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January 22, 2005
Knit like you mean it
Imagine a place where you can tote your most newly acquired skill (knitting), with one of your best friends in tow, to sit in good company and great conversation... Almost euphoric, to me. I suppose I was just enjoying myself, though : )
"Stitch n Bitch," one of the most renowned instructional, functional books on the topic of knitting, was the rooted cause for our gathering. Knitting is making a comeback as not only a domestic skill but a valued and celebrated art. "SnB" is a hardcore book for hardcore knitters, albeit not all of the congregants were such. DV8 served as an ambient atmosphere for all of us--and all our variation--to come together.
We met some truly interesting folk including two SHC alums, an English teacher at a nearby high school, Heather; the crafty creator of the group, Natasha; and a world-traveler, Rebecca. (I regret that I don't remember everyone's names... I'm horrible with that sort of thing sometimes!)
Heather was learning to knit, as was Amanda, and they were fast-friends as soon as squirrels were mentioned. Rebecca was wearing an amazing scarf that her sister (whose name evades me (sorry!)) had bought for her. Having traveled to Iraq and Germany in recent times, Rebecca had many truly telling tales. Natasha reminded me of the trick for "casting on" (which is when you're just starting your knitting project), since I've only just learned how to knit.
I sat with my "Knitting for Dummies" book in my lap, trying my best to guide Amanda through the tribulation of being a beginner. Although she ended up tearing out her stitches about a half a dozen times, there was quite a bit of laughter serving as accompaniment so I don't think it was all bad. Matter of fact, what with her "HeMan" (now aptly revised as "HeWoman") knitting at the start I don't think we could have had a bad time : )
Top Ten (I've never done one of these before!)
10. Amanda and I parked not-that-far, which was terrific considering the frigid weather!
9. Friday morning I had searched for good yarn for Amanda to learn with at Joann, and I picked something she liked (even though that's not what she's knitting with right now because the yarn I picked kept splitting since she's not used to it...)
8. Did you know that there are no copyright laws in Iraq? ("What would it be like if Napster popped up there? 'napster.iq,' would that be it?" *subsequent laughter*)
7. I learned about a new, all-knitting store in the area called Knit Wits. (What a spiffy name!)
6. My café au lait, flavor of the day "Toasted Almond," was fabulous...
5. Through all the laughter and chatting, I did learn a seed-stitch. Through learning that, I found the reason I kept screwing up all the times I tried before!
4. Meeting all the people that showed up made it worthwhile--even if I wouldn't have learned anything. What an eclectic group!
3. Amanda and I were able to talk about blogging, and perhaps we'll have new visitors(!). (Enough said... we're bloginators, afterall.)
2. I was astounded with some of the work others were doing. Not only the beautiful variations of yarn and such, but the power of the craft itself was marvelous.
1. Spending time with friends is always lovely : )
Originally, Moira blogged the announcement to this event. Sadly, she caught cold and wasn't able to join us : ( Next time, Moira, for sure!
Posted by KarissaKilgore at January 22, 2005 10:51 PM
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Comments
Where did they get that big cup on the table? I thought they only had those styrofoam ones. I want big coffee cups like that someday. *wistfully looks off*
It was a great night. Hopefully the same people will show up, and we can bring some more from SHU. Everyone should learn a new skill every once in a while.
Posted by: Amanda at January 23, 2005 10:53 AM
I agree, Amanda.. I always try and learn new skills. Last semester I was torn between learning the skill of knitting or knife-fighting. I went with knife-fighting for the time being (our group meets at DV8 on Tuesdays).
Posted by: Mike Rubino at January 23, 2005 11:16 AM
Sign me up for that group :-D
Posted by: Amanda at January 23, 2005 3:10 PM
Yeah, we definetly had a blast... And you need to get coffee next time, Amanda dear.
Knife fighting?!?! Sign me up, too... I think anyone could use knife-fighting now-a-days, sadly (kind of like my mad taequondo skills, eh?).
Maybe you ought to tag along next time, Mike. I'd be happy to try to show you how to knit. I'm certain you have the perseverance that Amanda does to learn it :) I can hook you up with some loaner needles and some yarn, if you're interested!
Posted by: Karissa at January 23, 2005 4:18 PM
Hey Karissa,
I taught myself how to knit over break as well. I picked up the skill after I found out the theater department is doing some knitting for costumes in the up coming show. I started a scarf, and I must say I enjoy it. I'd love to join the group! I'll join you next month.
~Steph
Posted by: Stephanie at January 25, 2005 1:47 PM
Steph! I'm so glad that you want to join. We'd be happy to have you, and I know you'll have a wonderful time! Check back on my blog, and I'll be sure to keep the meeting times up-to-date :-)
(It is agreeable, isn't it? I find myself so relaxed when I knit!)
Posted by: Karissa at January 25, 2005 8:25 PM