This and That

Knitting Around Town

We've been back in the States for a month, and I'm happy to report that we've settled back into our old life pretty easily. B's working gobs, and so am I, actually. I knit during TV time, or those times when I'm waiting in line or for my number to be called.

I made a bunch of progress on My So-Called Scarf last week while hanging out at the DMV and Social Security office. I was running around changing my last name. I've been married a year but I kept needing my passport, so I couldn't change it until now. Friday seemed like a good enough day to sit around, and sit I did.

Surprisingly, knitting was a popular activity in government waiting rooms. At the DMV, I sat next to a woman who admitted to working on one single afghan for more than 20 years. She started it when she was pregnant with her first son, and she still brings it out every now and then to knit a few stitches. She also admitted that it's an ugly brown and she'd never use it if she finished it. Yet, she plans to keep it and knit on it whenever the mood strikes. I love that story.

A woman next to me at the Social Security office was working on a fingerless mitt, knitting at lightening speed on four dpns. We eyed each other's projects, but it was actually her husband who asked me what I was working on. He also noted the Belatrix socks I was wearing, recognizing them as handknit. I'm not sure how to take that. Of course, I felt the need to apologize for their ugliness, to which he responded with a listing of his wife's crazy socks.

Anyhoo... here's a shot of my so-far scarf:

I started this on the airplane a month ago, though "start" is not quite what I mean to say. I knit a few inches over and over on different needles, realizing that the size I wanted was in my check bag.

I'm totally digging how the colorway, Krauterbeet, is zig-zagging up the scarf. And do I need to sing the praises of Wollmeise yarn? What can I say that hasn't already been said? If you haven't taken the Wollmeise plunge, Claudia's new online shop is now open, making it all that much easier to indulge.*

Chomped

The bath mat is just about finished, and would already be finished but for one minor set back - Nigel got a hold of my needle.

Most of the time he looks innocent enough, but don't let those floppy ears and doe eyes fool you. He's a little terror. Perhaps it's for the better anyway. I stopped by Knit Happens to replace my circular, and they only had metal needles in the size I needed. The metal combined with the pointier tips are making for a much nicer knit. It's a lot easier on the hands, and it's going even faster now. I should be able to finish it today. Woohoo!

Knitting my own bath mat is making me feel all super DIY lately. I'm having urges to make soap and start a compost pile in the backyard. I'm getting more in touch with how precious things, any things, are. We take for granted that someone else is putting her sweat and tears into our throw-away lifestyle. I have the yarn to make some wash cloths, and finally my copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting is en route from Texas. I look forward to decorating my new home with my own sweat and, hopefully, not too many more tears. Eh-hem, Nigel.

* When I went back to my post to add links, I noticed that her shop is currently closed for repairs. I'm sure it will be back up soon.

Comments

[Jeannie]

The scarf is turning out so pretty! I love the colors and how they're working up into the scarf.

I have learned a bit about things being precious this summer, particularly water. We're in an area that hasn't gotten much rain. We get all of our water off of our roof and from wells. We've really had to cut back on our water consumption. I'm looking into a grey water system for the future.

I'm sorry to hear about the broken needle, but it sounds like things turned out for the best if it's going faster now. I have my eye on the circular rug...if I can only find the time.

[jennsquared]

I love the scarf! I'm planning on making one with the pidge look to it. I got two maple buttons for it while I was in Cleveland.

btw, I haven't had a chance to send out your surprise yet - too busy. I'll probably bring it with me to TN and send it from there.

[becky]

I can't believe Nigel would do something like that. I LOVE that scarf color!

[Heather]

Oh my that Krauterbeet is a beauty. Glad you're getting settled and I have so many wips right now that could easily go the way of that dear woman's afghan!!!

[tiennie]

The scarf is so pretty! That's great that you run into other knitters - love the DMV story. I hardly ever run into other knitters. :(

[Jen in CT]

The scarf is lovely. I like how the color zig-zags, too!

[Jessica]

Love the colors on the scarf. That is too funny about the lady with the blanket. I guess she just doesn't want to give up! Bad doggy! But I'm glad you have better needles now at least.

[Shannon]

I am so getting some of that Wollmeise. It is so gorgeous - every bit of it you have ever shown. I can't wait to have my own place one day to DIY it to death.

[olga]

wow, that guy must have sharp eyes to catch the handmade sock! Not one person has ever commented on mine when I wear them. And ain't you the poster child for a sustainable lifestyle!!! Soon you will have your own cable show....;o)

[Debbie]

I'm sure it wasn't Nigel. Some other dog broke into your place and nipped on your needle.

Your So Called Scarf is looking great and those colors rock.

Um, how hard was it to change your passport? Been married 4 years and just now getting around to it. Think I'm on the 2+ year plan for changing my name over. Such a total pain in the arse!