215 thoughts on “Getting Ready”

  3. I’m so excited and I’m not even going. My friends are already packed and getting ready for their flights.

  5. As sad as I am to be unable to attend, it has been so cool reading your blog and hearing about all the hard work leading up to this and even more cool to see my blog, twitter, plurk, facebook and other feeds filling up with chatter and excitement as knitter, dyers, spinners, designers and more head your way!
    Take at least 5 minutes once a day to look around you and really experience and take in what you’ve done here! It’s totally amazing!

  8. Darnit, I’m wanting to go. But I can’t. 🙁
    I can’t even get my sock yarns! Utter sadness.

  12. So, did you get to ride all the way up to the ceiling that that spectacular crane truck?

  14. Whooo hoo! I wasn’t going to be able to go to Sock Summit but then I quit my !@#$%^&* job and ahhh that felt soo good. I’ll be up on Thursday to sniff yarn etc!
    Did that seem a little drastic?
    Naaaah.

  16. Those pictures are speaking a thousand words. Look what hard work and dedication (and beer) can accomplish! Please take time to enjoy the fruits of your labours.* Have a great time!
    *(Canadian spelling in your honour.)

  17. It’s going to go how it’s going to go – enjoy it if you can! It’s looking pretty awesome.

  18. I’d love to be there!! I’ll see you whenever you choose to do it again! Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend and take time to breathe and laugh wherever possible!

  20. Oh I soooo wish I could be there, even if just to shop the market… Remember step back take it all in, you are living the moment for so many of us. We look forward to hearing and seeing it all. Bring us some yarn home. Have a great time. On with the Sock Summit!

  21. “I just wanted to let you know: good luck, we’re all counting on you.” – Dr. Rumack Airplane

  22. I hope you realize(ST-1&ST-2) that you are in the process of making knitting history. This event will be talked about, blogged about, and tweeted about for the duration of the summit. BUT!!!!! That’s not where it ends. You’ve done something unique in knitting and I am so excited for you. I’m sad I couldn’t register, but I can live vicariously. May I suggest that you schedule this event for every 4 years and alternate between Portland and Toronto. Tina needs to see the other side of the continent. I have my LettuceKnit socks ready for tomorrow(I’m there in spirit) and I have red wine on tap. Cheers, Hazel.

  23. As one of my very fine managers always tried to point out – – stop and look where you started. Too often in this type of event, we get totally caught up in the problems, but please, please slow down for a bit, acknowledge your co-workers and take it in. You deserve it. It has been great seeing a handful of dreamers make this a reality. This spirit has been missing. Kudos to you all, and to those behind the scenes (i.e. families, bar tenders, etc.)

  24. Looking at these pictures is like being on an eating life-change (it’s not a diet!) and standing at a bakery window looking at all the delicious goodies and knowing you just can’t participate in enjoying them.
    Have a fabulous time to all you knitters and great job on organizing Stephanie et al!!!!!

  25. “sigh” I had to make the choice of Sock Summit or 6 days all expenses paid by grandma,take my kids to Disney World.
    Well, at least I look cute in mouse ears.
    Ya’ll have done an amazing job, have a great time!

  26. good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck – good luck.
    and drink lots of fluids…

  28. I’m not usually one to read lots of random blog posts, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be hunting down every sock summit post I can find this week so I can live vicariously through everyone there.
    I’ll just keep reminding myself that the classes would be no fun while simultaneously caring for a 3 month old…no matter how laid back he might be.
    And ditto the previous posters – make sure you take a few moments to step back and enjoy. I bet the next few days are going to fly by faster than you can imagine.

  29. Watching all this being prepared is mind-boggling just for us spectators!
    I’ll be with you in spirit all the way from the east coast (I’m knitting a sock this week)

  30. You know what I appreciate? I really am grateful for the way your blogging about the Summit lets those of us who can’t make it, feel like we’re part of the excitement and the support network too. Thanks 🙂

  31. The funny thing about conference planning is as the event ramps up, your work trails off. There may come a moment when everyone around you is happily engaged in a session and you feel oddly bereft that there is no crisis, no decision, nothing for you to do. That’s when you take a deep breath and remember that you are surrounded by friends. And your trusty sock.
    You have made something wonderful. Bask in it!

  32. There are no words to describe how much we all love you, and how grateful we are for all that you’ve done.
    I’ll see you tomorrow.

  34. Congratulations! I hope all goes well, it’s a huge, massive, gargantuan undertaking and I hope you survive with your sense of humour intact…and come home with lots of pretty yarns. Enjoy.

  36. Yeay! I’ll be there tomorrow! Thank you SO MUCH for all the work you guys have done, and I hope you get to enjoy it as much as we will. It’s gonna be GREAT!!!

  38. Build it and we will come!
    (I wish .. but currently nursing mad mother with broken hip … but next year!)
    All fingers and toes crossed for a resounding and brilliant success.
    x

  41. You continue to inspire, impress, and awe me. What an enormous undertaking!! I just know it’s going to be great, and I can’t wait to read about the fun everyone has!!

  42. i wish for all of you and all of the attendees that the summit turns into a dream come true.
    what a few women with an idea can accomplish!

  43. I’m picturing you galloping between those rooms on a big black horse, warning everyone of the coming onslaught.

  45. I wish I could go…but that is almost hafway around the world… Hmm, someone today suggested gettin a Stargate for our office… and they were talking about a lot less distance (like across a -however wide- street…
    I am holding my fingers crossed for the summit going well.

  46. Everybody: remember the rule of one-two-three for big events like this:
    one shower, two meals, and three hours of sleep per day, minimum!
    I’m not joking!

  48. I am so utterly excited for everyone fortunate enough to be able to experience this historic event….and sooooo jealous at the same time 😉 I’ve started some crazy orange and leaf green socks in you honour and will live vicariously through the blog posts etc. (PS-I think a second sock summit in Toronto is a glorious idea once the dust of Sock Summit 1 settles!)
    I’m sending you all lots of good knitting juju from the East Coast of Canada – be proud of yourselves…be VERY VERY PROUD!!

  50. Way cool!Now if I could only figure out how to teleport myself there,I would be one happy camper!Good Luck and Have Fun!!(Oh yeah,and don’t forget to breathe…)

  51. I am not flying to Portland.
    I am not flying to Portland.
    I am not flying to Portland.
    I will not google cheap flights to Portland.
    I will not explore multi-leg flight options.
    I will make fun plans to help me forget about Portland.
    And yet, somehow, I yearn to be in Portland.

  52. Oooooo! It all looks like so much fun! Just don’t let it be like a wedding where you get so involved you don’t really enjoy it and can’t remember any of it! LOL! Have a wonderful time. Suggestion: next one should be in the Northeast U.S.

  54. Jealous. I’m so jealous. I’m jealous of the knitters that get to go and I am jealous of the knitters organizing the event. Yes, I know that it is a LOT of work but you get to organize something that is going to be so fun, fantastic, amazing and yarn related! That would have such a payoff, especially when the event is in full swing. You are creating memories not just for yourself but for thousands of knitters on pilgrimage to Sock Summit.
    When I grow up, I want to go to sock summit.

  55. Oh my gosh! I am so impressed and awestruck. It’s HUGE. It’s REAL! Have a blast and have a huge celebration (and rest) afterwards.

  56. ooh-i’m so jealous ’cause i’m not going. Have fun!! i know it’ll be more awesome than words can convey!!!

  58. I’m also jealous because I’m not going. As others have said, do take a moment at some point over the weeked and remind yourself of what a huge fantastic thing you and the team have made.
    For those that attend, this is going to be such an amazing event. It must be a fantastic feeling to know that you’re responsible for bringing so much joy to so many! I really wish there was some way I could help out.
    To attendees and organisers alike: Have a great time!

  61. Odd lighting fixtures in the main hall. I’ve never seen fluorescent squares before.

  64. Just two days ago you said that you saw Meg as “a woman with a heart of gold, the willpower of a woman twice her age, and the strength of an ox.”
    Sounds a lot like you, sweetie. Brava.

  65. Yikes! I’m not going to be their personally, but my yarn will!!! Looking at your pictures makes me want to vomit (but only because I’m nervous that I won’t sell anything and it will all be for nothing…)! I can’t wait until it’s all over.

  68. Why is it that convention centers and hotels feel the need to have horrifyingly-retina-burning carpet? That red/blue number is something else.
    See you Friday! . . . (I’ll be volunteering in Registration–not that you’ll know who I am, other than as of the many who smile at you :o)
    Hang in there!

  69. Have a wonderful time! I thought I would be able to go, but turns out I’ll be elsewhere on those days. Oh well – I’m sure it will be fabulous!

  71. Two weeks from now you’ll sit with a beer and be amazed at what you put together–how fabulous! Wish I could be there, and I’ve never yet knit a sock.
    After you recover, please start planning the East Coast event.
    : )

  72. If you build it they will come. Just last week someone told me that knitting was a dying art.
    Little do they know. Wishing all of you the best, and maybe I will see you at the next one?

  73. Oddly enough, this feels very much like a grand accomplishment performed by good friends where I get to be there for support and joyful indulgence. Except I haven’t met any of you and I’m not going to be there…yet I’m still so proud at what a group of mindful dreamers (women!) can accomplish when they set their minds to it. YAY FOR YOU ALL! Have fun and enjoy a job well-done.

  74. Holy Sheep Harlot! That is a huge space. I can’t believe there are going to be that many knitters all in one place!
    Can’t wait to see the upcoming blog posts. I need them to live vicariously through the lucky ducks who get to go.

  76. Thank you for the pictures!!I am checking this site every day. Congratulations on this success in advance!

  78. Stephanie, congratulations! I know you’re scared and wondering how this will all work, but trust me, it will. I’ve been co-chair to a huge quilt show in a building at least that size, and know the butterflies you’re experiencing. I just hope you have good sensible shoes and don’t have to be on your feet the whole time. Too late to tell you this now, but a life saver for me was a rented cart that I could zoom around on. Maybe next year. Can’t wait to hear all about it and see tons of pictures!!!

  79. So excited! I got all giddy watching you hustle through the lobby while I was there for registration. You ladies have done an awesome job from what I saw. Super smooth and easy registration!

  80. Coming to shop on Friday with the (extremely patient and very, very sweet) hubby- hopefully the sprained ankle and banged-up knee survive the trip!

  83. What hath you wrought. Well, semi-wrought, still some small items to do.
    And to think this all started with someone saying, “You know what would be fun?”
    Don’t forget to make time to stop and pet some fiber.

  84. How exciting! I can’t wait to hear your report when it is all over. I wish you the greatest success!

  85. Like other commentors, I’m getting worked up, and I’m not even attending!!! Have a GREAT TIME and ENJOY yourself!!! YAY!!!!

  87. I still can’t believe my school district wouldn’t change this year’s calendar so that I’d be free to go.
    Seriously — it’s going to be brilliant! I won’t waste pixels telling you not to work too hard, but do try to enjoy yourself, too, okay?

  89. I am so crazy jealous – I so wish I was there! Instead, I will drink an adult beverage and knit on my Manon. And maybe cry a little. But just a little.

  91. I am bummed. If I had managed to renew my passport I’d be there most likely! You better do one next year cos I am so there!!
    Have an excellent time 🙂

  92. I was there today! Everything went smoothly and I was registered in no time. Of course the fact that I arrived 2 hours early may have helped putting me at the front of the line 😉 Thanks for allowing me to take a picture of you and Tina with my traveling Chicken. The girls at the yarn shop are going to flip! You are great! 🙂 And I am sooooo excited! wooohooooo

  95. Good luck, it sounds like a blast, wish I could be there! Thanks to the kindness of strangers I’ll be lifting a glass of beer to you after the fact with my Sock Summit beer glass.

  96. Despite all that empty-yet-soon-to-be-filled space, it was the sea of small, round, white tables from the previous post that made my stomach drop. Vaya con Dios.

  97. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Those of us who can’t be there but wish we were, really appreciate it! Next year Toronto? (She says hopefully!)

  98. Wow, those pictures (both days) make that look like a really BIG space. Sure you can fill it up with people? (ducks) Best wishes for a smoothly executed crush of knitter mania.

  99. Oooooooh!! HUGE! I can’t wait to follow all the happenings and live vicariously through all the posts and tweets.
    Hope all of you have a wonderful time!

  101. i’ve never really given alot of thought to the sheer amount of work (physical and mental) that goes into planning such an event. i think in future i shall appreciate craft fairs etal even more! looking forward to being there (vicariously, of course)!

  103. Congrats on all you’ve done!
    Now go out there and get drunk on the yarn fumes. Soak up the knowledge flying around all those Yarn Masters you’ve assembled. And try to relax just long enough to enjoy yourself!

  104. GO ST-1 and ST-2!!!
    Just thought I’d let you know, although there was no way I could manage coming to Sock Summit this year, I am casting on my first ever pair of socks tomorrow, the official start of the Sock Summit, in honor of the event.
    I hope that you have a good enough time to agree to holding this maybe every other year, or every few years…. I’m really looking forward to reading all the blogs, looking at all the pictures, and hearing all the news. I voted in Dye For Glory, and a couple of my picks won! It was wonderful to be able to participate. Bravo and have fun!

  105. The knitters are here!
    I’m sitting at the hotel with my badge around my neck. I can’t wait till tomorrow! Thanks so much for doing this!

  106. OMGOMGOMG. It looks real! I bet it’ll look even more real with people added! That is so cool!
    Sadly, Portland is but an hour away… if I had transportation, which I don’t. And I have teenagers to ride herd on (summer camp, whee) anyway. But that ball of sock yarn in my drawer is developing a tiny piping hey-you-should-knit-me voice 🙂

  107. Good luck! I hope the record attempt goes well – I can’t (can?) believe others picked up the ball and ran with it. I’ll be there in spirit but on in person.

  108. Have fun!
    I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but next time, if there is one, can we do it in Canada???
    I volunteer to help!

  109. Wish I was going to be there. I am currently knitting some handspun sock in solidarity with the group who will be! Next year Denver?????

  110. Wow! I wish I was going. It looks like it is going to be FANTASTIC. I wish you great success, and that all your glitches (because there are ALWAYS glitches) are small and quickly and easily fixed.

  111. When I was a kid I’d get so excited on the days leading up until Christmas. The night before I could never sleep because I wanted to see Santa (even though my older sister spilled the beans about him when I was four). The activities and feeling of the season would just build up so much that it was almost impossible not to believe in magic. Sock Summit feels the same way… except this time instead of Santa there will be live knitting celebrities! And they’ll be real and probably not dressed in tacky red velvet. Probably not anyway. Should I bring cookies and milk? Squee! I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight.

  113. I’m here and I’m sooo very excited! To see the Sock Summit logo live and all the friendly volunteers and smiling knitters. Registration was quick and smooth. I can’t wait for tomorrow. I saw you going here and there-looking very busy, but smiling-I’m glad you are happy-and you should be very proud of the amazing feat you all accomplished. On the plane to Portland, I heard other passengers near me talking about knitting things like “gauge” and such, and for the first time I felt so tremendously happy-to be among “my own kind”, those of us who love knitting socks and knitting in general. I felt so much like a weird person when I went on about my excitement about SS at work and to family. They just don’t “get it”. Everyone here certainly “gets it”, and I feel like I’m finally home. Thank you from the bottom of my knitterly heart.

  114. Tonite after church my sister introduced me to 2 nice ladies that she was hugging the stuffin’ out of, “They’re from Canada, but don’t hold that against them.” I said, “That’s all right, my best friend whom I’ve never met is Canadian!” There you are, family everywhere. We are knitters! Hear us roar!!!

  116. Last weekend I thought you would probably not be able to find the time and energy to blog this week. Girl, you definitely rock. This shows that you’re totally on top of things. Go girl…Enjoy!!

  117. Very best of luck and don’t forget to take a breath now and again and just enjoy it – or at least take lots of pics so you can enjoy it later. I’m sure it’ll go by in a flash. Well done, super work. Wish I was there …

  118. I am working all night answering my Police Dispatcher phone…but in between 911’s I am knitting a sock in your honour…
    A piece of advice..dont’ start something complicated at 230 am…should be a rule. Have fun Stephanie and a Toronto Summit would be terrific in a year or 2…
    You’re rocking, all of you. I will be toasting you with a beer in an hour when I get home after my shift…

  119. sniffle…wish I was going…looks like it’s going to be so much fun.
    And I second the motion…a TORONTO Sock Summit is going to be next, eh?

  122. Arrived PDX at 10:30 p.m. local time. Saw
    the coolest thing – a couple of folks holding up
    “Sock summit shuttle” signs. Nearly went over
    and hugged them just for being there. 1:00a.m. Finally
    went to bed after spending hours talking to my sister
    about the finer point of our class homework.
    4:30a.m. I am awake, hungry, and impatient for
    daylight! Wake up world, SS09 is finally freakin’
    here!!!!!

  123. I know everything will fall into place, ignore the glitches, take a deep breath and enjoy all the sockiness!!!

  125. **** Second moving it to the East Coast next year! Local flavour is important too!
    (2nd Canadian spelling in your honour.)
    ~~~ ~~ ~ Barbara, wavin’ from the Jersey Shore ~~~ ~~ ~

  126. I like the idea of casting on a sock in honour of the Sock Summit 2009. I will cast on the second pair I’ve ever knit tomorrow and think of everyone there. Sock on!

  127. It boggles the mind! That many knitters in one place might just make such a huge cloud of happiness and good feelings that it shifts weather patterns all over North America!!

  128. Thanks so much for sharing the Sock Summit with those of us who cannot attend. I find it thrilling just to read your blog. Next year… Meanwhile, I think I will just cast on and get to work.

  129. I’m not even going and I got goose bumps! Have as much fun as humanly possible. Don’t forget to stop and pet the yarn!

  130. Oooo! I’m in on the “knit new socks during Sock Summit” thing – I may not be in Oregon, but I’m totally with all y’all in spirit! (And hey – it’s an excuse to cast on More Socks!)

  131. I’m with you on “knit new socks during Sock Summit”. I can’t be there but also will be living vicarously through your(and everyone elses) blogs. And remember – ENJOY!

  133. Wow. Just Wow. It’s so exciting to think that so many people “get it” about the wonderfulness of knitting socks, and realize that a hand-knitted sock is so much more than just a right-angled tube with a heel, and are gathering to celebrate it. Next year, could the next Sock Summit please be in Toronto? So I could go?

  135. I already have a Cat Bordhi pattern on the needles using Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn. However, in honour of the SUMMIT, I think I will cast on a new pair using Tina’s Socks That Rock Scaponia or Rare Gems. This is not a slur against Cat. I want to try her Riverbed architecture. It will be my first toe-up sock. Having knit only 4 pairs of socks(blush! blush!) in my life, I’m probably being overly ambitious. However, the whole idea of the Summit just makes you want to participate even if you’re in Northern Ontario instead of Portland. Go, Sock Knitters, Go!!!!!! Cheers, Hazel.

  136. I don’t knit yet, and I soo wish that I was there to join you all. Have a great time.

  137. That carpet will not look quite so bad when it’s covered with knitters!
    I do wish I was there. I think I’ll cast on something socky that I haven’t tried before and ensure that I learn a new technique in honour of all the hard work going on in Portland.

  140. The Knitters are coming, the Knitters are coming.
    Charge the camera and get ready for insanity and no sleep.
    Hope everyone has a wonderful time!!

  142. Oh, wow!!! Pictures are great!! The jealousy is creeping in. New meaning has been added to: Wish I was there! Can’t wait now to see photos with all those lucky knitters having a wonderful time, enjoying their classes, fondling their purchases, meeting the best teachers–there’s that jealousy again………

  143. Just an idea: Have those of us who can’t make it and decide to cast on a pair of socks in honor of the Summit, post a photo. It would kind of like the aftermath of a harsh winter when all those babies are born nine months later.

  144. Good lord, you are getting me nervous, and I’m just sitting here living vicariously through your blog. 🙂
    Sock On!

  146. The pictures bring back memories of the science fiction and Star Trek conventions I used to help run… Best wishes for a great Sock Summit.

  147. I can’t take the suspense any longer. Everyone is at Sock Summit having a great exhausting time and no one has any time to keep the rest of us up on everything that is going on.UGHHHH. I wish the entire thing was on Skype or a web cam or something.

  148. I am travelling a few hundred miles to Portland tomorrow and will spend all weekend with family. I won’t be able to take in ANY of the Sock Summit. Wish I could walk through the marketplace and look at all the amazing yarns. sigh.

  149. The great thing about being on-site for a conference that you’ve planned is that all the major work’s done & you get to see the results of all your efforts. There will be little troubleshooting things that come up, but it’s a great feeling to know that you’ve actually created something that lots of people are enjoying and learning from.
    Congratulations.

  150. Darn It – If plane tickets from Atlanta to Portland weren’t over $1200 bucks right now I’d be there! I so want to be there! Have fun all you lucky people. Years from now you’ll be able to say “I was at SS09” and make the rest of us sigh 🙂

  151. >With very thick (like 17) wood needles, clacked together as claves (clawvays), sporting a drawly british accent, and clopping up and down like horses (a la Monty Python):
    “The knitters are coming, the knitters are coming!”
    Can’t you just see it? There in the Pavillion, all the knitters with their bags of colorful sock yarn, wide-eyed and clopping around, the brave, brave Knitters of the In-the-Round table!
    All right, so I’m wishing, real bad, that I was there, but I’m not, so a little whacky thinking gets me through my dismay.
    Have a wonderful time. Breath, drink water, then beer, (’cause Oregon beer is soooo yummy) and of course, knit.

  152. What she said:
    …. I know you don’t want to hear this right now, but next time, if there is one, can we do it in Canada???
    I volunteer to help!
    Posted by: Kelly Magill at August 5, 2009 10:48 PM …
    Edmonton Handkintters: rarin’ to go!!!

  158. Went into the marketplace just about 5pm and passed right by you. You look just like your pictures, but you’re shorter than I thought. You were talking on the radio, and you said “Don’t make me guess where you are, I’m too tired”. Whoever you were trying to find was a few feet away, and you said “Marco” and she said “Polo” and I was just in the middle. Somehow I felt thrilled!

  159. Lovely event, and your organizers and co-creators must be very pleased and proud. You have all== large and small, great and good, divas and spear carriers==wrought mightily and made something fine. I do hope you will be able to enjoy yourself at some point in the weekend. Every time I saw you today you seemed upset or beset, and I felt bad for you; still, everyone else was having a blast at the party, even if you couldn’t relax very much yourself.
    It must be hard to be a recognizable face when you are just trying to do a job. Best of luck with the next 3 days of the Summit, and I hope someone knows a good massage therapist for you and Tina and the other organizers to help you release some of the leftover tension when it’s over and you can take in the success.

  164. A suggeston for next year: Have an ST-2 member whose job is to take pictures of the event and post them daily on the web. Believe me, people who really wanted to go, but couldn’t, will check it daily.

  165. Good luck today! Hopefully you won’t need it, but I’m wishing it for you anyway. I hope that through all the things you’ll have to take care of as a host of the event, you’ll still have time to enjoy yourself!

  168. Having spent every day since Wednesday checking the blog-and not just once, but about 20 times a day(I feel a little obsessive/compulsive having said that), I know what the Sock Summit needs. You need a PR person on tap from the very beginning to post pictures with comments and to ghost write your blog, Stephanie. Heaven knows, I realize you don’t have the time to do it yourself. However, for the vicariously-attending hordes(and there are gazillions of us), we are desperate to be included and we so want to see and hear about what we are(sob! sob!) missing. This is NOT a criticism, but a suggestion for next time. I’ll even volunteer. Cheers, Hazel

  170. Thank you for your part in dreaming up the Sock Summit and all your hard work!!! I didn’t even manage to get tickets for lessons, but I had A BLAST Friday. I got yarn as big as my head (and several more normal sized ones.) I saw glimpses of knitting celebrities. I helped knit for the Guinness World Record. I chatted with other knitters. It was just plain fun.

  171. I just got home from a full day in the Marketplace. You and your team have done a fabulous job with this event. Thank you!
    Be very proud!!

  172. At the end of the Opening Night Reception last night, you said something like, “We made this for you. We hope you like it.” I cried. You are all about 16 kinds of awesome. I am so happy and thrilled to be here (if jetlagged), and your hard work has really, *really* paid off. It’s incredible. Thank you.

  173. P.S. I hope you enjoy the squirrel and lucky penguin stitch markers I made for you. You see, penguins keep the squirrels away. You don’t see any squirrels in the Arctic, now do you?

  174. oh bravo all of you. Dragon Boat is awesome. I love seeing big events come to life like that. The shots of the gigantic rooms just gave me chills. Soak it Up!!! Remember (not that you’ll read this) to bring extra socks and/or shoes…changing them is a lease on life when doing the job you’ve chosen for this week-end. Have a blast.

  176. I can’t wait to hear how it all went…I’m on my way over to Tiggywinkleknits’ blog to see what’s up.

  177. I’m following along on SS Ravelry Discussion board. It sounds like you are all having such fun. which I could be there too, but there are only so many spots. 🙂
    I know this was a lot of work, but you have made a lot of knitters VERY happy!

  179. HI Steph: I’m following the Sock Summit through other bloggers and a video of the World Record posted by a newspaper (more knitters than golfers? Wow). Saw a photo of Barbara Walker OMG and one of you at the Sock Hop. You are putting on the biggest and best party ever.

  180. Hi Steph – It sounds like you are all having fun! I just watched the video of the record breaking, and I just love your Canadian accent. Also – congrats to all of you on a successful attempt! Looking forward to hearing more about this (sorry I couldn’t be there….)

  181. I am so excited ….Sock Summit is here. Good luck, and to all the knitters attending, enjoy!!!!

  182. I just wanted to say that if you go to yahoo.com Sock Summit is #4 on their list of popular searches! How cool is that?

  184. I just wanted to leave you a note to let you know how much I enjoyed Sock Summit. I only went for the day (didn’t get into any classes but still wanted to check out the marketplace), but was really impressed with the range of sock yarn available! Hopefully there will be another sock summit, where I can hope to get into a class!

  186. First Woodstock and now this! My mom wouldn’t let me out of the house for Woodstock (I was so depressed), but not nearly as much as now. All you wonderful knitterly people in the same place, it was like a dream come true…and knitting socks of all things (my favorite pasttime). I told myself that joining the RSC would be just as good and I would be ok about not attending, but no! Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I was missing you all and all of the knitterly fun! In case you care….

  187. Wow. Looking back at these photos after Sock Summit is over 🙁 it is hard to believe that it ever looked like that. The place was teeming with color, yarn, people – HAPPY PEOPLE, the whole time I was there. It was like a magical land and it is hard to imagine that it probably already looks like these photos, again. The whole experience just continues to blow my mind.

  188. Stephanie! Kudos, accolades and HUZZAHS to you, Tina and your crew for the FABULOUS Summit! I zoomed down from Seattle just for the Marketplace and it exceeded my expectations. Everyone was so warm, welcoming, enthusiastic, PASSIONATE…and yet there was a calm and lack of frenzy. You gals outdid yourselves. For a freshman effort, it seemed like the well-oiled machine had been in place for years. Can’t wait for 2010! Hope you are now getting some well-earned rest! AMAZING! FABULOUS! SPECTACULAR!

  189. I got home to Seattle from Sock Summit last night, brought in the essentials, left the rest in the car and got into bed. Slept about 12 hours! What a BLAST that was. There were people like me (weird sock knitters who take their knitting everywhere and who love and share and talk about sock knitting) EVERYWHERE and I loved every minute. My cheeks are tired from smiling and my arms tired from pinching myself to be sure it was really happening. I have enough memories and assignments from classes to keep me going for a long time. Thanks to all the staff, teachers, volunteers, and especially to Steph and Tina, I am glad you built it, I am glad I was extremely lucky to attend, with all my class and event choices. I will share and pass it on! Everything was awesome! Peace.

  190. Sock Summit was awesome. And I only did the marketplace. You all did a stellar job on a totally overwhelming event. When I ran into you and Tina on my way out Saturday you were barely there. I can only imagine how tired you were at that point. Just know that you did a great thing here!

  192. Stephanie, thank you, thank you, thank you. I didn’t know it was possible to have as much fun as we did this past week. Everything was beautifully coordinated, everything worked, events and classes went off as planned, everyone knew where they were supposed to be, and the show book is a treasure. I did not hear one person utter a complaint. You, Tina, and the rest of the Sock Team, the volunteers, and everyone else who worked so hard to make this a wonderful event deserve a huge round of applause, and weeks in a spa to catch up with yourselves.
    Again, thank you so much. And the banks who gave me my credit cards thank you too.

  193. I just returned to Chicago from the most amazing Summit!! You all did the most terrific job, and I was stunned that this was the first year. Things seemed to go as planned without any hitches (at least from where I was standing). From the range of teachers, and events, to the amazing marketplace. I have never had such a great time!
    It seemed that one and all had an amazing time thanks to all of your efforts to create such a unique event. While we all (it seemed) had a great time, we do realize that it was at ST-1 & ST-2’s expense in regards to lack of sleep, time lost with families, etc. We appreciate all of your hard work to give us such a unique event.
    Jen

  194. Thank you Stephanie for an absolutely wonderful week-end. To see so many happy, smiling faces all in one place was great. Everyone I ran into seemed to be saying what a great time people were having. The marketplace was one big hug, it seemed. Thank you for all you gave up and did to make this week-end happen. It was terrific!

  195. …and a great time was had by all! Thank you for your hard work, thank your family for all their hard work and thank all the knitters for making this a reality!!!

  197. CONGRATULATIONS – from ALL reports I’ve seen and heard, you did a FANTABULOUS JOB.
    As someone who has hosted conferences of this size (but not nearly as fun as a knitting conference), I know that your brain is probably a mass of quivering jelly and you are exhausted beyond comprehension. I do hope you had someone to escort you to your plane and that you’ve safely arrived back home. 🙂
    Rest, relax, breathe, roll over and sleep some more, have a cup of tea/glass of wine/mug of beer/all three – we will be patiently waiting til you are rested and refreshed. Take all the time you need.
    JOB WELL DONE!

  198. Thank you for a wonderful weekend! Everything went without a hitch, from this attendee’s view, and it was great… moments like seeing you and Barbara Walker walking together down the hall, seeing BW give Meg Swansen a kiss on the cheek, having books signed by them and others, good classes–they’ll stay with me forever.
    You and Tina (and the rest of your crew) did a masterful job, well done!

  199. I surely realize that this event must have been exhausting for you and all concerned.
    Been googling the event to get some impressions of what occurred. But I have to admit I can’t wait to hear it in your words.
    Rest, it’s well deserved. But take pity on those of us who were unable to attend.
    Looking forward to your post on the summit,
    graceknits

  200. Whew!!! By now you are able to breathe and savor your success I hope! Congrats! Hope I get to come play next year. Enjoy….

  201. Thank you to you, Tina and everyone else who worked so hard. This was an extraordinary event that I will treasure. Enjoy your family and get lots of rest.

  202. I loved being able to share this past week with my daughter, Indigo. She thought it was terrific getting to meet you. Thanks to you, Tina and ST2.

  203. I’m having withdrawal symptoms and I WASN’T EVEN THERE!!!!!! My solidarity project with Sock Summit was a Cat Bordhi toe-up sock(a first for me) using the Riverbed architecture and using Tina’s Socks That Rock Scarponia. I’m one increase away from finishing the arch expansion. I may be in denial as to gauge, but a full sized swatch sock will fit someone. Did anyone else knit along with the summit? I can hardly wait for Sock Summit 2-a Toronto event, I hope. Rest on your laurels for a while. Everything I’ve seen and read tells me it was a to die for as well as a to dye for 4 days. Cheers, Hazel.
    Congratulations to everyone who made it possible!!!!!!

  204. Just wanted to chime in and say THANK YOU for putting Sock Summit together. It was wonderful. I didn’t want to bug you at the summit to thank you in person (I figured you had enough going on without talking to the dorky Idaho girl), but again…it was incredible. And so are you and Tina for doing it! You rock!!!

  205. I have been knitting along with the Summit. After knitting dozens of pairs for family members I cast on with the July Issue of the Rocking Sock Club from Blue Moon. They were tricky for me and a challenge. I finished the first one tonight and it fits like a dream, so comfy and the yarn is beautful…I can’t wait to start the 2nd one..and may wear just one for now!!
    It sounds like you all had a blast…there were lots of us knitting along it seems.
    Take time to get your breath back, get some rest and enjoy the afterglow.

  207. I remember walking into a classroom in Kananaskis and saying “is this knitting for speed and efficiency?” and having this petite lady say “I hope so, otherwise I’m in the wrong room”. I think I felt a little bit like that lady in the elevator with Barbara Walker (I may have died in the elevator however, or suffocated).

  208. Just so you don’t find it weird saying “life-changing” and “empowering”: My non-knitter sister was a participant in a few of my activities during the weekend. She commented about the amazing community we had, all with most of us never meeting face-to-face prior to that weekend. I really think your words aren’t that “out there” to describe the Summit!

  209. “Yes. I am a knitter. I’m Barbara Walker”.
    Stephanie, my Knitting Colleague, I would have the same response if it were you and I in the elevator and you said, “Yes. I am a knitter. I am Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.” Seriously.
    Hugs — and congratulations!

  210. August 14th, 2009 A.D., 17:10:44
    “FOR SURE; THIS LOOKS LIKE IT’S MORE THAN JUST ABOUT THE SOCKIES…”
    Hi Stephanie & All,
    Wow! I was looking at an Art Gallery’s projects invitation on the INet in Catskill, New York, U.S.A., which then led to public art mural projects in L.A. California, then to Yarn Shop supplies, next an amusing blog about Knitting, and now here is a “Creative Arts Empowerment Forum” going on…I hope you will soon arrive for the same activities in the Albany, New York U.S.A. area for a Scarf Weaving, Crocheting, and/or Knitting Convention that could also be looking good for the next agenda(at the former Pepsi Arena, anyone? Count on plenty of space for any convention with resulting parking, wonderful restaurants, and excellent stay-over accomodations! Albany International Airport is nearby, with taxis and buses and trains/trolleys to transport you anywhere in the city, and beyond)…What a great and fun idea, having a summit for sockies! In reading all of the comments here about the convention, suddenly I realized that a great number of people are expressing their joy in participating in educational arts and crafts activities, that are serving to inspire and unify each person’s positive and creative efforts as a group activity for self-improvement, as well as initiating a movement of ‘reaching out’ to others…So now it looks like that it’s not just the projects for such a convention that matter so much, as does the show of creativity, caring, sharing, organizational skills, teamwork, teaching skills, and the resulting attitudes of personal character improvement that such positive creative group educational efforts generate. This shows that the first step in learning anything that will help to better one’s self and others in any way, is a step in the right direction to personal empowerment, which requires an attitude of being able to envision, commit to, and reach excellence in life, no matter AND whatever the presiding and dominant influencing ‘life-events level’ one is able to, has to, or is required to function at. An attitude of; “Always do your best, with whatever you have…” is key to this. As a result, this personal empowerment leads us to achieving the physical, mental, and spiritual (Holistic: body, mind, spirit) improvements that will enable us to succeed; in continued self-improvements first, then in helping others, then in improving our communities, which eventually gains momentum and postitively influences the world…Surely, everybody that shares the same ideas, goals, and such enthusiasm will be able to shout: “YES; I, YOU, SHE, HE, IT, WE, YOU, THEY, CAN…” As for myself: ‘I’ can too – I believe; With ‘His Help’, One Day At A Time…’Higher Powered’…Yes, it does get better! And here’s a little more inspiration in the way of a quote from Lady Diana Spencer, a.k.a.; H.R.H., Princess of Wales: “IN THIS WORLD OF FROTH AND BUBBLES, TWO THINGS STAND LIKE STONE; KINDNESS IN ANOTHER’S TROUBLES, COURAGE IN OUR OWN…” Keep The Faith, whatever yours may be…And keep on creating good things that last…

  211. August 14th, 2009 A.D., 17:10:44
    “FOR SURE; THIS LOOKS LIKE IT’S MORE THAN JUST ABOUT THE SOCKIES…”
    Hi Stephanie & All,
    Wow! I was looking at an Art Gallery’s projects invitation on the INet in Catskill, New York, U.S.A., which then led to public art mural projects in L.A. California, then to Yarn Shop supplies, next an amusing blog about Knitting, and now here is a “Creative Arts Empowerment Forum” going on…I hope you will soon arrive for the same activities in the Albany, New York U.S.A. area for a Scarf Weaving, Crocheting, and/or Knitting Convention that could also be looking good for the next agenda(at the former Pepsi Arena, anyone? Count on plenty of space for any convention with resulting parking, wonderful restaurants, and excellent stay-over accomodations! Albany International Airport is nearby, with taxis and buses and trains/trolleys to transport you anywhere in the city, and beyond)…What a great and fun idea, having a summit for sockies! In reading all of the comments here about the convention, suddenly I realized that a great number of people are expressing their joy in participating in educational arts and crafts activities, that are serving to inspire and unify each person’s positive and creative efforts as a group activity for self-improvement, as well as initiating a movement of ‘reaching out’ to others…So now it looks like that it’s not just the projects for such a convention that matter so much, as does the show of creativity, caring, sharing, organizational skills, teamwork, teaching skills, and the resulting attitudes of personal character improvement that such positive creative group educational efforts generate. This shows that the first step in learning anything that will help to better one’s self and others in any way, is a step in the right direction to personal empowerment, which requires an attitude of being able to envision, commit to, and reach excellence in life, no matter AND whatever the presiding and dominant influencing ‘life-events level’ one is able to, has to, or is required to function at. An attitude of; “Always do your best, with whatever you have…” is key to this. As a result, this personal empowerment leads us to achieving the physical, mental, and spiritual (Holistic: body, mind, spirit) improvements that will enable us to succeed; in continued self-improvements first, then in helping others, then in improving our communities, which eventually gains momentum and positively influences the world…Surely, everybody that shares the same ideas, goals, and such enthusiasm will be able to shout: “YES; I, YOU, SHE, HE, IT, WE, YOU, THEY, CAN…” As for myself: ‘I’ can too – I believe; With ‘His Help’, One Day At A Time…’Higher Powered’…Yes, it does get better! And here’s a little more inspiration in the way of a quote from Lady Diana Spencer, a.k.a.; H.R.H., Princess of Wales: “IN THIS WORLD OF FROTH AND BUBBLES, TWO THINGS STAND LIKE STONE; KINDNESS IN ANOTHER’S TROUBLES, COURAGE IN OUR OWN…” Keep The Faith, whatever yours may be…And keep on creating good things that last…

  212. P.S. Due to spelling and grammatical errors, the first comment I posted should be deleted. Thanks! No matter how hard I try to spell perfectly, review, correct, and then post, something always throws a wrench into the works…

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