Wow. Ironing the Silk, as agonising as it must have been, did a wonderful thing to that shawl! Beautiful!

Well, despite the trauma, ironing the silk seems to have worked out - your shawl looks fabulous. Great goodies from generous knitters and what a total - $62K!!!!! Amazing.

OK, not to change the subject but I received my Yarn Harlot book this weekend and was positively giddy. Is it weird that I'm so dang excited for someone I haven't met? It is satisfyingly dense and smooth and the exact perfect size for a knitting bag. Was that the plan?

But I have realized, with horror, that you won't be able to blog while you are on the book tour will you? Forget Joe and the girls. What about us? I don't think we can take it. There is not enough knitting to fill the void...

Ahhhh, the return of the mittens... And here I thought they were away being encased in a glass shrine in preparation for the tourtourtour (my husband knows the words to Llama, llama, duck - now to convince him to come sing it to you in Alexandria).

Re: thank you notes. Frankly, a verbal or blogwide thank-you is sufficient for me when I do something that merits a thank you. We understand that you are busy. However, if you must send thank-yous, employ all of your resources: Hire your daughters to compose the notes on the computer in a gorgeous font and then you can just wear out your hand signing "Again, thank you, Stephanie." We already know Megan can write and teenagers ALWAYS need cash.

Are you committing to a date for the mitaine give-away?

Tomorrow is Tuesday, just in case you were inclined to forget.

Oh, lovely shawl, dearheart!

And in BookbookBookbook? Page 300. My dead favorite!

Most Americans know less about the 300,000 in Darfour than about the 1 in Florida. Sad doesn't even begin to describe it.
Beautiful shawl Stephanie. I'm still plogging away on my Festival shawl, plain ol' stockinette committment.
Your book has arrived at the B@N in Springfield, Illinois. I ordered mine along with Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, Journey to the Center of the Earth audio by Alien Voices, and a manga drawing book for the B. Meditations for the the Russell Ranch. Bookbookbook better arrive in time for my vacation! Next weekend I will be swinging in a hammock, sipping a margarita (rocks, not frozen), and laughing out loud because I will be in Mexico, and have Stephanie's book.
We had our first severe thunderstorm warning last week, so spring is here.

Your shawl is so beautiful! It really does look like it is glowing from within in that picture.

Knit Cafe got the bookbookbook on Friday- I spent the day reading pages aloud to customers, who soon got in on the action themselves. It is fabulous, Stephanie! Thanks for helping to make Friday such a wonderful day, filled with laughter all the way here in LA.

I can't believe you ironed it. But I totally understand your "WHAT the hell am I doing with this on my mind so much when there is a whole world out there *(truly) suffering?!" Ditto.

Amazon has billed me for my BookBookBook and I can't WAIT! It will definitely suffice as your substitute while you are on your tour.

Oh, and I've designed the T-shirt. ;-) I'm looking for a silk-screener (no pun intended, drat!) to give me a $$ so I can share with you all. I'll email you (Steph) privately to get your say in what I can steal from the site and what I shouldn't.

Kisskiss!

Hi Harlot! Just thought I'd let you know that I bought the book on Sunday in the Park Slope, Brooklyn Barnes and Noble (and I'm loving it!)

Your shawl looks beautiful.
The bookbookbook has arrived in Charlottesville, VA. Page 41 is currently my favorite.

Since Latvian Mitts are mentioned today, here's a heads-up for you, and all those who will visit you at the Japanese Cultural Centre, on April 16th.
One of the exhibitors is Headwater Wool (www.headwaterwool.com) They happen to be the importers of - LATVIAN WOOL.
So, you can now autograph and shop at the same time.

The shawl looks fantastic ironed, very impressive, as is the KWB total, and your book, which I finally got my hands on. Love your picture on the back cover...great curls, and is that a hand-knit sweater you're wearing? I find myself talking (mostly in my mind), in "meditation" quips... cracking myself up with this. Favorite pages so far: 135, 159, 318.

I found bookbookbook at Books a Million in Sterling, VA. I lovelovelove it!

Bookbookbook!

Loved it - read it while nursing the kidlet, which seemed appropriate.

So what's the release date for the next one?

BOOKBOOKBOOK!

It finally arrived. Does that mean that Christmas shopping is done? Fat chance. I won't be able to hold on to them that long... ...I'll be pressing it on innocent pedestrians downtown, howling with laughter and jabbing my finger at select pages.

It is with extreme difficulty and self-restraint that I am not diving into it right now. I'll have to wait for the full-strength does - say, until our 3 hours of driving around, tomorrow. But I get to read it out loud then... ...the car with the people laughing till they cry? That's us. And bookbookbook.

Bookbookbook has arrived in the boonies of Westman (Western Manitoba) from Amazon. I sent it home (sob!) with my kid so I can get something done at work. I hope this town appreciates the sacrifices I make for it--nah, prob'ly not. I'll be "clockwatching" tonight to bolt outta here, though!

I have wanted to make that shawl since the moment I saw the picture in the magazine. It's even more beautiful in the yarn you chose. It is on my list of things to shop for at MDSW. (I'm going! I'm really going!)

There are many pages in your book that were written about me specifically, I'm sure of it. I feel normal!

So, did your sister have a great birthday party for all the wee ones? Did she survive? Did Hank? Was a great time had by all?

The shawl is absolutely beautiful!

Your FBS is beautiful! I just love that yarn.

Harlot, I know you've been busy. But your book is out and before you start your tour....

Please, oh please, where is the Dragon Mittens pattern from 2/7/04? I don't have the bookbookbook yet so I don't know if they're in there. Are they?????

And are the shawls on 2/9/04 from the Festival Shawl pattern?

Love your FBS. Covetcovetcovet.

Kim

The shawl looks fabulous ironed. My bookbookbook is still "being prepared for shipping" from Amazon. How much freaking time would it take them to stick it in a box and slap my address on it?? You would think that this would be on their priority list.

Just now, while I was on the computer, Coles called to tell me that my(your) book was in! Yay!

Gorgeous shawl, gorgeous, gorgeous colours. And the colours on the hat and the bluey shawl aren't bad either. Mmmmmmmm.

The bookbookbook. ROFLOL. It's perfect.

The book arrived at the Borders in Columbus, OH on Friday. I went out in the nastiest snow storm on Saturday to pick it up. (For crying out loud, it's April where did this stuff come from? And what does this say about my knitting addiction.)

Can't believe you got up the nerve to iron it. Glad it worked for you though. Somehow I thought that the prizes were all out. What giving people are out there donating not only the money but also the great gifts. There's that cuddly feeling again :)

It looks lovely ironed. I too wondered if I should iron, steam, or leave alone my merino / silk Flower Basket. In the end, I steamed it, and it WAS the right thing to do.

Couldn't be the only knitter in the westren world without the BOOK! Found it at Border's but the display was completely unacceptable, so I redid it. No one seemed to find it amiss that I was rearranging the knitting book section so that At Knit's end would be eye level and unobscured by other knitting books. I love it. Well done, you.

Okay, I don't mean to cause any unneccesary heart palpitations (Lene) but does anyone else think this page makes it look like TIGER is coming back?

http://www.ptyarn.com/rainforestinfo.html

I can't wait to see all of these!

(and please add to the page in your book about waking up your spouse to talk about knitting that he wants to be awakened to be READ to from books about knitting even less. Yes, even YOUR book about knitting...)

I want to thank you for educating those of us who were not in the know, about Doctors Without Borders. I did not know about all those other places and people in trouble. I will be donating to them soon.

I would like to know how to access your page that tells us where you're book tour is taking you as I want to check when you will be in Vancouver BC and what shop(s) you will be at.

The shawl is more than gorgeous! I have no words. I can't believe you got up the nerve to iron it? Did you put the iron right on it, or did you use a cloth between the iron and the silk? It does glow. It's awesome.

If anyone out there knows what book the pattern came from please tell me. I have to have it. Thank you.

Just wanted you to know that I found and bought a copy of your wonderful book at the Barnes and Noble in Seattle, Washington. I couldn't find it at a local independent bookstore, unfortunately, but I'm so glad to have found it somewhere. There were two copies when I got there and right after I picked up one copy, a hand reached out from my left and snatched up the other copy!

I got your book and read it in one sitting. Amazon came through after all! When are you going to know your west coast schedule?

But the real reason I am writing is to find out HOW you ironed the Chai? I have not yet gotten past my ironing fear, and want some advice. What temperature? Steam/no steam? Spill all...please!

I am speechless at the kindness of people. I hope you enjoy it while it lasts.
~nod

OK, reviewed it on Amazon... ...not reading the thing didn't really work out.

Good job, Stephanie. It's as good as I knew it would have to be... ...what a pleasure to hold it in my hands!

Giggling in Port Townsend...

Anna, the Flower Basket Shawl designed by Evelyn Clark was published in the Fall 2004 issue of Interweave Knits.

I had to go to Yarn Forward 3 times to get BookBookBook (like a comic opera) but am greatly enjoying it now that I have it!

Your shawl is jaw-dropping gorgeous. In all fairness, my jaw was already dropped due to the incredible amount raised for MSF. And the death toll in Darfur is horrible-it is so hard being here in my home and realizing that so much human loss is occuring at this very moment. It really does make me stop and think, and to not take anything I have for granted, and to give what and when I can. It may be easier for some people to look the other way, but thankfully there are a lot of knitters out there who instead are doing what they can to help. Thanks knitters-there truly are no borders between us!

I just finished bookbookbook and it was wonderful. It is the perfect book for a mom of two little ones because if I only get to read two pages it's still worth picking it up. I was laughing so hard in parts that DH had to take the book from me and read the page to know what I was laughing about.

Bought "at knit's End" and have only gotten to p 42 because I had to let you know that despite the dizziness and nausea, I made that neon sweater for my 3 y.o., and it turned out cute. She wouldn't take it off until her grandma (my mom-in-law) made a nasty comment. Jealously rears its ugly head.
I was going to try and defend "my fellow Americans," against the Darfour suffering v. one lady in Florida, but I just can't. I realized that most people here don't even know where Darfour is because it doesn't have oil. Having lived overseas for a few years, I can at least find it on the map, as well as several other places where there is human suffering.

I read about the book in your blog just yesterday and what was featured in a display on the top of the knitting book shelf at my local used book store today??? Your book! I was so excited, I bought it and may have to go back tomorrow for another one--my sister is obsessed too. I had a laugh with the young man who rang up my purchase...I can't imagine Knitting being a problem, he says. he just doesn't know, does he? Can't wait to read it! btw, could you post on your blod where to get the pattern for your gorgeous shawl??

Wow, you're a brave one, ironing the silk. I'm so afraid of melting things with my iron -- probably due to numerous traumatic experiences doing just that in the past. It looks lovely though, so you obviously made the right choice!

I am on the lookout for the bookbookbook in Hamilton. Sadly, the supply of quality bookstores and LYS's in the vicinity of my home is a bit short. I'm still looking, though!

I agree, you're one brave woman! That said, if I even get my hands on Chai silk, I hope I have the courage to iron it too, because it's absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks also for reminders about MSF, I for one definitely need to remember that my problems are really pretty insignificant.

I have yet to see the bookbookbook in Edmonton, but I'm looking :)

I'm not shocked by the ironing silk part, I'm shocked you HAVE and iron.

The shawl is awsome, I love the yarn and I love the lace patern. I have been looking for your book in Kamloops, BC no luck yet, but I will let you know when I find it.

I have read no less than three postings from knitters (including me) who took it upon themselves to rearrange the bookbookbook display in their local bookstores. I find that hilarious, as well as somewhat bossy. "You put it THERE?? I don't think so..."

Thanks, Harlot, for all your efforts on behalf of DWB. The comments about 500,000 v. one kinda got me. Certainly puts things in perspective.

I've just finished writing a wee pattern to put up for the Knit-Your-Bit-Along list. We sell a pattern with all proceeds going to a stated charity. List members buy, and knit, and post pictures of the things we've knit from the patterns ....
so anyway, I hope they like mine, as I intend to send every penny to Medecins sans Frontiers (with appropriate accents of course). I'll let you know as I send the money off.

I am now, officially, inspired to knit the FBS. It's gorgeous!

Hi, Christie Murrell! Just to say I have received your lovely scarf, part of Stephanie's gift/prize thingy - am writing to you snail-mail.

THE BOOK has crossed the pond, I have my copy bought via Amazon UK - brilliant, it is the book I wished I had written. I guess you must have set up a spy-cam or something, Stephanie, it's me to a T.

Jill in London, UK.

It happened.
My daughter asked for a poncho.
"Like the one you showed me once"
yup ... the Yarn Harlot poncho.
Going to try it with 52 sts; she's only a petite 8 year old, might need fewer?

Bookbookbook is MINE! It came into my possession around 6pm last night and by 11pm I had totally devoured it. The surprise was that it was so teeny! I was expecting a regular-sized book. This is much, much handier for carrying around than the size I had envisioned.

I would like to thank you profusely for page #58. You have restored my sense of self-worth. Phew.

WAit Wait wait. What about the birthday party??? Did all survive?? Please we need to know how Hank managed!!
And as for your book, it was purchased last Friday in Carmel IN and was read (all of it) that same night. Since I quilt (not knit) I just replaced fabric for yarn and most of it fit! The DH thinks so too! I only have one other thought to mention. On page 45 you ask How wrong is crochet?? IT IS NOT WRONG! in fact I wonder if knitters aren't just jealous of crocheters. After all we do basically the same thing and it only takes us ONE pointed stick to do it!!
Snargle's MOM

YAYYY Amazon just emailed, my copy of bookbookbook is on it's way. A month earlier than they had estimated, YAYY

I am uber-curious to hear the tale of Hank's birthday party!

The other day when I was feeling low I read your story from KnitLit 2 to my husband. I cannot wait to read your book. Thanks for the offer of cocktails, but not only would I need more than you've got, you're quite right, but I would need much more than is good for me, so I'll have to stick to less poisonous coping mechanisms.

I love the pinks and oranges in that toque, Barbara.

Stephanie, seeing as it's Tuesday and all have you set your sights on fixing the wheel so that you can work on Joe's sweater....or will you be finishing the yarn on your spindle?

Spindle. Joe's sweater. *bwahahahahaa* *snort* It would take you _generations_ of child labour to finish spinning. Better get that wheel fixed soon, missy!

BOOKBOOKBOOK!!

A box from Amazon arrived yesterday and lo and behold, it contained your book! I dove into it immediately, reading snippets to my SO (a wonderful man who probably thinks I knit to excess but doesn't say anything about it). I'm enjoying the book and wanted to thank you. It's like carrying your blog in my purse.

There is one thing that I wanted to ask you... it's been bothering me more and more since the book arrived. What does "Knit Too Much" mean? I'm not familiar with that phrase. Although you have passages in the book that specifically address this, and clearly your book is geared towards women who do this, I'm still not getting it. I knit a lot. The vacuum, tennis racket, violin, mandolin, banjo, and golf clubs are all collecting dust (which, by the way, means I'm not dusting either). But, every few weeks or so I have a new scarf, pair of socks, sweater, or other knitted object to wear or give away. Of course there is the possibility that I have a blind spot when it comes to "Knit Too Much". Naaaahhhh.

Regardless, I already know what I'm going to get my sister for her birthday...

Book sighted, in the wild in Philadelphia. I had to wait until it came into the Borders in Chestnut Hill, because it came into Villanova first. None at the LYS yet, boohoo. I tried to wait so I could support them rather than Borders, but had to have the BOOK!!. I have taken to chortling during the girls piano practice rather than reading Nancy Drew and the Dana girls outloud. My only complaint is that the book is too small to prop open and knit while reading...but it does fit in my purse for stop lights and traffic..THANK YOU. daryl

You, madam, are a mensch. I've been supporting Doctors Without Borders for a few years now, and I agree that it's an incredible organization. Bless you for reminding us to think about the less fortunate among us.

On a purely selfish note, any further details (time, location within Lord & Taylor) about your NYC appearance for the bookbookbook?

and btw, that shawl is stunning. wow.

I, of course, want to know if Chai silk, ironed or un-ironed, is itchy.

Bookbookbook is fun, I've enjoyed it greatly, shared parts with my 10-year-old son, who enjoyed those parts, too. :-)

Doctors Without Borders just sent me an acknowledgement of my contribution, with an apology for it being so late. !!! It was very late, indeed, lol!

I, too, want to hear of Hank's birthday party. I have two sons that are well beyond that age - living through those parties vicariously is a hoot! Almost gave me an ulcer in real life.

If you plan to tour the west coast this summer, this might be the perfect place for a book signing:

Black Sheep Gathering
Eugene, OR
June 24, 25, 26 2005

Hope to see you out here soon!

Hi Stephanie,

Between yesterday and today, your writing covered all bases -- human compassion to humility to hilarity. I too have a sister who is exponentially cooler than I, though I think my unflappable calm should have some karmic merit, no? I also have to admit that the losses in the world (individual and multitudinous) sometimes overwhelm me, so I knit, for theraphy and to distract myself from those truer worries.

You touch it all, which just makes me want your book more. My local Borders (Cranston, RI) has been saying it will arrive in 2-3 days for over a week.

Calmly waiting...
Lisa

PS What about Hank and Erin?

The FBS is beautiful. I must have this yarn. I don't even know if I want to knit the shawl, but it is so gorgeous, it may provoke me to try lace after all. And please, how did Hank's birthday party go? Enquiring minds want to know.

Oh and I finished the baby blanket for Chason. No new pics yet, but will update you when it's done.

De-lurking long enough to sing praises for your book. . .la la la lala

Love your Flower Basket shawl. I can't wait to start mine! What a fab little cover up. :-)