Denver

I’m not sure when this all came of the rails, organizationally speaking, but I’m writing about Denver as I’m on a plane to Vancouver, then to Seattle where Cat Bordhi and I are having a bit of a summit before going on to Sock Camp together. (This cracks me up. I love dpns, Cat hates them. I hate knitting socks on two circs, Cat wrote the book. Thank heaven we’re both so mild mannered. Har-dee har har.)

I’m sure it will be fine. Now, when I was in Denver…

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I wandered around looking for sock pictures. (In between work appointments. You wouldn’t believe how much sock picture time gets taken up by actually working for a living.) I found these guys…

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I think maybe they are sheep, but they are some sort of vague little mammal in any case. (Unless they are buffalo…I don’t think their heads are big enough for Buffalo.) I contemplated the beasties for some time, because you could stand outside in Denver,

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since I found spring there too. You could have knocked me over with a feather. (Well. That may have been the altitude. Denver is like Salt Lake City, its got NO AIR. Very distressing. I kept thinking that the stress was getting to me and I was having a panic attack or something but nope. Just a general lack of oxygen causing all the symptoms. If you breathe more it sorts out.) When the appointed time came, I staggered down to the Tattered Cover, gasping though the door and saw something that took more air away. Knitters

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Many, many knitters.

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The place was filthy with them, and the Tattered Cover handled it beautifully. (They officially became the first bookstore with enough chairs on this tour.) Charles, the events guy, was top notch. (Charles arranged the Clinton signing at Tattered cover. If he can handle 3000 Clinton fans, a couple of hundred charming knitters should be a walk in the park…and it was. I maintain that several hundred knitters have a higher freak out value though. I suspect Charles would agree.)

Chris was first in line.

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She was there when Charles arrived in the morning at 8:30, patiently waiting. (Never try to outlast a waiting knitter. They are infinite – or at least until they run out of yarn.) This is Imbrium!

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This is Morwyn and Anna-Liza, showing of the first sock mojo.

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Here’s Carol….quite prepared to hear that I didn’t get my luggage.

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(Good thinking Carol, much appreciated. Not needed, but appreciated.)

Jacob’s wearing a shirt to turn knitters on…

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I asked him if he had worn it to school and he confided that this was the first time he’d worn it. I told him girls would love it.

Here’s Sylvia our hat lady…

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and here’s her charming wee knitter, Jojo.

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I almost died when I saw this knitter

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Deb Robson. (Be still my heart. She so-wrote this beautifully useful and clever book, which is so popular that mine is out on constant loan.) When it was all over, some of the Interweave people and I went out for pizza and beer and I collapsed in a heap…then headed happily for home. I had two days there, ate some chocolate, dyed some eggs, hug out with all the extended family, ate birthday cake with Hank and went back out the door again. This moment I am happily esconced in Cat Bordhi’s house, drinking coffee and getting ready to make for the ferry to sock camp. We are so ready.

There’s a story in our readiness…but we are sworn to secrecy…temporarily. More tomorrow.

154 thoughts on “Denver

  1. damn, if I could only read faster I would have commented first!
    and when I glanced at the little mammals picture before reading on I thought they were buffalo. oops.

  2. I LOVE the Tattered Cover. I have a list of to-do places whenever I go to Denver, and that is one of them. I would expect them to have the necessary chairs, and other niceties that are needed. My Monday night knit group is organizing a knit out at the Fayetteville Square farmer’s market on April 28. We talked about your NYC deal, and decided that we needed to “come out” too. Thanks for the inspiration! Juliann King

  3. I could have been second (darn server!), but I will take this opportunity as 4th (hopefully) to beg you to vist Washington DC.
    You are doing a fab job! Keep it up!

  4. I’d love to go on a sock camp! And I’d love to hear you speak sometime! Will you ever be going to Norway? Somehow I think it’s easier to move you to Norway than it is to move all the norwegian knitters to….wherever you might be!!!

  5. Yep, I’m virtually certain they’re buffalo.
    Yay Tattered Cover! They’re a fabulous bookstore, so I’m proud to hear they came through for you. šŸ™‚

  6. I am so glad you are back down where there is air. Oh, and there is a pig at Pike Place market and a cow in Kirkland for the sock’s pleasure, if you have the time.

  7. Looking at the insignia on my badge, I’m thinking they’re buffalo, too. But I tend to associate bison more with Wyoming than Colorado, so maybe not.
    And when you said Tattered Cover handled the Clinton fans, for a minute I thought to myself “Clinton who?”. Duh.

  8. I’m curious. Why, when you link to a book do you always link to amazon.com, the US site, as opposed to amazon.ca, the Canadian site? Is that an arrangement you have with them?
    As a Canadian I’d sure prefer it if you’d like to chapters.ca but I see the point in linking to a US company as that’s likely where most of your readership is…
    Heh… I guess I answered my own question.

  9. It was great to see you, Stephanie! Thanks so much for making the trek out to Denver. Seriously–I don’t know how you do it. I know you as you travel from city to city you go from loving embrace to loving embrace of your people–but I’m afraid we’re going to love you to death.

  10. Your stamina astounds me. Is it vitamins, yoga, beer? Or is the air in Canada just that enervating? I’m exhausted just reading you schedule.

  11. Deb ROBSON? That’s my maiden name! We must be related! (I wonder if that gets me inside info…)
    Sock camp sounds like a hoot – can’t wait to hear all the news.

  12. Have a wonderful time at sock camp! I SO wish I was going!!! I’ll have to live it through the bloggers, which isn’t so bad after all. Your sock is coming along beautifully! Make sure you get some rest, dear Harlot!

  13. I am soooo jealous. A good friend of mine is going to sock camp and I’m not! *pout* Guess I’ll just have to sit here…in my hotel…in Phoenix…and knit my Step Sock…alone…and lonely.
    *sniffle*
    (Pathetic enough? LOLOL)
    Signed, Lynda the Self-Pity Princess

  14. Some day I’m going to find out how you take so many pictures and are able to match them up with names and sometimes even blogs. It’s beyond me. I’d be like “um, yeah, people. A girl in a hat. I liked this guys shirt.” and as for recognizing people I’ve met once before? I’m horrible. I need them to wear nametags. Nametags I could read in the picture, you know. For later.
    Just one more way you astound me.

  15. Glad to see that you’re bathing at least (nice that someone remembered back-up undies just in case), lol. Love the K2P2 T-shirt!!
    Still waiting for book to come. MA (remember B-Day girl that came with me (dumb one with wisdom teeth out) to Aurora, ON last year) got a copy & won’t let me live it down.
    Absolutely loving your adventures & can so relate to many of the predicaments. You so rock!
    Hugs, from Fenelon Falls

  16. I’m gonna go with buffalo…with dyed sheep skins on top.
    I wish I was going to sock camp. šŸ™ Have a great time at Camp Cockamamie.

  17. Oh my god I need to get that shirt for my boyfriend!! Any idea where it came from? Did he do it or did he purchase it somewhere?

  18. Buffalo…definitely buffalo, although BB-headed buffalo to be sure.
    Have a blast at sock camp!
    To an earlier commenter: the ribbed for her pleasure shirt is available at cafepress.com I think.

  19. I was in the second row and had an absolute blast! For any of you attending upcoming events, please get there as early as you can. The quality time with knitters in line was a great plus to the fun of actually seeing and hearing the Harlot. I was in line with Deb Robson who was spinning the softest stuff whose name I can’t remember, kiveat (sp?). If anyone can help me out, please do so.
    Stephanie, I had such high expectations which you filfilled beautifully. I will so look forward to other talks and signings with future books.
    And yes, the Tattered Cover rocks, and those are buffalo.

  20. Those are indeed buffalo. Actually, the correct term is American Bison. Glad you enjoyed Denver. I missed you by a couple of days and wished I could have attended the event. Hopefully you can make it to Wyoming in the near future – and we’ll take you to see herds and herds of bison.

  21. Underwear? Way too funny! And that t-shirt – Oh my. *snicker*
    I agree with everyone – looks like buffalo. Without looking at the rest of your book tour, but by gauging how much is completed on your sock – are you almost 1/2 way through the tour? Does the second sock also get done on the tour or do Tour Socks suffer from ‘second sock syndrome’?
    šŸ™‚ Glad that you did make it home to your family for Easter!

  22. I SOOO wish I could have gone to Sock Camp… have fun! I really must get moving on my first RSC socks since we’ll be getting a new package soon šŸ™‚

  23. I think they’re buffalo with shrunken heads. Sheep don’t usually have those humps, do they?
    Sigh. Sock camp. I am SO JEALOUS. I was telling my DH about it, and he got this crazed look and said, “Don’t even THINK about trying to make me go to that!” I said, “Dear, you aren’t invited!”
    A whole weekend of knitting with the only distractions being the pretty yarn the other campers brought…

  24. Jacob!!!! Come here and tell us WHERE YOU GOT THAT SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!
    (Stephanie: Please don’t get into a slapfight with Cat Bordhi. You’re both too important to us.)

  25. I was all the way in the back at Tattered Cover, and there were maybe 5 or 6 chairs empty. That’s all. We had a blast, my sides hurt from laughing so hard. Thank you so much for staying for 2 (!) hours and signing books and being so nice about it. You must have been utterly exhausted.
    Have fun at Camp Cockamamie; I almost got to go but couldn’t quite fit it in with my schedule. The island is spectacular and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!
    BTW…those critters are indeed buffalo.
    Just finished reading your book, and can’t wait for the next one. Uhm…there will be a next one, right?

  26. ok, buffalo comment out of the way. i so MISS the west!!
    JACOB: you must tell us where to get that T! i checked out cafepress quickly and found something similar, but i love that style!
    PAT: maybe you are talking about “quivit”?
    YARN HARLOT: ewe rock! Thanks.

  27. Have a great time at camp! Please say hi to my oldest (meaning I’ve known her my entire life) friend Toni šŸ™‚ She promised to get some photos for me. I’m sitting at home nursing a separated shoulder and wishing I was up north in all that knitterly goodness. My DH said I might be able to swing it NEXT year šŸ˜‰
    Still waiting to hear from you about the T-shirt idea (hey, I know you are swamped and exhausted!) and not too patiently awaiting your appearance in PDX!

  28. Denaliknits…great minds think alike. I’m waiting for the “blessing” from Ms Harlot to go ahead with the T-shirts šŸ™‚ Once I hear from her, I’ll get the ball rolling on Cafe-press! šŸ˜€

  29. I received your latest book as an Easter gift. Read it cover to cover on the plane back home and loved it! Please come to Los Angeles for a signing. Or are you? I should probably go check the tour page, huh? Anyway, enjoy sock camp! (Can’t imagine how you wouldn’t.) I thought they were buffalo, too…

  30. I cannot even tell you how much fun I had that day, I was SOOO impressed with the Tattered Cover (I don’t think there is anywhere else on earth you could have had an impromptu pizza buffet like that) ALL the people there were so accomodating, they went out of their way to let us enjoy our party. (It WAS a party…you can’t have that much fun and NOT call it a party!!)
    And despite the air, the talk was wonderful, I laughed so hard I cried!!

  31. Jealous is an understatement.
    Can we get some knitterly love in South America please? You can stay at our place and we can even go to the mountains to meet some traditional spinners and weavers in the Andes. Please? You could knit on the Galapagos or on Lake Titcaca.
    Please?

  32. One day at band camp; oops wrong movie, but I can envision all sorts of uses for straights, dpn’s and circs. Oh, I’m sorry, we are talking about KNITTING.

  33. Ok, I can’t see Jacob’s shirt, someone tell me what it says. And I wanna go to sock camp! *throws temper tantrum* durn work…

  34. Great photos of all the Denver knitters representing! I am so sad I had to miss the book signing, it was my sister’s birthday and I had family duty that night. Sylvia (the hat lady) took my book to have it signed for me – she rocks BTW. And yes those are bison (not buffalo there are no buffalo in North America) and we do have bison in Colorado, just head west on I-70 and there is a herd outside of Evergreen, you can see them from the interstate.

  35. I see it now! I guess if I’d just wait long enough for all the pictures to load…. Have fun at sock camp!!

  36. As has been said before, I would LOVE being at sock camp with you, and cat bordhi, too. I can’t even imagine how much fun that will be. And it isn’t a controlled substance! Wow.
    Casts Off is fabulous. I’m waiting impatiently for June 4 in Petaluma, where I hope you will sign it. I’m angling to get my lovely muggle husband to come with me. I read some of your posts to him, and he loves it. He’s the best kind of muggle, understanding, helpful, a good sounding board for ideas and color combinations. A real keeper.
    I think it’s time for all of us to get our expectations in check and have a little chat with Jayme-the-Wonder-Publicist. At this point, I wonder what on earth she’s thinking? I know you have the strength of ten because your heart is pure, but, my gosh, can’t she give you time to breathe? And all those “get up at 3am” times? That’s for the birds, not the night-person Yarn Harlot. Can you give us her email address, please? We promise to be good and not say naughty things. Please? She needs to spread out the timing of your stops, not exhaust you. Are the publishers too cheap to spring for a few extra nights in hotels?
    (climbing of soap box and watching for flying date books with J-t-W-P on the cover)

  37. Sounds like fun in Denver!
    You should come to Omaha NE. I think I may have to stalk you until you do. Muwahahaha.
    You Know that you want to.

  38. OMG…You and Cat together?? That is my dream come true!! Have fun! Enjoy sock camp! Create more moebiuses — or is it moebii? Either way…ENJOY!! RELAX! And think..only 8 more months until the next Battlestar Galactica…!

  39. Oh my. While I was waiting for you to come on at the Tattered Cover, I turned to the woman behind me (who was using a drop spindle) and said “Gee, I always thought spinning would be neat to do. Is it hard?” and she proceeded to show me how it was done.
    Now I find out it was Deb Robson. I suppose the kiviut should have given it away. I feel star struck!
    And, you were fabulous! My co-workers may be getting slightly tired of hearing all the quotes, but I suppose that’s their own fault for not going themselves. Thanks for coming to Denver!

  40. Have fun at Sock Camp. I know you will be a counselor, but they have fun too – staying up late, drinking beers, debating the pros of dps vs circs and vice versa.

  41. The tiny-headed buffalo (bison) are shown shedding their shaggy winter coats (the lighter “sheep fleece” on top).
    Has anyone spun buffalo fleece?
    The woman just ahead of me in line (Kelly?) organized the pizza. The deal was we all kicked in $5 and anything extra was to be (and was) donated to Borders. With so many other exciting things going on, the back of my mind puzzled why, when we were at a locally-owned, amazing bookstore, we’d be helping a competing business. Eventually the penny dropped (duh!): Doctors without Borders. I live at 8400′, half again as high as Denver, so should have had EXTRA oxygen.
    For anyone who is new to this, you can donate to carefully-vetted, excellent causes by clicking the appropriate buttons on the sidebar.

  42. It is 5 days later and I’m still sort of “high” on the wonderful knitting holiday I had! You far exceeded expectations (which were pretty high, let me tell you), and the whole day was unalloyed delight. I got to meet so many wonderful knitters, spend hours and hours in one of my favorite bookstores, and be far away from phones and email. The folks at the Tattered Cover did a fabulous job, I’m so proud of them. Morwynne and I had a great time, and she was really glad she’d come.
    One unexpected delight was that you reunited me with my original knitting teacher! Barb taught me to knit in 1989. We’d lost touch over the years, but I spotted her coming into the room, and we have each others’ contact info again. Yay!
    I got an email from the woman who interviewed you at Channel 9, and she called you “a JOY” (direct quote).
    I hope you really, really have a good time at sock camp. You more than deserve it.

  43. Kudos to the Tattered Cover. They are now on my list of places to find the next time work sends me to Denver. Although, my work trips tend to be a bit like your tour sounds — you go to a lot of interesting places and don’t actually get to see very much at all. *sigh*
    Anyway, I’m very glad to hear that the airlines are treating you better and you got some time to relax. As for Cat, just remember that her dislike of DPNs means there are more for you. šŸ™‚

  44. Hi Stephanie,
    I see no one so far has mentioned that the “buffalo” you saw are symbols of Colorado and particularly the University of Colorado which is just north of Denver in Boulder. Their mascot is Ralphie the buffalo, who is really a girl. Boy buffalo tend to get a bit aggressive at times.
    Go Buffs!!!!
    Former CU alum

  45. Well, they certainly look like buffalo to me. I mean, they look like they’re intended to be buffalo. They don’t look like buffalo, per se. Besides, that would make more sense to me than sheep. Don’t get me wrong, I’m fond of sheep, but I think given the location, buffalo are more likely.
    Nice progress on the sock.

  46. If there was going to be a battle-to-the-death with dpns vs. circs, I wonder who would win?
    Sorry, my imagination ran away with me there.

  47. Definitely buffalo. That altitude can really get some people. Lucky flat landers just get a bit short of breath (that would be me). The unfortunate ones like my younger daughter get headachey, nauseous & have trouble staying awake. We went to Glacier National Park (the most beautiful spot in the continental US IMHO) when she was in high school & she loved the red bus ride but the nature hike was far more taxing than she expected because of her altitude sickness (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altitude_sickness).

  48. It was, again, so fantastic to see you in Denver. I am sooooooooo jealous of those who get to go to sock camp. Now, if I could just meet Lucy Neatby, Wendy, and the MD ladies, I would truly think I was in Knitter’s heaven.

  49. Thanks so much for coming out here. I thoroughly enjoyed your visit. Haven’t laughed so hard in a long time.
    Hope you found the can of oxygen useful!!!

  50. i brought my mostly-muggle parents with me (mom knits garter-stitch scarves, but wants to try socks now after watching me and loads of other folks in line) and they both had a fabulous time: first with the wonderful people in line and then the hilarious reading and signing. my mom was so stoked because she met a needlepointer she admires (suZy), which was great. i also met eunny, which was a high honor and she was the nicest too me when i came up and geeked-out with the congratulations. i wore my first-ever sweater (sunrise circle) and felt like such a rock star that so many folks complemented me. i’ve never been in such a place before where everyone was so kind and interested in something that i’m interested in (maybe i need to get out more). anyone who hasn’t been to a signing yet should make the effort to go!
    however- meeting you, ms. harlot, was the most wonderful of all. the speech had me crying with laughter and you were so sweet when we went for the signing. thanks again for coming to denver. you’re welcome back any time.

  51. Maybe those things are Bison. Heh, heh.
    I hope you both have a great time at sock camp. No kinky stories that start with “This one time at sock camp…” now.

  52. Way to represent Colorado knitters!
    I can pretty much guarantee those were bison (aka buffalo). Their heads are quite small compared to the huge back hump.
    If you liked that place, you should swing by Missoula, MT. Awefully pretty and warm up here too.

  53. Cassie, “If there was going to be a battle-to-the-death with dpns vs. circs, I wonder who would win?” – Well if you were fair and used the appropriate number of needles for sock knitting then the dpn user would have the advantage of one more stick, however the circ user would have a potential for choke holds. I think it would be a pretty even bout depending on the fighting skill of the knitters. Still, that would have to be some pretty awesome yarn to get them into that kind of frenzy.
    Steph, I’m knitting my first pair of dpn socks. I started with circs, and never thought I would even want to try with dpns, but then I saw pretty wood needles, and I wished that I used dpns. Then fate showed Cookie A on DIY and I had yarn of the correct thickness for the pattern, and needed size US 4 needles, which I had in dpn, but not circular. So, one sock down and one to go…. I’m digging the double points. Now I am horribly torn, because I like them both for different reasons.

  54. Buffalo, definitely buffalo. Yes, they have small heads and small brains–not too much on IQ. Maybe they need hats!!

  55. I was so happy to get to see you while you were in Denver. We are having serious teenage issues and I was afraid I’d have to pass on getting to go. But the husband came with me and it was a lovely evening. My 5 year old daughter would have loved to have met you and hopes that you are enjoying the snowman stitch markers (she loves to bead them).
    Sock camp sounds like a lot more fun than teenage troubles…

  56. Hi,
    I am confused, the book that is linked to near Deb Robson, is listed as being by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. Am I missing something? As I would like to get the clever book.
    Annax

  57. Just wanted to let you know as I am chained to my computer getting rid of a backlog of work that I am thoroughly enjoying your travels. I know it’s also a pain at times, but it’s infinitely better than being behind at work! Have fun at camp, wish I was there…

  58. Just wanted to let you know as I am chained to my computer getting rid of a backlog of work that I am thoroughly enjoying your travels. I know it’s also a pain at times, but it’s infinitely better than being behind at work! Have fun at camp, wish I was there…

  59. It was wonderful getting to listen to your talk Spend more time here and you get used to the loss of brain cells, and lack of oxygen. Or stay bright and only visit on occasion, but please visit again.

  60. Bison – that’s what they are. We don’t have buffalo in CO. You charmed us all in Denver! We’re still abuzz with Harloty charm.:)I laughed & enjoyed every second. Tattered Cover did an awesome job (Charles rocked), and it was so much fun meeting new people & fondling yarn! JoJo(wee knitter)had a fun too. I hope you went to the Wazee Supper Club (was around the corner). Good pizza! We’d love to have you back in the Mile High City. Thanks for the link. Enjoy sock camp!

  61. Glad all is going well and that you finally had an opportunity to sleep in! Just finished your newest book…it’s wonderful. I am also glad someone else understands that Denver has NO AIR! (Nor does Flagstaff AZ for that much.)It pleases me that “Ribbed for her pleasure” is now associated with knitting!(If he wears it to school though….)Glad you had a nice, albeit quick, holiday break. Wishing your next stop was San Diego…

  62. There’s such a thing as SOCK CAMP? Oh man, some kids get to have *all* the fun…
    Scary about the lack-o-oxygen at the high altitudes. Between that and all the wool fumes–deadly, I tell you! I really hope people appreciate how you’re risking your life for the woolly arts šŸ™‚
    ***25 Days Until the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival***

  63. Stephanie,
    My 19 month old and I (we were the ones dancing about in the back trying to keep her from wreaking havoc everywhere) had a wonderful time seeing you! Thanks for the first sock mojo, its coming along quite well!

  64. So jealous of sock camp, but I’ve expressed this many times already to Nathania. I’m sure it will be fabulous, and those of us who couldn’t swing it will just sit at home, all sad and stuff.
    I’m with you on the dpns. I have done some socks on circs, just to say I’ve done it and can speak with authority in saying that I think it’s stupid. šŸ˜‰ I think this is one of those Knitting Death Match topics, right alongside top-down vs. toe-up.

  65. I reviewed Deb’s book on my podcast, Trueyarns a few months ago. I have two complaints: I don’t think the book should be a paperback (a book this good should be hardbound and maybe gilded) and the quality of paper could be higher. I would love it to be in a ring binder for easier reference. This book is an HEIRLOOM to be passed down to generations. Of all the knitting books I have read this one has been the best! You must be nicer than I am. I won’t loan mine out.

  66. Totally off-topic, and I’m sure you know this already, but I just found your Knitty Gritty episode listed on the DIY Network website. It’s scheduled for Tuesday, 17 April, 2:00pm EST. HGTV runs a bit behind DIY in the airing of shows, so they don’t have it scheduled yet. I’ll be setting the VCR that day for sure (have to work. darnit.) Can’t wait to see it! –Hugs from Kansas

  67. I still can’t get over your escapade a few days ago. What else would hold so many people so long? I know I’d have stayed. Loved Carol’s gift. I can’t imagine Cat and Stephanie in one place…how fun. I love taking classes from her! One of these days I will see *you* at Madrona!

  68. Wow, a camp counselor! Are you going to short-sheet all the newbie’s beds and put a frog in Cat’s pajamas? Or re-wind her self-striping yarn to come out backwards?
    So much evil, so little time. . . .

  69. Buffalo, shmuffalo/bison, shmison. Tatonka, y’all.
    Let’s get to the point here, woman. You’re admitting in front of God and everybody that you LEND another author’s books around? May the Muse smite you with fans who say “I just love your book. I’ve loaned it to all my friends.”
    That said, let’s hope your work among the Magic Loop heathen goes well, though I myself don’t understand why everyone doesn’t show some sense and use one 12″ DP. Crying out loud.
    And while I adore the rooster on the Camp Cockamamie website, I do think Mrs. Eisenhower should get equal billing.

  70. OMG I want that book! Ordered as soon as I saw it. And must have the shirt as well, any idea where he got it?
    Sock camp *winces* maybe it could help me with my perennial hole in toe of sock problem? Mental note to sign up for one next year.

  71. Knitters can laugh at that T-shirt but if Jacob came to your door to take Samantha on a date,wearing that shirt,Joe would not be amused.

  72. Love that t-shirt! I hope he doesn’t get in trouble if he wears it to school. Perhaps if he innocently says it’s a knitting shirt….?
    Sounds like you’ve had a chance to rest a little. Hope you have fun at sock camp!

  73. Glad it was good weather in Denver – spring there is terrific, but can feature the occasional snow storm (but it melts fast). I’m not surprised that Tattered Cover did a good job.

  74. I want that t-shirt sooo bad – that is the funniest thing ever! I wish I had thought of it. He must sell them. Hear that, Jacob? Sell them!

  75. OF COURSE they are buffalo! Sorry I wasn’t available to drive you to the see a buffalo herd roaming less than 30 miles from Denver. Theyre growing lots of buffalo down for yarn — the warmest, softest, yarn — strangely enough, not bothersome to folks allergic to wool. When you return, I’d love to show you the llama herd a bit farther from the city. And if you’re really into viewing wildlife, there are pigmy goats on the eastern plains of Colorado. Yes, the pigmy goats as in French fainting goats! I’m not making this up. Really.

  76. I want that shirt! For the commenter who couldn’t read it, it says: “K2 P2 K2 P2” about a hundred times, and in the middle, it says: “Ribbed for her pleasure.”

  77. Steph, I was just dinking around at Amazon.com, and your new book is the Knitting category’s bestselling book. :o) I thought you’d like to know. (Well, assuming you haven’t already been told three million times. ;o)
    Way to go.
    (Oh, and I’ve just finished reading it–it’s awesome, as always.)

  78. That shirt! oh the giggles šŸ™‚
    I live by Salt Lake City, you get used to the non-air ;). You’ll just have to visit more often and stay longer!

  79. bison! they’re bison!
    and i love that someone brought you underpants. if nothing else, you’d have a clean seat, which makes everything bearable.

  80. I wonder if I’ll see you at the Vancouver airport tonight! I’m dropping my “little” brother off so he can fly to Toronto to visit his girlfriend.

  81. I am a little concerned about Carol and the underwear. They look clean enough, but do you think they were new? Or was she giving you a pair of hers? Underwear out of the package just makes me think a bit more than I should about such things.
    And what of the man who gave you the ride to the Ann Arbor library? Is he single? Did he pick up some women there? I am sure many could think of a way to show their thanks. He was cute…..

  82. I just finished reading your new book & I wanted to say 2 things: 1) on pg. 190, what you can take on a plane, one time I read on a knitting blog a suggestion to bring dental floss in your purse, as it always gets through security & the cutter can cut any yarn, I always do that now. 2) the best song about knitting (pg. 173) ever written is Weezer’s the sweater song, check it out on itunes (sample lyrics: if you want to destroy my sweater, pull this thread as I walk away…)

  83. Okay on the underwear:
    1) The Most Worthy Harlot and I are the same size.
    2) There’s some camera lens distortion in the photo. They are much daintier than they look here.
    3) These were a pair of my own, fresh from our dedicated and thorough version of Mr. Washie. There was a brief moment of thrill that Stephanie would need them, and that they’d return after a ride through him. For those who have no idea what this is about, browse through the archives (diverting) or make up your own story.
    4) It didn’t occur to me to knit a pair, and if it had (and it had seemed like a good idea, which is moot as I have only recently finished my second pair of socks, ever), there wouldn’t have been time.

  84. I definitely thought the animals in the sock pictures were buffalo. I got your new book today from my local yarn store (I don’t suggest going yarn shopping while you are down because you just bombed a test in grad school…very harmful to the bank account)….but I’m very excited to start reading. By the way the owner of the yarn store came to see you in Pittsburgh, she said you two had a conversation about hamsters? Care to elaborate?

  85. Glad to hear that you and the luggage seem to be now in the same space time continuum. I know you laud the charms of wool for many things… but underwear? Can’t really get my mind around that concept. I since I don’t like knitting cotton… Good that you have been saved from this fate.
    Jacob and Jojo and the rest of Denver knitters rock. Jacob should definitely wear the shirt… especially to an outdoor craft festival. Definite chick magnet … and even better females with knowledge and a good sense of humour. Or guys, if he was so inclined. Don’t want to be exclusionary.
    Happy knitting and keeping of time zones straight.

  86. oooh! that t-shirt is too too funny! (do you think non-knitters understand the joke, though?) hmmmm, i wonder…. heh heh heh

  87. How exciting to learn you were in Seattle! Wish you were staying longer to hang out with us knitters!

  88. First I Missed out on the Socks That Rock sock club and now Sock Camp. Why do I miss out on all the cool things? I want that young man’s shirt. Well not actually his, but one like it, in my size, which is probably many sizes larger than his size. And they really look like buffalo to me.

  89. I am still giggling at the thought of Steph secretly rewinding Cat Bordhi’s self-striping yarn backwards. Yarn-based practical jokes. What a trip! What’s next, changing the tags on someone’s circs so the 000 reads 00?

  90. I was so excited when I read that you were coming to Denver! Thank you. I really enjoyed hearing and seeing you. I hope that you have recovered some from your long week last week.

  91. My trip to the Tattered Cover was not nearly as exciting as your trip to Ann Arbor ( I rode the light rail!!) My adventure downtown from the burbs was highlighted by the couple from Anchorage Alaska and a sweet young gal from about an hour northeast of Denver and of course by hearing you. The Tattered Cover is indeed the holy grail of bookstores and I expected no less from them! Winding thru the stacks, knitting and sharing with other knitters was great while we waited in line and then be lucky enough to get a front row seat! What a Joy!!! Now…..how can I get info on the next sock camp, knitting cruise, or other travel events. I am indeed hooked……By the way, the Bohus is softer and more beautiful than any photos can show. I am certainly lucky to have petted it (while it was on the table, of course.) Glad you enjoyed Denver….come back soon. (I am the one in the Manos, not Malabrigo who is painting my bathroom!!)

  92. Carol Kimball asked: “Has anyone spun buffalo fleece?”
    ::raises hand:: Yes, way back in the early 70’s, when my mom and I were teaching ourselves how to spin with the first drop spindle Dad had made. [g] And note, this was back before the great spinning revival. Even with inter-library loan, Mom could only find two (2) books that said *anything* about drop-spindles. And not much, at that. In the entire state of Oregon. It was… interesting. Especially since: A) we didn’t *know* it was buffalo down, just trusted the lady who gave a small paper bag of it to Dad (but Mom’s family had had a sheep ranch; she was suspicious of this red ‘wool’); B) it had almost no crimp at all; C) was very fine and fluffy, plus short-stapled; D) very dusty (what little info we had did not mention fiber prep except for teasing and carding, she says bitterly); E) did I mention we had no idea what we were doing? The drop spindle lived up to its name. You do *not* want to learn how to spin – with no contact whatsoever with live spinners – using buffalo down. Trust me. (or bison, whateverthehell. I grew up with ‘buffalo’, it’s still a buffalo to me. [g])
    But once you know how to spin – damn, I wish I could sneak back in time, snitch the down, and replace it with some nice wool for beginners! It’d make beautiful laceweight… *sigh* Soft. Very soft. Light as a cloud. Slippery as hell for newbie spinners; you can imagine how bulky we had to spin to get it to stick together. ::winces::
    Have fun at camp, Stephanie! If we hear rumbles up here, we’ll make note that it’s not St. Helens again, it’s the great needle smackdown. šŸ˜‰

  93. I know this comment comes at the end and likely too late for anyone to read, but I still wanted to try. For everyone who liked the shirt, Thank you. That shirt, and the same design on other products are available at http://www.cafepress.com/knitcentric
    While I agree that Jacob would likely be asked not to wear it to school where the muggles wouldn’t get the joke, I have to disagree with the angry mother idea. As both knitter and mother of a young girl, I would love my daughter dating a young man who enjoys a good laugh and is smart enough to get knitting humor. I would be more concerned about a young man showing up for a date with my daughter in a tee shirt.

  94. Stephanie should have decent weather tomorrow. Rain likely after that. Too bad she missed our record 79 degrees last Friday. We’re about half way through our long spring.
    I love Knitting in the Old Way. Deb re-edited it and got it republished. Pricilla wrote it back in the mid-80s. Thus the two authors. It is available in hard cover, even on Amazon. Look for the link to hardback in the listing linked above.

  95. Loved the shirt.
    I’m just not prepared to explain it to my daughter…. The knitting part yes, but….

  96. I am so bummed that I couldn’t come to your Denver talk. I was actually flying to Toronto that day too visit my family for the holiday weekend. I did read The Land of Knitting while travelling, so I felt like I was representing in some way. Loved the book, as usual, so true and hilarious….

  97. Remember the red head with the spindle? That would be me. Since you didn’t run away with my merino silk (and I know the temptation was great) I decided to give you the link.
    http://www.coppermoose.com/Nufibers2-MerSilk.html
    The colorway was Garden of Eden. It’s been my favorite spin so far! Now it can be yours!
    And thanks to the knitters who went out for a glass of red afterwards. Random people getting together over fiber and red was great!

  98. Buffalo. If you’re in Denver and you can’t figure out what it is, call it a buffalo and you’re good. It works for Wyoming, too.
    Artistic buffalo.

  99. What? no sock pics of my beloved Rocky Mountains? I need sock camp.. I’m having huge heel turning issues.. I think I’ve lost a chunk of brain somehow, considering sock 1 went swimmingly, and sock 2 is being difficult. Knitting Rules coached me through sock 1 perfectly, it should for sock 2..who the hell knows..thats what cocktails are for.

  100. You took spring with you when you left. It’s definitely cold and blizzardy now! P.S. those are definitely bison! We Coloradans see animals a little funny!

  101. You. Just hanging out. At Cat Bordhi’s house. WAH! I’m so jealous! Sure wish I could be at sock camp. Hope you’re having a blast!

  102. I love the kids shirt. I got mine from Cafe Press. I wear it to my aerobics class – When asked what it “means” and I tell them it’s a knitting shirt – they always say “Oh.. I thought it meant something else” and I say “well, that speaks for where your dirty little mind is – not mine!” – that gets a good laugh!! Anything to talk about knitting, seriously.

  103. I really like that shirt. heh I’m going to show it to my mom (a school teacher) and see if she would have made Jacob turn it inside out, or if she thought it too clever and let him skate by.
    Oh Stephanie, would you ever consider coming to Juneau to speak?

  104. I am a friend of Virginia van Santen. On April 17th, we will be celebrating her creativity, her mentorship and her life at Hulbert’s Coffee House in Edmonton, site of her classes and “Save Sanity Saturdays”. We will be sharing remarks about Virginia and the travelling sock from this blog that evening. So joyous is this perfect example of knitters’ generosity, sense of community, love and sense of humour. Thanks to all of you.

  105. Quick question: Didn’t you have a Seattle signing? I didn’t see it on your tour schedule. If so…when is it?
    Thanks

  106. Oh Stephanie, thank you thank you for coming to Denver!! Not only was waiting on line a blast (I was sitting in a cubby with Deb Robson while she spun the finest, lovliest yarn, her daughter in a gorgeous sweater knit by her mom, and several other fine knitters), but the talk was incredibly fun, honest, and intriguing. Thanks to the pizza organizer, that was much appreciated!! (I still had to sneak down to Illegal Pete’s for a burrito! Knitting and talking make a gal hungry!) The Bohus sweater is seriously so beautiful, I feel honored and inspired by seeing it in real life.
    Charles was incredibly organized, I had him sign my number card simply for him sitting and handwriting all the numbers on them! He took it well.
    I’m glad for the visit because not only did I get to see the Harlot finally speak in real life, I made some new yarny friends!! I knew I was close when I was outside on the phone and said something about knitting, and one of the gals I teamed up with turned her head to look at me. šŸ™‚

  107. It was fantastic getting to meet you and hearing you speak! I’ve been leaving comments in your blog for 3 tours, I’m glad that Jayme-the wonder publicist- was able to get Denver on the tour this go-round. We definitely welcome you back anytime!

  108. I am still coming down from the booksigning, you were, as described by my friend; Tamara, Walt Whitman; my hubby, Will Rogers; me, Mark Twain. Yes, you will reign as the notable, quotable “Yarn Harlot!”
    I will send you some buffalo roving next time I am in Wyoming and get some!

  109. Oh! Last summer I was in Denver on a shopping trip with a friend and we went into the OLD, ORIGINAL Tattered Cover shop and shopped and then went to check out and found out that they were moving the NEXT DAY to their new store! I’d shopped there years before, and remembered it fondly, and then again, accidently, on the last day before moving. So I’m really curious about their new location and if it’s as cool as the old building with so many stories and nooks and crannies.
    I LOVE doing socks on two circs. It just makes SENSE to me.

  110. Hey Stephanie,
    I wrote a post on my blog about my experience meeting you in Denver last week. I also did a podcast episode. If you want to get a perspective of the average knitter meeting you Please, take a look and have a listen!
    Thanks!
    Marly
    knitthing.mypodcast.com
    knitthing.blogspot.com

  111. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I am struggling through a pair of two socks on two circular needles, and really hate it. I have done the leg, and am now ready for the heels. I will never do this again! The only advantage that I can see is that I don’t drop a needle in a theatre. But then, with circulars, I can’t knit in the dark anyhow. It’s back to DPNs for this sock knitter!
    Katherine

  112. Dear Yarn Harlot;
    I do not knit, I donā€™t even subscribe to the Saturday paper (Star-tribune April 7, 2007) you were featured in but I just happen to be the wildflower enthusiast featured on the second page with you.
    I donā€™t know that I have much need to understand knitting though I still have a long, beautiful, red, wool scarf my mother knit for me in the sixties. My wife Theresa just picked up knitting needles last week for the first time since weā€™ve been married. though she had knit for many years prior to running into me. Being an exceptional bead artist already, I expect wonderful things to come from her knitting skills in the years to come. We like our time together so I donā€™t think youā€™ll see her at any of your groups anytime soon,
    But I did catch a line in your article that I did feel was worth responding to. I am a guy who has hardly watched a professional sporting event in my life. I have not a clue what the interest is though I would qualify it as mindless dispersion. From my perspective I would say at the very worst, knitting could only be half as stupid as football. At least you are doing it yourself and I would imagine you get things to wear. I have to be honest, you canā€™t wear wildflowers. I also canā€™t imagine there could even such a thing as fantasy knitting though you would have to admit that would necessarily be stupider than fantasy football (but not by much).
    I also appreciate your comment on the impact of this project on your life. For me the photography was just a later-in-life accident of technology and passion. I tell people that if you had told just three years ago that I would become a social and environmental activist, speaking and exhibiting images, I would have thought you were talking to someone else in the room. Even a year and a half ago I likely would have said, ā€œIā€™d rather not.ā€
    Unlike you, so far I really donā€™t seem to have a clue what Iā€™m doing but Iā€™ve learned to not let that stop me. The alternative, to do nothing, is not an option.
    I think you have a fine project to be featured along side of in the newspaper. Good luck in your knitting. We will see how this all turns out.
    Regards,
    Peter

  113. I’m new to this blog and really LOVE it…but the thing I really adore is that Stephanie drinks beer! YAY!

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