Today, unless you hadn’t heard, is a High Holy Day in the land of knitting. Yes Poppets, unbeknownst to the rest of the world, today is International World Wide Knit In Public Day, and no…I didn’t make it up. (Some non-knitters read this blog, and I didn’t want them thinking that I just nominated a day myself.) Get out there and do your part. I am making a good show of it, and have already knit in two cabs, three airports, two airplanes and two countries. (A great big Hi! to the knitter I saw making something blue and in the round on dpns (maybe a big hat?) in the Portland Airport and another big Hi to the knitter making a fluffy yellow something (maybe a blanket?) in the Seattle airport. I was too shy to speak to you, but I saw you, and sent warm vibes your way. Covering the airports is difficult work, but it’s good to know I am not alone in my mission this day.)
Last night I did my thing in Portland, (whatever my thing is…) and after they had a difficult time integrating knitters last year, Powells got a way better grip on their knitterly reality last night. I do admit (a little bit) that the knitterness can be a little odd to the uninitiated.
For example, here’s Auntiemichal with an Oregon Washcloth for my collection.
Comment from a bystander – “What’s up with the State Cloths? Is it like spoons?” (Like spoons? Sometimes I don’t know what non-knitters are thinking.)
This is Peggy and Nikolai.
Nicolai brought his book for me to sign. I advised him that typically, I do only sign books that I write…but “The Magic School Bus” series is darned good, and the young gentleman was adamant…..
This here is Jodi…
It’s her birthday!
I met Fyberduck (my pictures of her are unflattering and do not do her justice. I shall not post them. You can visit her blog, she has a nicer one) who seemed stunned that I “knew” her. (Remember people, you read blogs, I read blogs. Two way street. Nothing stunning about it.) Next up was Kathy…
This is Kathy. Kathy makes the best samosas in the world.
Now, I know this because she brings them to me when I am in her part of the world. (I am a very, very lucky knitter.) Last night when I saw her, I felt a rush of excitement, but Kathy (who I like very much, even were she to bring me nothing but her smile) did not even Smell Like Samosas. Turns out that she brought me a new treat. Scones made with special Oregon cherries. Very, very yummy. I ate them last night, this morning and on the plane. Totally as good as samosas. (Almost as good as her smile.)
Rodger, Abundant Yarns blogger and the host of their Mens Knitting Night.
Representing for the less-often knitting gender, who brought along a (slightly reluctant but charming) model wearing a sweater he made using screen shots from the movie Tristan and Isolde. (I love knitters who don’t let something as trivial as a lack of a pattern stop them.)
Now this…This here is Christy.
She is part of the single sock liberation movement, bravely struggling on in the face of the two sock hegemony. (Socks that come only in pairs are LIMITED THINKING.)
Meet Sarah and her first sock…
Chris….
Chris is high enthusiasm. I assure you.
Shaina took my picture with a Polaroid camera,
and something about that dissolved me into a fit of giggles that took moments to recover from. (It was the noise. It was some strange flashback.)
Chrissy (who gave me a great breastfeeding slogan tee shirt the last time I saw her, has only upped her cool by becoming Gardiner Yarnworks.
It warmed my heart to see her friends were encouraging her in her business. Stick together ladies, it’s a big world out there.
This is a rare photo of Monica pdx in the wild.
(I can’t believe that I just got the pdx thing.)
Meet Jane, who came to the signing to remind me what to aspire to.
Jane is holding the lace shawl that she is knitting,
out of her own handspun laceweight. There is nothing wrong with Jane’s skills, let me tell you. I am just grateful that Jane is not 22 years old, because I like to believe it takes some time to be that good, and if she had just taken up knitting and spinning mere months ago I would have had to mar our lovely meeting by smacking her. (Jane…if you just took up knitting and spinning? Don’t tell me.)
This the charming lady Tammy….
was Portlands hat lady. (In a very charming note of symmetry, Tammy collects…you guessed it. Spoons.) She is a delight and a wonder, as is all of Portland. I love it there.
Finally for today, since I keep forgetting to get one of these nice knitters to take a photo of my finished sweater, I did it myself this morning in ….well. The place I was in when I saw a full length mirror.
The ladies washroom at the Seattle Airport. Sigh. I do what I can.
Sorry I missed you, thanks for keeing Portland on the tour list.
Sorry I missed you, thanks for keeping Portland on the tour list.
it sounds like you’re having a fantastic, if slightly crazed, time. i love the west coast and am not even a little bit jealous that you are out there. not even a little.
What fun! Keep up the wonderful work knitting, blogging and “mom”ing!!
What’s so great about knitting is each person’s personal stamp…which you always manage to capture so sweetly in your photos and descriptions. Great job!
Stephanie,
This might be a really stupid questions… but dont ppl think knitting needles can be used as a weapon? I was just wondering b/c im going to take a plane to peru and i wanted to be able to knit on the plane trip and in the airport. Will they confiscate them and my project? How do I find out?
Your avid reader/ Happy knitter,
Karoline
Stephanie,
This might be a really stupid questions… but dont ppl think knitting needles can be used as a weapon? I was just wondering b/c im going to take a plane to peru and i wanted to be able to knit on the plane trip and in the airport. Will they confiscate them and my project? How do I find out?
Your avid reader/ Happy knitter,
Karoline
Once upon a time (over 30 years ago) I lived in Portland, Oregon…on NW Lovejoy…I still miss Portland..
What a fabulous time, and what a wonderful whack of knitterly types! Jane’s handspun and lace are incredibly beautiful, made me cramp up a bit.
Love your new sweater.
love that you took a picture of yourself in the ladies room…reminds me of my junior prom! surprised that a public bathroom has anything resembling a full length mirror! the sweater looks great!!!
After seeing the restroom pic, I have to ask–How do you keep yourself organized while traveling? Seperate purse and knitting bag? I seem to have a hard time finding a purse that will hold a ball of yarn in a center pull skein and will hold my wallet and keys.
Surely the woman who collects spoons told you that here in the States you can collect decorative spoons with State symbols on them- State seal, State flower etc. I’ve often seen inexpensive metal ones in smoky truck stops and gasoline stations, but I gather there are beautiful sterling silver ones, as well. I have a “collection” of spoons, too- but we just eat off them. Very unexciting and plain. 🙂
Looks like your trips around the globe continue to be successful and heartwarming. I certainly enjoy reading about each stop.
You do plenty!
I swear that airports have the cleanest public washrooms on the planet.
Enjoy the rest of the west!
It seems you keep coming through Seattle, yet never staying?? Any chance you’ll have a book tour here in the fall? what about Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park? It very close to Village Yarn and Tea.. I’m enjoying reading about your journey, having been near many of the locations you are going this trip. Safe travels. Isa
KIP Day is every day for me! With 5 boys playing sports, it’s the only way I survive! But just to let you know… I did my part at the baseball field today and let those needles rip.
BTW – We want a better picture of your sweater!
What a nice post filled with what look like nice people. 🙂
I am all too familiar with that airport bathroom. You didn’t even have to mention that it was in Seattle. The portal for those leaving Alaska. Isn’t it so clean?
It’s so sad that I knew you took your picture in the Seattle airport bathrooms without even looking at the description! 🙂 When are you going to be coming to see us Seattleites next?
Sadly, I was only able to think longingly of the waffles at Alterknit’s and cupcakes made by Denny enjoyed by the official TTC Knitalongers doing their part here at home for WWKIP Day. My day was spend shepherding a 6 year old boy and 7 year old dog, both dressed as Batman, through Woofstock at the St Lawrence Market. The dog’s been lying down ever since we got home. That’s my inclination too. If I can stay awake long enough though I’ll take my knitting out to the front porch for a spell after dinner.
So close, yet so far away. As always, I read excerpts of your blog to my husband, as I chuckle away, and I said oh look a picture of Stephanie in the bathroom at the Seattle airport, (that was before I had paged down to see that you were really in the bathroom at the Seattle airport. I suppose that’s a little scary that I recognized it, don’t you think?) You will be back to Seattle, right???? Love your blog you always make me laugh!!
I want to go to Seattle just to admire the ladies room at the airport! So clean. The sweater’s excellent. Did anyone walk in on you?
There might have been a few people willing to help you get a good shot of that sweater! Too funny!
Happy WWKIP Day!!!!!Love the (green) sweater! I think it looks great.
I love Chris’ little sock necklace. That’s the kind of thing you really need a big room full of knitters to truly appreciate. The muggles just look at something like that and say, “what’s up with the crazy sock necklace lady?” never appreciating the coolness of the thing…
Did my bit for World Wide Knit in Public Day. Sock knitting at while my drivers license was renewed. The only woman in a room full of men paying rapt attention to the handfull of rapidly moving pointy sticks. There’s power in the #2 bamboos, yes there is. 😉
Great pics. The sweater is lovely!
Hey! In that light, it’s green.
Hooray for the Single Sock Liberation Movement. I’m glad you got to meet one of our members 🙂
That is just about the coolest public restroom pic I’ve ever seen. Very avant garde. The location, the reflections, you, your strange harvest sweater. Artsy on many different levels. I like. Very much.
I got the word about WWKIPD on the Rowan message board (like I said yesterday, I have this thing about spying on International knitters…). I knit at a movie matinee, a cafe, and the neighborhood pool. Spreading the love.
Oh, I SO hope that you come back to Oregon next year!! I am just so dissapointed that I couldn’t make it!! You’re my inspirational hero! 🙂
It is so wonderful that you post many, many photos of your fans. I love seeing the other knitters!! Your new sweater is fabulous–you are fabulous and productive. Do you ever sleep??
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time! Beautiful sweater by the way. My version of KIP day was knitting socks in my backyard!
Okay, NOW the sweater looks green. You were right, and everyone else was wrong.
Next time, Stephanie, Powell’s will understand that they really, really need to book the Baghadad Theater for your visit!
It was a pleasure getting to hear you talk and meet you, even if it was fleeting. 🙂 I hope the tour gives you a break soon, because just reading about your travel schedule wears me out!
Dear. Stop deluding yourself. That sweater is a green-y, rust-y brown.
Color naming differences aside, it looks good on you! 🙂
Airport bathroom mirrors. Ahh … the glamour.
What a crazy and fun time that was! Always wonderful to see you, and apologies for being samosa-less 😉
Dark wash. Very dressy.
You’re in the Seattle airport? like literally now, as we speak? omgosh.. did I miss a local date on your tour – durn – I think I’d better go and checkthe schedule again.. I’m so glad that Portland gave you a rousing welcome – it’s nice to see some of our fiber buddies on your blog.
And yes, it always freaks out any of us that you might actually be reading our blogs – it’s the whole – you’re famous, we’re not thing. funny, yet true.
Your sweater is lovely.
Thanks for supporting the movement. We revolutionaries need all the help we can get.
Yes, I, too recognized that as a bathroom at the Seattle airport. They redid all the bathrooms over the last couple of years and they’re all very contemporary, clean, and co-ordinated.
I’m just surprised you managed to be alone in one. What ungawdly hour did Jayme have you changing planes here?
So, is the security at Sea-Tac really tighter than at other airports? We get told it is, due to things like people attempting to bring bombs across the border to blow up the Space Needle for New Year’s 2000.
Will you be back for Bumbershoot this year? If you’re reputedly doing Southern California in September, maybe?
I was so disappointed that I couldn’t make the drive to Portland to see you… though I kept a countdown going at work: “The Yarn Harlot will be at Powells in 3 hours… just 2 more hours until the Harlot is at Powells… If I were to leave right now I could probably run in to Powells all breathless and sweaty and still see Stephanie… Stephanie’s probably started speaking by now…” It did help sell some books, but I’m sure it was a little tedious after awhile.
Oh well – you’ll be back, right? The massage offer still stands! And the Black Sheep Gathering will be here June 22-25, I think. Whaddaya say?
Uh oh.. I’ve been committing faux pas, apparently, as I treat EVERY day as Knit In Public day. Boy, am I embarrassed. 🙂
Hope you are having a lovely chat with the folks in Victoria this evening – I wish I could be there! Alas, I was told that the tickets were sold out when I tried to buy a ticket to your “gig”. Sold out already, all the way back in April.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a native Washingtonian, or perhaps I’ve traveled too much, but I could tell that was the Seattle airport simply from the picture of the bathroom before reading the rest of your post.
I really, really need to get a life 🙂
Hey, it actually looks green!
Proof that Stephanie reads our blogs because I don’t think I ever told her that I collect spoons, unless she found out at sock camp…….
Great time last night!! We ended up with 29 young adult hats and 11 baby/toddler hats. They will be delivered in a week and a half to Outside In the local teen/young adult shelter.
Next time you are in Portland, you should hit up a McMenamin’s for your after reading beer!
http://www.mcmenamins.com/
From an Ex-Portlander, who wished she could have seen Powell’s (my fav bookstore in the world) filled with knitters!
I haven’t got caught up on my homework yet. When I do, I’ll get to knit again. I will remember that June 9th, is World Wide Knit in Public Day and next year I will celebrate. Today, I will do a 5 page report and not one bit of it has to do with knitting. I think teachers should be allowed to teach knitting to their students. When I’m a teacher, I will teach them to knit.
Wow, you covered a LOT of ground there for KIP day, there’s no way I can compete with that. I did, however, get together with Risa and Kim today and not only did I finish the sweater I’ve been plugging away at for eight months (well, everything but sewing in the zipper), but we all three knit at the park while their kids played . . . so I did my part, or at least tried!
So nice to see you and get to meet you in Portland, and my two pairs of socks were thrilled at meeting the traveling sock. I only wish that I could have been able to speak and had stopped dropping things all over like a total dork. Despite appearances, I am actually mostly harmless.
State Spoons. They are those decorative spoons that no one ever eats with with the state name and a picture of something at the end of the handle. Kind of like the Major Theme Park Pens that have moving bits in them.
Is it just me, or do all airport bathrooms look alike?
(And if this posted twice, I am sorry. It didn’t go through properly the first time around.)
Your blog remembered me! That’s the first time. Maybe it’s because I commented earlier today? Still, super cool.
Your sweater DOES look green in the Seattle Airport. I guess that’s just where you need to take all your pictures from now on. For color accuracy, of course.
Yep, I knew it was Knit in Public Day (I mentioned it yesterday) but I couldn’t because it was raining outside.
What is a samosa? And I don’t understand pdx at all.
Jane’s lace is amazing. I think I want to be Jane when I grow up.
I don’t know for sure but that bathroom doesn’t look much different than the ones at Detroit Metro – in the Northwest Terminal.
We need more details about the sock necklace!
Have a restful summer once you get home.
*sigh* One of these times I will get to come see you when you’re in this neck of the woods. I’m encouraging a friend in Alaska to make the 4 hour drive to see you Monday….what’s 4 hours when you can spend time with knitters?
You crack me up! Reading your posts make my day.
Irie’s right — as long as you always knit in public you have a good chance of accidentally cooperating. I’m proud to report that I knit all over Chicago today, particularly in Andersonville, both outside Hamburger Mary’s for brunch and in Charlie’s for dinner. But dagnabbit, I want a shirt with Dolores saying National Knit in Public Day 2008 — KALAMAZOO.
TTC-alonging was great fun, though it sounds like you’ve had a pretty swell time too. Missed you and Rachel but I don’t think I would have wanted any more participants in the throngs of Toronto knitters on a yarn-sale scent trail. (I think we Waterloonies were officially the last knitters standing as we stitched our way homeward to the west end of the line.) Happy, tired knitter finding no more energy for complete sentences.
I knitted in public in Ann Arbor – we had a lovely day for an outdoor knit-in in Liberty Square, right around the block from the library. I got about an inch and a half of sock done. Turnout was low, but there was a live band… sadly not singing about yarn. Can’t have everything.
shots of lace knitting just give me chills! i must attempt it, yet when i hear the level of awestruck admiration with which it is discussed, well………… i get a little scared. any advice on how to start?
Wow, I upped my cool? I’m totally impressed that you remembered about the MomMA t-shirt from your last visit (and I was laughing my fool bum off when you said you used to state your profession as “breastfeeding”). It was such an honor to get to hold the sock, even though it almost gave me an aneurysm. Which makes me laugh about upping my cool, because if there’s one thing I am not, it’s that (but I’m so flattered you would say that anyway). Come back to Portland anytime!
I’m so sorry I missed the Portland event. I live close enough I wanted to go. But work and life got in the way. I did Knit In Public today at my daughter’s ballet dress rehersal.–Amy
Stephanie,
I was at Powells last night and so loved your talk! I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you coming to PDX (not everybody does you know) and coming to Powells. I love Powells with everything in me, but I can’t believe they put us in such a small room! It was so hot that we barely got to see your sweater for the fleeting minute that you had it on! Maybe next time they will finally realize they need to book you at the Baghdad Theatre!
When my friend and I left we walked down the street a bit to Andinas and had some tappas and a drink. I went into the ladies room there and my masacara was smeared all over! You made me laugh so hard that I cried! Only one thing: Please remind me what C.H.O.K.E. stands for! I cannot remember!
Next time Jayne the Wonder Publicist books you in PDX, make sure she leaves a day or so for you to see the city. It’s a great place!
Blessings to you….
Oh Crap! Today was International Kniting in Public Day, and I chose this day to hibernate in my house, because the weather was terrible! (it’s a lucky thing you didn’t get out of the Seattle Airport, Steph. Gray Seattle is not as spectacular as Blue-Sky Seattle). Does spending umpteen-dozen hours knitting at kids baseball games this week count?
Let’s see, today, I managed to knit in the following places:
–The Deyoung museum (in a gallery and in the outdoor cafe)
–arboretum in Golden Gate Park (the squirrels found in captivating)
–The car, in various locations
–Ocean Books in downtown Half Moon Bay (I may have also had a yarn emergency which necessitated a visit to the yarn shop across the street)
–The Half Moon Bay Brewery restaurant (which is apparently not in HMB at all, but rather Princeton-by-the-Sea…good beer though)
Not bad!
I think KIP “day” should be officially ongoing because for me it ends up Knit in public evening (I know you didn’t create it, but haven’t gotten around to writing elsewhere about it). I didn’t make it today, despite a 9pm run to the store — i forgot my sock. But I do knit on any train I can so I hope it makes up for it. Thank you for reading our writings, providing links to people, places, and shops, reading our comments, and replying when you can. You amaze me every day. Your sweater is beautiful.
I didn’t know it was KIP day, but I did, at a ladies’ meeting at church tonight. (I was even knitting on the sock I briefly blogged today. :o) I’m just glad I had that meeting, otherwise I wouldn’t have left the house at all today.
That’s a great shot of the bathroom, Steph . . . but it’s a little hard to see the sweater. ;o) A knitter does what a knitter can do though, and the effort is much appreciated. (And it was a weird de ja vu moment, seeing you in a place I’ve been! lol)
Loved seeing and hearing you in Portland. Laughed and laughed. I was slightly surprised to see that the sweater is, well…green.
I know that we agreed that we would never speak of me making you sign my knitting tote, but I’ve already shown it off to a bunch of people. None of them were sufficiently jealous. They must be part of CHOKE.
I know that we agreed that we would never speak of me making you sign my knitting tote, but I’ve already shown it off to a bunch of people. None of them were sufficiently jealous. They must be part of CHOKE.
First, awesome sweater, Steph! You look great!
Second, Happy WWKIP Day! I did my part as well; I knit in the food court at lunch and in the beer tent at a church festival. LOL Third, I went to Knitters Connection in Columbus, OH today and had a great, yarny day. 🙂
Nikolai was impressed when he saw his picture here today. He has been showing everyone his special signed Magic School Bus book, but he’s still not sure about that sock. For me, it was a fabulous night out with other knitters and the novice in tow. Thanks for stopping in Portland, you were great!
I arrived early for you (about 5:30!) and was sitting behind Kathy (of samosa fame) and Rodger (of Abundant Yarn & Dye Works) for your talk; but Tool Man (muggle that he is) had been semi-patiently roaming the stacks for the whole time, so I felt bad about staying for a signing. I hope you got the gift I left for you (the dishrag and chocolate). Next time you come this way, ask Jayme the Wonder Publicist (is that spelled right?) to book you into the Baghdad and let you stay a day to see the city. I hope to catch you next time you’re in the Pacific Northwest!
I can’t believe you were too shy to say ‘hi’ to those knitters! Promise that if you are ever in the Southern Hemisphere (and I’m not giving up nagging about that) and you see a knitter with mad hair, knitting a deformed sock and swearing like a navvy, you will come over and say hello to me!
That wraparound cardigan looks lovely – great fit!
WOW that was great!!!! I’ve been reading about your appearences at cities around the country and decided that I needed to experience the energy of a room full of knitters myself.
Loved seeing you in Portland! I’m sorry, but I just don’t (didn’t) see a *green* sweater 🙁
But it was beautiful no matter what colour I saw.
That sweater looks bronze to me, with the ochre/green hues. Lovely colour – and every photograph I see of it looks different!
You know, you’re going to be flying right over Edmonton at some point. Wouldn’t you like to make a small stopover here?
The sweater looks lovely, even in a bathroom – that’s a sign of a really good sweater!
It was wondermous to see/hear you at Powell’s last night! (totally worth getting there at 5:pm).
And to sit there amoung others who knit & “get it” was simply…beyond!
Thankyou for the suggestion of cedar lining on some of the shelves on my soon to be built stash/knitting room!
this is not related to this post, but i saw this cute little video on youtube and i thought it might make you chuckle 🙂
http://img.youtube.com/vi/M6ZjMWLqJvM/2.jpg
enjoy!
hmm…. that didn’t really work, did it? just go to youtube and search for “the last knit”
good luck 🙂
Two posts in one day? What a treat. I just stopped in before going to bed (2:45am – opps), I don’t know why, and got this wonderful surprise. I’m glad Portland was good to you. I’ve only been once, but think I could live there pretty darn easily. And the sweater looks like a perfect fit, but we need more pictures of it to get the details!
Stephanie, thanks for the great evening! My picture looks great even if I did hold the Oregon Dishcloth upside down and backwards. At least I don’t think I *said* anything stupid! LOL
I thought I recognized that bathroom! Nice sassy throw of your hips there. Sweater looks good but get a close up photo!!!
Love the sweater. It is a great color!
Aaahh! I didn’t manage to read this entry until this morning, so now I’ve missed World Wide Knit in Public Day! Do I have to wait a whole year?? I’d love it if you could give us a day’s advance warning next year….
Meanwhile, reading about your tour appearances and experiences hasn’t paled, even now that I’ve managed, at Webs last week, “to experience the energy of a room full of knitters myself.”
Hey, you look so pretty in the photo…in the washroom…of an airport… why weren’t you just collapsed in a heap, an exhausted pile-of-knitter? Oh, yes, it had to be the ‘knitting mojo’. Your posts continue to delight and amaze. Knitting wouldn’t be nearly as much fun (okay, it’d be engrossing, but not ‘laugh till you pee’ fun) without your Harlot-y adventures, Take care of you… is a rest scheduled soon? Cami
Hey, you look so pretty in the photo…in the washroom…of an airport… why weren’t you just collapsed in a heap, an exhausted pile-of-knitter? Oh, yes, it had to be the ‘knitting mojo’. Your posts continue to delight and amaze. Knitting wouldn’t be nearly as much fun (okay, it’d be engrossing, but not ‘laugh till you pee’ fun) without your Harlot-y adventures, Take care of you… is a rest scheduled soon? Cami
Way to represent ladies! I was KIP at our county Relay for Life. It was wondeful.
Stephanie, the sweater is amazing! It looks wonderful… and GREEN! 🙂 Hurray!
I just love seeing you in Portland from the other side. [g] LOL – me ‘in the wild’ – I do look like I’m hiding. 😉 Your self-photo is *great*. I like the hip-shot stance too; the whole composition looks very artsy. Shaina-who-took-the-Polaroid – aha, she’s the one behind me in line who kindly took the pic of us holding our socks. (Thanks, Shaina, it came out beautifully.)
Don’t feel d’oh about the pdx thing. You wouldn’t believe how often I’ve had to explain it. “Yeah, I live about 5 minutes from our airport…and its FAA designation is PDX, you know, like LAX? Plus we kinda tend to use that for the city, lots of us, and I couldn’t think of a clever screen name, so it just seemed logical…”
Gone through it hundreds of times in 12 years online. Really. I think it’s only fellow Portlanders who’ve ever figured it out on their own, and even some of them had to have it explained. 😉 So you’re in good company.
While you may be traveling today, glad you’ve otherwise got a day off. Hope you get some relaxation and fun sandwiched in wherever you are!
First post. I’m so jealous of my fellow Oregonians, Powells AND the Harlot in one place! To hot for much KIP in North Carolina, maybe I’d better get that cotton/silk project out….
You look lovely in the bathroom..? Something about saying that. just. isn’t. right.
However, it’s true- sweater is terrific!
Question: How long did you have to hide in a stall before the bathroom was empty?
Janes shawl is beautiful- as is she.
The polaroid pic made me giggle too.. I think I have software that does that…..but didn’t even know they still make the cameras! SWEET!
Now I realize you might be a bit shy or like many of us of a certain vintage no longer wanting a close look, but a close up of the sweater would have been nice, you know hip to head shot, see the details (O.K. maybe you don’t want your details close up) It’s just a pet peeve I’d love to see how it all works. Be brave show off all that I cord you had to knit
Hi! I know I am supposed to be talking about the sweater, but I LOVE YOUR BAG. That yellow lining is awesome!
Oh darn, I missed Knit in Public day! :/ Oh well . . . yesterday was the first time I’d brought my knitting to work with me in a long while, so I’ll give myself partial credit. :p
I missed it! I fully intended on knitting at the park yesterday, but my son has an inner ear infection, which kept us up much of the night before, so we were getting caught up on sleep. Oh well, next year!
I was on my way to the local yarn shop yesterday (naturally) when I saw a group of knitters on our town green. My own kind! I found out in the that it was International knit in public day. Since I always have some knitting in the car (you never know when your car may break down and give you hours of knitting time), I planned to go back and sit a bit.
Unfortunately, I spent too much time gawking over a shopper’s WIP alpaca estonian lace shawl that I missed my chance, and they were gone when I returned.
I do make a point to knit in public where-ever possible. My favorites is the local pub and the outdoor courtyard of our local coffee house.
Everyday should be INIP day!
Thank you for coming to Victoria. It was a fantastic talk last night, you had me laughing to the point of tears.
I’m sorry about the weather, it’s normally much better this time of year. I hope you have a chance to see some sunshine before you depart.
Steph, it was great to see you in Portland. I flew up from Phoenix for your book signing – truly -that’s the reason I was in Portland. Luckily for me, Rodger saved us a spot in the second row.
Thanks so much for sticking up for our grandmothers, and being entertaining as always.
I hope we cross paths at SOAR this year. I will be coming in on Wednesday as you are getting ready to leave, but it could happen.
I put up a couple of great photos of you on this entry:
http://the-string-and-i.blogspot.com/2007/06/portland-to-see-yarn-harlot.html
I was very fortunate to have found out about your reading in Portland on that Wednesday 🙂 I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait for the next one! I hope you enjoyed one of the few sunny days in the Rose City 🙂
I thought that bathroom looked familiar! The sweater looks great, some day I will make it to see you!
The gang at Effiloché in Montréal proudly knit out in public, out on the sidewalk in front of the store, with rosé and sangria in hand.
Okay, so not all at the same time. That would be messy, on several levels.
With the KIP in mind…(and I ALWAYS knit in public, carrying at least 2 projects at all times), I have to tell you the funny bit about when I came back to my sister’s house after the Petaluma event. Keeping in mind that she drove me to and from, made fabulous salmon which I did eat at 10:45 pm and kept me company until past midnight,she and my brother in law were politely asking me about the event. Of course I raved about it and then the question came-“was anyone at the event knitting?” Dude-the look I gave her. And then the look she gave ME when I told her ALL of them were(all 200+). C.H.O.K.E. to the 9th power.
Sorry I missed your visit to our state…I’m glad it was a better experience!
Sorry I missed your visit to our state…I’m glad it was a better experience!
I’ll be darned. I swore that sweater was orange (NOT green as you had kept telling everyone) until I saw it in the airport picture. I’m not sure what that means. What color was it in the Vegas airport?
Yay! At Knit’s End and Stephanie Pearl Mc-Phee Casts Off are both available at Audible.com. Downloading now. 🙂
This is my first post but I read you everyday!
You are amazing and I have all of your books..they make me smile..can you write faster?!!
What a terrific knitting community you have brought together..
This is my first post but I read you everyday!
You are amazing and I have all of your books..they make me smile..can you write faster?!!
What a terrific knitting community you have brought together..
Ahh geez, I can’t believe I missed world knit in public day!! I was at the zoo too, it would have been perfect. I did breastfeed all over the place. Perhaps on world breastfeed day I could knit?
Stephanie,
This was the first time I’ve seen you speak. You are more charming and amusing in person. Thank you for an entertaining evening.
What a whirlwind, though you make it sound like fun. Oh please, please, please…a close up of your new sweater? I think I love it. Samosas, did someone say samosas? Yummmm. I always have a good time in Portland.
KIP is an everyday thing for me, too. Mostly on the subway, but I also avail myself of the option while waiting in lines. In an ironic twist, I am not going anywhere today! oh, well…
I hope you’ll post more photos of the new sweater when you have a minute(yeah, I know…)I checked out the page you linked to , the one where you can buy the pattern, and it’s out of stock! Not for long, but I wonder if there’s going to be a Harlot-inspired rush on them now :- )
Or, the spoon reference could be for someone refers to http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ site … We have a friend who is too sick to travel anymore, and whenever we visit places, we send her spoons from where we have visited, because we bring her “with” us. (click on the spoon theory, for an explanation)
Sorry I missed you! I would’ve loved to go downtown to hear/see you. I hope to make it next time.
Have you ever seen this website? Not that you’re obsessed or anything. Not even a little! It’s a must-see for any knitter!
http://tinyurl.com/2qgrjo
Hey, I participated in World Wide Knit In Public Day without even realizing it! I was knitting on the train yesterday (I rode the light rail into and back out of Baltimore yesterday to attend HONFest).
http://www.honfest.net/
I totally recognized that bathroom before you said where it was, though I am usually NOT wearing a lovely handknit, but rather an exasperated I-hate-airports sort of look. too much time at Sea-Tac over the years. Hope you had a great, if quick, visit to our corner of the country and that you will come back soon!
Okay. So, I’ve totally been knitting almost nonstop at a mammalogy conference (we study mammals) since Wednesday. Of course, that included a trip through a couple of airports. Presentations and scientific nerdiness will never stop me!
Is it just me, or does the sweater actually look green in the bathroom?
I knitted in public at a vintage motorcycle show and at a diner while the waiting for the 7 men on Harleys that I was riding to the show with to finish their breakfast. Of course I had to knit at the show; it was held at the Duchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY.
Later, I knitted much of the night in the emergency room while waiting for them to decide to admit my mother-in-law :-(. Unfortunately, I knitted the same sock toe twice so I don’t have much progress to show for my efforts. But it was comforting to have it in my hands.
Greetings! Sorry to have missed you this time around but I was busy singing down south with Confluence Chorus so couldn’t attend. Isn’t Rodger a sweetie? We love him.
I’m glad Powell’s got sensible and gave you space. Did you get any time to enjoy the Rose Festival?
Ok – so you never cease to amaze me.
I am sure this whole book tour thing while fulfilling in many ways must also be utterly exhausting. So good for you to be celebrating BIG on International World-wide Knit in Public Day. We missed you in Toronto, but if you go to http://www.yarnaholicinto.blogspot.com you can see that we made you hometown proud. These pictures capture what the North team was up to for the day, but I am sure that http://ttcknit.blogspot.com/ page will be updated soon with how Toronto did the day proud too.
Lettuce Knit was filled with Knitters galore I think we were all high with Yarn fumes by the end of the day. There is nothing like a good Yarn crawl to put you in great spirits.
I had a small chuckle of your picture in the bathroom, and now curious to see a picture up close – as your sweater looks pretty fabulous even from a far.
I also think that Jane has become my new Lace Goddeess – that shawl is just beautiful and I can’t imagine how much patience she has. WOW!!!!
Well you ‘d be home by now and getting caught up with the goings on at home and getting some well deserved rest hopefully. Sounds like a good time was had by all once again. That sweater should be called “”the Chameleon” as it changes colour depending what lighting it has haha. Hope we get a closer look at it . thanks for the postings . I was on the trip with you each day by your wonderful and hilarious blog
Love the sweater!!
I recognized the SeaTac bathroom as well!
Upon rising on Sunday, I read your new post. Of course, I failed to read the date, and assumed that today was WWKIP day. I then proceeded to tell people in two countries that very thing. I even took photos to document.
Happy day after WWKIP day……http://theknittingdoula.blogspot.com/
I just thought I’d point out that the very tall, wonderful lady in the back with the ‘Farseeing Hat’ was none other than our dear Roxie! I wasn’t sure if she’d comment or not, but she had to leave before the book signing, and she blogged us that she had the time of her life…
(And the sweater looks gorgeous:-)
You made me miss Portland–or at least my favorite thing there, Powell’s. (I spent a few years living within walking distance from the main store.)
I did my job, knitting in public yesterday–after presenting a handmade baby sweater (black, of course, with skulls and flames) to my cousin at her baby shower, I spent the evening at my boyfriend’s gig–knitting away on a sock (of course!) at the Brauerhaus bar, in Hillside, IL, while several bands rocked the house. No other knitters appeared, alas.
I won’t forget my KIP experience today. I was sitting in the dugout at my son’s baseball game today, and I was so intensely focused on picking up the stitches along the heel edge of my sock, that I got a flyball right on the top of my head!! I have quite the egg now!
It was so nice of everyone to celebrate my birthday by knitting in public, I just wish I had known about it sooner, I would have joined you.
It was so nice of everyone to celebrate my birthday by knitting in public, I just wish I had known about it sooner, I would have joined you.
Great knitters. Wonderful trip.
Cool green sweater.
I knitted in public on the train from Oxford to London, where I went to play my melodeon in public at the reopening of the Royal Festival Hall, and then I knitted later by the London Eye (the big ferris wheel on the Southbank). I know there was knitting at the Eye in the afternoon but the two events clashed (as usual, nothing happens for ages, and then things are all on the same day…!)
Cheers
Fi
I was knitting at the Seattle airport also, but I was going the opposite direction, having just finished an Alaskan cruise and heading back to Texas. I’m sorry I didn’t see you – I read your blog all the time. I didn’t see any other knitters in the airport and only found one on the cruise, but I did find some great yarn in Alaska.
that young boy with his magic school bus book was the cutest thing ever! i was a few folk in line back from him, and i told a bunch of muggles at the pub about him. he’s still making me smile!
and, of course… the bathroom fashion show is stunning. i’m glad to know i’m not the only one that does stuff like that.
I DID IT! I knitted in the car all the way to Fairfield IA (well, people in passing cars might have noticed) and on Saturday we Knitted in Public at the Farmers’ Market. Then my friends took me to a darling yarn shop (and left me…they know me) and I enjoyed a couple hours’ visit with lovely ladies, all Knitting in Public like mad (well, of course it WAS a yarn shop) and they even gave me a delicious cup of tea. Even though I always have my knitting along, it was different – bold! Can’t wait for the next WWKIP Day!
Stephanie, thanks for the kind comment on my sock and the yarn it’s made from. I buy from a small hand dyer in Texas who really has a way with color, his name is Ray and his website is Knitivity.com
To tell you the truth, I brought another skein of his yarn with me (in case I finished the pair I was knitting) and briefly considered giving it to you, but could not bring myself to part with it.
Sorry.
Again, thanks for the wonderful time, it was a treat to sit amongst “my people” for a few hours and knit knit knit, talk about knitting, and knit some more.
After I got my book signed, we all walked over to the Roxy to hang out cause we were all so jazzed up.
An airport ladies room that tidy and that empty – must have been very early in the morning. Alas. Wonderful pictures of Alaska!
I did knit (and spin) en plein air on Saturday, but since I was at the Maine Fiber Frolic, I don’t think anyone noticed. Does it still count?
I did my part and knitted in public on Sat. I knitted in the hotel lobby I was satying in and I knitted while my husband went swimming… we need more kitting in public days!
Whoo-hoo seems WWKIP day did quite well. My group was in Chicago for the day-smack dab in the middle of Millennium Park.
Knitters do it at weddings as well.
I was serving as “assistant to the photographer” and when not guarding the gear and recharging batteries, I worked on a square for a charity blanket.
Wish I had known it was WWKIP Day – I could have used that line on everyone who asked me what I was crocheting.
OK, that little boy is entirely too cute for wanting you to sign his Magic Schoolbus book.
Don’t you just love kids and the way their minds work?
You posted that photo of yourself for one reason only, I’m quite sure–the sweater actually looks green in it!!
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed Alaska. My dream is to sell all my possessions (except for knitting stuff..get serious here), move to Alaska, and become a coffee shop waitress in Sitka.
I’m soo relieved to see that other people recognized the airport restroom, too–I was feeling like a very sad, pathetic person with no life! I’m glad to see Oregon knitters represented so well–I’m a transplant from Oregon (and I LOVE Powell’s!).
I don’t have a lot to say for myself and certainly nothing interesting…but I just thought I’d like to say that when I saw that photo of you in the bathroom mirror I thought “Haha…that looks like the bathrooms at SeaTac…isn’t it funny how all airport bathrooms look the same? *sigh* I’m so homesick I even miss the AIRPORT! I need a holiday!” And then it actually WAS SeaTac! And then I felt even more homesick.
*sigh*
I hope The Mountain was out for your visit. 🙂
I
How sad that I recognize the seattle airport bathroom, but then again I 1. travel alot and 2. I think they are all thesame bathroom. I missed you in Petaluma (sigh/sniff), but our hometown was properly represented by our friend, Roni, who did make the drive to see you….congrats on the book, did my pre-order, read it cover to cover – when is the next one due out??
Well, dang, if I had known you were going to be at the Seattle Airport, I would have come to knit with you! Now, I know there’s just about a zero chance that you’ll come to Whidbey Island someday, but how about someplace over Seattle-ways? I’ ll second the person who suggested VIllage Yarn and Tea! Just not IN the city please – I don’t do cities! LOL!
I can’t believe you were in Portland on a day that I was out of the state. Maybe Eugene will make it back on the list again. I was glad to see that I was in Portland airport KIPing the same day you were. I only wish I had the luck of running into you there!
Huh — my friend and I were knitting and crocheting on Saturday at the movies, oblivious to the wordlwide phenomenon. (We didn’t realize we both had yarn out until her husband got up to use the restroom!)
Dontcha love the BIG, CLEAN restrooms at SeaTac? Or if love is too strong a word… appreciate?
The sweater looks green in that photo!
Hey Stephanie–thanks for stopping in our town! I was waaay in the back at the Powells gig–it sure looked like “sock corner” to me. I unfortunately had to leave at 8:30, but when I came around the corner from the bookstore I ran into a half dozen U.S. Navy men out on the town (it being the Portland Rose Festival, ships put in at the Port of Portland.) I almost told them there were several hundred women on the third floor of Powells, but then I remembered that they were knitters and they all carry sharp sticks. anyway, I had a great time, glad you were here!
Actually, I understand the “spoons” comment. Tourist traps sell spoons with local icons or locations on the handle & some people collect them.
Does KIP count in your own car if the truckers can see you? I was at a family reunion that day, but knit on the way from the hotel. My Thursday night knitting group set up at our local arts festival Saturday – specifically to KIP. I hear they snagged a few new recruits. Ahhhh, the power of fiber.
Just checking in for a new post & I realized your 1st photo looks like a snow angel!
Just checking in for a new post & I realized your 1st photo looks like a snow angel!
I did get a picture of your sweater laying on the table at Copperfields. Unfortunately it just looks like a sweater lying on a table, no details whatsoever cuz you didn’t like lay it down suitable for picture-taking, but the colour came out great! Typical of knitters that I took a picture of a sweater that I didn’t know if it was finished lying in an indistinguishable heap on a table – just because it was knitting and knitting is always worth taking a picture of (terrible syntax there, but you get the idea…)
Looks much better on you than on the table!
Joy
Rewalsar, H.P., India
http://www.customjuju.com/joy/joyblog
Saw your photo in the Seattle airport ladies’room. I’ll be there in a few weeks — going to visit my daughter who lives just outside Seattle.
Writing to say I just finished your “Casts Off” book. Couldn’t put it down, and missed my volunteer knitting group (we make items for charity). Was just going to read a couple of more pages, etc. Next thing I knew, had read the whole thing and missed the meeting.
Then I reread “Yarn Harlot” and laughed myself silly. Even funnier the 2nd time around, as since first reading, I have begun knitting socks, and have also done my first 2-color stranded fair isle with steeks, so could appreciate it even more.
Currently rereading “At Knit’s End.
GREAT STUFF!!!
Wish I had your other books; need to get them.
Only have one dislike concerning your books — They Keep Me From My Knitting!!!!!
Keep up the great work.
Judith
It’s a nice site you have.
Funny you are knitting Ruth’s model.
I also have it on my e-shop and in my store.
Kind regards
Bigger Fischer
Shop: F I L T, http://www.fischer-filt.dk
Denmark
What IS this gorgeous multi-colored wondrous knitting project you have shown us on your “Whatever” Birthday? Don’t tease! Please show more…..
I was able to purchase kauni from Astrid at the following web site http://www.astridsobsessions.com she is very easy to work with and gets the yarn to you promptly. I have ordered gorgeous sock yarn from her as well. Visit her site, it is wonderful. Pat