Dear Ann,
So, yesterday I packed Carrie off to Israel with a bunch of other teenagers and a few brave and generous leadership-type souls.
There she goes. They were rushing to get to Jerusalem by sundown for shabbat. Having never been in Jerusalem for shabbat, or even an ordinary sunset, I am a little envious. Stones are only stones, but as Reb Jack White and the Raconteurs have pointed out, some stones will shout.
By more or less coincidence, this afternoon I cast on the State Street Cowl. I’m using Bauhaus by Soul Wool, a bulky wool that is hand spun and hand dyed in Israel. (I found it at the revitalized Yarn Company on Broadway and 81st Street in NYC). The color is Bat Grey. Bat as in the animal, I’m sure, but perhaps also as in “bat mitzvah.” ANYHOO. Insert maudlin maternal thoughts here. Why is it that the minute they are out the door, one’s innards turn to mush?
Back to the State Street Cowl. Based on its cuteness and rave reviews, I’m auditioning it for a back-up go-to cowl pattern. I love the Honey Cowl, but I’d like something a little chunkier. I still have lots of necks to be-cowl, and I’m hopeful about the State Street Cowl because it has a texture pattern that has a nice groove to it while you’re knitting. Easily memorized because it makes sense. Stylish without being precious or fancy.
I knit what you see here, which is about a third of the cowl, in an hour. (US 11 needles + rhythmic knit and purl pattern = speedy.)
I want to knit one in the suggested yarn, Quince & Co.’s Puffin. But here’s the thing. I’m lazy about ordering yarn online. I do my impulse shopping in yarn stores, which don’t, as yet anyway, carry Quince & Co.. I’ll get around to it, as I’ve heard all the good things about Quince & Co.’s lush yarns, but I am just saying: I am old. I like to buy yarn in yarn stores. Retailers take note; we still exist.
And here’s a bit of a meh project. Flush with the success of the Chevron Scarf from Scarves, Shrugs & Shawls by Sarah Hatton, and eager to bust my stash of single balls of Rowan Kid Silk Haze, I cast on for the Bold Stripe Scarf. As you can see, I’m in the early stages. It’s fine mindless subway knitting, but I’m already beginning to think about how long it’s going to get, and worry that it’s going to be a dank, snaky coil of mohair around my neck when it’s finished. Is it worth all the round-and-round? It’s just a tube. Even with my high tolerance–affection, even–for soothingly simple knitting, is this too boring? Is the FO going to be worth it? Don’t know yet.
Happy holiday weekend to those in the US and everybody else, enjoy a regular-sized weekend.
Love,
Kay
Hear. Hear. There are many of us who still use all of the senses God gave us. We’re the tactile folks who love to see, feel (the yarn and the energy in the shop), touch and even smell the yarn. Online shopping has its benefits to be sure, but please don’t let they LYSs of the world go away!
(State Street Cowl looks good!)
Funny you should ask. Today I got to knit with a friend I see far too infrequently. She pulled her Kid Silk Haze stripey scarf out of her bag with a flourish — 8 or so stripes in, it is absolutely breathtaking. Do not give up!
I’m always hesitant to buy new yarn online too (with the exception of Knit Picks, because I’ve been a very broke knitter at times). Fortunately for me, there’s a LYS here in Portland (Dublin Bay) that carries Quince & Company. I still haven’t bought any, but I know it’s there if I want some.
In Canada it is a long weekend. Ours is called Family Day, and it usually coincides pretty well with my daughter’s birthday, so I am hosting a sleepover here tonight. Or as she says, a “sleep”-over with those little hand-made quote marks 13-year-olds use.
I agree with Linda, I only buy yarn I already know online. I need to touch, feel and rub the yarn before I can commit to it! Besides, you can’t really trust the colours on a computer screen. 😉
Wow. “First International Trip without Mom?” If so, that sounds like a big deal for everyone. Also I’m so with you on the in-person yarn purchase thing. Ordering online is convenient, but I think the world needs to have Local Yarn Stores and Local Book Stores to browse (and impulse buy)in.
Oh, and the projects are lovely, and I like the concept of “easily memorized because it makes sense.” ‘Knit to Self-Soothe’ is my motto!
Oh! Both our daughters did that, and I worried every single moment they were away. Also while they were in flight. It was the very early days of email, and it was difficult to stay in touch with them. They both had WONDERFUL experiences.
I LOVED my summer trip to Israel as a teenager (way before even the early days of email, Mary K). It is worth it, especially sunrise over Masada, totally worth the trip.
Carrie is going to have an amazing time and return with plans to join Tzahal…no wait! I didn’t say that! But she WILL have an amazing time. Isn’t worry part of the job description (if not MOST of it??!!)
Both look great! Entering a blue period? Safe travels for your girl.
Hang in there Mom! I’ll bet she has a fabulous time!!!
with regard to the project that’s a bit “meh”, it’s comforting to know that other knitters, too, have their moments of knitting with “doubts”. i guess they give us the perspective to be able to appreciate the “without a doubt” projects.
lovediane
Lucky Carrie! Well, if she takes to Israel, then on a future trip you can fly out and meet her there and take in a Jerusalem Shabbat together. (That’s how my parents dealt with it.) And then go into the Sinai and meet the soul wool guy! Yarn Company is looking great these days, isn’t it?
Being a parent is just…worry worry worry. Think good thoughts. Knit her a blanket. I try to knit all my jumping up and d own worry into useful objects. Beats banging my head against the wall.
State Street Cowl is one I’ve being thinking about making for a while now.
I agree with your concern about a long scarf of the KSH. I’ve just begun the Ombre Cowl Hood and that may be a quick, good answer to your concerns.
I’m sure there will be a lot of anxious knitting with your daughter away!
As someone facing redundancy because my bosses reckon they can rake in just as much dosh by cutting out the wage slaves and selling only on the interweb, may I say, nay shout:
SUPPORT YOUR LYS!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUTCHER/BAKER/CANDLESTICKMAKER!
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL STATIONIONERY SUPPLIER IF YOU DON’T NEED A CANDLEMAKER!
(I think you get what I’m trying to say here)….
My Little Boy is leaving Europe for the first time next week, heading to Chicago, Illinois. It’s only for a couple of weeks, it’s with his school and he’s sooo much more Young Man than Little Boy these days (and has been for quite a while if I’m honest) . I know he’s going to have a great time there, but it’s such a long, long way to go…
Oh well, maybe I’ll finally get round to finishing his Modern Log Cabin while he’s gone 😉
Hope Carrie has a truly wonderful experience in Israel!
Although you shouldn’t be surprised if you can’t locate a STATIONIONERY supplier in your neighbourhood (sigh)….AND I’d even used the preview function…..
I hope Carrie has a grand time. She will, I am sure.
Re. Quince. This is truly fabulous yarn. I bought a few skeins in a LYS in Portland in July and was smitten by the colors and the hand feel. Because of the size of the operation, I doubt they will ever have the inventory to sell in stores outside of Maine. They have saved an old mill from death and have designed lovely patterns in classic styles. I ordered a color card to help me order and that has helped me feel and see the yarn. Puffin is my favorite.
I rarely order yarn online, but, for Quince, I will make Amex exception.
I just knit a quick bulky cowl with this free Rav pattern: Cowl’d and Frosty Morning by Kelly Herdrich. It’s sized for the whole fan, but could be adjusted to necks, yarns and whims. Gonna go take a look at State Street now … XXO
Every time I see my MIL’s kid silk tube scarf, I want to steal it! It is so beautiful, lightweight and warm-you won’t be disappointed.
Many safe travels for the lovely Carrie. hmmm… Kay I really thought you’s be cowling again with the similarly monikered “Warren Street” cowl you guys hooked me up with last week. Remember that kinda stunning post by Ann re Brooklyn Tweed’s new look book, inclusive of the aforementioned WS cowl? Chevrons and all, it’s maybe in the same neighborhood as State Street. I’m still hunkering down on my first honey cowl, going through the same “bigger yarn, bigger cowl” life lesson as you. It is a beautiful Valentine’s day red though. And Yay! for the tactile yarn lovers among us, though I am no stranger to online shopping. The senses provoke so much more creatively when more than one is employed– simply looking at yarn does not inspire the same way a trip to the LYS ever will. I too am old! Yay for old!
I like to see my yarn too but alas there are no yarn shops near me so I buy on-line-ugh! The new cowl looks fun. I wouldn’t finish that mohair thingy if I were you but that’s just me. I have decided I hate mohair…..and I have quite a lot of it in my stash, nice yarns, too. What to do?
Lucky daughter….
It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I realized what my mother when through, when right after college, I sailed (literally, on a ship) off to Europe by myself with hardly any money and no plan. I came home just fine (and far sooner than I had expected what with the no money thing) and Carrie will too with a new air to her manner, born of independence and broader experience. You are doing a good thing, but being a mother too, I know how glad you will be when she is back. And three cheers for the LYS. They have so much going for them!
Bon voyage, Carrie!
The Mohair Bias Loop from Churchmouse Yarns is a good way to reduce a large KSH stash. The edge doesn’t insist on curling up into a boa-like reverse-stockinette tube. Random stripes look fabulous.
The drawbacks are that every other friend and relation will ask you to knit one for her, and that because one ball of the Kaffe Fassett colorways of KSH is just a bit more than enough for this pattern, and look so good in this pattern, you may actually find yourself adding to your KSH stash.
I understand that worry about boring knitting. Last year I plowed my way through more garter stitch than I thought would ever be possible. It was like opium for my brain. The thing is most of the projects looked so awesome that I would do it again!
Oh, what wonderful memories Carrie will make!
Also, we have a new-ish LYS here in NC that carries Quince &Co., so they’re at least big enough to supply a small shop out of state. I managed to limit my impulse buy to “only” enough to make my preschooler a hat, mittens, and small scarf. ahem.
I hope you’ve created a scarf for Olive!
I saw some Quince & Co. at the Habu Textiles store in NYC a few weeks ago …
She will be home soon! Sweet Carrie, she will come back with great stories to tell of her fantastic adventure. I think a new cabled cowl should be waiting for her when she returns…
Hey, I live in Israel if you want me to look out for her…I’m up north but will be in Jerusalem on Wed and Thursday…let me know..It is an amazing experience and a wonderful adventure for her and a great way to connect with her heritage.
Sharleen
The State Street cowl looks like lots of little Eiffel Towers!
The State Street cowl looks like lots of little Eiffel Towers!
The State Street cowl looks like lots of little Eiffel Towers!
Went to check on other people’s bold stripe scarves and there aren’t any on ravelry yet! Even if it turns out to be a dank snaky coil, you could be first! I think you might be right though – I’m not a fan of long airy pieces of knitting. Too much like my fine hair which can’t be longer than a certain length. I’m working on this fine presidents’ day.
First, lotsof fun and safe travels to your daughter. LOVE the buildings across the street in the photos. No Quince&Co. In the yarn shops in NYC? Hard to believe! Tell those shop owners to get on the ball:). We have it out here in Cincinnati. As for the eternal mohair scarf, maybe you can look.at it as a long term project,.something to pick up and knit on when you really need a knitting fix but don’t have another project at hand. Unless, of course, you already have a bunch of those…
First, lotsof fun and safe travels to your daughter. LOVE the buildings across the street in the photos. No Quince&Co. In the yarn shops in NYC? Hard to believe! Tell those shop owners to get on the ball:). We have it out here in Cincinnati. As for the eternal mohair scarf, maybe you can look.at it as a long term project,.something to pick up and knit on when you really need a knitting fix but don’t have another project at hand. Unless, of course, you already have a bunch of those…
I’m catching up on blog-reading, so I guess by now Carrie is probably having a splendid time and you are feeling perfectly comfortable about her being away…or at least, 50% of those things are true?
Hi Kay, your meh project with the rowan Kid Silk haze is referred to in the blog as the bold stripe scarf -where do I find this pattern? First, it doesn’t look like a scarf and there are no stripes, so I googled and raverly-ed. Everything came up but this. It could be that after a full day of database programming, my brain cells have departed for the day. Talk about a meh project. Any who, if you could throw me a bone here on where I could find this, I will be eternally grateful. Vicki
Hi Kay, your meh project with the rowan Kid Silk haze is referred to in the blog as the bold stripe scarf -where do I find this pattern? First, it doesn’t look like a scarf and there are no stripes, so I googled and raverly-ed. Everything came up but this. It could be that after a full day of database programming, my brain cells have departed for the day. Talk about a meh project. Any who, if you could throw me a bone here on where I could find this, I will be eternally grateful. Vicki
See what I mean?
Shalom to you , i hope your daughter has a great time here. Flowers start to show all over the fields, after a rather rainy winter.
mirjam
http://www.fibersiv.net
Thank you so much for your comments about supporting your LYS. This is a wonderful business to be in and I have wonderful customers and have made life-long friends. We are huge supporters of local charities and if I leave no other store around will do that. But slowly, month by month, things are getting harder and harder. The big stores online and the big stores around us are slowly killing the little stores.