I’ve got a special celebrity blog guest for you all this evening - The infamous Tad of tadandmel.com, here to answer a few questions meant for the significant others of us knitters.  I got this from Shannon, and thought he might have fun with this little interview. Maybe you all will too. (Oh dear, I just said “you all”, good timing, Tad will love that.)

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1)What is your favorite thing about my knitting?

That it relaxes you and that you seem centered when you are doing it.  I also like that it relaxes me while I watch you.  Add it to the list of a zillion other things…

2)What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?

When I need you to help me navigate up the east coast via the Prius.

<Mel, atlas in lap knitting furiously.  Tad freaking out that we are heading into NYC.>

Tad:  Hey sweetheart, don’t we have an exit coming up?

Mel: Yeah hold on.  <finishes row… for a little while>  Ummm… yeah I think we just passed it.

<Tad then boils over at the prospect of getting off of the interstate in the middle of Bronx just to get to an exit we probably should’ve nailed in the first place.>

(oops.)

3)What is something I have knitted, that you recall is good?

Everything!  I use the word “gifted” on very few people, but I willingly use it on you.

(He’s biased. But very kind.)

4)Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?

Yes and no.  I think there are a lot of options out there for knitters that few jump on.  But if you don’t feel like hunting or just don’t have the time to, it can be more expensive then you’d expect.

5)Do you have a stash of any kind?

Tad says:

Some day I’d like to grow one. AND a beard!  Maybe when we hit the A.T.  I’ll have both by time we hit Katahdin.  Up until this point though, no, I’ve never grown a mustache.

(uh, what?)

6)Have I ever embarrassed you, knitting in public?

You’ve never embarrassed me.  Ever.

7) Do you know my favorite kind of yarn?

You’ve got a ton, but if I had to guess I’d say it’s  probably baby alpaca and it’s various incarnations.  It’s soft and doesn’t hurt your hands.

‘8) Can you name another blog?

Yeah, but only because I spend a lot of time on blogs.  If you interested in the knitting community, I suggest hitting up Ravelry.  The couple that set this up is awesome and they really actually care about the recent knitting movement.  They’re not just trying to cash in (and if you think I’m just paying lip service, just test me ;).

(Tad thinks Ravelry’s cool! He builds websites for work and so he really admires what they’ve done)

9) Do you mind my wanting to stop at knit shops wherever we go?

Not terribly.  Because a lot of them are heading towards ecological trends that we both care about.  That, and knit shops often are hosted by eccentric, interesting people that are fun to talk to.  That and I totally dig looking at the eco yarns  and the wheels.

10) Do you understand the importance of a swatch?

If you are talking about those awful Swiss plastic watches in the late 80’s then “No!!” (WHAT!! They still make them!!).  But if you’re talking about knitting, which I’m assuming you are, then “Yes!!”, though it’s maddening to watch the creation of one.

11) Do you read my blog?

Almost daily.

(He must be bored, I don’t post nearly that often.)

12) If I didn’t knit, what would be different?

Nothing, I’d still love you the same.

(I swear, I didn’t tell him to say that - he’s just that sweet.)

13) Anything you would like to add?

Mel actually learned to knit from Martha, my awesome sister-in-law!  So, even though her family’s history is somewhat steeped in knitting, the flame was actually ignited by a family that is completely removed from our own!! How freaking awesome is that!

(pretty darn awesome!!)

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Hope you all (darn, I just did it again) enjoyed this - I’d love to here what your guys and gals have to say!

Today’s song is a Tad special as well, seeing as he’s the celebrity guest and all, I thought I’d let him pick

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Now playing: Neil Halstead - Baby, I Grew You a Beard
via FoxyTunes

It was over 7 months ago now that I made my Wardrobe Refashion pledge. I haven’t done any exciting re-fashioning (I suppose that the bobble sweater could count, but that might be a stretch), but the initiative and the refashioning blog have reinforced and expanded some of my philosophies about clothing and shopping, what’s needed (and what’s not) in my wardrobe, handling of repairs and/or replacements, and what I wear that feels good to me and why. I have not re-signed as my to-date example proves that I can’t commit to regular participation, but I will continue to follow the blog for it’s constant inspiration and keep up with my pledge on my own terms.

So far, it has been nearly a year since I’ve purchased any new clothes. Instead, I’ve tackled my mending pile, and focused on the thrift stores on the rare occasion that something needs replacing. The Triangle area has a plethora of thrifting options for clothing as well as furnishings, etc. They range in price and scope from Freecycle and the local goodwill to consignment shops for high-fashion designer duds and all levels in between. All good in my book, depending on what you’re looking for, your criteria and your price range - they’re all re-using other’s cast offs. A few weeks ago I was in need of a pair of jeans and some work garments, and also bemoaning a lack of hot weather wear in the 100-plus-degree heat we’ve been having. One thrift-shop trip later and I brought home a few linen and cotton tanks, a “new” suit for work (Ha! If I must dress appropriately at work, at least it can be re-used!), a couple linen shirt/jackets to keep me covered from the heat outside to the chilly AC indoors, and one pair of chinos instead of jeans (no jeans to fit, but these will do).

Just like I like ‘em - baggy and LONG!

A few minor efforts went into improving these - I removed “wine stains” from one tank that turned out to be fuschia fuzz stuck inside the lining - Turned it inside out and got rid of those,

I added a few snaps to one tank to prevent gaping between buttons,

And, I got a little over-ambitious and ripped out the inseams of the too-short pants to the suit. Then promptly got intimidated and chucked it in a corner (to revisited and re-made into a skirt when I am feeling braver).

Once the new items had found homes, I proceeded to retire at least as many articles that aren’t fitting the bill for one reason or another (too small, too big, too not-my-style-anymore) to go right back to goodwill - and that felt good.

I like these - I feel comfortably myself, and that has as much to do with feeling well-clothed as it does with feeling good about giving these clothes a second life. I think it qualifies as a very satisfying shopping experience. So here I am feeling very happy with this focus on sustainability and functional clothes that I feel good wearing and pleased with how far I’ve come. And then our lovely little economic stimulus package arrived in the mail, and well, let’s just say that good intentions are terrific and all, but we certainly aren’t immune to some serious consumerism at times. But we’re getting better - at least I like to think that we’re more reformed (and informed) consumers than we once were.

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Now playing: Neil Halstead - Oh Mighty Engine
via FoxyTunes

But very much appreciated:

Shawl of the Week: Chrysalis

What a nice write up Meg, thank you! I’ve been glowing for days.

You are master spinners!

I learned a handful of new tricks - all of which were tried in succession and will come in handy again in the future I have no doubt (Thank you!), but boy, that end was stubborn. I thought I was going to have to resort to breaking off a new end, but then finally I tried a tip from the Bellwether’s post that Frith pointed out. The paperclip trick (nail clipper-hook-thingie in my case - apparently I don’t own any paperclips) of picking a top-level looking single and following it around until finding the end saved the day. Hurray!

Thank you all SO very much for your help - thanks to you, I’m off to spin!

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Now playing: Silversun Pickups - Well Thought Out Twinkles
via FoxyTunes

I completed the final bobbin last week and then there were three!

I’m getting better at loading my bobbins more evenly. Ironically, bobbin #3 (center in left photo, front on the right photo) has the most yardage (bobbins 2 & 1 have a bit of residual practice singles from other fiber on them that I was too lazy to remove), and is the least consistent - I was getting anxious to finish!

Yardage: @ 313 of 3ply yarn
WPI: ranges from 11-14; averaging around 12.5 (Sport to DK)
Weight: Imprecisely weighed at 3 oz. (There is a bit of bobbin #2 and #3 left for me to play with)

I’m quite pleased with the result, given that I’m out of practice. I do wish that I’d been able to make the gorgeous colors stand out a bit more though. Bobbin #2 with it’s mix of green-copper-chestnut-chocolate in particular seems lost in the mix. I do love the way the brilliant blues come out though. As mentioned in the initial post, I separated the roving into equal segments by color, then spun 1 bobbin of each and plied them together. I wonder what would have happened if I alternated strips from each section and then navajo-plied?

Spinners - any suggestions? What would you have done differently?

I am quite happy with this though, it’s very soft, and more balanced than the fire-y yarn; I think it will make some cozy socks! And I’m so pleased that the spinning mojo has returned. Almost pleased enough to dive back into the Ocean roving and finish that up - Almost!

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Now playing: Rosie Thomas - Let Myself Fall
via FoxyTunes

Two bobbins down, one more to go! Hurray!!

It’s been a busy week, and a messy week. The reading of this post by Felix this morning made me feel so much better about my messes (those both literal & figurative), and then this one by Ms. Half Soled Boots cinched the deal because they both rang so true for me. Thanks ladies, for sharing a bit of your lives and your messiness, and making me feel a little better - and not alone - in my own. Count me in on the messiness, and the posting of said messes. I have many more thoughts on the subject, but you’ve said it all already.

In the midst of the messiness, spinning has been soothing and fun. Look! Somehow these two just go together, don’t you think?

Bobbin #2 & Chrysalis #2 - fiber and yarn painted by Gryphon.

I hope your weeks were not too terribly messy (or rather, VERY messy indeed, if it means that you had fun, spent time with people you loved, and exercised your creativity - dishes be damned!)
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Now playing: Toad the Wet Sprocket - Windmills
via FoxyTunes

Sign up.

Participate.

Write.

Take pictures.

Make our voices heard.

What a great topic for a post - I’m borrowing from some other great bloggers! I read Ruth’s best ever, and from there went on to read from zigzag stitch - great stuff, both of them.

My best ever knit to date is my dear Hot Lava Cardi from Blue Alvarez. It’s one that I don’t wear in public very often, due to the incredible amount of pillage, but when I want my comfies (you know what I mean - the exact socks, old jeans or sweatpants, shirt(s) &/or sweater - that outfit you reach for when what you want more than anything is to be toasty warm & comfortable), this is the sweater that I pull on.

Hot Lava was my first ‘real’ sweater - for me this meant sleeves for some reason. The sleeves themselves? They are much too long by most definitions, but I like them that way. My hands are perpetually cold, and the long sleeves help keep them warm. I’ve learned that I can’t cook it in, however, because I will inevitably get a sleeve in the soup.

This sweater was my first and only experience with Manos del Uraguay, and although I love it to death, it pills awfully here. Every so often I de-pill it, covering the bathroom floor with fuzz - I love this sweater enough to warrant the effort.

I love the dark green variegated colors, I love the long sleeves, and I don’t mind that it doesn’t cover my belly because I don’t have a problem with belly warmth - just my hands (and my feets!) In the winter, I tend to be found on the couch, wrapped in a blanket to my waist and wearing my sweater on top - only when I’m reading or snuggling with The Sweeter though, I found that the sleeves tend to get snagged on my knitting needles.

Now if only the temperature would drop by about 30 degrees, I could actually wear it.

So, I’ll end with the same question from zigzag stitch & Ruth - What’s YOUR best ever knit & why?

Errata for Summer Sky has been posted to the Purling Plans Designs page - this is where any future updates will be posted. I have contacted MagKnits to have the update made there as well, and posted the link to the pattern in Ravelry. Thank you to Sheila for emailing your question!

Seven years ago, Tad and I lived in the beautiful little town of Peterborough, New Hampshire. We took a day to ourselves while we were on vacation and spent some time there. We ate dinner at our favorite restaurant (which we once lived within walking distance of - great when you plan to have the occasional celebratory bottle of wine!), stayed in a historical B&B in nearby Jaffrey, and visited all our old haunts. Peterborough is a little hippie town with a thriving arts community, set into a lovely little valley in the Monadnock region. One shopping center with a small po-dunk A&P. Want decent groceries? Better buy at the local natural food store, wait for the once weekly farmers market in the summertime, or drive at least 20 minutes to get to a large chain grocery store. Most of the commerce in Peterborough is locally owned and operated and they like it that way. Want to do some hiking? Mount Monadnock is right down the road or there are trails right on the edge of town. Perfect.

What struck me the most while we were there was that given how much we loved that little town, it just didn’t work out. Much of that had to do with the fact that Tad and I each traveled an hour in opposite directions for work and since our friends were mostly located where we worked (Keene for Tad, also where I went to college & had many friends), we never really developed a community in Peterborough. Another factor was the Winter, with a Capital W. Under perfect circumstances, the winter would still have worn us down - neither Tad nor I do winter sports and the lack of light in the winter is very noticeable compared with here in NC. Leaving in the dark for work, working long hours with no windows, and returning home in the dark, made for an unhappy Mel & Tad. So when we visited some friends in Durham, NC in February one year, and it was 45 degrees at night, and there were daffodils and trees blooming, and it was light out for an hour or more later in the evening - well, we were sold, and we moved within a couple of months. There was a little more thought given to availability of career opportunities, cost of living, proximity to things we like to do etc… but since all those were a good fit, there was no reason not to go.

This was our first place in Peterborough. Adorable, huh? We thought so too. The place has to be all of 300 square feet, and is perfectly placed a short 1/4 mile walk from a trailhead to Pack Monadnock. Priorities being what they were at the time contributed to our dissatisfaction with the teensy rooms and lack of storage for our rapidly accumulating “stuff”. As did the the overpriced rent, very leaky roof (in the tiny bedroom where the bed could only be oriented directly under said leaks), the holes in the foundation big enough to let in light from outdoors as well as mice and other beasties, the leaking water heater that buckled the floor, and the owner’s complete disregard for any of these legitimate complaints. We spent some very happy times there though - bundled up and stoking the woodstove against the cold and snow, decorating the exposed beams for Christmas… Our first Christmas tree that took up almost the entire living room… The hikes up Pack Monadnock, the walks through town, sunrises and the foliage colors on the drive over the mountain when the seasons changed. Our dreams were very different then, but ironically and with the exception of the state of disrepair, that little cabin represents much of what’s important to us now, and what we’re headed for in the future. Funny how some things come full circle, isn’t it?

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After swinging by the cabin, we decided that we had enough time to revisit Pack Monadnock and grab lunch at our other favorite restaurant, the Peterborough Diner (where we were once known by our orders “Scrambled Feta” & “Four Deuces”, and greeted with coffee) before heading off to visit some old friends outside of Brattleboro, Vermont. So we parked the car, filled a couple of water bottles and made the short but strenuous trek up the mountain. The rain had stopped and the sky began to clear, leaving us with beautiful views topped with an incredible cloud cover. Amazing. What a GREAT vacation stop.