I feel sort of badly about how little I learned about Charlotte while I was there. I usually learn about a city on its sock picture hunt but I couldn’t do that this time. In fact, this tour is turning out to be pretty poor in the sock picture opportunity department. There’s sometimes a little time in the afternoon (after the flight, before the event) and I think about going out and hunting up some cool sock pictures, but then I think about the other stuff I could do with that time…stuff like eat, or sleep (both of which have been hard to fit in) and then somehow I realize that sock pictures (while hugely entertaining) aren’t actually a human need and I do one of the other things. When it comes to Charlotte though, I feel sort of bad about it, because it is a really, really beautiful city. Gorgeous. The trees are all leafed out, there are flowers everywhere, downtown there are azaleas by the millions and window boxes and it is all especially gorgeous to a Canadian coming out of the end of a wicked long, dark winter. It was great, and warm. I asked one person for a little Charlotte Trivia, but all they could tell me was that Tammy Faye, Billy Graham and Clay Aiken are all from Charlotte. I couldn’t stop laughing when I thought of that particular mix as a Charlotte microcosm. The real Charlotte microcosm, looks like this:
….and I have to tell you, this was a seriously fun crowd. A whole lotta awesome. It started right away. Shelle (the very pregnant manager) was celebrating a birthday, and Damien (the employee behind her) somehow located a cake (with her name on it and everything) in about 7 minutes flat and all the knitters sang her the birthday song.
We sang it again later for Stacey.
We had a ton of first socks. There was Jami, Renée, Judi, Aleta (with her 1st, 2nd and 3rd socks, just to show the learning curve) Allison, Tiffanie, Davey (who works for Mac and told me why Leopard was crashing Imageready.) Sue (who also brought me a very, very funny book for tracking animals, which also includes pictures of their scat. Weasel scat, by the way is very distinctive.) Laura, and Michelle. (As always, click to embiggen)
There were babies. Doreen brought Zuri-Elizabeth
and Teresa brought Alexander.
I got to meet Laura from the Unique Sheep. She’s the lady doing the fantastic fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders here. (Some knitters at the Toronto Launch won some of that great yarn in the MSF colourway.)
Elizabeth brought me a washcloth (a big one. I told you they get carried away in Charlotte.)
and she was wearing a really great “unofficial” tour t-shirt. Very funny.
A real high point came when Cristi asked me to cut her first steek for her.
I refused. Everyone should cut their own first steek. It’s an honour to be asked, but it’s so cool to see that it really works that I didn’t want to deprive her of the thrill. I provided deep emotional support and held the layers apart so that she couldn’t accidentally cut where she didn’t mean to. (I don’t think that happens much, I just know it was one of the things that I worried about when I started.)
She lived, and the vest looks great.
Here’s Mandy and her mum sending a shout out to her sister Holly in Anchorage. (Remember her?)
The last person in line was Dru. He came to collect a book for his mama (who made him that excellent gryffindor scarf that he thought to bring with him.) and he was totally charming. I think the bookstore and I all agreed that Dru’s mother did an excellent job. He’s a total gentleman. (Funny too. He was “ma’am”ing me to death (he’s Texan. It’s a reflex) and I pointed out that ma’am is for old ladies. He switched to “miss” in a heartbeat. Then he “yes miss”ed me to death.)
Charming boy.
This morning I went to the airport to fly from Charlotte to Nashville, and I totally saw a knitter in the airport.
She was sewing up a really beautiful greenish sweater. Gorgeous. I was way too shy to talk to her, but I did kinnear her. Anybody know her? She’s really talented.
Finally, on the flight today I totally finished my Rivendell socks. I love them too.
They are a little big, which is good, because they are not for me. I love the wrapped stitches, the twisted stitches…these are a winner all around. I bet I knit them again.
It is, by the way, very hard to take pictures of your own feet in a hotel room. (Or anywhere, really)
Details: Rivendell sock pattern. Dyed in the wool Handmade fingering yarn in “I am the eggplant”.
Onward. Nashville Knitters await me.
I love your Rivendell socks! They are lovely! We wants them!!!
Christi said you wouldn’t let her YouTube the video! I’m not sure what you’re hesitation is, but would you let her put it on photobucket, if said photobucket link was private and only shared with certain people? I totally want to watch her cut her first steek.
Her blog about it reminded me of when we had to give our first shots in nursing school, and the teachers all made us do it without help. Nervewracking, but not nearly as hard as we imagine it to be. Not that I’ve steeked anything.
I can’t wait to see you in Northampton!
Thanks for sharing the Rivendell pattern … it’s the pattern that my special Madrona yarn and I have been waiting for!
I know that this tour is your job and that there are some unplesant times, but your words and photos always make the events seem like such fun! Take care of you!
Got your book a few days ago. I’ve read it cover to cover and will read it again soon. I love being validated as a knitter, rather than viewed as a quirky little old lady, which I am, but that’s a totally different issue 🙂
Stephanie I love that you are a rhyming knitter – a Charlotte Harlot.
My mother loved visiting Kentucky cousins in the 1970s and being addressed as Ms, being the Kentucky equivalent of Mrs (she was in her mid60s, a vicar’s wife) and had been addressed as Mrs (not the faminst Ms) for more than 40 years – thereafter she more commonly was called by her name Claire, or when she studied Spanish, Clara.
Make that ‘feminist’.
(re, the above)
yes… precious!!
So the purple socks were embiggened for someone else. Lucky them!
Wow, the honor of being there for the first steeking…
And that knitter in the last picture is somewhere going, “DAMN, If I hadn’t been so caught up in the sweater, I could have had a private chat with the Yarn Harlot!”
🙂
What gorgeous socks! *scampers off to buy the pattern*
Dear Stephanie, I need to know how the yarn is wrapped around your fingers. I am determined to adopt your Irish Cottage Knitting style as soon as my broken wrist is a little more healed. I have been trying but I cannot get my yarn at that 70 degree angle and the yarn is not in front of my index finger but nearly up to the last knuckle–obviously I need help here! Thank you.
The Rivendell socks are breathtaking… wouldn’t it be wonderful if your Kinneared knitter saw herself on your blog– I know I’d be in ecstasies for days!!!
And charming boys should usually thank their mamas–but occasionally daddy got to put in his two-chromosomes too:-)
love that washcloth! the coastal detail is most impressive!
I rushed to get my preorder in for “The Eclectic Sock” before everyone sees the beautiful job you’ve done on Rivendell and wants one, too.
Fly safely to the Twin Cities tomorrow! With luck the rain/snow line will fall south of us. 🙂
I so wanted to come see you in Charlotte! Alas, I could not convince anyone to come with me. Apparently band practice is “cooler” than driving two hours to see your best friend’s favorite person in the universe and a bunch of other people who like to do this crazy “knitting” thing?! I could not believe it either. Next time you are in NC, I will so be there!
Forgot to mention, I am anxiously watching the mail for your book. Reading material while I am still not able to knit. with a signature, even.
I’m having trouble keeping up – as soon as I post a comment another post pops up. I’m not surprised you’re having some trouble with it, too.
Definitely keep up the eating and sleeping. I’d like to see you still making sense and looking like you’ll survive when you reach Seattle. Shall I bring you a sandwich and beer? What kind? Muffins?
I am sincerely sorry that I missed you in Charlotte. It was going to be part of my “I just finished my thesis” celebration.
Stupid work.
Awww…. you were here and I missed it! 🙁
It was an honor to see you in Charlotte! Hope you can come back again sometime and enjoy NC some more.
Yay!! Laura’s picture made it on your blog! You really should join us on Skype sometime. Laura is a blast to chat with. Plus she has mad dyeing skillz!
Btw, the Rivendell socks are fabulous!
Stephanie, it was so much fun to meet you – and I’ll have so much fun trying to explain to people at work exactly what I was doing on a vacation day in the middle of the week! NC definitely loves you – come back soon!
I’m chiming in (ding, dong) about those gorgeous socks! If only…… I’ll keep practicing. It will happen. And those babies. Oh my goodness! How can you not just get all goofy around them.
FYI: Tammy Faye was born in International Falls, Minnesota.
Man, I have never been called ma’am OR miss! In Ireland, you’re either a Young Wan or an Auld Wan.
Still living in hope you’ll stretch your book tour our way some time 🙂
Hope you get some time to show the sock around (ie allow us all to live vicariously) before your next gig!
beautiful socks! I love the guy Dru ma’aming you to death, too, then switching to miss. how funny! I bet he nearly lost it when you told him that ma’am was for old ladies. ha, ha, ha… 🙂 Poor guy.
ayla, for my first shot on a patient in nursing school my instructor decided she should help as it needed to be Z-tracked. I went through the fold of the patient’s skin and into her finger. Took her weeks to finish all the paperwork on that.
Congratulations, Christi, on the first steek. My current sweater will have my first steek – in merino. I plan to stitch the heck out of it on my sewing machine first.
Oh, I hope someone had a shot of scotch for Cristi! Then again, anyone who can knit a sweater that fabulous can surely cut it open without mishap (though not without trepidation). I’m glad I’m not the only knitter who is frequently too shy to approach other KIPers. Though the idea that the YH might be shy about approaching me if she came upon me knitting at an airport *totally* cracks me up. That would be like Fabio seeing me and being afraid to say hi ‘cuz he thinks my hair’s too fabulous. I mean, really. (P.S., no, I am not a fan of Fabio–he no doubt popped into my head because of Casey’s April Fool’s hijinks on Ravelry. I disclaim all personal responsibility for Fabio references.)
P.S., the socks are to die for!
I am a knitter from Alaska (who currently lives in Las Vegas, NV) and I managed to miss that initial post about your trip to Anchorage. (Which is my hometown.) But you managed to be photographed at several of my favorite places; Title Wave books (most of my friends still work there and I spent many a day ditching classes to go sit in the stacks.) and my favorite pizza joint EVER in Ak.
Glad you had fun there AND in Charlotte. I wonder if Dru is single? (Too bad I’m not….)
Hey, I was at the signing and there was something I was going to tell you, but totally forgot: While I was waiting, there was guy (clearly not a knitter. At least, he wasn’t knitting) behind me talking to his lady companion about you, trying to describe you. He said something along the lines of “I reckon she’s like the Michael Jordan of knitting.” I was laughing my ass off, on the inside.
As you go like the wind, I’m wondering how you even have time to read comments. Anyhoo, keep up your strength, pace yourself, get plenty of rest yada yada yada. It’s great to see all the knitters, and your socks are so very nice. It’s kind of hard to believe you can knit socks that nice with the schedule you are keeping. I won’t ask how you do it. But really, bravo!
awwww… you helped out on the initial steek! how great is that?
Thanks so much for coming to Charlotte, it was really great to meet you.
And as Linda V. said, I hope someone DID find Cristi a shot of something strong after that steek. I was close enough to see that her hands were REALLY shaking 🙂
As I proceed to post my comment before writing a very important piece of info:
At the signing, I chatted with a very nice lady named Kim who had just finished a green pullover and didn’t want to sew it up just yet. She’s “Buggajam” on Ravelry. That might have been her.
*cough* Dru doesn’t happen to be single, does he? I mean, a young gentlemen with polite respect for knitters who is willing to traverse to see someone for his momma? Priceless.
I can’t wait to see you in Illinois, and incidentally, I laughed so hard at parts of “Things I Learned from Knitting,” that I had an asthma attack. You have yourself to thank.
I’m glad you’re taking care to eat and sleep…
I get so tickled with the expressions on all the babies’ faces… dude, they always enjoy you!
Wow, fantastic socks! Is this setting a record here? I mean, you finished the new Lion Brand sock yarn socks, and now these…what’s next? (did you bring the gansey?)
And more importantly, did someone give you some chocolate?
If you ever see me in the wild please, please, please come over and talk to me! I would be sick to find out you had not talked to me because you’re shy. Oh, and when I see the pictures of the hoards of people you talk to I’m wondering about your idea of shyness! 😉
Ditto what Mellanie said! I always bring my knitting with me just in case for that very reason. 🙂
We were so happy you added Charlotte to your tour schedule. I hope you saw enough of our spring flowers to keep you going until all your snow at home is gone! Oh, and Charlotte is also known for it’s current cankerworm problem and aerial spray program.
Yay! I’m glad you had another good event, and that the Texan represented himself well. =)
dear mizz harlot,
if you ever see me knitting in public, even if i’m COUNTING, please say hi! my whatever would have a big jog in it where i swallowed my tongue and i would not frog it, i’d just be all “yeah, that’s where the harlot came and talked to me and i swallowed my tongue. don’t you wish you had a ‘swallowed my tongue on meeting the harlot’ sweater?” that is so what i would call it, the ‘swallowed my tongue on meeting the harlot’ sweater. it’s not a mistake, it’s a design element to remind me of meeting the harlot!
Stephanie — Charlotte was amazing. Thanks for coming. And thanks to the Charlotte Knitters Guild for making me feel welcome. Incidentally, I’m still reading your new book, and the twenty-fourth thing? Priceless. My husband doesn’t think so…
I’ve noticed that all the babies smile for you – that means you’re special =)
I am loving those socks! Of course, it’s just one more pair to add to the (ever-expanding) Queue O’ Socks To Knit. I’m also loving living vicariously through your tour, as you won’t be hitting California this time, so far as I can tell.
BTW, I just have to thank you for this book. I’ve been having a rough couple of months, and my husband picked it up for me. I laughed until I cried about the things that are funny when they happen to other knitters (especially the bit about lace charts — it’s funny because it’s TRUE!). You made my day, and I really appreciate it.
I missed you?! GAH! I wish I had discovered my obsession with knitting last summer – I would have clawed my way to Title Wave. Are you coming back?
I love your books and I love your blog. Thank you for entertaining and educating!
The socks are gorgeous! Did you ever imagine all this traveling and people meeting in your distant past?
I am so pleased I got to meet you…finally! Charlotte was a bit of a drive for us (3 hours each way), but it was so worth it, so much fun! We had a blast.
You are a gem.
Now…forget about those local sock pics – get rest wherever you can – it’s just so much more important! (and yes, I’ll stop playing “Nana” now…)
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS SOCKS…they were NOT what I was holding in my photo last night! *wink*
((((Hugs))))
I’m glad Charlotte did us North Carolinians proud. I’m so very sorry I had to attend a conference on Sustainable Energy in Raleigh and could not come and see you. I would have much rather gone to see you. And is NC not beautiful this time of year. You came at exactly the perfect time.
I’ve been knitting off and on for more than 40 years and never made socks! Now I recently starting reading the Yarn Harlot and must try it! Can someone please suggest a relatively easy first sock pattern? Thanks!
Barbara
As I look at the Rivendell socks I realize that I could never have nothing but hand knit socks, especially since I fence and exercise a lot and would wear them out so fast… it would break my heart to wear holes into those socks…
But Dru makes us Texans proud. I won’t make a political statement here because I don’t want to start a political war on your blog, but know that it would be terribly easy.
I love your socks! I must knit them! Can’t wait to see you in Philly!
I just had to tell you that the next time you see a knitter in public and are too shy to approach, you must remember that to most of us, you are the Harlot Herself, and we would be so thrilled to actually meet you in person that it would totally make your day. And ours.
Those socks are gorgeous! I’ll have to get a few more pairs under my belt before I tackle them. I can’t wait to see you in Madison, WI. I’m totally skipping band practice to come see you, and I’m bringing scones.
Thanks for coming to Charlotte, Steph! You were great and I had so much fun. And thanks for putting my first “sock” on the blog!
I am so sorry I missed you, but I had a family emergency that took up my day. Boo, hiss. Oh, well, I’ll see you on your next tour. (Next year! Don’t shudder like that!) Beautiful Rivendell socks, too!
Seriously, you were the absolute highlight of my otherwise abysmal week. I came not knowing much about you (I am a new knitter to the larger community, not trying to commit knitting blasphemy!) and left a HUGE fan with dreams of being close personal friends who chat every other day -you know, like every other knitter who reads your books and blog.
Thank you for coming to Charlotte, meeting you was awesome. When I got home later I even had my husband laughing at some of your tales. Beer is a *perfectly* good reason to take a very cold hike, especially when it’s Guinness.
I hope you enjoy the stitch marker. 🙂 Do you get many of those? Apparently socks and dishcloths are the norm… oh, how much I have to learn yet on the ways of the Harlot. I have yet to knit either of them.
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Minnesota tomorrow!
Sign me up for the Dru fan club! Cute AND charming? I’m already swooning! (and single :P)
tis pretty springtime
in the south let the sock
rest for awhile just enjoy
so your minds eye can conjour
visual memories when you write
do not weary yourself
I could die from all the babue cuteness in this post! Oh, and the socks are gorgeous, too 🙂
stoopid typing. I meant baby cuteness, of course. Gah.
Actually, “Ma’am” is for married ladies, unless you’re speaking Spanish. In Spanish, the correct address for a strange woman, even one in her 80s, is always “Miss.” When asked why, a polite Spaniard blushes, and says, “Because it’s not polite to assume she’s not a virgin.”
Rockin’ socks.
Two times in three days. And it was just as fun the second time around as the first. You will be safe from my stalking until you visit Atlanta or Charlotte again. (I hope that doesn’t keep you away)
I forget to ask you about a few old scifi shows my sister and I remember. Do you remember the original Kolchak (you were only 6), The Fantastic Journey (1977),the Phoenix (1981 and the best series ever Blake’s 7(78-82)
The tiedye knitter in the Canada hat!
Is it sad to take great joy in being called “miss” before “ma’am?” Because I do, take great joy, that is.
You are an amazing woman, you tour, you write, you knit, you blog (with links while on the road!)and you do yoga with you mother and sister. All enviable . Hopefully I will see you in Ann Arbor (A squared).
I can’t believe no one in Charlotte told you it called “the Queen’s City” and/or because it was the only major city in the New World to side with the British during the Revolutionary War. Also, thay get very upset if you say you’re going downtown – it’s so nice they call it “Uptown”! I’m very upset that I had to move out of the Mid-Atlantic area last year and now you have been within driving distance of Richmond, VA countless times. Don’t you want to visit some major sunshine in Northern Florida? We have wonderful beaches, and yes plenty of us knit!!
I do so love this knitting community that you’re creating. You’ve got families separated by a continent appearing on your blog, babies given their first knitting needle to hold, steeks cut, socks knit, not to mention the Doctors Without Borders campaigns.
This blog has legs!
I have that scat book/brochure. It’s good to take with you when you’re walking in the woods.
And oh, by the way, love all the socks and love your discussion about your tour. And it’s snowing in the mountains of Colorado right now. Very pretty.
Thanks again for adding NC to your tour. You made my week. I almost decided not to come because of gasoline prices. I live about 3 hours from Charlotte. I snapped out of it and seeing you was worth every gallon in my SUV! Take care friend!
One more thing about Charlotte: it’s been for many years the home of the wonderful Fiona Richie and her NPR show _The Thistle and Shamrock_. Aside from the music, I love hearing her say “Charlotte, North Carolina” in her soft Scottish burr.
Thank you Miss for the photograph and the signatures. I think I will be keeping up with your blog as you are the funniest thing to come out of Canada since Red Green (though there are many funny Canadians).
If possible can you email (or embiggen) the photo so I can send a copy to my mom?
Hope to see you next time. I am not knitter (do video games count?) but you had my attention at “I walked 7k for beer and toilet paper.”
Thanks again Miss and don’t forget, “we’re all in this together”.
So……I met you at the Grove ( the whole birkenstock out the Hyatt window venue) 2 years ago? and am temporarily living in Charlotte, where I would have loved to meet so many knitters, but it was my Mom’s 85th birthday in Capitola Ca so I had to go and I missed you and I am soooooo sorry. Sometime, somewhere I will meet you again. Marcia
Have fun in Nashville. Wish I could be there (it’s home to me, even though I don’t get to live there anymore)!
although i can hear/see/understand how tiring and sometimes stressful the whole touring thing can be, i just CANNOT believe you get to do this for a living! like receiving money for it! it boggles the mind…. as well as giving hope & inspiration. 🙂
My dear Harlotta – in regard to the ma’am and the big washcloth…well, we do lots of things different (and LARGE) in the south. You know this…you have been down this way before. 😉
I got a new book by that Stephanie girl in the post last week from Amazon…it is way as cool and dancy-feet making as when the yarn comes from the STR sock club.
And…(drum roll please)…I finally finished my first socks. Jailhouse rock. Slightly thicker gauge than planned, but fit anyone and everyone in my house (swim on daughter’s small feet and ’bout right for size 10 son) This is the thing that is interesting…and wonderful…and really odd: the son kept the socks. The son wants the socks. So far the son is keeping the socks (if not the chocolate…don’t ask) away from the dogs. I was somewhat ‘ferklempt’ when the son asked if he could keep the socks!!! Wow. (only other knitters would understand this misty feeling…btw son is 14 years old)
As one of those lucky Toronto knitters who received the Doctor’s Without Border’s yarn (even if it has not yet made its way up onto Ravelry, or really as of yet had more done to it than be the victim of multiple strokings while I allow the pattern that those socks really want to be knit into to come to me) I can speak to the fact that it really and truly is lovely 🙂
You’ll be happy to know that on my way around the city today I only saw one patch of snow the entire day, and it was at Finch station where it was stacked up 8 feet tall or so all winter. I think given our 3rd day in a row of +10 degree weather it is safe to say that spring has officially arrived, though I’m sure it will progress back to winter soon enough.
Loved your view on Charlotte – it is a nice city.
FYI, Clay Aiken is really from Raleigh, was going to school in The Queen City – after King Geo.’s wife, Queen Charlotte. My 8th grader is studying NC history…Anyhoo, the tour looks wonderful – I wish tiny Emerald Isle was on the list, google us sometimes, we have a great book store…alas, no yarn….a veritable wasteland! The closest yarn is about 20 minutes and variety is more like a hour. I often wonder, How do we survive here?
OK my mom would kill me if I was remiss in telling you that Clay Aiken is from Raliegh, NC not Charlotte. (I do believe my mom is his biggest fan-scary but true!)
The socks are gorgeous!
You crack me up!! Too shy to approach an unkown knitter in the airport?? What was she going to do? Stab you with her needles and make it illegal to have knitting needles in the airport and on planes? Silly Wabbit!!!
And add me into the Dru fan club. Texas charm, loves his mama, and look at those smiling eyes!!! …He looks way, um, just a bit younger than me though…
sorry miss, my email is now included.
I’m so glad you made Cristi cut her own first steek! How cool though that she had you for emotional support! Her Ivy League Vest is so pretty!
Less than one week til sock camp!! Can’t wait to finally meet you!! Won’t have a sweater or anything that will need steeking, but lots of socks!! Yay!!
How could they not tell you about Ric Flair? Between him and Tammy Faye this city would make a wonderful cartoon.
I cut the arm steeks tonight. All by myself this time. =) Thank you!
Thank you for coming to North Carolina!!! It was such an honor to finally meet you. You were so gracious to everyone. I was one of the last in line, you must have been exhausted, yet you were so kind to each and every one of us.
I hope that the computer angels smile on you and you never again face the crash of a hard drive. But should you ever need help, please remember, it is how I pay for my yarn. I will be more than happy, honored in fact, to launch a rescue mission for that lost book in the bits and bytes of your computer. Heaven knows, you have made me smile after a bad day!
I received you new book. I am truly enjoying the little bits I am reading. I am leaving it on my desk at work for mental health breaks. I work in a tax office and it’s just the little break I need every once in awhile. 6 more days and I am back to my socks. One is finished..the other is awaiting the end of tax season when I will once again have a life! WooHoo! I can’t start my sweater until the second sock is complete…what discipline. I have almost given in to the call of starting another project before finishing my sock…Maybe I’ll just cast on….
Keep up the great work Stephanie. You are a rare gem!
Guess what? I am coming to the States in July- just after your tour finishes! And then I am going to be in the UK and I leave just before you get there! That’s got to rate fairly high on the suck-o-meter. You could always come and visit Australia. You could stay with me. I have a masters degree in housework avoidance, three daughters(although may soon be less if current behavioural issues not resovled), I love to bake and my husband is Irish so Guinness is guaranteed. And we live in the beautiful Blue Mountains so fab bush walks aplenty! See, perfect place to recover from a book tour. BTW if you need any more wake up calls just give me a shout; I could call you as I’m going to bed! Knit on, good woman!
Oh, Stephanie-I can barely contain my anticipation of your visit to Philly in May. There will be a bunch of us, I promise!
On another note, I have now queued the Rivendell socks (along with all socks designed by Cookie A) in my Ravelry queue. You really have to stop finding such awesome socks!!! But it is a step towards my goal of having a sock wardrobe by the end of the year for me and Wonderful Husband.
Thanks for the visit to Charlotte. You must know that one of the bookstore employees was just marveling (out loud) at how many people would come to see a knitting author. It was big fun. Please come back. Spring comes early here. And we have beer.
I love purple socks!
That stunning redhead in the front row is my dear friend Julia. She was so excited to see you from FRONT and CENTER that I could barely understand her when she called me tonite. Apparently, she tried to steal the sock….?
You’re making people’s day, girl. Sock on!
I’m so glad you liked Charlotte. I almost went there to see you because I used to live there and I could have visited old friends and the LYS too. But it’s way less time and gas to drive to Nashville. The Rivendell socks are to die for!! I ordered the book they’re in.
In case no one mentioned it, the city was named after a German princess who eventually became the consort of England’s King George III. Is that trivia?
Hi Steph! I am soooo excited about you coming to Ann Arbor! I and SEVERAL members of my guild will be there with bells on. I am HOPING that if I get there 5 hrs early I can at least be in the same room as you. I read your blog every single day, it is the highlight of my day as you ALWAYS make me laugh! My knitting is extemely limited right now due to excessive knitting(carpel tunnel?) disease which really S*CKS! (Shouldn’t be typing either-oops).
PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! You mean so much to so many of us!
Oh yea-the Rivendale sock is BEAUTIFUL! It is on my list of things to do also….should I ever knit again:( 🙁 🙁
The first time I was called Ma’am I was only 25. Nice girl, a tourist (obviously) just trying to figure out how to get to the suspension bridge, but I really wanted to hit her with a blunt instrument. And then stand over her and explain that ma’am was for women who are so darned old you doubt they’ll see their next birthday. Somebody pale, frail, and over 100, easy.
Anyway, I admire your restraint, I bless Dru’s mental agility, and I LOVE the Rivendell socks. Kudos to the designer, and if deadlines weren’t hovering over me with big flappy black wings I’d be knitting them already.
I see that several people have already corrected you on Clay Aiken’s “provenance” – and as a fan of his, I can tell you that many of the things you mentioned last night about attitudes toward knitters also apply to attitudes toward Clay fans. Sure, it’s fine to buy season tickets for a sports team year after year, but go to a couple of concerts…
Thanks for a fun evening – totally worth the 6 hour round trip!
I want to knit these socks right right now, but fear that chemo-brain will make it a frustrating and moot attempt. So I’m pre-ordering the book and hope that patience will land me some kick-ass socks. Thanks for sharing!
You’re in Nashville – my sweetie’s hometown and my current home-away-from….. Hope you had a glorious time! Now that you’re doing the all-at-once new-city-every-day type of tour, I wonder which you prefer… I feel for you!! I’m already mulling over what type of care package you’ll need when you get to California! ( I so hope that you’re really coming and my friend is not just teasing me horribly!!)
I’m really impressed with your tempi around the Americas, I wonder if all the jet-lag end up being compressed in the end and hits you when you stop (I really hope not).
About self-photographed sock pictures. Don’t worry, with practice it can be done quite without pain, even with twisting yourself into strange positions (and incidentially my favorite sock photo place is my window-sill… I’ve often wondered what people would think if they looked up (I live at the floor appartment, but we are raised from the street, but people can still look in if they want) during one of the sessions, they’d probably just be shocked!) 😉
I wonder if I’ve ever been kinneared?
Remember Stephanie (from days when you had small children) you can conquer the world when you have had enough sleep. Sleep is more important that investigating new tour destinations.
Thank you for the joy you brought to Charlotte and to me. I was the second of the circle vest twins that couldn’t utter a coherent sentence even though you were so kind and attentive.
But I did want you to know that you were the absolute highlight of my Spring Break week (the low being getting ‘Hot Tub Rash’ in a poorly planned trip to the coast so that my three kids weren’t the only ones not going anywhere — after doctors visits and antibiotics all around we’re staying home the rest of the week — much to the satisfaction of an increasingly smug husband who thought the requirement of an indoor pool ridiculous.)
*Sigh* All the places I get to go with you vicariously. ‘Tis great. Bravi to the Charlotte knitters, and brava to you for intrepid traveling and for finishing those socks. (How do you make that sideways cable-ish thing? I may have to buy the pattern to find out.)
My DH was the one that called you “The Michael Jordan of Knitting”. He was very sweet to bring me up to see you. Of course, he is the one who got me into knitting (long story) and since I follow him to all of his marathons, he had no other choice than to bring me to Borders. We both enjoyed you very much, although I “got it” much more than he did. At least, he tries! Hope you can come back to Charlotte soon! It is beautiful in the spring but much warmer than Canada in the winter. Good luck on the rest of your tour!
Great socks! Check out “Knitter’s Review” to see a review (what else?) of your book. http://www.knittersreview.com Have fun in Nashville.
Aww love those socks!! Love the colour and texture. Wow.
Thinking ahead (only five weeks until our Harlot is in Philly), is there a vegetarian version of the cheesesteak someone can feed her there? I’m not a resident myself, but I do know I want one (the with meat version) with Cheese Whiz and onions.
I read this post thinking that if I were not a military wife I’d be there. It makes me sad. What makes me even sadder is I think you’re in London the day my husband gets back from the desert. Do you think he’d realize that I went to see you instead of him? I mean this isn’t his first tdy.
What magic do you have that makes all babies smile so sweetly at you?
Oh, those socks are fabulous!!! I have sock-envy.
The woman with the pirate sweater bestole my heart. I love her. And the rivendale socks are absolutely gorgeous by the way. I should mention that socks are what has motivated me to re-learn how to knit. The problem is that I have to get from the casting on part and knitting a couple or rounds and the ripping it out because it does not please me. I need to keep on trucking. Oh andI found out I had one to many stiches so I cast I decreased, and then I found out I was 2 stiches short so I tried adding some. And then I ripped it out becuase I knew that alitmately those techniques would not work in the long run. I think I need to learn the magic loop method for knitting socks. DPNS slide out of my knitting too easily. maybe wooden dpns. doesn’t really matter I enjoy collecting knitting stuff.. just have to add it to my list of desires. sorry about the rambling. love your blog. you rock.
Hey’d you manage to get a number for Dru? Is he single? 🙂
I just have to ask. . . it seems like you knit a lot of stuff for other people. I do the same thing. It’s not that I don’t want to knit for myself it’s just that I see patterns or colors and think “ohh that would be perfect for. . . . . ” This is the thing though. Does everyone love and appreciate your knitted goods? I have found that many of my giftees seem a little underwhelmed (but then hurt if I don’t knit them things). Am I at a knitterly crossroads here? I think I must be. The socks are beautiful BTW. Hopefully you’ll get some time to sightsee on one of your stops.
Loved the ‘unofficial’ tour tshirt. Maybe an official version could be done with proceeds to Knitters Without Boarders?
Thanks for helping my bud Stacey celebrate!
I still find it funny that you are too shy to approach other knitters. Do you know how devastated I would be if I thought you saw me knitting in an airport and didn’t come up and say, “Hi!”? You probably would have made her day!
Oh Stephanie… I am kicking myself for not being able to make it to Charlotte. I only live two hours away and I love the city – and you of course!! Please, please, please come back sometime. There is no way I would miss you twice. The good news is I bought the book and it is wonderful!
Tell Dru I’ll date him. We could, like, make-out, and then he could go pick up knitting books for me!
I’d love to know what that wide striping rainbow yarn is. I’ve seen it for 2 days now in your pictures. We promise not to buy all of it…
I’m guessing that you won’t be taking any sock pictures today in St. Paul, MN. The weather here is abysmally cold and grey. Although, 600+ knitters in one room should be nice and toasty!
Scat book . . . Priceless!
I am like Barbara; I have yet to try sock. But those Rivendale socks are Absolutely Gorgeous. I second the question. Any simple patterns to start with?
I hate to throw this downer in here, but I hope that you’ve packed your snow boots for St. Paul. At least there shouldn’t be a lack of warm woolen wearables…
OH, these will very much get me through not being able to get tickets to see you in Minneapolis. (I had pneumonia and couldn’t get to the lys). Be sure to take LOTS of pics in Minneapolis, I hope you enjoy it when you get here!
(i’ll be knitting that night, as I would if I where there!)
I live about three hours from Charlotte in Goldsboro, NC. Last year I drove all the way to Alexandria, VA to see you but this year couldn’t get anyone to accompany me to Charlotte. Everyone had to work. I’m so glad you loved our southern weather. You should visit in June when the honeysuckle is blooming, the night air smells wonderful. If you ever get to Raleigh, I’m going to be there with my first sock in hand! Your Rivendells are beauties, and I love the sweater you’ve been wearing.
Told ya the knitters want tour-t’s;)
The rivendells… in purple…. IF I were able to be in AA on Firday.. I would be SERIOUSLY tempted to steal them.. they are really beautiful… crap- is there a limit to my UFO’s? Cannot cast on another thing…. (yet)
The ‘tour’ shirt is great.
I got some of that MSF sock yarn. Made lovely soft socks for my mom – and she liked the cause too.
Okay…. last picture. Timer or yoga like contortions????
It was so great meeting you!
Especially on my birthday! It was a great way to celebrate!
Hope you don’t mind updating my link with my blog address to be: crimsonpurl.blogspot.com
Lots readers have been letting me know the link is to another site.
Thanks again!
Becky sent me a great, simple pattern – thanks so much!
Wonderful pictures! Do you have a story about these (they look purple) socks that you are knitting on this unexplicable tour? I remember the green ones from your last tour had a story. Just wondrin…..
Also, I must go to Cristi’s weblog and see where she got that lovely vest pattern. Beautiful. I think I can make myself do a steek for that beauty!!
PS: That vest is the Ivy League Vest from Interweave Knits, Winter, 2007. I have that pattern! Lovely in the red colorways. Must get started…..
I just finished your new book and loved it especially the part about the Type A personalities. I even read that chapter to my husband who doesn’t knit but restores old cars. Thanks for inspiring us all to try new sock patterns. Just finished a leaf motif sock and I can’t believe I actually did it . . . now to the second one! Happy traveling.
I love reading all your stories about everyone you visit! I have your book, and I’m reading my way through it. Very good, I really like that every part is like a quick little story which is good for me at the moment as I don’t have a lot of time to sit and read (or sit and knit, or sit and do anything really).
I would suggest you make an “unofficial” stop here in Edmonton to meet some of our little knitting groups, but I’m sure by the time your tour is over you will want to go home so much… The one group I meet with we had a little toast to you with our coffee on April 1st for your book launch. They practically jumped me when I brought your new book for show and tell (I had preordered it, they were jealous)
My friend and I had planned a trip to Ann Arbor on Friday to finally meet you. I started an Ohio State themed scarlet and grey sock and everything. (In honor of the Big Columbus v Ann Arbor rivalry) However, I am sad to say that we will not be attending due to a death in my family. Tell those publicists that Ohio knitters need you and feel left out.
The first time I saw you was on ‘Knitty Gritty’ demonstrating your Sock Receipe. I was hooked; downloaded the instructions & ordered sock yarn.
I was totally fasinated by your knitting style (Irish Cottage Knitting) is what Sherry in Idaho called it.
Would you consider sharing your method of knitting (writing it up or videoing it in slow motion to actual speed) for your fans?
I am an eggplant!! Loved that blog. I now have some eggplant colored shine/hand-dyed that would be perfect for the Rivendall Sock Pattern.
My hubby & I will be driving (3 hours, one-way) so I can see you in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 4.
I’ve been enjoying your tour so far. Checking in everyday and waiting for the 28th to arrive so my friend and I can go to Madison to see you. I was checking your blog this morning (on my break of course) and my librarian was looking over my shoulder. I explained your blog and stated that it was fun to follow everyday. She said “I suppose if you’re a stay at home mom or something you could blog everyday.” I was quick to correct her “She’s a writer AND a knitter” She looked blank. “She makes her living with WRITING and KNITTING.” She still looks blank. I give up. Non knitters just don’t get it!
It was great to see you again. Sadly I wasn’t able to stay for the signing, as I brought an injured friend up with me, so a wonderful friend had my book signed for me – thank you for being willing to sign multiple books, there was just no way that we could stay, we werent’ sure she was going to make it earlier in the day, but she really wanted to go!
I am glad you enjoyed what you saw of the city. It is beautiful and the trees and grass and flowers will be what I miss most when I move to Kansas City this year.
Boy, is that airport knitter going to be bummed that you were too shy to talk to her! And yes, of course she will see her picture on the blog!
Can someone help me….I just flew to Nashville on Southwest and wanted to bring my knitting on board. They told me no unless I used PLASTIC needles…well I was not about to do that….my turbo’s would be very upset. Anyway…is there a trick to being able to knit on the plane???
Help me.
Pam
What I would like is one of the unofficial tour tee shirts. If Elizabeth sees would she email me off line. Thanks.
To Sally at 7:37–my theory is that the scotch should be consumed *before* the cut. Steadies those shaking hands! 😉
Stephanie, Love the Rivendell socks! They look fantastic. It looks like the knitters at your other tour stops are enjoying your visit as much as we did in Atlanta. It is so much nicer with clean underwear though….
Chin up! We love to have you come visit anytime.
Will see you tomorrow/Friday with Rae and Riin. Seeya then!
LOVE the Rivendells – I’m making those next. Charlotte looks like it was a blast. One little thing: Stacey’s link goes to Davey’s site. Her address is: http://crimsonpurl.blogspot.com/
I was wondering if anyone is allowed to put up your videos in You Tube? I love getting to see and hear you and look forward to seeing any posting of you on You Tube. This is the only way I get to participate in the fun!
I love the socks, the color, the everything about them – the fact that you knit them in a blink of an eye while calling other knitters seriously talented. I love love love Cristi’s (sp?) vest!
And who doesn’t want Dru’s phone number? Charlotte has a lot to offer, who knew? (sorry I am a northerner). Hey Harlot, go back and get his number for me please!
Cheers!
Dudes, could I, without any power or authority, gently discourage YouTubing until after the tour’s over? Plenty of stuff from past tours up there to hold us over (and I speak as one who’s going to have to miss her Ann Arbor appearance – snarf.) But she writes a terrific presentation for each tour, and spontaneous though she sounds, even La Harlot can’t do a different one for each city. To YouTube now would be like shouting spoilers in a crowded, um, internet.
Oooh, I like-y the Rivendell. Those are some powerfully nifty looking socks, and much more within my realm of accomplishment than your nifty grape arbor socks (I know they had a different name, but that was how I thought of them).
Stephanie,
Next time you come to the Queen City (and I really hope there’s a next time), be sure to ask Jayme the wonder publicist to schedule time for a tour. There’s great textile history to learn and we could try to show you cotton fields if the time of year is right. I’m a history geek and would love to lead a tour. Thanks for holding my first sock in progress.
I LOVE the Rivendell socks… wow. I may have to put that on my “to do” list, even though they look a bit intimidating for the level I’m currently knitting socks at.
I had a great time meeting you last night here in Nashville. Hope I didn’t make too much of an arse of myself though. 😉 Thanks again for the picture and signing my book. Can’t wait to see the entry for Nashville when you have time to write it up.
I adore those Rivendell socks! And where, oh where, can we get the ‘unofficial tour t-shirt’? I think someone should put them out for us to scarf up, as a fundraiser for Doctors!
Hi Stephanie, I just picked up one of your books the other day, read a couple pages, then a few more, and a few more, and finally a bookstore clerk told me I wasn’t allowed to sit on the floor, or sleepover. You are Heeheehee-larious! But today I looked at your tour schedule and saw that your kickoff in Toronto was on April 1 and I’d missed it. Woe! Lots of woe! Please come back to Toronto, not only would I love to be at one of your signings, but I have about fifty ideas borne out of my passion for knitting that I need to share with an expert! You can tell me whether I’, kidding myself, or if I really CAN be the next Martha Stewart of knitting! Keep on being you, thanks for the inspiration, hhappy knitting.
yarn harlot rams
does she not have some kind
of copy right protection
for her herself and her writings
not that means much now a days
but this is a human being and
a generous one
Hi Stephanie, I was at the Toronto launch and said hi at the Fox’s Den (I believe ‘hovering’ was the word :o) Anywhoo, I’ve been slowly enjoying the book, because I don’t know how long until the next one (again, :o) and I noticed something last night.
I’ve been pondering all day…post or email? Post~email; post~email…so here goes; please delete this if it’s not the appropriate spot to point this out.
Am I the only one to notice, or is it just my copy, that there isn’t a 22nd thing; there are, however, two 23rd things?! (Sorry, it’s what I do, and only by accident; not as a career)
And if this is indeed a publishing faux pas…
Anybody need a proofreader? I especially enjoy knitting books!
Keep getting your rest and stay healthy (ie don’t lay around on hotel room floors—eeewwww), enjoy your travel knitting and thank-you for that link to the beautiful yarn! Great another place where “I MUST HAVE THAT YARN!; THERE IT IS!; THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!”
Thanks for bringing us along; it’s really fun to see all the other knitters and their BEAUTIFUL babies too!
Wow. I have never been able to get such a normal looking picture of my own feet. Mine always look like I have no toes. Bravo!
And I love those socks. That is a great pattern.
Loved the Birthdays and was sorry I didn’t get to see you! Believe it or not, my Birthday is April 8 and I considered driving up to Charlotte (from the Charleston, SC area). Alas, it didn’t work out. But a knitter friend and I got together, to celebrate our mutual Birthday!
I LOVE those eggplant socks!!!! They are gorgeous.
Oh, and you totally should have said hi to the knitter in the airport (provided you weren’t running late or too exhausted to form a sentence)– meeting you could have made her day!
Da-yum! Happen to catch if Dru was taken?
Don’t be shy, Stephanie! When you meet a random knitter, chances are you won’t even have to introduce yourself. Just say “hi.” Whoever it is will look up from their knitting and recognize you (and probably drop a stitch or two, but it’d totally be worth it).
that lady in the airpost MIGHT be my aunt, a very talented ADD knitter who doesn’t knit much any more because she has some condition where it hurts her to knit for more then three hours. and i can totally see her seaming a sweater in an airport.
Well, hello Dru… 🙂
Your socks are lovely! Enjoy the south and its warmth (both the climate and the people)! I’m experiencing winter in Chicago after living in Atlanta for three years, and I’m OVER it!
Wow gorgeous socks! Love the color you chose too!
The comments work over here at yesterday, but the link on today’s is broken, just so you know. I just want to know–how did he know just what sock yarn to present you with! Good for him on that Regia!
Suri-Elizabeth is the cutest baby I have ever seen!
My daughter and family lived in South Carolina for 4 years-North for 3 and I loved visiting during Michigan’s worst monthes-March and April. But I had to laugh-they refer to the Civil War as the War of Aggression! And I swear some of them are still fighting it-My daughter ,who can turn on a southern accent like Scarlett O’Hara anytime, did all the talking for me so my Yankee Twang wouldn’t offend anyone.
But truly, they are the nicest people-even in stores while being waited on they are so honestly cordial -and my Son-in-law is from the South and everytime I visit I wish I was from the South too!
I grew up in Charlotte, so it’s a special city for me. You’re Rivendell socks are gorgeous.
It was great to see Dru’s picture (in fact, I cried a little, not having seen him since Christmas). BUT mainly I screamed–loudly–as I read your description of Dru. Made me proud!Can’t wait to get my book! Thank you so much.
Dru’s Mom, Texas
Aren’t we humans odd little creatures!? When I am knitting in public I just LOVE it when people come up to ask about my project or show me what they are working on or tell me about their Grandma who knits. But I, too, am shy about going up to someone else…
Thank you so much for your wonderful visit to our city!
This was my first time getting to see you and I hope it isn’t the last!
That last sock picture is great! You must be *really* limber!!
Wait a minute – you were too shy to approach a knitter at the airport? It’s wonderful that none of this has gone to your head, but … have you noticed the thousands of knitters flocking to book and yarn stores and anywhere else just to see you in person? How about the number of comments you receive after you blog (what is the record, incidently – over a thousand?) You are THE YARN HARLOT! You are a CELEBRITY! I have been waiting years to see you, and I’m finally going to get my chance at Webs on April 27th. I found your books 2 years ago, and have been trying to catch up on your blog through the archives (I had to know what the deal was with the whole gansey thing), and each one I read makes me want to know you more and more. Your blog is on Favorites at home and at work – even on my phone! If you came up to me while I was knitting, my jaw would drop, all rational thoughts would flee, I would squeal like a 13-year old and hug you within an inch of your life. Good GAD, woman – please, never pass one of us by!!
You must knit jaywalkers out of the rainbow yarn. They are begging to be made into jaywalkers. Just imagine the stripes!!!!!
Btw, I just saw you in ann arbor, and I never realized that you had such an accent. I guess I just think that everyone on the internets sounds exactly like me.
Geez. That was supposed to go on the next post. DUH.
Let me just say – if your friend Dru is single and willing to move to New Brunswick, drop me a line. Any guy willing to do that for his Momma is the kind of guy a nice Canadian girl would like to meet. And, I must add, his Gryffindor scarf will fit right in around these parts – I work at Mount Allison U and we have the same colours!
Yarn harot, Knitting Rock star!
OK, if I got kinneared by the Yarn Harlot I would be so bummed that you were too shy to ask about my knitting! Next time, be bold, be brave, and talk to the person. You’ll make their year!
Loved the talk in Ann Arbor! Can’t wait till the next tour!
The Rivendell socks are beautiful, and I can’t thank you enough for mentioning my yarn. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your tour…maybe when you come back to TO it will be spring!
I look up from my thesis and what do I find out? I missed you! Here! I can’t believe it. Next year I will have a life AND will be checking your tour dates. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
i was at the charlotte signing and thoroughly enjoyed your talk. i’m giggling my way through yiour latest book and looking forward to your next one. i did convert the 14 meters & you were just a bit unbalanced to walk that far in such col weather;-)
i scored some wonderful yarn on the trip to charlotte, saw lots of nascar garages, met tony stewart & the yarn harlot…what more could i ask for on a vacation!
I was an undergrad in Nashville, and I’m glad to hear good things about it. Nashville is so much more than country music and collard greens. It’s a vital banking city and the home of many many colleges and universities, including my favorite–Belmont University!
When I saw the crowds in MN, I couldn’t believe that you actually come to Ann Arbor!
The next days (Saturday & sunday), I searched the newspaper for some sort of report by someone who had been at the library but apparently the event was not deemed newsworthy by our local paper (unbleieveable) what good is a local paper if it doesn’t report local events. anyway, you guys must have been too well behaved.
I wish that I could have attended, but I chose babysitting for a friend. 3 children! I am practically a saint!
Glad that you enjoyed your family. Glad that the airline problems have not added major complications to your life.
Enjoy camp!
you probably did learn all there is about Clt. it’s a nice place to visit. that’s about it. (former resident, happy in northeast)
Holy Shite!!! I just saw Kimberley. That’s so cool. Did you get an address? She looks great, I bet it was nice to see a (somewhat) familiar face. Really cool. E-mail me and tell me everything.