1. It has been four days in a row without screwing up the shawl. I am doing nupps now (rhymes with "soups") and I love them very much and they aren't even a pain in the arse, but Nancy is not kidding when she says to do them "loosely".
She means it. She really does. Fear not the sloppiness, for it shall reward you on the next row when you have to "p5 tog".
2. I am working on updating the tour page, because right now it's all of last years stuff. For now I can tell you this:
Saturday March 14th, Madison, Wisconsin. I'll be speaking at the Knit in that the Madison Knitters Guild (truly, one of the really great guilds out there) have planned. Information on how to get in is here. (There's a PDF to click on there, it takes you to the registration form. Click on the "Classes Descriptions, Schedule, & Registration Form" line.) I think most of the classes are full, but I'm pretty sure you can still get in to hear me speak. I'm doing a lot less this year, and it's been a long while since I was in this neck of the woods, so I'm thrilled. Totally thrilled. Hope I see you there.
March 30 - April 4th. Camp Knitty-ha-ha. (AKA - sock camp) at the Port Ludlow Resort. This is for Sock Club members only, (I think. It's possible Tina can be bribed.) but I'm teaching there and who only knows what we'll get up to. Buckets of fun, undoubtedly.
May 30th - June 7th Saskatchewan Stitches Conference (Haus of Stitches.) I'll be speaking and teaching in beautiful Muenster, Sask. and I'm really excited to be doing such a great Canadian event. It's nice to get on a plane and not need my passport, and this event promises to be really interesting. Info on what, specifically, I'm doing there, is here., but do poke around. There's a lot of really great stuff.
3. Today is Ken's Birthday. Ken is my best friend and the dude who makes this blog go. Without Ken, this blog would crash and burn on a regular basis because I have no idea what I'm doing. Ken is the guy who holds my hand though upgrades, and baby steps changes in the way I have to do things so I don't freak out because I have to learn another piece of html. I love him for a whole lot of other reasons too, but if you enjoy this blog, then maybe you want to join me in wishing him the happiest of days. Happy Birthday Ken! (I'm going to start your birthday dinner soon. Promise.)
Posted by Stephanie at March 3, 2009 2:46 PMKen, you rock! Happy B-day, Dude!
Posted by: Lora T at March 3, 2009 2:49 PMFirst? Happy birthday, Ken
Posted by: Lee Louise at March 3, 2009 2:50 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Jessie at March 3, 2009 2:52 PMKen - Have a most excellent birthday. And many, many, many thanks for "making blog go."
Posted by: Sarah JS at March 3, 2009 2:52 PMHappy Birthday Ken! And Harlot, please come to Colorado. Please, please, please.
Posted by: Deb at March 3, 2009 2:55 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!! Enjoy a most excellent dinner.
Posted by: Megt at March 3, 2009 2:55 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thanks for helping all of us get our blog fix!
Posted by: Amy at March 3, 2009 2:55 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thanks for all you do for us too!
Posted by: Rachel at March 3, 2009 2:55 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!! Enjoy a most excellent dinner but I did just get a Movable type error when I tried to post this.
Posted by: Megt at March 3, 2009 2:56 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: amy at March 3, 2009 2:56 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!! Many happy returns for the day!! Eat lots of cake and ice cream, open presents, and generally enjoy yourself!
And thank you for making the Harlot's blog go. It brightens our days!
Posted by: AnnW at March 3, 2009 2:56 PMHappy birthday Ken!
Posted by: ericalynn at March 3, 2009 2:57 PMhappy birthday, ken!! thanks for keeping the blog in tip top shape so we all get our daily dose of harlot :)
Posted by: amber at March 3, 2009 2:57 PMFrom all of us- thanks Ken and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ps- Steph, the nupps look great! (P5tog?!?@?! what the hezneck?@?! :) )
Posted by: Judy at March 3, 2009 2:58 PMThanks for all your good work on the blog. Hope you have the happiest birthday ever.
Posted by: Charlotte at March 3, 2009 2:59 PMHappy Birthday Ken!! Thank you for all your work to make the blog go.....tell Stephanie she should come down to the Atlanta Knitting Guild and bring you....I'll buy you a beer.
Oh and those nupps look great (they still scare me...but they look great) :)
Posted by: Mary Ellen at March 3, 2009 2:59 PMKen needs a cape!
Happy birthday and thanks for the great blog!
DT
Happy Birthday, Ken! So glad you are part of the Stephanie Pearl-McPhee team! I am so glad that this blog is around, especially today, when taking a few moments to read it constitues a 4 star vacation from my poor son with a double ear infection, plus a recent addition of a stomach virus. yay. Thanks for propping this mommy up with talk of knitting and humor. :)
Posted by: gnuknitta at March 3, 2009 3:01 PMHippo Birdie to Ewe, Ken!
Way to keep rolling on that shawl too!
Posted by: SelkiSkin at March 3, 2009 3:01 PMThe happiest of birthdays to you, Ken! And may your year be filled with joy and love.
Posted by: toni in florida at March 3, 2009 3:01 PMHappy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Ken,
Happy Birthday to you!
And thanks for all you do so we readers don't have to experience yh withdrawals.
Posted by: fibercrone at March 3, 2009 3:02 PMThank you for your wonderful comments about the Madison Knitter's Guild. It's "my" guild and I think it is wonderful too. Everyone should have such a guild. We look forward to your visit. Happy Birthday to Ken--with gratitude for his awesome skills with computers and with needles!!
Posted by: gail at March 3, 2009 3:02 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
(The shawl looks great! 4 days with no screwups... I long for that sort of record!)
Posted by: Laura H at March 3, 2009 3:03 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
I always thought nupps rhymed with cups. Who knew? They have been my downfall pretty much, though, no matter how they're pronounced.
Your shawl is looking quite lovely. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Posted by: Harriet at March 3, 2009 3:04 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! :D
Posted by: Gini at March 3, 2009 3:04 PMHappy birthday Ken. The blog cheers me up on a regular basis.
LOVE the shawl :-)
Posted by: Pauline at March 3, 2009 3:04 PMHappy Birthday to the Blog Guru!!! Thanks from all of us for "make blog go". (That deserves a piece of cake all by itself!!!)
Posted by: Beverly from Texas at March 3, 2009 3:06 PMI, too, have become enamored with the wee knitted nupps (noups?), and agree that great care must be taken to make them very loose, or they shall turn and bite you in the ass with it comes time for "p5 tog."
Also a marvelous birthday wish to Ken!
Posted by: Jesse at March 3, 2009 3:06 PMHappy Birthday Blog-Man! And really - nupps rhymes with soups? How did I not know that? I'd always heard it like cups. Sounds much prettier your way.
Posted by: Niki at March 3, 2009 3:07 PMThe shawl looks beautiful - so delicate. Are you putting in life lines as you go, or are you living life dangerously?! Happy birthday to Ken too - he does a great job!
Posted by: Helen at March 3, 2009 3:07 PMHappy Birthday !!! May the next year bring you peace and joy in all you do.
Posted by: Patricia at March 3, 2009 3:07 PMHappy Birthday Ken! :)
Posted by: LittleWit at March 3, 2009 3:07 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Celebrate!
Posted by: Sally at March 3, 2009 3:07 PMHappy Birthday Ken! We appreciate what you do for all of us, especially for the YarnHarlot blog. Many happy returns, can't have enough HTML's (Harlot that makes us laugh!)
Patti
Posted by: patti at March 3, 2009 3:08 PMHappy Happy to you, Ken! The Blog is thankful for all you do. Go, blog, go!
Happy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for making the blog go, and Stephanie not so crazy.
Posted by: Erica at March 3, 2009 3:11 PMHave a truly happy birthday Ken!
In this case, it's behind the great woman's blog, there's a great man.
Posted by: Melinda at March 3, 2009 3:11 PMHappy Birthday Ken. Thanks for making it possible to laugh way harder at work than is good for anyone.
Posted by: sillydoodah at March 3, 2009 3:12 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Your hard work is much appreciated. Best wishes for a great year ahead.
Posted by: Jane in NC at March 3, 2009 3:14 PMEeeek! I'm going to your Saturday class at the Saskatchewan Stitches Conference and I am beyond excited! There is a whole crew of us from Saskatoon Knitting Circle coming so be prepared for a bunch of loud and excited Saskatoon people.
:-D
And Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Melissa at March 3, 2009 3:15 PMMany happy returns of the day, Ken! Especially to someone who keeps this day-brightener alive and well ;)!
Posted by: randmknitter at March 3, 2009 3:15 PMHappy, Happy Bday, KEN!!!
Posted by: MonkeyGurl at March 3, 2009 3:16 PMStephanie, the shawl is incredible, but I have to admit I still don't understand "nupps." In any case, please pass on our felicitations to Ken, the Blogmaster extraordinaire! Long may he wave.
I'm waving back now ~~~~
Happiest of Days, Ken. We, The Blog, salute you.
And you're welcome to tag along with Steph and Rachel H in August to Aurora. We have lots of beer and food...
(that's still pencilled in, right Steph? It wouldn't be August without Aurora...)
Happy Birthday, Ken! May you have delicious cake.
I hope that Saskatchewan trip is awesome. I'd so be there if I didn't have a Real Academic Meeting Thing to do that week, darn it all.
Posted by: Glenna at March 3, 2009 3:19 PMI'm going to miss you by a week. You'll be in Wisconsin while I'm in the Pacific Northwest; by the time you get to the PNW, I'll be home in LA. Can't be helped. Last time you were there, I missed you by two days.
Glad you and the shawl have reached a detente.
Happy b'day, Ken!
Posted by: Marina Stern at March 3, 2009 3:21 PMHappy Birthday Ken. I've enjoyed this blog tremendously although this is my first comment. Thanks for helping to make it go.
Posted by: Heike at March 3, 2009 3:22 PMI agree, Ken needs a cape. Thank you so much Ken--HAPPY DAY!!
Posted by: MelissaG at March 3, 2009 3:24 PMI'll get to see you in Madison!! Hooray! (Will you be signing? I still have a few of your books that aren't signed...)
Happy Birthday Ken!! Thank you so much for Making-Blog-Go!
Posted by: Abigail at March 3, 2009 3:25 PMHappy Birthday to you, Ken, and I hope this is the start of a great year! Looking forward to seeing you, Stephanie, in Madison (have my fingers crossed that you don't have to go through O'Hare!)
Posted by: Emily at March 3, 2009 3:26 PMKen, do we get to see your arse again? Happy Birthday, dude!
Posted by: JudithNYC at March 3, 2009 3:26 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for all your hard work... knitters of the world appreciate you!
Posted by: Joy at March 3, 2009 3:28 PMYour lace shawl is so amazing. I'd be terrified to cast one on.
Happy birthday, Ken. I'd be lost without Ms. McPhee's blog! :D
Posted by: KnitPurlGurl at March 3, 2009 3:29 PMPut DOWN the shawl and go make the dinner. He deserves it.
Posted by: Lise at March 3, 2009 3:30 PMHappy B'day to you, Ken with thanks for helping our beloved Harlot with this whole blog thing. :) What would we do without our "fix"!? And you make it possible. Thank you.
The shawl is gorgeous, and I'm glad to know how to pronounce nups, 'cause I was thinking it wrong. ;) Now if I ever get brave enough to make a large lace item, I'll at least know how to say nups. :) May the rest of the project go as smoothly as the last four days have!!!
Happy Birthday Ken! Thank you for bringing us Stephanie.
Posted by: Terri at March 3, 2009 3:31 PMHappy Happy Birthday, from all of me to you, I wish you happy birthday, may all your dreams come true! (add the clapping and then speed up your tempo to at least 5* the fastest you can go :D)
Posted by: JennyBeth at March 3, 2009 3:33 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!! Thank you for being the technical power behind this wonderful blog. I hope you have a really yummy birthday dinner, and lots of delicious birthday cake.
Posted by: Marilla at March 3, 2009 3:33 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Knowing technology is an important skill, but being able to explain it to a bright but non-techno-geek so that she can use it is a special gift! (When I need something explained I am safest asking my 14 year old rather than my web programing husband.)
Posted by: Kathy at March 3, 2009 3:34 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: pattiblaine at March 3, 2009 3:37 PMHappy Birthday Ken! You share a birthday with my son, Kyle!
Posted by: Karen in CT at March 3, 2009 3:37 PMA very happy birthday to you, Ken! All Steph's readers appreciate you so very much, even when they don't know that they do!
Make Blog Go! Go, Blog, Go!
Posted by: Cathy-Cate at March 3, 2009 3:39 PMHappy birthday, Ken, and many more. Beautiful knitting, Stephanie!
Posted by: AlisonH at March 3, 2009 3:40 PMHappy birthday, Ken! Thanks for making this site go! We appreciate your handiwork!
Posted by: sprite at March 3, 2009 3:41 PMMany happy returns of the day to Ken!
And thank you for pointing out the proper pronunciation of "nupps"...I had no clue. :-)
Posted by: yarnpiggy at March 3, 2009 3:41 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Very few people can say they have a part in bringing happiness and entertainment to so many. May your next year bring you the joy you help Stephanie bring to us!
And, Stephanie, the shawl looks fabulous so far. Can't wait to see the finished project.
Posted by: Margaret at March 3, 2009 3:41 PMHappy birthday, Ken and thanks for keeping the blog running happily. What would we do without it??
Posted by: Liz at March 3, 2009 3:44 PMHappy birthday, Ken. May it be a year of joy, love, challenge and peace.
Posted by: kj at March 3, 2009 3:48 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Carol B at March 3, 2009 3:48 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for all you do for Stephanie and keeping her with us.
Posted by: Jan E at March 3, 2009 3:53 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!
Posted by: Bethany H. at March 3, 2009 3:53 PMHappy Birthday Ken!! Thank you soooo much for making this blog a part of my life. LOVEIT! I wish I had a best friend with talent in Html...some girls have all the luck. P.s. Stephanie...your shawl is so beautiful and I am so glad you share those tough times. It makes me feel better about my own. Have a great party the bunch of ya...cheers!
Posted by: Aline at March 3, 2009 3:55 PMHappy Birthday Ken, By the way I think its the coolest birth date ever created. Maybe because I share the date too.
Glad to See you are moving well on the lace! 4 whole days! WOOT!
Happy Birthday to Ken! Thank you so much for all your work on this blog (which makes my day on a regular basis)! Many many happy returns to you. :-)
Posted by: CTJen at March 3, 2009 3:56 PMWOW. Someday I hope to make lace that beautiful. I guess it is just do it.
Happy Birthday Ken. Thanks for all you do for the Blog.
Posted by: Judy of Western MA at March 3, 2009 4:00 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!!
Posted by: lisa Co. Springs at March 3, 2009 4:02 PMWe're very excited to have you in this neck of the woods!! And we're also doing our darndest to get things warmed up a little for you too.
Posted by: Victoria at March 3, 2009 4:02 PMHappy birthday, Ken.
There is a special place in heaven for those who keep computers and blogs going, year in and year out. I am certain this is true. I just got my computer back from the saint that knows how to keep my over seven (maybe eight, who can keep track?) year old computer zipping along.
These pictures of lace and stories about perseverance in casting on (this is why we all love you, Steph!) are making me think I need a new book, a next project. Nupps (however you pronounce it—I just learned how to say Clapotis) look like too much fun. I'm loving my Peacock Feathers Shawl! I've gotten a lot done waiting for the return of my computer.
I read somewhere that serious sock knitters have 3 socks on needles at a time...
And when are you coming back to Michigan?
Posted by: Juliet in Grand Rapids at March 3, 2009 4:07 PMHappy Birthday Ken.
Thank you for keeping our favorite blog on the air.
Posted by: Tiny Tyrant at March 3, 2009 4:07 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!! Thank you so much for all you do for the blog!! Yarn Harlot - WHEN are you coming to Fort Lauderdale?? It's in the 60's today and we consider that cold!!
Posted by: Michelle at March 3, 2009 4:07 PMOh MY....a blog oversee-er person...that is more valuable than...... cashmere. A smoothly run space is to die for!!!
SOOO... a BIG Happy Birthday, you Most Valuable Person..and I'm sure your mother thinks so, too, just for you being born.
Posted by: Christine at March 3, 2009 4:07 PMRock out Ken! Drink a pint for me!
Posted by: Mandy at March 3, 2009 4:08 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thank you for keeping 'The Blog' going.
Posted by: PICAdrienne at March 3, 2009 4:10 PMYes - as I am learning with Swallowtail - VERY loosely!!!
Happy Birthday KEN!!!
Posted by: Daniele at March 3, 2009 4:13 PMHappy birthday Ken!
The lace looks lovely. I hope it keeps coming along smoothly.
Any chance you will be making it to the East Coast in the coming months?
Posted by: Kim in Virginia at March 3, 2009 4:14 PMKen, you rock! Happy Birthday, dude.
Posted by: Carina from Kenosha at March 3, 2009 4:14 PMLove the blog. It's a daily fix.
Happy birthday Ken!!
Happy Birthday, Ken! Behind every great knitter is a fantastic best friend, and I know you do your job well. Take care, and have a wonderful year.
Posted by: scienceprincess at March 3, 2009 4:16 PMHappy birthday, Ken! Thanks for helping to add a little Harlot to our lives.
Posted by: Andy at March 3, 2009 4:16 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! We couldn't have our Harlot without you, wishing you MANY more!
Posted by: Denise at March 3, 2009 4:18 PMHappy Birthday!
Posted by: Kay at March 3, 2009 4:18 PMHappy Birthday Ken! With software updates occurring so frequently now, it is a challenge.
And the shawl looks great! The title of yesterday's blog made me laugh out loud. The pattern is stunning - it is worth a few 'false starts'.
Happy Birthday Ken! Hope your birthday supper is great!
Please, please, please try to get a stop in the Maritimes on your schedule this year! Nova Scotia is Fibre Heaven.......
Posted by: Lori in NS at March 3, 2009 4:21 PMHappy Birthday Ken! I'll raise a glass of red wine in your honor tonight. And maybe have a piece of chocolate to go with it. But it's totally all in honor of you and your tech skills. Honest.
Posted by: Jan Smiley at March 3, 2009 4:21 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!! Enjoy your birthday dinner. I'm sure Steph will put the shawl down long enough to get it started :o)
Posted by: Jo-Anne at March 3, 2009 4:22 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Enjoy!
Posted by: Jennifer at March 3, 2009 4:23 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!!!! Woo hoo on the shawl!!!
Posted by: Knit Witch at March 3, 2009 4:25 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Thanks for helping Stephanie with the blog.
Cheers to you both!!
I've never commented before, but I love your blog. It makes me feel like I'm not completely bat crazy with my love of fiber. That or it's just that I'm not the only one... So, go figure that you come to Madison 2 months after I move to Utah. *sigh* Oh well, I'll see you eventually...
And Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Kait at March 3, 2009 4:26 PMHappiest of Birthdays, Ken! It's so great that you put up with all of us because you love Stephanie so much. We appreciate all you do!
Steph, your shawl is looking loverly. (But there is NO way I'm going to be able to correct myself to say "nupps" to rhyme with "soups"!)
Posted by: Elizabeth L in Apex, NC at March 3, 2009 4:28 PMKeep going on the shawl and Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Léonie at March 3, 2009 4:29 PMKen make blog go. Blog make Harlot go. Harlot make Ken dinner. Cosmos nod, say good, keep rolling along.
(Pork chops?)
Posted by: rams at March 3, 2009 4:35 PMBirthy Hap Day, Ken! Long may you wave. . .
Steph--- you're going to Madison!! Please greet my Evil Twin, Dale-Harriet, for me :) I know she'll be there to see you. I just KNOW it. Darn, I envy her!
From the Sock-Shaped State (I live in the heel!!),
==Marjorie
Posted by: marjorie at March 3, 2009 4:35 PMMake Blog Go!
Go, Blog, go!
Happy Birthday, Ken! The Blog loves you.
Posted by: Barbara at March 3, 2009 4:36 PMRather than e-mail everyone who wants to see nupps in action, here is a link to Nancy Bush on video showing how it is done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRGVsd3Hy4M
I did bunches in one of the lily of the valley shawls a few years back and it was a blast. Yours, of course, oh superstar Harlot, is just gorgeous!
And to Ken: may all fiber creatures sing your praises, and all knitters wish you Happy Birthday!
Now if I could find myself a local computer enabler...
Posted by: Karen at March 3, 2009 4:41 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! I bow before you.
Posted by: karin mt at March 3, 2009 4:43 PM"It has been four days in a row without screwing up the shawl."
Wow. Either you are VERY bold and reckless to say such a thing right out loud in front of everyone, or you've given the Knitting Jinx a powerful sleeping draught. I'd be awful nervous right about now, if it were me. I'm spitting through my fingers for you, just in case.
Posted by: Lisa Grossman at March 3, 2009 4:43 PMIf Ken is responsible for 'make blog go' then I think you, Steph, should be responsible for 'make Ken cake' and possibly 'make Ken drink.'
woohoo, ken! happy birthday!
and I am also trying hard not to think about p5tog. >_<
Posted by: Jen at March 3, 2009 4:47 PMHappy Birthday, master of the blog. I hope it is fantastic!
Posted by: Rosemary at March 3, 2009 4:47 PMHappy happy birthday, Ken! Thanks for everything you do for all of us, and thanks for being such a great friend to our own dear Harlot. I'm not sure we'd survive without her blog any more!
The shawl is looking really beautiful. I cannot wait to see it finished and blocked -- it's going to be just gorgeous. Is this a just-for-fun knit or is there some higher purpose in the shawl's future?
Posted by: Laura at March 3, 2009 4:49 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thanks for the blog! I love it!
Posted by: Lorraine Weir at March 3, 2009 4:51 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!
Posted by: LadyO at March 3, 2009 4:51 PMAnyone with the name Ken (my dad's name) must be an outstanding guy!! Happy Birthday to ewe!
Posted by: Denise in Caledon at March 3, 2009 4:52 PMHappy birthday! You Rock!
Posted by: lydia at March 3, 2009 4:56 PMHappy Happy Birthday Ken !
Can't believe you are going to Haus of Stitches !!!
I bought all my Philospher's sweater kits there when we lived in Saskatoon....
What must we do to entice you to the Maritimes ..?
I must start harassing the wool shop owners...!?!?!
The Shawl does indeed look great. :o)
Posted by: Christiann at March 3, 2009 4:56 PMHappy birthday, Ken! Wishing you many more l:-)
Posted by: lynne s of oz at March 3, 2009 4:59 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thank you for making the blog go :)
Posted by: shelle at March 3, 2009 5:01 PMHappy Birthday Ken and thanks for the blog!
Posted by: Chris at March 3, 2009 5:03 PMHappy B-Day Ken!! Keep up the splendid work.
Posted by: AmandaInBC at March 3, 2009 5:04 PMHappy Birthday to Ken!
(And please, please let Nashville be on the list! ::fingers crossed::!!)
Posted by: Mandi at March 3, 2009 5:04 PMHappy birthday Ken! I hope one of your wonderful presents in a pair of hand knit socks!
Posted by: Jesse at March 3, 2009 5:06 PMCongratulations on your shawl progress, Stepanie. To Ken, dear friend, blog builder, and all around good guy, wishing you all the best on your special day.
Posted by: Nance at March 3, 2009 5:11 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! We love you!
Posted by: Lucy Clark at March 3, 2009 5:16 PMken, happy birthday from the Blog. We really appreicate all you do, otherwise we wouldn't get our daily dose of the YH.
And the shawl is lovely, I'm working on the Triinu, I notice your NUPS are much tidier than mine. Now thats something you don't hear everyday, I bet!
Posted by: Patti at March 3, 2009 5:16 PMHappy happy birthday, KEN!
Posted by: lauragayle at March 3, 2009 5:22 PMHow can 'nupps' rhyme with 'soups'? Visually that makes no sense whatsoever and I can't make myself believe it.
Posted by: Lacy at March 3, 2009 5:28 PMHi,
I've signed up for all your events in Saskatchewan. Yup, signed up & paid before they even had their information up. I'm absolutely stoked. I'm going to meet you finally! Can I bring my book(s) for you to sign?? Can't wait - only 101 sleeps!
Doreen
Oh yeah, Happy Birthday, Ken!
I'd been hoping you'd come back to Wisconsin, but obviously we didn't coordinate our calendars. You'll be in Madison the day I head to Florida. And not only that - I'll be in Portland the week before the Sock Summit, so I'll miss that too.
Ah well, I'll keep reading the blog (thanks Ken) and enjoying the daily tidbits from the calendar. (I especially liked your substitution for the groundhog - LOL)
Posted by: Judy McFarland at March 3, 2009 5:33 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! And thanks for a great blog!!
Posted by: Peggy of San Francisco at March 3, 2009 5:36 PMHappy Birthday, Ken. We may not 'see' you, but you are definitely appreciated.
YH - Thanks for the pronunciation tip, I would've rhymed with 'up'!
Posted by: ToniC at March 3, 2009 5:44 PMHuzzah Ken! Many happy returns of the day.
Posted by: Beth at March 3, 2009 5:45 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Jeremy at March 3, 2009 5:45 PMHappiest of Birthdays, so far, Ken!!!! (Don't want to ruin any upcoming potentially fabulous ones! ;) ) Enjoy your day and I hope you have a blessed year!
Posted by: Colleen at March 3, 2009 5:49 PMFrom what Stephanie says i assume we would not be here as "the blog"" soooo for goodness sake a BIG thank you Ken and have a wonderful new year ahead of you. Enjoy your din din--Happy Birthday. Stepahnaie if you say nupps like soups why wouldn't it be spelled as noups ? the Engish language and spelling is strange is it not ?
Posted by: JoanH at March 3, 2009 5:53 PMHappy birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Kirstie at March 3, 2009 5:53 PMI just threw salt over my shoulder to try to fend off potential tears due to your tempting of the knitting deities'wrath. Yes, that's plural. Perhaps they'll overlook it, as you're following Nancy's nupp protocol so willingly.
Happy Birthday to the Blog Master, Ken!
You'll love Madison. Great town. Great bars.
And Happy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: red at March 3, 2009 5:55 PMHippo Bird-day Ken!
Thanks for keeping the Harlot doing what she does best...
And nicely done on the lace - I'm about to cast on my first lace project with my toes crossed.
Posted by: Jocelyne at March 3, 2009 5:56 PMI am so happy that you are back on track. That shawl is going to be gorgeous!
I wanted to let you know that you have convinced me that I need to do a lace shawl now. I did one on my own during the 80's, but put it away because I did not like the finished product. So, now I am motivated to get it out again.
You also have got me back building a stash. I actually got rid of mine by making a bunch of hats this winter for chemo patients. I vowed that I would never stockpile yarn again. But, here I go. It started out with a few balls of sock yarn for next winter. Now I am just 'looking'. Here I go again!
Posted by: marilyn at March 3, 2009 5:56 PMhappy birthday, ken! you make the harlot's blog so readable and pretty! huzzah!
Posted by: anne marie in philly at March 3, 2009 5:57 PMI too have been discovering nupps this week, but I fear p5tog and have been doing them the cheater's way: sl 3, p2tog, pass 3 sts over. That way I'm dead sure that all 5 of those bastard loops have been dealt with.
Posted by: juniperjune at March 3, 2009 5:58 PMHappy Birthday Ken! (and way to go on the nupps... makes me think I should take the book off the shelf and do something more than read and ogle it...)
Posted by: Ruth at March 3, 2009 6:01 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!
you dont realize the family that you keep connected but running this thing called yarn harlots blog.
thanks so much jackie
Posted by: minijaxter at March 3, 2009 6:01 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thank you for being the technical side of Stephanie's brain for her.
Posted by: ayla at March 3, 2009 6:05 PMThank you very, very much, Ken, for "making blog go." (We all remember those horrible days last year when it didn't or wouldn't or couldn't.) Do you realize how many women love you for that alone?
Posted by: LisaDinPA at March 3, 2009 6:07 PMHappy Birthday, Ken, and many more! I am just one of many who need my daily "Harlot" fix...and we wouldn't get it without your Web magic!
...and I also think you should aim higher! Maybe a sweater, instead of dinner! ;-D
Posted by: Leslie at March 3, 2009 6:16 PMHappy, Happy Ken!
Posted by: SallyT at March 3, 2009 6:17 PMThanks for the strong work. We depend on you!
Posted by: Terrie at March 3, 2009 6:17 PMI never knew "nupp" rhymes with "soup"! How about that!
Happy birthday Ken :)
Posted by: Sarah at March 3, 2009 6:20 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Hope it's the best one yet. Thanks for making the blog run smoothly.
Posted by: Cloud at March 3, 2009 6:24 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!!!!!
Posted by: Sheryl at March 3, 2009 6:27 PMPhhht. Not even remotely to do with anything, but your "loose" nupps made me laugh because my husband bought me a "loose" Wedge Antilles on EBay. Alas, it had much less to do with Denis Lawson in dishabille, and more to do with the fact that my action figure arrived sans packaging.
Take that in whatever manner you like. (Praying for Spring Break before my brain becomes any looser than it already is.)
Good luck on the continuation of the nupps. For verily, I find them a pain in the arse. Beading is a nice alternative. Although yours look pretty...
Posted by: Liz at March 3, 2009 6:40 PMHappy Birthday Ken! And thanks for making blog go.
Posted by: cathy at March 3, 2009 6:43 PMHappy Birthday Ken! Thank you for the blog - we all owe you big time!!!!!
Posted by: Amy K at March 3, 2009 6:48 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! We appreciate you.
Wish I had a Ken.
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) at March 3, 2009 6:53 PMHappy Birthday Ken from a member of the "Blog"!
Many happy returns of the Day - Ken - blog and cycling friend of Stephanie.
Will remember nupps thymes with 'soups', very interesting.
Posted by: StellaMM at March 3, 2009 6:57 PMHappy birthday, dear Ken....
Posted by: ccr in MA at March 3, 2009 6:59 PMYou...are...coming..to...SK?
*blink*
Saskatchewan? SERIOUSLY?
*dies*
*is revived*
*runs off to sign up for the conference*
Rhymes with soups? Seriously? Thanks for the heads up.
PS - happy birthday Ken!
Happy Birthday Ken! And thanks for keeping the blog going.
Posted by: judi at March 3, 2009 7:20 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for all that you do. My DH is a computer guy, too, and I really do mean thanks for ALL you do.
Posted by: Ruth in PA at March 3, 2009 7:28 PMHappy birthday Ken!! Thanks so much for everything that you do!!
But P5tog? Really? It's possible? I'm shocked. Really, I am. I struggle with p3tog. Wow. ^^;;
Posted by: Convivialiddell at March 3, 2009 7:33 PMHappy birthday Ken!!!! Nothing better than a man with "Nerd Power"!!!
Posted by: Angela at March 3, 2009 7:36 PMHappy Birthday, Ken. Thanks for making the blog go.
Posted by: Holly S. at March 3, 2009 7:51 PMMerry B-day, Ken. Thanks for making the blog possible.
Posted by: martha in mobile at March 3, 2009 8:01 PMLike many before me,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!
Somedays I don't know what I would do without being able to read here...
Posted by: Crystal at March 3, 2009 8:08 PMLovely nupps. :)
Happy Birthday Ken!!
Thank you, Ken, for your years of "make blog go". Without your able assistance, patience, and marvelous enabling, we would miss out on our daily dose of Steph. And that would be a huge loss to the world.
Posted by: Kay at March 3, 2009 8:09 PMNo! You're going to be in Madison one week before I'm home for spring break! Poor timing!
. . . And last time you were in Madison can't have been that long ago. I think it was (literally) the day before I first read your blog. Over the summer. When I still, you know, lived at home.
Posted by: Eleanor (undeadgoat) at March 3, 2009 8:25 PMHappy Birthday Ken, and many more!!! We out here in blogland appreciate your efforts!
Posted by: linda-kay at March 3, 2009 8:26 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Steph at March 3, 2009 8:37 PMWow! Ken shares a birthday with my middle son! I'd be willing to wager though that Ken didn't go gaga over Thomas the Tank Engine Legos though. He's probably moved on to other delights. Thanks for keeping this all going!
Posted by: Mea at March 3, 2009 8:37 PMI've wondered if Ken was still around! You used to talk about him a lot more.
Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Tracy at March 3, 2009 8:52 PMA VERY happy birthday Ken!!!
Posted by: Gina at March 3, 2009 8:53 PMI totally wish I had a best friend like you, Ken! At the very least I can wish you a wonderful birthday and I hope you enjoy your ... porkchops, yes?
Posted by: MaryB in Richmond at March 3, 2009 8:57 PMHoping you are having a wonderful birthday Ken! We appreciate you for all you do to keep this blog going! I have a brother named Ken, so you've got to be a good guy! Many blessings!
Posted by: Pat at March 3, 2009 8:57 PMKen, the happiest of birthdays. Wishing you bright days with good friends, good fibre and no software glitches!
Posted by: Cath at March 3, 2009 8:58 PMHappy birthday Ken!
Posted by: Christina at March 3, 2009 9:10 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Thank you for helping to make my day brighter by helping Stephanie with the blog. May you have many more birthdays for her to blog about.
Best wishes!
Happy birthday Ken! Thanks for the going-makingness!
Posted by: Riin at March 3, 2009 9:22 PMKen, you are THE MAN! Have a wonderful, wonderful birthday and enjoy your birthday dinner!
Posted by: Kris B. at March 3, 2009 9:28 PMMadison is at least twice as thrilled that you're coming to visit us. I can't wait! The Knit-In classes filled up quickly, I'm glad you'll have plenty of space.
Happy Birthday Ken!!! Mine's in a few days and I like to pretend its in the Spring, usually hard to do in Wisconsin but with the weather we've been having...
Posted by: Megan(ChemKnits) at March 3, 2009 9:43 PMIs this like a knitter's April Fool's?
Nupps rhymes with soups?
I can't believe it.
Tomorrow you're going to tell us it's all a joke, and you will have been laughing at all of us all evening... right?
Posted by: Linz at March 3, 2009 9:44 PMHappy birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Cathy W at March 3, 2009 9:47 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN! I'll have to join the others in saying Thank You as well for making it possible for the rest of the world to enjoy Stephanie's wit, humor, and damn fine writing!
Also, Thank You Stephanie for making it possible for a non-RSC member to sneak into Sock Camp. After your mention of bribery and such, I immediately emailed RSC to ask for the possibility of my coming and they responded rather quickly that YES!, there a few spots open and I would be most welcome. I'll be moving out of the NW by the end of the year and this will be my last opportunity to participate as a local. Today's post was downright providential - Thanks again and now if only that same providence can work its magic so that I can attend at least one class with you, I will go to my grave happy!
Best,
Chi
Hippo Birdie to Ewe, Ken! And a big "thank you" for making yarnharlot.ca possible!!
Posted by: auntiemichal at March 3, 2009 9:50 PMHappy Birthday Ken !!!
Thank you ever so much for keeping the blog going !!!
Have a wonderful and blessed day !!!
Happy birthday, Ken!
Also, I notice that California's not on that list. Wouldn't you like to come to San Diego? Just think warm beaches... :)
Posted by: Jocelyn at March 3, 2009 9:54 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Have a drink on me!
Stephanie, the lace is beautimous!
Posted by: marilyn at March 3, 2009 9:59 PMThank you for making blog go, Ken. Many happy returns!
Posted by: Abbie at March 3, 2009 10:07 PMHappy birthday, Ken! :-)
Posted by: Monet at March 3, 2009 10:07 PMSo glad Ken is your "enabler"! Happy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Linda in NC at March 3, 2009 10:13 PMHappy Birthday, Ken. I'll drink to that!! Hope you enjoyed your special day.
Posted by: Hazel Smith at March 3, 2009 10:21 PMToday Today Today Today
Today is somebody's Birthday
Today Today Today Today
Today is somebody's Birthday
It's not the pickle's or the pear's
It's not the elephant's or the bear's
Today Today Today Today
Today is Ken's Birthday!!!
Wait a minute - does nupps really sound like soups? I've been pronouncing it wrong all this time! Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Zarah at March 3, 2009 10:36 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Sounds like "soups"? This is one of those things like "feed the fiber sideways" that no one ever bothers to tell us!
Many happy returns, Ken. Any friend of the Harlot, etc., etc.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer at March 3, 2009 10:43 PMHappy Birthday Ken!!
Posted by: Jackie L. at March 3, 2009 10:56 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Collette at March 3, 2009 11:15 PMHappy Birthday to Ken!!! I thought nupps rhymed with cups?
Posted by: EileenG at March 3, 2009 11:23 PM*starts the whispering*
texas texas texas
really soon, or after september
we'll wait months if we must...
come for a winter break
please? :)
Posted by: Plum Texan at March 3, 2009 11:27 PMHappy Birthday, dear Ken. Thank you for doing all that you do for your friend and her (our) blog.
Cheers! How many "bumps" this year? ;)
Posted by: Cynthia A at March 3, 2009 11:46 PMNot just Dinner...
Our Ken needs CAKE CAKE CAKE!!
and BOOZE...the GOOD stuff!!!
BACK RUBS, and foot massages,
and good music...
Ken, We the Blog...Salute YOU!!
Happy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Jrn at March 4, 2009 12:17 AMHappy Birthday to your best friend Ken, may he ever grace the little things that make your blog work!!! He is a wonderful guy. I know this because today is my birthday, too, and I am wonderful.
The scarf is finally going beautifully--congrats. I would love that book, but just acquired Folk Shawls, Arctic Lace, and Knitting Triangular Shawls. Think I am done for a while. I certainly have enough patterns for a while, eh?
Posted by: Kathy Sue at March 4, 2009 12:22 AMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Alexandra at March 4, 2009 12:28 AMHappy, Happy Birthday, Ken! Hope it was memorable.
And beautiful lace, Stephanie, just beautiful.
Posted by: Debora at March 4, 2009 1:00 AMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: tiah at March 4, 2009 2:01 AMKen - you rock - thank you for making this blog (that brings me happiness!) happen. Happy Birthday. Oh, and Ken - I just thought of you the other night while looking through the book "Socks, Socks, Socks" - and I saw the socks with the poem knitted in them - and I thought "I think the yarn harlot knitted those for Ken one year" - as if I know you people... crazy, huh?
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: stephanie at March 4, 2009 2:20 AMHappy Birthday Ken!!!! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Stephanie, your shawl is beautiful!
Posted by: Dyepotgirl at March 4, 2009 3:30 AMI never comment, but this needs a: (think arm movements:) KEN! KEN! KENKENKEN!
thank you and happy birthday.
Posted by: astrid at March 4, 2009 4:28 AMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN! (and many many thanks).
Thanks also to Stephanie; among many other things I have learned on this blog, I now know how to pronounce "nupps". Maybe one day I will actually do them.
Posted by: alison at March 4, 2009 4:57 AMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Thank you for giving the blog to Stephanie back when, and sharing her with all of us. We like following along with your stuff too (the beautiful fair isle outing for your niece).
All the best for the coming year!
Posted by: Karen at March 4, 2009 5:13 AMHappy Birthday, Ken! We appreciate all you do to keep Stephanie's blog going.
Posted by: Mary R at March 4, 2009 6:28 AMHappy Birthday Ken! We thank you for all your hard work in bringing us our Harlot's wisdom and good cheer. Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: kelly at March 4, 2009 6:34 AMHappy Birthday Ken, you are the best!!
Posted by: Beth at March 4, 2009 6:35 AMHappy Birthday Ken and thank you for standing by Stephanie all these years so we can read her blogs. She keeps my days going most of the time. She is my newspaper with my coffee. I hope your dinner with Stephanie will be grand. The knitting looks great. Glad the slump is gone. Maybe that means Spring is coming. A friend of mine, and Alpaca owner said she is calling today "March forth". Doesn't sound like a bad idea. This has been a loooooong winter.
Have a great day Ken!!!!
No wonder Ken is such an awesome dude. The 3rd of March is also my brother's birthday. They have much in common, except for the knit. Today my daughter turns 13 and my dad turns 78. Pisceans are some of the best people I know (except for the Geminis of course.)
Posted by: marie in NJ at March 4, 2009 6:59 AMHappy Birthday Ken! Thanks for making the blog "go"! :)
Posted by: Sarah at March 4, 2009 7:05 AMHappy Birthday, Ken. Dude, you are a saint, to make thousands of women happy on a daily basis because we can get our daily Harlot. Try explaining that to the guys at the bar!
Posted by: Barbara-Kay at March 4, 2009 7:25 AMTo Ken, who makes Blog "go"
We the Blog, thank you very much
Happy birthday best friend!
Ken what a wonderful thing you do. We all need someone that makes things "go." Have a wonderful birthday.
Posted by: Elizabeth at March 4, 2009 7:45 AMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Emily at March 4, 2009 7:56 AMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Jamisyn at March 4, 2009 8:14 AMYou know, even though I know how to pronounce nupps as noops, I still say nuh-pps. I also say pah-tons, not pay-tons, so I guess there is just no teaching me.
Happy birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Krista M at March 4, 2009 8:36 AMHappy Birthday Ken!
Posted by: Clestial at March 4, 2009 8:39 AMHappy birthday Ken, we are all eternally gratefull that you keep Stephanie together! Have a pint for us!
Posted by: Brandee Fondren at March 4, 2009 8:50 AMthanks ken for underpinning this most enjoyable blog! bonne fête!
Posted by: christine m. east of toronto at March 4, 2009 8:54 AMHappy Birthday, Ken! (one day late)
Posted by: peneloped at March 4, 2009 8:54 AMHappy Birthday Ken!!
Posted by: liz at March 4, 2009 9:09 AMWhere's your lifeline? Are you using white yarn?
Posted by: Nicole at March 4, 2009 9:13 AMHappy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for all you do!!
Posted by: Jan at March 4, 2009 9:17 AMHappy day AFTER your birthday, Ken. Thanks for keeping us all blogged together.
Posted by: Laura at March 4, 2009 9:23 AMLove the style and the simplicity - so easy to read, and even my teenager - who learned to do basic knitting and sewing under duress - loves it. It gives us a wonderful place to connect on days when he really isn't happy about school and such.
Posted by: fibersong at March 4, 2009 9:26 AMHappy Belated Birthday Ken!
(And a knock-on-wood for Stephanie so that her streak of mistake-free days continues.)
Posted by: Heather at March 4, 2009 9:27 AMHappy Belated Birthday Ken.
Hope your birthday was GREAT in everyway!
Stephanie - See you in Madison, Wisconsin
on March 14th.
I will bring beer!
Happy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Emilie at March 4, 2009 9:33 AMHappy Birthday,Ken!!!!
Posted by: Mary E.Dadds at March 4, 2009 9:46 AMA belated happy birthday to a true genius!
Posted by: Shel at March 4, 2009 9:49 AMHappy Birthday Ken.....may you have the best. Thanks for keeping this blog going, we all enjoy it so!
Posted by: Redsoxgal at March 4, 2009 10:07 AMHappy Birthday, Ken!!!!!!!!! This calls for BEER!!! Or Tequila. Whichever!
Posted by: Kat the Knitter/Crocheter at March 4, 2009 10:42 AMHappy Birthday to Ken and Best Wishes for a great year! Thanks for making the blog happen -- I depend on this blog for an almost daily laugh, so I'm grateful for you making blog go.
For DT @ 2:59 March 3rd. No Cape! Didn't you see the incredibles? We want to keep Ken safe. Hope your birthday was a happy one Ken. We, in our house, wish you many more and say a big thanks for helping give the gift of the Blog.
Posted by: Sharon C at March 4, 2009 10:53 AMOMG Ken. You share my brother's birthday! Thats so cool.
Posted by: Ali P in the Qc at March 4, 2009 10:58 AMHappy Birthday Ken! Is the shawl for him?! lol p.s. shawl and gorgeous needles make a lovely pair.
Posted by: NewJerseyLaura at March 4, 2009 11:04 AMHappy Birthday, Ken!
Posted by: Rosane at March 4, 2009 11:16 AMJoyeux anniversaire Ken! I'll drink a nice fresh Caïpirhina for you tonight...
Posted by: Caro211 at March 4, 2009 11:30 AMKen, you are bringing little bits of joy into the lives of people you don't know and won't ever meet... what a lovely good deed. Thank you so much.
Posted by: g. at March 4, 2009 11:40 AMHappy birthday Ken! I hope the birthday dinner was a lovely celebration! Nice nupps Stephanie! :-)
Posted by: Jody at March 4, 2009 11:44 AMHappy Natal Den, Ken! Thanks for making this blog go 'round!
Posted by: Lyz at March 4, 2009 12:02 PMHappy birthday, Ken! Hope your birthday dinner was all you hoped for. :)
Posted by: Laura at March 4, 2009 12:15 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Hmm I've been saying NUPPS wrong all this TIME!
YAY Harlot made me smarter!
Now, can you teach me to balance my checkbook?
Posted by: traceyinmichigan at March 4, 2009 12:29 PMHappy Birthday KEN! I am so glad that you make the blog Gods happy!
Posted by: BreannaS at March 4, 2009 12:42 PMHappy Birthday to Ken!! We love you cause you keep Stephanie on line.
Posted by: Susan B. at March 4, 2009 1:02 PMJoyeux anniversaire, Ken!! Many happy returns!
Posted by: Tanya at March 4, 2009 1:14 PMJust checking to make sure you have seen errata for the book at http://www.interweave.com/corrections/Knitted_Lace_Estonia-corrections.asp
Posted by: Tan at March 4, 2009 1:29 PMThe shawl will be lovely! Glad you are back on track (the right track). I checked my book to see which one you might be working on, given your maximum yardage ... very nice! And, I am much more interested in trying one myself now that I know they are nups (as in soups, rather than nups as in cups). But my lace stash is low...hmmm wonder how to remedy that (-;
Posted by: Carrie at March 4, 2009 2:13 PMHappy Birthday! Birthday dinner? I think Ken deserves some cashmere!
Posted by: Seanna Lea at March 4, 2009 2:31 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
(And is it uncool to admit that I thought "nupps" rhymed with "cups"? Yeah. I think it's uncool. Forget that I mentioned that.)
Posted by: Sheri at The Loopy Ewe at March 4, 2009 2:47 PMHappy Birthday, Ken! Thanks for everything you do for the blog! (Sheri, you and I can be uncool together. I had to rely on Stephanie's pronounciation guide. I'm glad to have company.)
Posted by: Kathryn in Minnesota at March 4, 2009 2:52 PMHippo Birdie to Ewe, Ken. Thanks for bringing us the Harlot.
Posted by: Paula at March 4, 2009 2:54 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!
I recently did the Swallowtail Shawl and didn't do the nupps loosely enough in the first row... so I had to pry them off the needle with a crochet hook. I hope you were slightly luckier and/or wiser than I was... :D
Posted by: Patti at March 4, 2009 3:08 PMJoyeux Anniversaire, Ken! I do so very much appreciate that you are seriously instrumental in bringing our beloved Yarn Harlot into our lives. You and she work so well together --her writing, your technical/psychotherapy/friendship skills. A Partnership to admire.
Posted by: bj from Red Bird Ranch at March 4, 2009 3:20 PMHappy Birthday, Ken Who Makes Blog Go! You and my cat Zander and horse Shaveya share the same birthday, though I seriously doubt that you're only 11 years old like they both are (coincidence).
I always thought nupps rhymed with UP. Thank you for clearing it, er, up.
Posted by: Jeanne B. at March 4, 2009 3:43 PMHappy Birthday, Ken!!
Posted by: Mariah at March 4, 2009 3:48 PMHappy Birthday, Ken.
Stephanie, do you have enough yarn left?
Posted by: linda at March 4, 2009 3:59 PMYeah Ken!! Happy, Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: Nancy at March 4, 2009 4:18 PMHappy Birthday Ken! I would be lost without this blog.
Posted by: Jane at March 4, 2009 4:20 PMHappy, happy b-day Ken! Your hard work and dedication to this blog are sooooo appreciated by so many of us fiber-obsessed folks out here in blogland! Beautiful shawl Stephanie!!!
Posted by: Kimberley at March 4, 2009 5:07 PMHappy birthday, Ken! And thank you!
Posted by: Mother Chaos at March 4, 2009 5:29 PMHAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!!! Thanks for helping us all get our fiber fixes from the Harlot.
Posted by: holli at March 4, 2009 5:36 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Stephanie,
Thanks for telling us how to say nupps!
Posted by: janet at March 4, 2009 5:56 PMI can't believe I did something before the Harlot did! I'm speaking, of course, of the lovely Estonian nupps she's doing on her shawl. I recently completed Evelyn Clark's Swallowtail Shawl and showed it off at Stitches West - and during one of my lace classes I demonstrated to the instructor and some of the students how to knit nupps - yes, you have to do it VERY loosely, then when it comes to the P5tog, slide those stitches down onto the cable portion of the needle and finesse your right needle through those 5 stitches and pick (or throw) your purl stitch. They look much better once they're blocked (as does most lace).
Posted by: Preacher's Kid at March 4, 2009 6:19 PMYea! Birthday wishes for Ken! We non-techies really appreciate you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Posted by: Jana in TX at March 4, 2009 6:27 PMOh hey, Ken and my boyfriend have the same birthday! Happy birthday, Ken. :3
Posted by: Yarnkitten at March 4, 2009 6:39 PMHappy, now belated, Birthday Ken!
Nups rhymes with soups? I've been saying in wrong for a long time now. Man. Who knew?
Posted by: Kristen at March 4, 2009 7:40 PMA very happy birthday to Ken, along with my deep gratitude for making the blog go! It's a bright spot in my life, and I thank you both for it.
Posted by: E.W.E at March 4, 2009 8:13 PMHappy Birthday! He sounds like a great guy! So what did he get you?
Posted by: Dawn Elizabeth at March 4, 2009 9:07 PMGroan! Madison, Wisconsin, March 14th??? Criminies!!! NOW you tell us!!!! Damn. Yes, you very well better get your tour dates posted!
Damn! I told my friends that the next time you were in Cheesehead country, I WAS GOING! I have to work that Saturday (at a QUILT shop, no less), and can't get out of it no way...
DAMN.
It's a day or so late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEN-DUDE!
I had to do p-3 together for an entire shawl... night. mare. Good for you for taking on 5!
Posted by: shanny mac at March 4, 2009 10:04 PMso this shawl that you are making. The yarn looks remarkably similar to the yarn you used in the great swatch shawl of March 2004. Do you see the resemblance? By the way, does it fit through a wedding ring?
Posted by: Sarah at March 4, 2009 11:46 PMThank You Ken and have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: Alissa at March 5, 2009 12:12 AMHappy Birthday Ken, thank you for loving Stephanie so well. Thanks for making the blog go too. Wheeoo that shawl is so finely knit...it must feel like a feather.
Posted by: cecelia at March 5, 2009 12:49 AMWish I could see you, when you are in WI. I might call that Guild to see what is the deal if you don't want to take a class.
Posted by: DawnK at March 5, 2009 12:53 AMI usually get to read these so late that it seems silly to comment, but it's never too late to say thank you, is it? The blog appreciates all that you do to keep it running! Thank you, Ken, and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Lia at March 5, 2009 5:45 AMHappy Birthday, Ken (and thank you).
Posted by: Iris at March 5, 2009 7:15 AMHappy Birthday Ken! Thanks for keeping Stephanie's blog up & running!
Posted by: Astabeth at March 5, 2009 8:03 AMI had no idea "nupps" rhymed with "soups." Thanks for saving me from certain embarassment in knitting circles.
Posted by: Tara at March 5, 2009 9:03 AMDear Ken, heres wishing you a very happy birthday and all that you would wish for yourself!!! many happy returns!! Love from Penny
Posted by: penny at March 5, 2009 9:51 AMHey!
I've never commented before but found your blog a while ago and read trough it all-all-all. You have a fantastic sense of humor and mad knitting skills :)
Anyways, I think your blog was the first one where I saw how popular Estonian knitting is. It makes me proud to be Estonian :P. And here comes the explanation of why I really came out of my silent reader status and began to write this comment (and honestly, if I'm not the first one to say this here, forgive me, I just didn't have the energy to read through _all_ the comments before making my own...). "Nupp" _does_ rhyme with "soup" but... there's something different about it also. In "nupp" the "u" sound is shorter and the "p" sound longer, kind of like when you say words like "cap" or "pot" or "cup" or "knack"... You know, just in case you feel like being _very_ precise about these things :P
Anyways, keep up the good work!
Posted by: Ele at March 5, 2009 10:49 AMHappy Birthday Ken. Hope you had a good one.
Posted by: maddypatricia at March 5, 2009 11:08 AMHappy Birthday Ken...we share the same Birthday !
Posted by: Kris B from Auburn at March 5, 2009 12:28 PMHappy Birthday, BlogSupporter Extraordinaire Ken!
But... nupps rhymes with "soups"? Not "cups"?
Must go lie down now.
Posted by: Jennie at March 5, 2009 1:30 PMHappy Birthday to the man who "makes blog go".
Steph,
You have inspired me to actually start one of the shawls in Nancy's book. I have been ogling them since I got the book. Now the only choice is pink or gray.
Posted by: Melissa at March 5, 2009 5:10 PMHappy Birthday Ken!
Enjoy your birthday dinner :o)
Happy birthday to you; happy birthday to you; happy birthday dear Ke-en; happy birthday to you!
Posted by: Linda in Oregon at March 5, 2009 7:29 PMHappy, Happy Day Ken (a little late). thank you for being the man behind the blog so to speak.
Posted by: Beverly at March 7, 2009 1:01 PMFear not the nupps. There is always more than one way to skin a cat. On the purl 5, slip 3 or 4 stitches to the right hand needle and then purl the 1 or if 2 purl two together then pass those you slipped over one at a time. Just remember to count your stitches [how many of the five you slipped]. Not necessary to do it loosely on the right side rows with this method. GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: e white at March 8, 2009 6:19 PMSK conference looks awesome. Because I'm essentially a 12-year-old girl, I saw that there was bra-making at the conference, and assumed that the teacher names ChiChi had to be the one who was teaching it. *snerk*
Posted by: Deb B. in Nova Scotia at March 9, 2009 7:38 PM