July 10, 2009

Greetings

From Sock Summit International World Headquarters.

Worldheadquarters100709

Er, that's a pub, but you can see we've settled in nicely. That's our booth because it has outlets for the laptops.
Tomorrow we're going to fill it full of yarn too. See how long before the bartender asks us what the hell we're working on.

Posted by Stephanie at July 10, 2009 6:38 PM
Comments

That's one heckuva office location! Rock on, y'all!

Posted by: Kimberlyn at July 10, 2009 6:41 PM

First?
Wow!
Hey, that looks like my kind of office.
Looks like I get to come to SS2009 afterall. Too late for classes but I can enjoy the market and the fiber fumes!

Posted by: Sherry at July 10, 2009 6:42 PM

Love it. I would stick around there until they start requesting rent payments....

Posted by: Carli at July 10, 2009 6:43 PM

Do they give free refills?

Posted by: april at July 10, 2009 6:48 PM

rock it, sister!

Posted by: robyn at July 10, 2009 6:50 PM

So you're making the best of it. Good!

Tell the bartender about the thousands and thousands of sock knitters who will descend on the city soon.

Or maybe not. S/he might refuse you any more alcohol service.

Posted by: Maureen at July 10, 2009 6:51 PM

Is that the bottom of a Ruby Ale I see? ;) Very nice.

Posted by: Emily at July 10, 2009 6:53 PM

Just don't spill any beer on the yarn!

Posted by: Heather at July 10, 2009 6:54 PM

That office space looks a little cramped, with 'full of yarn' tomorrow it is going to be perching room only.

Posted by: StellaMM at July 10, 2009 6:54 PM

Looks like you have put "Sort of" behind you. Having an office where it's always beer o'clock probably helps.

Posted by: Linder at July 10, 2009 6:55 PM

You have more beer in your glass than Tina -- is that because you stopped drinking to take the picture? If so, I admire and appreciate your sacrifice. Serious blog dedication.

Plus the picture isn't crooked. First beer, I'm betting.

Posted by: Presbytera at July 10, 2009 6:56 PM

That looks like heaven on earth in a weird sort of way.

Posted by: stephanie at July 10, 2009 7:03 PM

I would think that as long as you guys pay for enough beer, the bartender would be happy to host you.

Posted by: kmkat at July 10, 2009 7:05 PM

How come Tina's glass is empty and yours is a 1/3 full? Oh, the stress!

Does the pub serve breakfast?

Posted by: jd collins at July 10, 2009 7:07 PM

It looks like heaven there. Just ask if you can move in for the duration. They will most likely accommodate you.

Posted by: Gale at July 10, 2009 7:10 PM

I'm counting only 3 beer glasses in that photo. Given your posts of late, I was sure there would be more. :P

Posted by: Meredith at July 10, 2009 7:16 PM

If you're in Portland then the bartender will have seen much much weirder and may not even bat an eye.

Posted by: Natalie at July 10, 2009 7:17 PM

Where's the chocolate?!

Posted by: bam at July 10, 2009 7:19 PM

This is the company I've ALWAYS wanted to work for. Will you please tell your HR people that one very talented and experienced woman with excellent references will be available to start immediately? Thank you.

Posted by: SallyA at July 10, 2009 7:21 PM

My stitch and bitch meets in a pub. The staff is used to us by now, but we get some funny looks from other patrons!

Posted by: ccr in MA at July 10, 2009 7:42 PM

Nice office! Is it a hard choice between preferring a pub office and a home office? Hmmmm. Can't wear your PJ's to the pub, but someone BRINGS you the drinks!

Posted by: Gina at July 10, 2009 7:45 PM

Never know, maybe the bartender secretly knits socks under the bar when the customers aren't looking!

Posted by: Teish at July 10, 2009 7:55 PM

Definitely a McMenamin's. If I knew which one, I'd come over and buy you each a pint or two! :) Welcome to Portland!

Posted by: cindy (maxfun) at July 10, 2009 8:06 PM

Is there still time to print a bumper sticker that proclaims "My office is a Pub" with the ss09 logo?
just sayin...while laughing and spitting beverage

Posted by: marcy at July 10, 2009 8:09 PM

• Food (and someone else makes it)
• Beverages (and someone delivers them)
• Bathrooms (and someone else cleans them)
• Yarny chat and a good friend

Sounds like a grand working environment :^)

Posted by: karen at July 10, 2009 8:12 PM

Trying to figure out where you are. Looks like a McMenamins, from the kitchy artwork on the wall and cheque holder. Mmmm I miss Portland beer. The beer in our new Wyoming home just doesn't stack up, so my husband started brewing his own, which is FAB. And now my pants are too tight.

SS09 will be a smash. Wish I could be there.

Posted by: Carolyn Little at July 10, 2009 8:13 PM

Knitting, beer and good company. What more could a girls ask for? Okay, so maybe chocolate and a foot massage from *Sven (my imaginary knitting friend), but you're definitely living the high life.

*to see a picture of Sven scroll down to the bottom of this post http://heideho.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/visitation/

Posted by: Heide at July 10, 2009 8:14 PM

Twenty bucks if you get a picture of the bartender's expression.

Posted by: Glenna at July 10, 2009 8:14 PM

Yup, that's a McMenamin's - their logo is on the check holder. Portland has lots of good "offices." And "movie theaters" and even "hair salons." Welcome SS09!

Posted by: pdxregina at July 10, 2009 8:24 PM

1 hour, 33 minutes, and 17 seconds.

But that's just an approximation.

Posted by: Mea at July 10, 2009 8:25 PM

Maybe the bartender will want to roll around nekkid in it - that's what we all want to do, right? You must post pictures of that if it happens!

Posted by: Knit Witch at July 10, 2009 8:31 PM

butterflies! I'm so freaking excited/freaked out about ss09

Posted by: Lorajean at July 10, 2009 8:43 PM

Appears to be a McMenamin's Pub, so you've picked a good spot :)

Posted by: Michele at July 10, 2009 8:46 PM

Well, if all else fails you can teach the bartender to knit in exchange for more beer!

Posted by: LaLa at July 10, 2009 8:48 PM

Try Powell's cafe if the pub is closed in the morning. It's also a nice place to work.

Posted by: frog princess at July 10, 2009 9:14 PM

McMenamin's! woo hoo!

Posted by: andrea at July 10, 2009 9:33 PM

You have to try the Apple Cider at McMenamins. I know it might get in the way of the beer a bit, but seriously, it's like an apple in a glass! So very, very tasty and not like any I've had before. Yum.

Posted by: Amy P at July 10, 2009 9:43 PM

Ix-nay on the ub-pay. My husband thinks I'm spending the weekend with a group of well-behaved ladies.

He doesn't read your blog.

Posted by: Marina Stern at July 10, 2009 10:06 PM

Say, your beer doesn't have a "koozie". That's the official name for a beer sock. I was just on a river trip in hot hot Utah. I was inspired to knit my own "koozie". Well, and, um, it's likely not as hot where you are too. Blessings and thanks for all of your knitbabble.

Posted by: Meg at July 10, 2009 10:25 PM

"And ye shall know them by their beer coasters."

Posted by: marie in NJ at July 10, 2009 10:33 PM

Hmmmm.....is that a McMenamin's Pub? Are ya havin' some Copperhead Ale? I just loves me some McMenamin's! Great places to be!

Posted by: Stephanie Miller at July 10, 2009 10:49 PM

Have any openings? I'd love a job that involves working in a pub...

Posted by: Maureen at July 10, 2009 10:51 PM

I wish I could work out of a pub! Amazing! I can not wait until SS09!!! Thank you for all of your hard work! It will pay off.

Posted by: Sally at July 10, 2009 11:06 PM

OOOH, so that's where the brain trust goes for inspiration. I'm really looking forward to Sock Summit, even though it means a LOT of backbreaking work for me(as a vendor/yarn pusher/superenabler).

Posted by: Christy at July 10, 2009 11:32 PM

Ahh, it he only knew that you were planning the world domination by knitter.

Posted by: Darci at July 10, 2009 11:46 PM

The Worldcup Cafe at Powell's is great (and the bookstore sells the book Pints and Purls) but they don't open until 9. Bridgeport Brewpub and Bakery opens at 7 am.

Posted by: Sabine at July 10, 2009 11:54 PM

oh. OH! Know what's fun? Explaining on a travel insurance claim that the reason you are filing said claim is because you were planning on going to a SOCK SUMMIT and the *2000* spots available filled up while you were eatting your lunch.

It was totally fun. I relived it with my BFF today and he only*kinda* believed me after seeing the knitters live at Kananaskis last Fall.

Posted by: Jocelyn at July 11, 2009 12:20 AM

When the waiter asks what you're working on, get him to pose with your socks-in-progress & really blow his mind!

Posted by: Beverly from Texas at July 11, 2009 12:27 AM

Love! I can't wait to get up there.

Posted by: Sabrina F at July 11, 2009 1:14 AM

A pub...wise woman. Well done.

Posted by: tiah at July 11, 2009 1:27 AM

Steph to Bartender Fellow: "Taking over the world one skein at a time! Why do you ask?"

Posted by: Christine in Knitvada at July 11, 2009 4:31 AM

Oh, how I long to work in an office like yours! I also love that Sabine (above) gave you some alternative workspaces. It's always good to have options!

Posted by: amy at July 11, 2009 4:33 AM

Hmmm.........Well, that depends on what kind of a bartender he is and how well you tip him. As a retired bartender, I will tell you that a bartender with a good sense of humor will definitely indulge a customer's whims more than a grumpy one. Then there's the whole tip thing. The better you tip your bartender (or cocktail server) the more likely they are to allow you to take over a booth for the day. A patron's attitude also has a lot to do with a bartender's willingness to ask about what someone is up to so I bet it doesn't take more than 15-20 minutes for someone to ask what you're doing. (unless they read your blog or know Tina.) After they find out I bet you guys might be able to live there! What a great office!

Posted by: Dyepotgirl at July 11, 2009 6:46 AM

Those beers look kinda empty.
So looking forward to Sock Summit, it's going to be crazypants good times.

Posted by: caro at July 11, 2009 8:08 AM

If he's smart, he'll say nothing, except "what else can I get you?" Oh, yes, and he'll smile.

Good to see that you take this SS09 job seriously!

Posted by: Juliet in Grand Rapids at July 11, 2009 9:09 AM

Here I am, oh so close and not able to attend. Waaaaaaaaaa! But at least I can enjoy it vicariously thru you and you and your posts. I think I'll just have to go to the pub and have a beer and some knitting in your honor this evening.

Posted by: Carolyn at July 11, 2009 9:26 AM

Oooh, and better than Copperhead - maybe some Terminator or a perennial favorite in my house - Hammerhead from McMennamins. Ahhhhhh.....is 6:00 a.m. to early to be longing for some beer? Or some of their hard cider??? Hmmm.

Posted by: Carolyn at July 11, 2009 9:28 AM

Knit the barkeep a beer cozy and I'll bet you'll have a new friend.

Posted by: Robby at July 11, 2009 10:04 AM

hmmmmm.... famous knitters, talking about knitting, yarn, food, beer.......

can I move in too? I wouldn't take up much room ;)

Posted by: Jolene at July 11, 2009 10:32 AM

Now that's my kind of office!

Posted by: karen at July 11, 2009 10:46 AM

McMenamin's has great scotch for later hours!

Posted by: Linda Walz at July 11, 2009 10:57 AM

Yes, I want to see the booth filled with yarn. And socks, cuz it's about the summit, right? Natch!
Yum, good company, good location, you are set up perfect!

Posted by: Anna at July 11, 2009 11:20 AM

chuckling here because that looks a lot like the dining room table at the condo where we are staying for the Mammoth Lakes Jazz festival that I am working this weekend, gotta run we have 5 sets today.

Posted by: Christine at July 11, 2009 12:53 PM

I love it!

Posted by: AlisonH at July 11, 2009 1:15 PM

Nothing better than a pub in Portland.

Posted by: Maria at July 11, 2009 3:49 PM

Thanks for all the hard work! But is it really that hard at McMenamin's??

Posted by: newamy at July 11, 2009 4:30 PM

Brilliant choice for a world headquarters! Beer!

Posted by: sue at July 11, 2009 6:59 PM

i can not be there either
your write ups are just fine

Posted by: elizabeth a airhart at July 11, 2009 7:18 PM

Proof that beer and/or yarn can help make the best out of a bad situation...and make any situation more funner-er-er-er!!!

Posted by: juniperloops at July 11, 2009 8:09 PM

I'm sorry, you're working where they serve you beer? and the problem is??????

Posted by: Deb. at July 11, 2009 10:44 PM

Excellent marketing campaign, by you and your commenters, reminding us of the fine beers to be had in SS09 surrounds. Just reading the suggestions in the comments (Terminator! Hammerhead!) brings back fond memories and anticipation for August.

One thought for you - if you get in a creative jam, go for the beer flight. There is a lot of inspiration found between those different brews.

Posted by: twinsetellen at July 11, 2009 11:03 PM

I recommend the Black Rabbit Red.

Posted by: suzanne at July 12, 2009 12:38 AM

totally go with a glass of the applejuice...srsly!

Posted by: Maggie at July 12, 2009 2:43 AM

Portland says like a wonderful place and a whole lot of fun. I hope to visit someday...obviously not at SS09 bc I was dithering about maybe going and then of course the whole server meltdown happened bc so many of us sock enthusiasts were, well, enthusiastic! Have fun! Oh, I agree about the irritating nature of apparently personal versions of TSA rules. I flew out to Montana with a near empty 6 oz tube of toothpaste and no one said boo. But on the way back, the TSA agent (a very nice and earnest young woman)said I could not bring it bc the *Capacity* of the original tube was greater than 3.9 oz regardless of the fact it had *maybe* 1/2 oz left in it. Sigh.

Posted by: Carrie at July 12, 2009 7:30 AM

If the pub was in New York City, the answer to when someone will ask is - probably never.

If you put the beer mat half on the edge of the table, and flatten your hand, then bring hand swiftly up from under said beer mat, you can flip it in the air and catch it.

Learnt in a Yorkshire, England pub. When you get good at one, you can stack another one on top. And so on.

We decided it was a field test for sobriety. I figure if I can still do that, I can keep knitting.

Posted by: fibersong at July 12, 2009 9:16 AM

What you need is a Rubinator. Half Ruby, Half Terminator. Ain't no bartender at McMenamins going to toss you out for yarn! Odd are if you roll nekkid on it they would join you. They're really accommodating at McMenamins. Order the fries.

Posted by: Sandy at July 12, 2009 11:41 AM

That sure looks like my kind of World Headquarters....where do I send my resume?

Posted by: Mary Ellen at July 12, 2009 2:57 PM

Explain to the bartender that you're providing them with thousands of dollars of free publicity to the hordes of people, knitters and otherwise, who read your blog and will undoubtedly want to visit the pub! Who know, you might get free drinks out of it, or at least a bowl of chips.

Posted by: Shel at July 12, 2009 5:07 PM

I know that place, we hit it up for happy hour sometimes. It's not that far of a walk from the bars on 21st, and it's easier to find a parking spot there.

Another good place in the area is Lompoc.

Mm, hummus, Cajun tots, cider, & Marionberry crumble, kinda hungry now.

Posted by: Katie M. at July 12, 2009 7:43 PM

Yeah, I was going to suggest the Terminator Stout milkshade. I can see someone suggested a rubinator.

Posted by: moirae at July 12, 2009 10:55 PM

That is the nicest looking office I have ever seen. Good for you!! (I hope there is an Indian restaurant next door with lots of vegetarian options!)

Posted by: karin mt at July 13, 2009 8:59 AM

pub. full. of. yarn?

you're new happy place?

Yarn pub. you should totally open one. Preferably in Michigan. and serve coffee for me- k?

Posted by: traceyinmichigan at July 13, 2009 9:44 AM

Better than working in the zoo. It would be two knitters in a cage with laptops and yarn entitled Summit Organizers in Captivity.

Posted by: Seanna Lea at July 13, 2009 9:51 AM

I can't begin to imagine how organized and smart you must be to put together such a huge thing as SS09!
I have to tell someone who'll appreciate this:
Our copier at work developed a massive paper jam and no one on staff had fingers small enough to get at the piece stuck under a metal bar. I was working with two men at the time, and even my hands were too big. I teased the stuck piece of paper out with a #6 straight needle. They promised to look at knitters with a newly gained respec!

Posted by: Sally at July 13, 2009 4:11 PM

I recognize the logo but not the mural. Happy beering! Wave hi if you see me knitting on the MAX.

Posted by: Big Alice at July 13, 2009 7:24 PM

Just to let you know ... and maybe dislodge your mind from SS09 momentarily ... Sir Paul McCartney stayed at the same hotel you stayed at when you were in Halifax!
(That being the Lord Nelson Hotel.)

Sir Paul is following in your footsteps?

Janey

Posted by: Janey at July 13, 2009 11:48 PM

While you're in Portland I MUST encourage you to go to the Leaky Roof Inn. http://www.theleakyroof.com/

When we drove to Washington State a few years ago we stopped overnight in Portland JUST so we could have dinner there. They were so awesome to us too. It was a special event night and roads were closed. They talked us in on the phone past the road closures. The chef overheard us talking to the owner and volunteered to make something special and unique for each us because they had a different menu because of the event. It was AWESOME.

I'd go to Portland just to stop there again.

Posted by: Ami at July 14, 2009 3:36 AM

...just to clarify... we'd been there for dinner on a previous trip to Portland and couldn't pass up another chance to eat there.

Posted by: Ami at July 14, 2009 3:39 AM

I know this might be off topic, and you're quite busy with sock summit stuff (though, since I don't have the money to go I guess I don't care if I'm asking an off topic question), but did you ever release the pattern for that cashmere cowl featured in your Jan 9 post?

Good luck with your organizing.

-Steven

Posted by: Steven at July 14, 2009 5:03 AM

VICARIOUS! R. US. This is as close as I"m like to get to a Sock Summit, but then I'd have to in disguise. I can see it now: "Dale-Harriet, are you knitting a *toque* at this Sock Summit?" Me: "No, no - it's...erhmmm...it's a TOE-UP sock. A really BIG Toe-Up sock. Designed it myself." (But I sure am enjoying the heck out of the whole thing from your perspective!)

Posted by: dale-harriet in WI at July 14, 2009 12:14 PM

VICARIOUS! R. US. This is as close as I'm like to get to a Sock Summit, but then I'd have to go in disguise. I can see it now: "Dale-Harriet, are you knitting a *toque* at this Sock Summit?" Me: "No, no - it's...erhmmm...it's a TOE-UP sock. A really BIG Toe-Up sock. Designed it myself." (But I sure am enjoying the heck out of the whole thing from your perspective!)

OOPS - didn't mean to do this TWICE, but I *did* correct the errors {sigh}

Posted by: dale-harriet in WI at July 14, 2009 12:14 PM

As a bit of advice to Carolyn Little (July 10, 8:13 pm): Have you tried Moose Drool brown ale from Big Sky Brewing in Missoula, MT?? I bought a six on a lark, because my daughter (a knitter par excellence) collects stuffed moose and likes good ale. It has turned out to be our favorite brew. I highly recommend it. The other Big Sky brews aren't bad, either. But being able to tell people that your drink is Moose Drool?....Priceless!

Posted by: dee near Berkeley at July 14, 2009 12:20 PM

Hi! You must be working hard and enjoying the pub for all its merits because we haven't heard anything lately! Us sorry folk who are not able to actually go to SS09 are living for what we can experience on the "interwebs" and would love a progress report.

I'd love to be there and buy you both a beer too, but I guess I will have to settle for drinking a coffee in your honors at my knit night tonight (held in a coffee shop).

Knit on!

Posted by: Karen at July 14, 2009 2:14 PM

Tell him it's a training group to teach socks to mate thus eliminating that pesky one-sock-after-the-wash problem. He'll probably buy you a round.

Posted by: Red at July 14, 2009 2:31 PM

I think that the wielder of The Clipboard Of Power ought to do a guest post.

Posted by: Presbytera at July 14, 2009 5:33 PM

I also chime in for at least a pix of the SS09 headquarters with Rachel H and yarn, please.
To add to the Montana beer story, some where up there they also brew 'Grizz Whizz', I've seen it in Kalispell. But, I'm not a beer drinker, so can't comment on quality.

Posted by: Adele in N. MN at July 14, 2009 6:24 PM

Eat lots of cherries, too. The Northwest is prime cherry country but the season is limited. And I'm missing it as I'm in california.

(P.S. Is there a list of classes available for this SS09 lottery that I'm overlooking?)

Posted by: KarenJoSeattle at July 14, 2009 6:25 PM

Tell the bartender that he's been "specially selected" to take part in a national marketing test for handknit swizzle-stick cozies.

Posted by: silfert at July 14, 2009 9:07 PM

Just checking in for a blanket update. Misery loves company.

Posted by: Amity Chase at July 15, 2009 2:21 AM

I know you are so busy....but I am in Harlot withdrawal! How is Sock Summit coming along? Ravelry is singing your (And SS09's) praises. I was just explaining to my fiance about the whole story behind SS09, how everyone thought the server you got would be too big, the space too big, yadda yadda yadda, and then what happened after that. We are knitters, hear us roooaaaaar!

Posted by: gnuknitta at July 15, 2009 1:09 PM

Thanks for the lotto for class space! EXCELLENT IDEA! Hope crazy days (and people) are over and twill be smooth sailin' into sock summit Portland.

Posted by: Melinda in Denver at July 15, 2009 1:40 PM

Cheers!

Posted by: Deborah at July 15, 2009 3:03 PM

stance process indicate arrives volunteer glacial

Posted by: nicksonapa at July 21, 2009 1:26 AM