Oh my! You are up late! Or early, depending on your perspective.

I am totally bummed... Our group that was going to Victoria had to cancel our trip! It's a long story, but one that involves one of our dear fiber friends having cancer, again. Stupid cancer... couldn't even wait until after the Harlot came to visit. :( Have a lovely time - Victoria is one of my favorite places. I hope I'll have another chance to see you again soon!

Of all the wonderful pictures and exciting things you talked about in this post, I'm mostly jealous of the home birthed babies because I had to have c-sections! LOL :)

Please come to visit us in london, we are nearer than california and we have nice trees too! And most important, we are in dire need of some Representing.Good luck with the 'lag btw, it ruins me.

Please come to visit us in london, we are nearer than california and we have nice trees too! And most important, we are in dire need of some Representing.Good luck with the 'lag btw, it ruins me.

Hi, Stephanie, I was at Petaluma last night, and I was completely incoherent talking to you. Oh, and I had the Flirty Ruffles shawl in red with an end not woven in. (When I finished the bind off, I couldn't bear to weave in the ends--finishing the last ruffle row took a strength of will I don't want to call on again anytime soon.)

But I did want to ask you--has anyone ever made a second Flirty Ruffles shawl? When I was knitting the body, I thought, "This is a pretty cute pattern, I'd like to do this again," but then I hit the ruffle. Is there such a thing as second shawl syndrome? And thank you so much for coming to California--I flew up from Burbank, but the San Francisco area is do-able, at least. Is there any way to appeal to Jayme TWP to get a Southern California appearance? (perhaps when you're exhausted and on the road is not the time to ask such questions...)

Thanks again! You were awesome! I'm not really managing to be any more coherent, here...but hopefully some of my appreciation is coming through. :-)

How can it be 3:21am when you posted this, and I'm reading it at 12:30am on Saturday, June 9th. OH... the time zone thingy. I hadn't thought about it being sent off to the East coast to your blog-home. And I thought I was sort of tech-savy!!?

Stephanie, I'm still coming down from your talk and book-signing at Powell's. Thank you for the inspiration, the straight talk and the laughs. All very good medicine. I hope you get adequate sleep soon, and have a fine trip. Enjoy your summer, without the business travel.

I meant to ask whether you were making an audio book, when you and Joe were in the studio a while back. If so, is it one of your publications?

I'm also looking forward to seeing those wonderful colors of yarn become a sweater.

Thanks again for coming to Portland. I'll happily volunteer for duty to help turn your next Portland visit into an event at the Bagdad Theater. http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=9&id=177 [They didn't tell you that it's owned by the McMenamin brothers who are craft brewers of really fine beer, as well as recyclers of building all over the Pacific Northwest.] I'm sure Powells have had events at the Bagdad that were "no charge". Maybe they owe you, and all of us, after the fiasco last year across the street at their cookbook/garden and HA! knitting book store.

Peace be with you.

I'm with mk - still coming down from your talk here in PDX tonight. [eg] (Insert wild snickering here. If your plane landed at PDX on the eastern flight path instead of circling, you *did* come almost directly over my apartment building. I should've run up a flag and waved.) Also with her on the Baghdad Theater next time you make it here; that'd be *great*.

You were absolutely wonderful tonight, and as I'm sure you could tell, we loved you. Thanks so much for a perfect evening and all your hard work. Hope you got to sleep fast after you made this post, and you don't run into problems getting to PDX with the parade hoopla Saturday morning. At least it's only a few hours to BC; I hope you can get some relaxing in.

PS - in my defense, that *is* at least my 3rd sock. Started. [g] It's just that I haven't finished the others and they're both at the point where I would've had to concentrate while you were speaking-- Um. That's not gonna work, is it? ::snerk:: I'll be giggling for ages over that. And the photo is priceless! Now *I've* gotta go make a post. ::hugs::

You're just testing to see who are the night owls here on the West Coast, right? I hope tomorrow's flight isn't another early one.

Wave as you fly over. The KIP here in Seattle is in the Sculpture Park. Maybe the big red 'eagle' is visable from 20,000 feet. Actually, I expect the KIP will be inside the pavillion due to rain.

I'm glad you found Purlwise's Kauni photos. She's done a very nice job of chronicalling the sweater's birth.

Well I can't wait to see what you have to say about your visit to our fair city of Portland tomorrow. It was lovely to see you at Powells, though I am not sure if they believed us about needing more chairs either. Seeing you has made me want to forget all about going to law school (I graduate with my Undergrad next week!!!) and take up professional knitting instead. My mother is thrilled.

So did you get to any of the yarn shops in town? We have a few lovely ones you could have chosen from.

Coming out of lurker status to say would love to have more information on how to get the yarn for the Kauni cardigan. Wow! That's just beautiful!! I. Wants. One.

You are up early (or up late whatever) BUT that means you're on my time. night shift at the hosptial can be killer.
It looks like you had a blast! The earliness/lateness of the hour has done little to dull your charm and wit.

I am SO sorry that I didn't realize you were going to Petaluma! I would have driven up - an easy drive, about 3 hours with traffic. FYI, Half Moon Bay is right on the coast, about 45 minutes or so south of San Francisco. Beautiful beaches, gorgeous homes, and not a stinking rental when we tried to move there a couple of months ago. Sigh. I so wanted to wake up to the sound of the ocean. I hope you come back to the Bay Area soon - I'm so dying to meet you! I have all your books and reread them all the time. I'm also dying to hold the sock - I showed it to my husband, who told me at least you finish yours. Smart ass.

Safe journey home!

You and your needles should indulge in high tea at the Empress! Wish I could be there to treat you.

Hope this doesn't seem shallow or too personal, but your new haricut looks wonderful. I'm glad you're having a good time.

Awwww. Reading these always makes me want to beg you to come back to Minnesota. We'll sing for you again. Anything you want!

Wow, great event pics. They all look like very nice people. Your sweater choices, wow! What do you knit to relax? The reward sweater looks like work! Let me be quick to say, very, very beautiful, though. I'm looking forward to pics of the latest, also.

Having discovered dark chocolate covered expresso beans several years ago, I can also swear to their effectiveness and yumminess. But I would caution you about knitting under the influence of them...either you wind up knitting incredibly fast with no recollection of it whatsoever, or you wind up chucking the directions completely and making it up as you go along in your bean-induced frenzy. (Ask me how I know a pound of those things is a bit too much)

Oh dear woman, you deserve some sort of medal for the traveling you do. I think I might resort to stabbing myself with my needles being on planes and in hotel rooms that much, but you make the best of it, and share with the world. You have my utmost respect. (my husband says that is how utmost is spelled, so if its wrong, I am not dumb, he is. Just wanted to clear that up.)
Sweet dreams!

Globetrotting under the influence of chocolate covered espresso beans. Sounds like a good combination - dangerous, but good. I had to give those things up awhile ago - a bit of a dependency had developed, you see.

"...lack of poetry, wit, and finesse---indeed!! Never applies to our Yarn Harlot. I find it amazing that you have the presence of mind to sign books, take good pictures, AND represent knitting to the world, whilst knitting, blogging, and probably working on your next book. Not to mention raising a family and enduring grueling travel schedules. You are amazing and wonderful!!

I, on the other hand, am tearing what's left of my hair out trying to figure out the Old Norweigian cast-on for a first sock---and NOTHING else!!

Keep up the good work, you wonderful, witty woman.

I've been baking lots of cupcakes When you get home I'll be in fine form.

Rachel H you like cupcakes too, right?

Denny my love, I do indeed like cupcakes. I like everything you bake.

Stephanie? Petal? Chocolate covered coffee beans are a slippery slope. Careful there.

Can't even *imagine* your state of exhaustion. Hang in there!

The Kauni sweater is too gorgeous for words, and what a treat hoppin' on over to a Danish site. Don't know why peeking in on knitters across the globe gives me such a thrill, but it does. *warm fuzzy goosebumps* Now I've never made a sweater before, and I read through the pattern to see if maybe, just maybe a mere mortal like me could attempt it. I was mortified when I got to the "cutting." Um, exsqueeze me? You CUT THE SWEATER? I'm not sure my delicate little heart could handle an operation like that.

Oh my dear, I too started the Kauni cardi more than once! no worries ... soon you'll be zipping along without another thought as to what might have gone "wrong"...
ps there IS a place to get the Kauni in nyc - I do believe that it's the only place in the US that carries it at the moment. I don't know if it will be too much of a secret for long!
pps - if you need any "counseling" about the sweater along the way, I'm at your disposal.
enjoy your incredible journey,
"the evil enabler"

Romi! That's her name. Romi is the Birch shawl enabler. Romi, if you see this send me some chocolate-covered coffee beans. I think I'm gonna need 'em.

Harlot, dear, do get some sleep. Eventually. We loved you in Petaluma, thanks for making the long trek. You rock!

Oh yes, don't forget it's International KIP day. I'm going to go KIP now!

What's this I hear that you're coming to LA in September? The rumors are rampant. If the rumors are true I'll bring you chocolate covered espresso beans...

It looks like a good time was had by all. Including the sock.

LA in September? It's awful hot, then.

I'll still be available as a native guide.

I can't believe you are making the Kauni Cardigan! My yarn is winging its way to me as we speak. You have stolen my thunder, dear knitter! Now EVERYONE will want to make it. Thank goodness I ordered my yarn when I did or it would be impossible to get....I am really looking forward to the mindless drone of this project!

We had a wonderful time. I am active in our knitting community here so I expected a high turnout. What surprised me was all the people I didn't recognize. (And some I did but didn't know they knitted)

We were absolutely giddy that Stephanie came to our little town. Usually we have to go to the "city" for events but I was able to pop on over after work... Excellent.

Stephanie, you will have to come back to the wine country when you can spend more time.

Wow. Just wow. I can't wait to see the sweater!!! Please rest.

One thing I have learned since moving to SF: EVERYWHERE you want to go in the great Bay Area ia "about an hour" away. I have mentioned this phenomenon to some locals, and all they say is, "Well....yeah!", so it must be true....
Oh, and Half Moon Bay? Is lovely and also quite adorable. It reminds me (a Jersey grrl), of the little towns on the NJ shore or in Cape Cod. And it has a quite good yarn shop, Fengari, where I may have recently had a Malabrigo accident....
And it only took about an hour to get there. :-)

Stephine you rock !!!!!. I am still floating around talking about seeing you in Petaluma, CA. Was a wonderful evening am so glad you sent me the email you would be there. Thank you for instilling into one and all knitters present that we are a strong community. I forget that at times.

Oh, the torment! The English pattern for the Kauni sweater won't open! I shall wait (impatiently). Also for your trip to L.A. I will cancel everything to be there!

It was great seeing you in Petaluma, Stephanie. Hearing you speak and seeing all those knitters in one place was inspirational. Thanks for all the sacrafices you make traveling about North America to personally tend the flock. :o)

A great big thank you to Copperfield's books and The Knitterly and everyone else behind the scenes for helping make it an unforgetable evening.

(Don't know if you had time to go to The Knitterly afterwards, but there were two Petaluma-brewed beers waiting there for you.)

Trudie

It was great to see you, Stephanie. I'm the person who had to run off to catch her bus back to San Francisco. I had a bizarre 2.5 hour journey back to the city (no traffic, just many stops and all sorts of crazies), but it was totally worth it. Thanks for coming out here; your talk was inspiring.

You were awesome, Stephanie! It was wonderful to meet you. And even though thousands of other people will now think so, you and I know that I don't really look like a female impersonator, right? Right?!?!?!?! ;)

Funny, but I'm another Bay Area Sylvia whose impulse would have been to bring chocolate covered espresso beans if I had been able to make it to Petaluma.

I'm so glad you left early! I was a bit concerned when I finally noticed you had asked how traffic was on the Golden Gate bridge at 5. I lived in the bay area for quite a while -- aside from the traffic, I really miss it. It looks like you had a great time!

Hope you get lots of sleep in the next couple of days. :) Can't wait to see the sweater!

Great to see you last night Stephanie, thanks for all you do for us.

It was SO GOOD to see you again!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Yes it's really nice to know that not everyone who knits, can knit masterpieces their first time out.
Makes you feel not so alone out there in the knitting world.
:)

Anytime you need more chocolate covered espresso beans, I have a great local (inexpensive) source; just let me know. Probably not a good idea to try and mail them once it gets warmer - you will have to stock up during the cool seasons.

Just when I think I've seen it all, you come up with some further inspiration. I don'e need to get involved in giant Fair Isle project just now, but I am at the mercy of rainbow colors, and Ruth's cardi does it all. Maybe I am a good enough knitter to make one without having it be all bumpy like my last Fair Isle project (the vest my DFIL never wears).

Can't wait to see Alaska!

Hopefully the next time you come to Massachusetts (there will be a next time, right?) I will have a homebirthed baby to show you.

Tracey, I had c-sections, too. I don't dilate--I'm very stubborn that way --but I have two beautiful kids anyway. Sometimes what's important isn't HOW they came out but just that they're out. Miracles, every one.

I had to post, even though this has nothing to do with Petaluma because I went looking for a semi-easy first-time sweater and I found the Interweave site and browsed through the sweaters. I found this one that looked great and was advertised as fairly easy (I'm petrified --my first sock looked like something the cats yakked up) and I clicked on it. But I just couldn't commit. Know why? It was the "The Very Thought of Him" pattern. Gorgeous. Couldn't do it. Anyone have any suggestions for a different pattern? PLEASE e-mail me at barb AT sothethingis DOT com. Think "pattern for my extemely slow first cousin who lives in very HOT Austin, Texas. Cotton might be good. On really big needles..."

--Barb

I hope you will frequently show progress and give hints as you knit Ruth's Kauni Cardigan. I am waiting on my yarn. I have never knit steeks before but love the colors of this and the novelty of the yarn.

I am still wearing a smirk after listening to all of your wit and wisdom in Petaluma-you were utterly charming. It was such a pleasure to lend you my scissors(now if you could only lend me that fantastic sweater...). I know all too well that compelling feeling of wanting/HAVING to finish something and being thwarted by CHOKE(in your case, airline regs). Thanks for being so generous with your time as well as your commnents when we all came by to have our book signed.

I can attest to the effectiveness of Chocolate Covered Espresso beans for keeping you up. Mark gave them to the boys when they were little thinking they were Chocolate Covered Raisins, needless to say my scream of horror when they picked me up alerted him to the fact that this was a bad move (he still believed they were raisins & thought I was being really harsh)after I made him read the package he knew he was in trouble & I made sure to put the ear plugs in when I went to bed at my regular time. I couldn't sleep though but didn't rescue him, I read in bed & the boys who normally fell asleep by eight were up until eleven, he now reads before he hands them chocolate of any sort.

The talk was wonderful - though admittedly I couldn't hear most of it as I forgot my assisted listening device to use with my hearing aids - but what I managed to make out was charming and hilarious.

The wait in the line was totally worth it. I just about had a fit (the good kind) when I hit the blog this morning and saw the picture of myself and my friend Taunya at the TOP. OMG OMG!

I'd tell hubby but he already thinks I smoke crack when it comes to knitting.

Thank you for making the evening before my surgery so fun. It really took my mind off of everything.

I'm so sorry I missed it! I had purchased a book and seating pass well ahead of time, and had a great day with a fellow knitter all planned, but alas! My mom went in to the hospital very unexpectedly, so I was taking care of her instead. Is it terrible I considered making a wild drive from Gilroy to Petaluma (about 200 miles) just for the evening so I could be there after all? But my friend did get there and found someone to use my seating pass, so I hope they had as great a time as they appeared to be in the picture they sent me!

My first "pair" of knit socks are just like Makaela's - except in a "blue/grey/white/other- coordinating-colors Austermann Step yarn. One is very large and the other just about fits - little slouchy in the leg. I guess I should save them for a winter sprained ankle or something. Large sock would definitely fit over an ace wrap!! :)

After seeing you in Petaluma on Thursday evening I am now inspired to try socks again!! My first pair not only did not match but while knitting the two together one was right side out and the other the wrong side out! Like you said that night about the person who tried knitting and didn't like it, she just wasn't doing it right! I will try again. Thanks for a delightful evening with you and 300 knitters.

Ruthie Caitham

Loved seeing and hearing you in Portland. Laughed and laughed. Thank you!

Loved seeing you again in Northern CA. You rocked the house! The Copperfield's staff was terrific, but I think they were extremely surprised by the sheer numbers and variety of attendees. While waiting in line and finally in the store, I met some really nice people, gave an abbreviated sock knitting lesson, and generally had a great time. Thanks for posting my picture. I am truly honored. Next time around, please come to the Sacramento area. You won't believe the wonderful knitters and spinners we have in our area, and we all think you're great!

Harlot,

Thanks for coming to Petaluma. Good times. You were hysterical, and it was well worth the drive (about an hour, as the others commented) to see you. It was so sweet of you to post a picture of my little baby Chana on your blog - thanks so much. She is a Future Knitter. She just doesn't know it yet. My son knits (he's 8) and my 2 year old can identify knitting and yarn, which is good enough for me! And I taught my 24 year old step daughter to knit as well. Whole family's obsessed with all things wooly.

Oh, and make sure to stop through Cleveland some day. I'm moving there in about a week and would love to see you there sometime, too!

Oh, and thanks to all the wonderful knitters sitting near me who were completely cool with Chana attending the talk. She nursed, she cooed a few times and she konked out in her baby sling. Not once did I get a nasty look, even during nursing, and many of the ladies gave me warm and encouraging looks and support. Knitters are the best!!

I still can't believe I got to see you speak in Petaluma You are so very smart, quick, kind and funny! And, you are so right - I really really like knitting in a room with a couple-hundred other knitters. I hope you have time for a good rest-up when this tour is over.
p.s. I'm so sorry that we had to hit the road, so couldn't stay to meet you. We left our bag of two local-California yarns at your desk; it can be destined for your needles or perhaps the many give-aways you have. The bag was marked 'from Barbara, Trudie and Frederique'.

Glad to bring them part of the way for Sylvia and thanks to Rosemary to sealing the deal. I too had to get to the airport first thing, otherwise I'd have waited to say hi! Thanks for coming up to our neighborhood.

You saw Alison! She is great! I ordered her book months ago and can't wait to get it! Just another week! The release date is my birthday [last I checked]. woo-whoo! I love that you post so many pictures. Makes me almost feel like I was there [almost?]. When are you coming to Thunder Bay....home of the Sleeping Giant! Almost...no, DEFINITELY a wonder of Canada.
Just think....a wonder of the knitting world meets a wonder of Canada, the Harlot and the Giant...together at last. I bet he could use a pair of socks for his cold, stone feet.

Wow... looks like a riot... I love the 'first socks tht suck!!! Looks like my first pair, if I'd finished it!

Magic beans make so many things possible...

There's a store near Petaluma that sells awesome chocolate truffles. Now I tell you.

There's a store near Petaluma that sells awesome chocolate truffles. Now I tell you.

Half Moon Bay is a small ooastal town about 45 mins. aouth of San Francisco. They do! have a yarn store (I hear) called Fengari. Gosh, if you have time ever, in your travels, you most likely will like it - esp. at Halloween when they have a famous pumpkin contest and all things pumpkins...Happy travels!

I hope that the Copperfield's experience was a bit of an improvement from the rest of those nasty bookstores. I'll admit that we didn't have enough chairs, but that's because we couldn't fit any more in the space. Thank God for the legions of yarn harlot groupies who called to warn us of what we were about to experience. And what an experience! Everyone was so great! And the socks! I've had no luck with knitting myself, but I've decided to attempt socks; I can see myself knitting socks. And Patricia, who lives in Petaluma, has offered to guide me in my quest for sock-knitting skills. Another on e joins the ranks. Thanks again, Stephanie! gb

I'm SO glad I got to see you speak. You are even more hilarious in person. Can't wait to listen to my audio book and how you sound like a hamster on meth :)

I can't believe you were just at Powells in Portland. I'll never stop kicking myself! My husband wanted to go to Portland this week for our anniversary, but I said, "No. I have a job that week, and we need to save money." Stupid, stupid, stupid! I wouldn't have even had to twist his arm to go to Powells--it's half the reason he wanted to go to Portland!

Maybe you could come to Boise, Idaho sometime?

We so enjoyed seeing you AGAIN and I feel very special to finally have scored the audio books. Whoo Hoo. Thank you for taking the time to read our silly card and personalize ALL of our media. We sincerely hope you like the Scharffenberger chocolate (made right here in Berzerkeley) and knitting needle jewelry from Liana Kabel (made in Australia). She's a frickin' genius.

p.s. You do NOT sound like a chipmunk on meth. :-)

Wonderful meeting you in Victoria Stephanie. Glad you like my body parts. There was one more Pearl in Victoria last weekend...the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship. Not nearly as impressive as you are though. Bless you for sharing your wit with us.

Stash Weasels! Yes'm, please put me in touch with McKenna, the talented young creator of said Weasels. I want one, and then there are gifts...

P.S. I've only been to Juneau, Skagway (where I bought Canadian quivit spun in the US), and Ketchikan (where I saw a banana slug. I'm with you. Ug-lee)...but isn't Alaska beautiful?

P.P.S. Lovin' 'Casts Off'!

Happy Birthday Stephanie :)

Happy Birthday!! I hope you're doing nothing and loving every second of it.

I really really need a stash weasel - maybe lots of them - they are very cool.
please send me info on the young artist and her weasels (are you sure they aren't minks?)

thank you

I really really need a stash weasel - maybe lots of them - they are very cool.
please send me info on the young artist and her weasels (are you sure they aren't minks?)

thank you