s been AWESOME! — and my cats want to convo with your cat – their heat is still not on!
Wow, what a great adventure. It sounds amazing.
I cannot believe the furnace wars is over already. It’s only November 1! Although the nights are really cold in Ohio (below freezing). That is very unusual here, but it gets up to about 70F/21C during the day.
I was wondering about the furnace wars… I gave in last week when we got 6 inches of snow. We’ve got 8+ out there right now and still snowing – and I am soooo grateful for my furnace! And my knitted woolies! And your new book, which keeps me chuckling along despite the shoveling! Thanks, Steph. May Port Ludlow be kind to your spirit.
Thanks for taking me/us with you! It was a great pleasure sharing the enthusiasm with international knitters from rural Iowa!
Joe just HAD to turn on the heat – no gansey to keep him warm and for the cat to snuggle into. And heaven help us if he must wait for a sweater for the cat!
Congrats on the NYT list and Happy Birthday Joe!
Seriously? “the cat looked cold”? What a wimp.
Our cats poke at our heads until we let them under the blankets. No heat for us until December, I swear! (But we cheat. We also have 3 greyhounds to help warm up the house.)
Want to say congrats on the NYT Best Sellers list and WOW, look who you’re on there with!
Good job. Love “going on tour” with you via my netbook. 😉
I’m so bummed that I missed your Portland stop. I have a good excuse though: I was in San Diego for the World Fantasy Convention, and got Neil Gaiman to hold a sock. DH is an aspiring writer, so I brought his kilt hose in progress (took the class at Sock Summit 2011) and had all kinds of authors hold the sock; it’s now got some major writing mojo in it. Our agreement is that once the kilt hose are done, he buys a UtiliKilt. Expect a best-seller to arrive shortly thereafter. 🙂
Powells has sold out pretty much every copy you signed; I tried to buy one earlier this week on the west side, and there were only two left in the whole system, way out on the east side of Portland. I’ll just have to get an unsigned one and catch you at some future event.
Glad you had a good tour, and welcome back to the NW.
Well, duh, of COURSE your book is on the NYTimes best seller list. Knitters are taking over the world. btw, I am halfway through the book. Great job, as usual 🙂
I learned the trick to winning the furnace wars. This summer, someone (who shall remain anonymous to protect the guilty) shut of the gas to the furnace. No gas = no heat = couldn’t cave if I wanted to. Well, not until I figured out what was wrong!
We still haven’t turned on the furnace. Nov 11 is our winning late date at our house. Husband so far this fall hasn’t complained about showering in a 54°F house. Husband is always the turner-on-er. I’d probably make it until December! I have unpacked all my hand knit socks for the season but have not worn them yet.
Aw, how sweet of Joe, thinking of the cat! And how sweet of you, to go back for his birthday! I’m sure you wanted to be home, if only for a little while, too. It’s hard to be on the road that long.
I think I’ve clicked on the link to go see your book on the NYTimes bestseller list at least six times. It never gets old (and I’m just a fan, I can’t begin to imagine how thrilling it is for you!) I would take a screencap and make it my wallpaper, if I were you. 🙂 Not just on my computer, on the walls of my house. But that’s just me. 🙂
Thanks again so much for coming on tour to see all us knitters. I feel sympathy for the folks that didn’t get to see you–I feel a deep jealousy for the people who are going to Port Ludlow for the color retreat. 🙂 Have fun and I hope you get some sleep!
Hi, I had so very much fun. After the year I had (breast cancer diagnosis in Feburary) just sitting in a roomfull of kniter’s who “get me” was so uplifting. Still not knitting like I wish but my queue is getting larger and larger on Ravelry. threadjack….get those mammograms ladies! Mine was too deep to find by myself and my doctor. Sorry, threadjacking over…….I hope you enjoy the Hubby’s homemade Oregon Blackberry jelly. Katie (the flub..I mean flute player is my daughter.) She is still talking abut it and emailed her band teacher with the YH link! So, is so tickled that it is bringing me so much joy. Finished the book already and now she is reading it, so I may not see it again for a very long time. The last story about “the cool table” brought me to tears. Going through BC is tough but, having my yarny friends all in one place (and on Ravelry helps me immeasurably.) Thank you from the bottom of my heart! “My kitty is cold too Joe!”
knit-frog-knit (on Rav.)
You are the best! Sadly, I was not able to make it to a book signing but I have been following along on your blog! You are a Rock Star, girl! Barnes and Nobel had Rick Springfield come in for a booking signing he didn’t have a quarter of the amount of people you had. I hope that you will come to New Jersey. We have wonderful yarn shops and large Barnes and Noble book stores here. I so wanted to come to Brooklyn but that doesn’t work for me on a week night.
Enjoy your well deserved rest. knit on! By the way I was reading portions of your new book and chuckling in BN. Who knew one could have such fun in the craft book section?!
Kindness to animals counts, even in furnace wars.
Happy Birthday, Joe.
It’s good that the furnace wars are over already. No anxiety, no freezing your arse off. Now you can relax and be warm. It wasn’t even your fault!. ; )
I hope to someday go to one of your book signings!! I finished your book in almost one sitting!! I was reading in bed while my husband was sleeping and I laughed so loud that I woke him up! I just wanted to say that I LOVED IT!!!! You are a wonderful writer!
Any man who will turn on the heat because the cat looks cold is a keeper, and well worth a hearty:
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!”
Congrats on another trip to the best-seller list.
Happy birthday Joe! Nov 1 is also my daughter Jana’s & my sister Jill’s birthdays. Is ther something about the first of Nov & the letter ‘J’? Also, just wondering….when did all us knitterly types begin to look alike? I’m sure it’s all the same people from your Seattle blog pictures as the Portland ones 🙂 Or…or, maybe it just we PNWesterners. Kinda scary either way.
Thank you Stephanie, for bringing fun, joy, laughter & wisdom into our lives, as you do so well!
Furnace wars, I turned mine on in early September when Portland had a cold snap. Course I had just moved from Phoenix. (You can take the girl out of the desert, but not the desert out of the girl.)
I was wondering about this years furnace wars – Thank You!
(you’ll win next year)
Congrats on finishing up and the great book sales. It’s a funt read. I loved seeing you in Austin, it was quite a treat for me.
I’m with Joe – keep the kitty warm! My furnace has been on for a couple weeks.
The cat looked cold? Do you have one of those odd hairless cats? Shame on Joe!
NY Best Seller List…yeah! The older I get, the colder it seems sometimes…go furnace.
Thanks for the update on the Furnace Wars. I had to turn the heat on last week on account of my mom, and it made me wonder what was the state of the Furnace Wars in your family. Well, at least you can blame Joe. 🙂
I wondered about the furnace wars! Happy ending to your tour…I already finished my book and love it! I have a cable uncross and I am nervous to start the correction via the Harlot way, but I am going to give it a whirl. I may have some questions for you. Happy resting (sort of).
SO wanted to be there. Stayed home with my migrained Husband. Didn’t want to dance off happily in the fog (literal fog, not mental) when he was feeling like uber dung. Did knit in spirit with my knitterly sisters….
(Yes, he has done the same for me. He’s a keeper.)
(AND he never questions my knitting or my stash.)
Oddly enough, I was wondering on your furnace wars the other day, so thanks for the update.
Congratulations on surviving the tour!
I am late to comment but had the fall icks better now so I can pick up needles and also check in on your blog. Loved seeing you at Powells sending a virtual hug asked Debbie to deliver a real one from me. Had a very exciting rain blowing fog laden drive home which was challenging on the eyes but exciting because at one point heard tires spin behind me and saw low and lean car carreening to the fast lane going about 100 miles an hour, narrowly missing the back of my car as I was in the slow lane and clearly not going much over 63, which I thought was quite daring given the driving condition. Whew ! Glad to return home safely and happy to say it was worth it to get to hear you and share in the happiness of the publishing of your book!
I’m new to your blog and am already hooked–or should that be needled? I’m savoring the yarns in your book one day at a time. Loved the essay on Mothers Day and can only say Amen,Sister.
It was so great to see you at that event!
It’s only 24th on the list? What the heck?
We love you Stephanie.
Hi Judy!
You photocopied the gnome pattern first, right? 😉
And congrats to Erin! I think of you guys every year when I first get the urge to put the furnace on. I lose every year too.
I must admit, I am so very jealous that I don’t live within driving distance of somewhere you were signing books! I’m still struggling to get a hold of a copy, because I’m stuck in Australia, where knitting isn’t that popular, especially in the desert… But, I’m glad you enjoyed it all, and I’m even more glad that you’re going to get some sleep!
It occurred to me looking at your four photos from Portland: If your digital camera had a Panorama setting, that would be very cool!
Hope the cat (ahem Joe) are toast and warm.
I’m new to the blog, had to check it out after reading “Knitting Rules”. I lose the furnace war every year, but not every day. I’ve been sitting here for an hour in my fleece robe (I should probably knit one) and my sweet wife came down and said, “Geez, would you turn the d@#% heat on for once!”. It was only 58 degrees. The cat is toasty in bed with my son, the husky is content outside – what’s the big deal? Now back to my hat/scarf/socks…
I hate it when the cat looks cold!
I always love your stories. I can’t help but think what a pity so much yarn had to be sacrificed for Margo’s jacket sleeves – ha! Congrats on the book, and lucky Joe for having a birthday so he got a pass on losing the furnace wars!!
“The cat looked cold?” When our power was out for three days last week, my cats kept ME warm, lol!
one – i’m sorry i missed your talk at powell’s, but it looks like it was quite lively.
two – knitted GNOMES? where can i get that pattern?
LOL, my first sock came out toddler sized somehow.
Happy birthday to Joe… but I’m suspicious. Don’t cats have fur?
The cat looked cold? My cat has a workstation with a hot-running chip, a network box, and a stuffed fleece kitty bed the size of a spare tire to lounge in. Once she’s in that bed for a while, it’s very warm inside. I tested it once by putting my fingers next to her. And, yes, she does have lovely fur, too, not being one of those poor little bald, wrinkled cats.
Just what I was looking for, thankyou for posting . “Every failure is a step to success…” by William Whewell.