Standing in the airport on Friday, I tried to hard to laugh at my own timing. The airport was packed with Canadians fleeing the cold for their March Break, all lined up, laughing and headed for the warm sunshine of Cuba, Bahamas, St. Lucia... and there I was. Going to Wisconsin. It took me a while to get over that, especially when the lady in front of me, repacking her overweight bag, dropped her bikini bottoms and left them behind. I did pick them up and give them back to her, but I won't deny the urge to pitch them in a bin as she wandered off to her warm beach holiday.
As I struggled through the crowds headed for parts south, I reassured myself with the knowledge that on none of my vacations to Cuba have I ever seen a yarn shop, and though all those other people were going to be enjoying a sunny beach... I would be amongst my people, yarn and iconic knitters, and if you throw in a beer... they're pretty much going to come up on par for me. Here then, is a photographic essay on the last couple days.
Friday AM. I begin a sock, travelling from Toronto to Milwaukee.
(Duet sock yarn de-kay. Pattern from my head, colourway, sadly forgotten. Pretty though.)
The sock and I then changed planes
and went from Milwaukee to Madison, where a nice knitter named Connie gave me lunch and a beer and was very kind to me, and then took me on a whirlwind look at a few of Madison's awesome yarn shops. We went to Lakeside Fibers and The Sow's Ear, both of which have coffee and food as well as yarn, and I can imagine myself actually living in them. (Lakeside also has a couch and a bar next to the coffee part. I may have promised that if they let me live there I would keep my things very tidy. I think they thought I was kidding. I wasn't.)
The sock and I then journeyed to the hotel, where the first people we met were Amy Detjen and Meg Swansen, who both turn out to be very nice actual real live people who are very funny, drink beer and think I'm short. (I am, so I didn't mind them noticing.) It is at this point that I took all leave of my senses, and didn't ask either of them to hold my sock... though I did knit on it in their presence, and hope that counts for something.
The next morning, the sock and I hung out with Joyce Williams a little bit, and admired her beautifully complex sweaters and rapier wit.
And encouraged by Joyce (who's really a bit of a troublemaker, in the best ways I can think of) I took the pictures I showed you yesterday, as well as this one, which is really just my humble sock basking in the glow of things knit by Meg Swansen and Elizabeth Zimmermann, which were lying around on a table without a guard or anything.
The sock met a room full of knitters in the morning.
The sock had a lovely time shopping with Dale-Harriet at lunch.
The sock met a whole other roomful of knitters in the afternoon. (The sock was quite tuckered out by this.)
The sock met Margo's first sock, Kara's first sock, wished Caitlin a happy 21st Birthday, collected washcloths from Susan and Joyce, and cheered Barbara's first knitted object. (You can click to embiggen these knitters)
Then the sock retired to an Indian restaurant and laughed at all of Joyce Williams' jokes, because she really is that funny, but I didn't take pictures, because ... I forgot.
The next morning, the sock became plural, and then was ripped out on the way to the Chazen Museum of Art with Kate (who rocks pretty hard too) and I spent a happy hour wandering through an incredible textile exhibit of traditional Chinese clothing called "Writing with thread: Traditional textiles of Southwestern Chinese minorities" If you live near there, the sock and I urge you to go. No pictures here, because we were chastised for picture taking - and don't like to break rules very much.
Off to the airport we went then, and waited for our flight back to Milwaukee,
and then enjoyed a 3 hour layover there, which we enjoyed in grand style.
Then the flight from Milwaukee to Toronto...
And bang. We were home again, and I had two things. A healthy respect for all that is the Madison Guild (You should join. They're awesome) and a new pair of socks.
Great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at March 18, 2009 4:55 PMI adore those socks. No, really. I love that colorway. And would it make you cringe to know that lots of people would be just as jazzed to meet you as you were to touch an EZ creation? Hmmm...did that sound stalkery? Hope not. Glad you enjoyed Wisconsin! You were treated to some decent weather, if it was the same as here in the Twin Cities.
Posted by: Glenda at March 18, 2009 5:02 PMBeautiful!!!
Posted by: Kimber at March 18, 2009 5:02 PMLove love love the socks! Beautiful colors!
Posted by: Kelly at March 18, 2009 5:02 PMTrying to be first! Great socks.
Posted by: Adele at March 18, 2009 5:03 PMSorry for the double post. Computer glitch.
Posted by: Glenda at March 18, 2009 5:04 PMThose are some pretty socks! Did you get to eat any squeaky cheese while you were in Wisconsin? How about some beer cheese soup, a staple for the cold days there!
Posted by: stacey at March 18, 2009 5:04 PMBeautiful Socks! I live in far upstate NY (1.5 hrs from Ottawa - and we always rejoice in April when everyone leaves on Spring Break, and Mother Nature, with her infinite wisdom, provides us with weather that most times is actually better than what the weary travelers get! Good-Bye to them! I'll stay home and bask in the sun in my back yard!
Posted by: kathy M at March 18, 2009 5:04 PMAnd close into fifth position. Very nice.
Posted by: rams at March 18, 2009 5:07 PMOh, who needs sun when can have all that?! Spring will come... at some point, right?
Posted by: madmad at March 18, 2009 5:10 PMGreat Weekend! Wonderful sock!
Thanks for the Madison preview--I have a business trip to there in June. Can't wait to hit the hot knitting spots!
Posted by: erin at March 18, 2009 5:13 PMNothing much to say, just excited to be in the top 10, yeah pretty dorky, huh?
Posted by: kiminAK at March 18, 2009 5:14 PMYou can get this yarn directly from the source!
www.aswellyarnshop.com!
Angi is super awesome!
Posted by: kelly at March 18, 2009 5:15 PMDid you take ballet? The last picture is a wonderful ballet pose. I'm sure the socks enjoy being graceful, beautiful and strong.
Posted by: Jesse at March 18, 2009 5:15 PMAll those empty seats are killing me. I didn't sign up in time for anything and debated for days about just showing up for you talk but didn't want to be humiliated and turned away at the door. Oh well, maybe next time.
Posted by: Lee at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMFabulous socks - it sounds like they (and you) had a lovely time.
Posted by: Mya at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMVery pretty socks! Wish I could make a pair come to life that quickly!!
Posted by: Vicki B. at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMbeautiful Socks! How do you knit so fast?? What size needles do you use?
Posted by: Dorin at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMGood god, I am in love with those socks. I love the aubergine colorway too. I might have to purchase some myself. :D
I'm also becoming a big fan of "simple" socks. 2x2 ribs or 3x1 ribs (the latter I'm currently doing). So cozy.
Glad you enjoyed your trip!
Posted by: Katie at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMHow on earth can you knit socks so fast? I mean, I know you were on a plane and everything and had a lot of time on your hands, but still! That's ridiculous! Two socks in one weekend! Maybe I'm just impressed because I'm 1/4 of the way done with my very first sock ever and it's taken me a week and a half to get there. You are amazing. :-)
Posted by: Anne at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMAm I the only one who finds it extraordinary that you can finish a pair of socks (sock yarn, small needles...not bulky yarn, big needles) so quickly??
Anyway, even though I'm jealous, they do look great. And is that fifth position there in your last pic? Impressive, again.
Posted by: georgia at March 18, 2009 5:19 PMI adore the socks!! And going somewhere cold for spring break isn't so bad when there's knitting involved. I'm heading to Seattle for mine!
Posted by: Courtney at March 18, 2009 5:21 PM...uh...apparently I am NOT the only one impressed with your speed!...
Posted by: georgia at March 18, 2009 5:21 PMAnd we enjoyed having you!! Thanks for coming, for answering questions so graciously, for showing off your sweater, and for not minding when I dashed over at the last minute with a pile of your books.
Posted by: Abigail at March 18, 2009 5:22 PMSounds just as wonderful. You know, I bet that lady never gets to meet rooms full of folks that are there just to see her.
Posted by: kate at March 18, 2009 5:24 PMHoly cow you knit fast.
And another reason Canada is great...you are not forbidden to go to Cuba.
Posted by: Becky at March 18, 2009 5:25 PMDear Stephanie,
Thanks for passing along the hug for Dale-Harriet-- great shot of her, too! Now, if only you can return to the Sock-Shaped state... Lovely finished socks! I finished a pair this weekend too, at a genealogy conference. Nothing like a nice long, interesting, non-sleepish sitterdowner meeting. Madison is a great town. Actually a lot like Santa Barbara: college town, about the same size, rather laid-back, water on one side. . . and yarn stores: we have three!
From the State of Sockitude, ==Marjorie
Nice socks, and it sounds like you had a good time! I hope the restaurant was Himal Chuli, which has the best Nepali food in Madison. I'm still not used to the name change on the Chazen -- for years it was the Elvehjem, which conveniently abbreviated to LVM.
Posted by: Jodi at March 18, 2009 5:26 PMThose socks are just my colour!If you ever get tired of them,you can just send them on down here...I'll take really good care of them ...I promise...:)
Posted by: Kim(with kids) at March 18, 2009 5:27 PMI was going to ask how you found a coordinating solid. Clicked link, now I don't have to. Clever girl.
Posted by: marie in NJ at March 18, 2009 5:33 PMVery nice concise commentary of what sounds like a wonderful trip! Thanks for taking me along!
Posted by: Robin at March 18, 2009 5:34 PMLOVE your socks! Thanks for coming to Madison. I'm glad the weather was kind to us all!!
Posted by: Margo at March 18, 2009 5:34 PMA pair of socks in a weekend?!?
And here I'm being so pleased with myself that I actually got the whole foot knit and I'm past the heel on my Leyburn socks (done in the Eye of Jupiter yarn). Thank you! thank you! thank you! for posting about that!
Gee, you get to go to Cuba...but I would have loved to knit those socks.
Posted by: Monique at March 18, 2009 5:35 PMYour socks had a great trip by the sound of it! They look great (as usual)! Do you ever knit anything that looks total pants?!!! I doubt it.
Posted by: Helen at March 18, 2009 5:39 PMSounds like the perfect weekend to me! Oooooooh, I have some Duets in my stash ... g'bye for now, I'm off to go dig it out.
Posted by: Lou at March 18, 2009 5:42 PMI think sitting with knitting, booze, and tv shows on the laptop is the BEST way to get through airport time. Sounds like a great trip all around. And those socks are a fabulous colour.
Posted by: Glenna at March 18, 2009 5:42 PMI am impressed that you not only can whip out a pair of socks that quickly, but that you can pose with your feet turned in opposite directions. I could do that too, but then my hip joint would pop out and have to be surgically replaced...
Posted by: Jody at March 18, 2009 5:42 PMI like your new socks, but mostly I'm jealous that you can go to Cuba. I don't like warm weather, so I probably wouldn't go if I could, but I'm jealous of that freedom.
Is it possible to avoid Second Sock Syndrome by alternating, as in a green, then a pink, then another green, and another pink?
Posted by: Marina Stern at March 18, 2009 5:42 PMWell, I'm bummed that I didn't know about your trip to Madison, because that's acceptably close to come & see you in person.
I am also looking at that new pair of socks with an increased respect. I am currently attempting my first pair of socks, using your Basic Sock Recipe. I ripped the little bit of my first sock right out this afternoon because it was big enough for an elephant. So I'm trying again. But that snappy-looking k2 p2 ribbing is giving me fits. I'm definitely still a novice. I'm still working on it!
Those socks are beautiful. Someday I too will have followed in your sock-steps & have such lovely things to wear on my feet.
Posted by: Ritsumei at March 18, 2009 5:43 PMSounds like you had a lot more fun than all those people getting sunburn!
Posted by: Riin at March 18, 2009 5:45 PMCan I make you jealous by telling you that I met the one and only Richard Rutt, aka the knitting bishop? And touched some of his knitting? (lovely gloves and mittens!) *grin* He lives pretty much just around the corner from me *big grin* So I totally understand your feelings in the presence of EZ and MS knitting!
Posted by: tinebeest at March 18, 2009 5:46 PMOk...I am humbled by the speed of your knitting. It takes me over a month to knit a pair of socks. When oh when will the speed pick up? Are you a practicing ballerina? Thank you for your blog. It makes my day.
Posted by: Michele at March 18, 2009 5:48 PMI'm reasonably certain that the colorway is called Raspberry Fantasy. I only know that because I fell head-over-heels for it. :)
Posted by: Erica at March 18, 2009 5:48 PMI am humbled, and a teeny bit envious by the speed of your knitting. It takes me over a month to knit a pair of socks. When oh when will the speed pick up? Also, are you a practicing ballerina? Nice 5th position! Thank you for your blog. It truly makes my day.
Posted by: Michele at March 18, 2009 5:50 PMThe socks look great! I think it's so stupid that Canadians can go to Cuba but Americans can't. The travel restrictions have been loosened to pre-Bush levels. If you have family in Cuba you can go visit them.
Posted by: Marlana at March 18, 2009 5:50 PMI had the same thought rams did. Your socks are in fifth position. They're very nice socks indeed!
Glenda (1st post) said what was going through my mind after yesterday's blog post... you were thrilled having touched EZ knitting...I'd be just as nerdy/dorky holding one of your socks... (one can become rightly infamous in their own guild/knitters circle if they've had the opportunity to hold and be photographed with the beloved YH sock)
Posted by: Katherine C. at March 18, 2009 5:59 PMYour socks are so yummy:)(((Hugs)))) Darcy
Posted by: Darcy at March 18, 2009 6:03 PMWow... sounds like an awesome weekend on a level of awesomeness that is almost totally impossible to achieve. A level of awesomeness that the knitless masses will never understand. They all go warm places, lay on beaches and come back with nothing to show for it but a tan. You came back with a pair of fantastic socks.
It's overused but true and I'll say it again. Awesome weekend.
What - no cheese curds? Dude - I totally live vicariously through your ability to procure said curds, and nary a curd was mentioned or seen! What's Wisconsin without the curds? :-(
Great socks, btw!
Posted by: Donna at March 18, 2009 6:06 PMSounds like the socks had a fabulous time.
Posted by: Karen at March 18, 2009 6:06 PMCowl?
Also love the look of the solid stripe slightly down from the cuff. V. Interesting.
Posted by: Elle at March 18, 2009 6:17 PMThose socks are so pretty! Are they your regular 64sts done all fancy in RIBBING?
Hmm... Are you ever going to come to Ottawa, and give a talk? There's a really nice yarn store in Westboro- WabiSabi. Plus, some wonderful Yarn Forwards. Pleaaaase come! Sign copies of your new(ish) bookbookbook!
Your socks are so pretty! I love the color. I was going to come and see you in Madison but I was busy with band stuff. (I play flute).
Posted by: Emily at March 18, 2009 6:28 PMZip over and take a gander at Rams' new Ravatar ... EZ is explaining the meaning of life to her.
I put one lonely sock on the needles for my upcoming horrendous-all-in-one-day trip to Salt Lake City and back. And I know that I'll not even be to the heel turn of sock #1 by trip's end. I console myself that my slower knitting makes my knitting MORE cost effective (fewer $/minute spent knitting) ... but I do admire your speed. And talent. And wit.
Will stop gushing and rambling now. Cheers!
Posted by: Sarah JS at March 18, 2009 6:36 PMhow delightful to have a practical snuggly reminder of the weekend that was.
Posted by: Naomi at March 18, 2009 6:36 PMlovely socks!
Cuba. I once waited for a flight in the airport in Mexico City beside two gates occupied by planes--one going to Cuba and one to China. It amazed me that if I just got up, walked over *there* a few steps, I could theoretically wind up in truly forbidden territory (at least for Americans...). There were lots of normal-looking people boarding those flights, too. The world seemed pretty strange right then.
Posted by: alison at March 18, 2009 6:40 PMNice flexibility in that last photo!
Posted by: Sarah at March 18, 2009 6:46 PMGreat socks and it sounds like a fun time! That beer looks especially good!
Posted by: Knit Witch at March 18, 2009 6:48 PMOh gosh! My photo! On your blog!! *Squee!* I'm honoured beyond belief!!!
I lurve the socks! I'm glad they had such a lovely trip!
Posted by: Barbara at March 18, 2009 6:49 PMWhat wonderful colours. I love seeing the sock(s) travel around!
Posted by: Roslyn Hazen at March 18, 2009 6:53 PMI really like the socks. I haven't done alternate colour heels and toes for a while and this reminds me to do it.
Knitting in the same room as Zimmerman stuff. Pretty heady - or in this case, I suppose, footy.
Posted by: Cath at March 18, 2009 7:06 PMAgreed - nice socks!
Very impressive that you can create a sock in just one day, even with airport time.
I can only make a baby hat in 24 hours, or one of those turn-a-square hats, but not an adult sock.
Madison seems a nice town indeed.
I turned 21 this weekend too!!
It sounds like you had a fun filled weekend. I'm quickly moving along on my own pair of socks as I read.
Posted by: Rachel at March 18, 2009 7:14 PMStephanie-good karma will come your way for giving that lady her bottoms back!
Posted by: Karen at March 18, 2009 7:15 PMI was supposed to be there!!!!! I was supposed to be there!!!! It was so perfectly timed to be the day after P/T conferences...*sigh* and then to be whisked away to mediate house repair in another state. I had even talked our handwork teacher into going with me (yes, knitting is part of our curriculum. And woodworking. At the moment, my third graders are learning to spin, weave and felt; my sixth grade daughter was going to bring her first sock she knit in handwork to show you). The Madison guild is awesome enough to entice me from Milwaukee. And the beer is ever-flowing here. We ARE the Beer Capitol of the World after all! come back, come back! I will feast you with cheese curds and beer, I swear! See, it isn't you who is the geek, but us...
Posted by: AndiKnits at March 18, 2009 7:16 PMGreat socks, Steph! I think I saw that colorway somewhere, and it's called "Chocolate Cherry" or some such. Wonderful weekend too. Wish mine went that well. Peace. ~Emily
Posted by: Emily at March 18, 2009 7:17 PMGlad you had a good time here in CheeseHeadLand! That Dale-Harriet is a hoot and a sweetie, isn't she?
Posted by: kmkat at March 18, 2009 7:22 PMI love your socks they are a lovely color combination.
Posted by: BreannaS at March 18, 2009 7:34 PMGreat socks-love the colours! Please don't tell me there are no LYS in Cuba- I'm one of *those* Canadians on my way there on Friday- AND I'm taking my knitting to the beach!
Posted by: Karen at March 18, 2009 7:41 PMBased on another photo I've seen of these feet on Ravelry, and this one, I maintain that you were a highland dancer!!
Posted by: Liz W at March 18, 2009 7:42 PMDamn, you knit quickly! What's your secret?
I'm trying to unlearn "throwing" and trying to learn "continental", and I feel like 8 kinds of challenged. EZ said it could be done and I know Eunny can do it, so it must be possible, but man...it's HARD!
Awesome socks!
Posted by: Danielle at March 18, 2009 7:50 PMA whole pair of socks in a weekend? It took me a a year and 1 month to knit my first pair. Well, a year to knit the first sock...the second one took only a month. My confidence was soaring LOL.
That is a great colour of yarn. Is it called cranberry? Lovely.
Glad you had a good trip.
Dear Stephanie:
What great experiences you had in Madison! Sounds like a great trip!
Question: Have you ever thought of doing knitting videos? You're "less than a day socks" left me drooling, wondering why I can't pick up the knitting pace, and craving a look at how fast you do knit.
Share, please. It's worth a small donation your charity. Incentive?
Posted by: JD Collins at March 18, 2009 8:00 PMSorry for the double post. Got an error message the first time,
Yikes!
Posted by: JD Collins at March 18, 2009 8:06 PMHoly cow! I can't believe how fast you knit! Look at the progress you made on that first sock between your flight and the next morning! Nice looking finished socks, by the way. Glad you enjoyed your trip, even though it wasn't your typical March break destination.
Posted by: Amy at March 18, 2009 8:13 PMNice 5th position! I didn't know you were a ballet dancer! Oh, nice socks too!
Posted by: balletmommy at March 18, 2009 8:15 PMThose socks are so cute! I love cute basic socks. I just wish I was better at knitting them. I suppose with practice I will be! I noticed that several people said that many would be/ are just as jazzed to meet you in person... and I have to agree with them!
Posted by: Jaclyn Bailey at March 18, 2009 8:15 PMMmm, the sock colourway reminds me of food. It seems to want to be called Chocolate Raspberry Swirl. On another topic, I know you are the originator of the term "kinnearing" (did you see the article about you in the Toronto Star the other day?) but I'm also wondering about your use of "embiggen". I've never heard anyone else use it, and it's really a great word. Much preferable to the boring "enlarge." Thank you for embiggening our vocabulary.
Posted by: marjorie at March 18, 2009 8:25 PMWow! If I were to do a vacation based on a pair of socks, I'd been gone for weeks!
Posted by: melanie at March 18, 2009 8:27 PMA yarn store with tea and wine! I could move to WI for that.
Also, you are not the only confused traveller out there. For the Massachusetts school holiday in February, my family and I head to Chicago for 4 days and Ithaca, NY for 4 days. I think I was the only New Englander dumb enough to go to two colder places. The things we do for family.
Next year we will wise up and head to Key West.
Thanks for sharing all your journeys and beautiful knitting.
Posted by: Sarah at March 18, 2009 8:28 PMLove the socks! Please tell me that someone else took that last picture though. If you are able to bend over with your legs held in that position and take your own picture then you can take on work as a contortionist in a side show should you ever decide to stop writing. Jamaica, the Bahamas, etc. are all over-rated, Wisconsin was a much better time. (I'm not just saying that to make you feel better about leaving snow for more snow... really)
Posted by: Heide at March 18, 2009 8:29 PMI was one of the lucky knitters in the afternoon session that got to hear you speak. I thought your talk was very interesting, not to mention funny and I got to be first in line to get your autograph on my newly purchased Harlot book! Awesome.
Maggie
Beautiful socks, great stories. But there's no need to apologize for not photographing everything and everyone -- sometimes you just need to savor the experience and let the photo op go!
Posted by: Christine at March 18, 2009 8:41 PM"none of my vacations to Cuba"
As an American who cannot (without much trouble, and possible revocation of passport) go to Cuba, may I say I am INSANELY JEALOUS??? I would LOVE to go to Cuba, in fact am dying to go...and despair and wonder if I will ever be able to in my lifetime; yarn shops or not. Sigh.
But the sock cavorting with EZ's knits is radically cool.
Right now I'm vacationing on Sanibel Island, Florida... and they have a yarn shop. :-) (I haven't had a chance to stop by, though. I hope that doesn't mean my knitting license will be revoked.)
Wisconsin is very nice, too, though.
Good place for beer. :-)
As one of the few citizens of the US who has traveled to Cuba legally (I lived in Havana for four months), I can guarantee you there are no yarn shops. Apparently, there is a man who comes "from the east" once every couple of months with a large bike laden with stringy cotton that all of the abuelitas buy to crochet baby things out of. I never saw this man. I looked. I researched. I tried to buy the yarn a woman was crocheting with. It didn't work.
Posted by: Liz at March 18, 2009 9:13 PMAnd I've been working on the same pair since October! How humbling to watch your pair happen over a weekend.
Posted by: ccr in MA at March 18, 2009 9:16 PMGorgeous socks!
You know, it's not just the "sock in a day" that kills me. No, it's the "sock in a day" PLUS all the eating and drinking and socializing and picture taking and touristing...
You're not signing up for Socks Wars IV are you??
Posted by: Keiyla at March 18, 2009 9:25 PMI'm still in awe over the fact that your knitting touched Elizabeth Zimmermann's knitting. That is beyond ridiculous.
Posted by: Lauren at March 18, 2009 9:28 PMThe Sock and I: A Journey through Knitting Land.
Couldn't resist after seeing all the pics of the sock at all those hot spots!
We enjoyed having you with us - and are hoping you'll come back again soon. Yarn is better than a bikini any ol' day.
And you really need to get yourself to Knitting Camp one of these years.
Posted by: Stash Haus at March 18, 2009 9:44 PMIt was great meeting you Stephanie! Thanks for signing my book and keeping me laughing. My cheeks were actually sore. We went to the Sow's Ear and Lakeside after the Knit In. I was very impressed with both as well. I hope you were able to enjoy the beer from my friend Rhonda!
Posted by: Megan at March 18, 2009 9:48 PMDid the socks get a sip of beer?
Posted by: Kathleen at March 18, 2009 9:53 PMSweet 5th position. You have awesome turn-out. And cute socks. ~Monica, who dances ballet for fun.
Posted by: Monica at March 18, 2009 9:53 PMThank you,Stephanie. I was also very moved to see your sweater with our dear Elizabeth's. (Am working on one (the small one) now.) What a fine trip. And what a fine, clever sock you knit.
Posted by: Vivian at March 18, 2009 9:56 PMI am reassured that the sock did meet EZ's knits. But no sock with Amy or Meg? You really DID take leave of your senses!
Posted by: Colleen at March 18, 2009 9:58 PMSounds like a fun trip! And I see by Dale-Harriet's blog that she brought you some proper squeaky cheese. I had my first fresh-from-the-dairy squeaky cheese last summer in Wisconsin, and will probably never be the same again.
I too stand in awe of your knitting speed. I'm a knitting plodder by comparison -- I was so proud of myself for completing a plain stockinette sock flying from Baltimore to Seattle a few weeks ago (with a fairly lengthy layover in Denver). But two socks in a weekend? Well beyond my capabilities even if I have no other demands on my time whatsoever! And you have such wonderful taste in yarn colors, too -- just beautiful socks. And in such esteemed company, even without photographic proof!
Posted by: Laura at March 18, 2009 9:59 PMYou unfortunately missed our lovely weather in Madison by about a day or two, but it was totally awesome. Way better than Cuba anyway.
Posted by: Jenny at March 18, 2009 10:00 PMI have lived in South Florida all my life, about 80 miles from Cuba, and still I have never been there! Amazing how all us Americans are so jealous and weirded out by you seeing traveling to Cuba as something so simple. Very strange world!
Posted by: Heather R at March 18, 2009 10:21 PMYou were quite the good samaritan for handing over that bikini bottom. Not sure I would have done the same… yeah I probably would have. And hoped she got quite the sunburn.
Posted by: Andi at March 18, 2009 10:24 PMGracious but you're a wicked fast knitter! I mean, I've seen the videos on YouTube where you're just knitting away, lickety-split but still!...In any case, if you're still yearning to travel south but are not in the mood for Cuba (the "Austin Lounge Lizards" have a great song about Cuba, btw) come to Texas. Spring-time in Houston is quite nice!
Posted by: lesliekk at March 18, 2009 10:28 PMNew socks, great knitters, and beer. It just doesn't get any better than that.
Posted by: Jocelyn at March 18, 2009 10:37 PMNow, I don't have to envy you your sock-knitting skills since I have my own, but that fifth position. . . that's flexibility I will never achieve. . . sigh.
Posted by: Gretchen at March 18, 2009 10:42 PMMy husband can do that with his feet (not why I married him). So glad you enjoyed the Badger State once again. Lakeside Fibers is super nice. I like to sit there, look at the lake, and pretend I have NO responsibilities.
Posted by: Mea at March 18, 2009 10:54 PMNice 5th position!
Posted by: Pamela at March 18, 2009 10:54 PMBeautiful sock, looks like they recuperated well after their excursion.
Posted by: melissa at March 18, 2009 11:03 PMSmashing socks, fun trip!
What is that twisted looking ballet stuff you're doing with your feet? It looks disconcerting... ;-)
Posted by: CTJen at March 18, 2009 11:12 PMSomeday I will photograph my sock with your sock...
Posted by: Therese Marie Davis at March 18, 2009 11:14 PMNow see -- all those people want to visit Cuba and all, whereas *I* would give anything (well, maybe not ANYTHING anything) to go to T'ronto! (And I will, one day, just see if I don't.) The sock? FABULOUS...not only beautiful but I examined it with my very own eyeballs. What a HEEL! Thanks, for about the best day I've had in a month of Sundays. (and the pig says "tell her I am loving on her" -- she hasn't recovered yet)
Posted by: dale-harriet in WI at March 18, 2009 11:14 PMgreat sock! I knit them out of my head too! Pretty yarn, simple stitch, and Bam! you're done!
Posted by: marilyn at March 18, 2009 11:43 PMSounds like a very nice weekend. I so wish I had the speed to finish socks in one weekend. I would have alot of my Christmas projects done. Better yet I would now have a drawer full of socks. BTW the woman that knitted a dishcloth named Joyce reminded me of Mrs. Doubtfire. Check it out and see for yourself. I did a triple take.
Posted by: Terri at March 19, 2009 6:53 AMOh holy carp! You're were watching Fringe weren't you?! I lurve that show.
and I'm still drooling over the EZ pile.
Posted by: Sara at March 19, 2009 7:00 AMI love your socks. I love all socks! But a video of your knitting at warp speed (no fiber pun intended) left me seriously depressed. Seasons change while I knit a sock. Now here you are again, knitting a pair over a weekend while giving a talk to a group and negotiating travel. At my house, sock yarn piles up in the queue while I torture the current project. Row. By. Row. I am a sad, slow knitter.
Posted by: Lisa at March 19, 2009 7:45 AMRE: First photo heading home... hey! I know that carpet! Ah Dane County Airport... I'll see you soon!
Glad you enjoyed Madison! It is a fine fine town to live and knit in :)
Posted by: WiscJennyAnn at March 19, 2009 7:53 AMGreat socks!! glad you had fun...
Posted by: Lennette at March 19, 2009 8:26 AMGood morning, Stephanie,
I'm with you about a table full of knitting by Meg Swansen and Elizabeth Zimmermann - no guard?! But I'm even more in awe that said table had a sock-in-progress by Stephenaie Pearl-McPhee on top of it, you yourself standing next to it! Oneo of these days I'm going to attend something like that, a conference or big guild meeting. I'll spend the whole time standing in a corner with my eyes big, but that's okay.
Posted by: Meg Caulmare at March 19, 2009 8:46 AMSo if you ever run away from home, Joe can find you living on the couch at Lakeside Fibers in Madison? Does he know this or are we keeping it a secret?
I had a "moment" seeing your picture of the sock nestled in the midst of all the EZ-and-Meg splendor because there in the top right was a BABY SURPRISE JACKET, and I was just at a Zimmermania class last night where we all showed off our versions of the BSJ.
Posted by: LisaDinPA at March 19, 2009 9:01 AMI am soooo jealous...I didn't get to go to a warm, sunny clime or Madison...and it RAINED ALL WEEKEND!!! I just clung to the wood stove, took a couple of long naps, and knit.
Posted by: Leslie at March 19, 2009 9:17 AMStephanie, I comfort myself by remembering all the times you've described yourself as having "freakishly small feet." Mine are on the other end of the continuum -- I'm sure that MUST be why it takes me longer to make my socks (yeah, right).
Posted by: Elizabeth D at March 19, 2009 9:19 AMOooh, gorgeous colorway. And I like what you did with the heels and toes.
Posted by: Kat with a K at March 19, 2009 9:33 AMNice socks, sounds like you had a great weekend!
Posted by: Nelly at March 19, 2009 9:39 AMY.H. your speech in Madison was very entertaining. It was funny, serious, informative and lively. I just wanted to say thank you.
Posted by: Colleen at March 19, 2009 9:43 AMYour trip sound like a dream vacation to me, anytime of the year. Living where it is warm WAY to much of the time, any place where you can wear wool would be a real treat!
I had to go through the in-progress pictures more than once to marvel at your knitting speed. Wow.
Posted by: Fay at March 19, 2009 10:10 AMStephanie, I have 3 questions. One, when you travel, what do you carry your knitting in? Do you have a small bag that contains just the project you are working on or do you carry, like me, a huge ginormous bag that has everything you could possibly need it it! Second, it seems you prefer double point to circulars for your socks. Why? Thirdly, I was in Austin, Texas this past Monday - Tuesday to see my daughter who is a Legislative aide at the TExas Capitol. I visited The Knittin Nest and laying there on the counter was a beautiful orance sock colorway that was to come to you! Oh.... I wanted that sock yarn. SO tell me what you are doing with it!
Posted by: Wanda Styrsky at March 19, 2009 10:29 AMLove the sock colour! Now I have a question for you. Do you have a favourite sock pattern? And, if you do, why is that one your favourite?
Posted by: Katherine at March 19, 2009 11:08 AMI love the socks! I, too, am one of those slow knitters. I started a pair in September and have just turned the heel on sock 2. Oh well. I am also trying to learn continental to speed up a little. I would love to be able to knit a little faster because there are so many things that I want to knit. When I get frustrated with my lack of speed, I remember that I like knitting, and that is why I do it. My mother would always rub it in about how much faster she crocheted than I knitted, and she was right. But I think that knitting is "cooler."
Posted by: pat at March 19, 2009 11:37 AMPretty Socks! That's a great colorway & there's something about contrasting/complementary heel & toes that always makes me smile. Dunno why, but it does. Joyce Williams is a hoot isn't she?
Posted by: Samina at March 19, 2009 11:38 AMGreat socks. I had great socks going... then the kitten got into the basket (BAD KITTEN) and ATE THE YARN... or at least ate pieces of the yarn... SUPERWASH so I can't even just felt it back together. Plus it made her throw up.
Then the school called and my son was throwing up (hopefully not because he ate yarn). Ever want to just hide in a closet for a couple of hours? Of course I'd have to CLEAN the closet first. Glad you had fun in WI. We'll have to get you to MI's Upper Peninsula, we have great beer and great yarn shops too. :)
Posted by: Mary Peed at March 19, 2009 12:24 PMI LOVE your socks. I especially love that they're a very plain, comfortable pattern, but still look so good.
I tried some fancier sock patterns, but am finding that I love the comfort that goes with plain ribs. I'm only just starting to see that they can be pretty, too. Thanks for helping with that realization.
Posted by: Johann at March 19, 2009 12:26 PMRe: Graham Norton show - if you go to BBC 2 website and look up GN show No. 5 series 2(I think it is)you can watch the whole thing on line. Had a quick look and Kinnear is about 18 mins in ... did not have time to listen to the lot, will do so on return.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00j78p1
I'm so glad you made it to the Chazen exhibit! DH and I played hooky one afternoon last week and went. Amazing needlework indeed! Too bad about the picture chastisement. I was thinking about going back to get some pix meself.
Posted by: ondrayah at March 19, 2009 1:38 PMJust watched the Norton/Kinnear video. Stephanie, you rock so hard! My eyes still haven't stopped tearing from laughing myself silly.
Posted by: Janice in Camas at March 19, 2009 1:45 PMOkay, yes, but WHAT show were you watching? (Notice how I only care about the important things? :p) My first thought was bones, but I don't think that's quite right. Also, Madison sounded like a load of fun. Nice 5th position, hope you remembered to turn out with your hips and not your knees, would want you to hurt something else so soon.
Posted by: Mary-Louise at March 19, 2009 2:03 PMThose socks look lovely in fifth position!
Posted by: stephanie at March 19, 2009 2:20 PMThanks to the link to the Kinnear spot on Norton. You're an *international* celebrity, now! Strike that-- you were international already. Okay, you're an international *TV* celebrity, now!
Posted by: Marina Stern at March 19, 2009 2:28 PMYou must knit like a machine. making a pair of socks, speaking to groups of people, going to knitting shops and everything else. You are an amazing woman.
I love your blog.
Posted by: Sally Weiner at March 19, 2009 3:15 PMYou must knit like a machine. making a pair of socks, speaking to groups of people, going to knitting shops and everything else. You are an amazing woman.
I love your blog.
Posted by: Sally Weiner at March 19, 2009 3:15 PMIf you want to forget to take pictures sometimes, you should certainly just enjoy your dinner. But how DARE you forget the name of that colorway, when I am IN LUST and MUST HAVE IT NOW?!?
Glad you had safe travels and good times between.
Posted by: Zelda at March 19, 2009 3:17 PMseriously though. how does one take a plane from Milwaukee to Madison? It takes an hour to drive! I imagine the plane starts to land before it completes its take off!
Great pics. Cheers.
Posted by: renae at March 19, 2009 3:22 PMWow! That is some speedy sock action. With that much speed no wonder you worry about how much knitting to take with you.
Posted by: Seanna Lea at March 19, 2009 3:59 PMvery tasty-lookin colourway I thee dub "Raspberry Chocolate Sundae" in honour of my very tasty favourite sundae dessert - the raspberry chocolate sundae!-- those socks are lookin o so yummy!
Posted by: SnazzyShirl at March 19, 2009 4:09 PMvery tasty-lookin colourway I thee dub "Raspberry Chocolate Sundae" in honour of my very tasty favourite sundae dessert - the raspberry chocolate sundae!-- those socks are lookin o so yummy!
Posted by: SnazzyShirl at March 19, 2009 4:09 PMGlad I'm not the only one who noticed your lovely 5th position in that last picture. I'm so curious to find out if you ever took ballet now, as we would then have that in common which somehow would make me feel, well, like we have more then knitting and daughters in common, I guess!
Posted by: Rachel at March 19, 2009 4:31 PMI just watched the Kinnearing clip on You Tube. You know, if this knitting thing doesn't work out, you could always be a comedienne. The three of you were very funny!
Posted by: Joanne, The Canuck in Colorado at March 19, 2009 4:35 PMThe Sow's Ear completely rocks--it used to be my yarn store, until I moved from Madison to Milwaukee. And, well, yes, Amy Detjen *is* tall. Did you get to see/ride on her purple Harley? If not, make a note to yourself for the next Madison visit.
Posted by: Marcia at March 19, 2009 8:42 PMIt's weird to me that people can go to Cuba for vacations. And also, lovely 5th position. :D
Posted by: Tikabelle at March 19, 2009 9:59 PMOh My God! Joyce's intricately patterned sweaters look sooo beautiful.. works of art and knitting talent and creativity. I would pay lots of money to own one....if I had lots of money.
Posted by: Dina at March 19, 2009 10:15 PMTOTALLY agree with you about Lakeside - paradise on earth, that shop. (You didn't even mention free wireless and the view...)
And I'm so glad you caught the Chinese costume exhibit. That show melted my brain.
Posted by: Tracy in Qatar at March 20, 2009 3:07 AMThank you for the lovely presentation Saturday. I think that the vegetarian Canadian Hippie and I could be good knitting buddies if we lived just a few miles closer!
Sara
That last pic of your new socks - fab socks, first of all, but hey, lady, you can turn your feet inwards like that?! That's a serious yoga addict right there in those socks - respect!!
Posted by: Jools Smith at March 20, 2009 12:42 PMThat last pic of your new socks - fab socks, first of all, but hey, lady, you can turn your feet inwards like that?! That's a serious yoga addict right there in those socks - respect!!
Posted by: Jools Smith at March 20, 2009 12:42 PMThat last pic of your new socks - fab socks, first of all, but hey, lady, you can turn your feet inwards like that?! That's a serious yoga addict right there in those socks - respect!!
Posted by: Jools Smith at March 20, 2009 12:42 PMFab socks - but hey, lady, you can turn your feet to face each other?! That's one flexible person stood there in those socks - respect!!
Posted by: Jools at March 20, 2009 12:46 PMApologies for the multiple post - got an error message when I tried to send the first, so sent the second!
Still impressed with the flexibility, though.............!!
Posted by: Jools at March 20, 2009 12:47 PMDale-Harriet looks like one of the kindest women on the face of the earth. Why isn't age and experience honored in Western culture? She is a woman whose experience and understanding I would love to learn from . . . How I would love to sit down and knit with her for a few hours!
And for the sake of brevity, I will cut short my rant on the tragic marginalization of the elderly. "Progress" is so much the poorer for it.
Lovely socks!
Posted by: Annalea at March 20, 2009 2:45 PMWish I could have been in that room, with your sock. Darn high school solo and ensemble festival. :( The child playing her flute at the solo and ensemble festival wanted to be in that room, too. Come back to WI soon?
Posted by: DawnK at March 20, 2009 3:21 PMIsn't the Milwaukee airport nice? There's even a cool used book store before you go through security, and a great (according to Isobel) kids' play area on the concourse. Glad you had a great time in Wisconsin!
Posted by: Kathleen at March 21, 2009 9:15 AMNice socks! I always wanted to take ballet, but could never get my feet in that position (third?).
Posted by: TracyKM at March 21, 2009 2:18 PMYou weren't watching The West Wing during your layover in Milwaukee were you?! That would be so thrilling.
(That'd also make my life complete.) Make me or break me, Ms. Harlot!
Posted by: Cassie at March 21, 2009 9:56 PMWow! You have great turnout. Does that tell you that I spent most of the week in Toronto at the ballet? Spent a lovely morning in Lettuce Knit.
Posted by: Hazel Smith at March 22, 2009 2:49 PMOh my gosh! Margo's first sock is made out of the same yarn as my first sock! And I'm in Madison, too! Holy Serendipity!
Wish I could have seen you!
Posted by: Jenny at March 23, 2009 3:50 PMI am a new at knitting and enjoyed your story. I have been trying to do socks. I live in a very rual area, so I am self taught. I really like knitting.
Posted by: Janie at March 23, 2009 4:37 PMawesome colors
Posted by: Andrea at March 24, 2009 11:27 AMVery nice third position.
Posted by: Kathleen at March 24, 2009 1:22 PMEr, FIFTH position. Clearly I need more sleep. If my old ballet teacher ever sees my previous comment, she'll kill me.
Posted by: Kathleen at March 24, 2009 1:23 PM