09.01.07
Lickety Knit Vol. 3 Issue 7
What’s up, everyone? Long time no post! (Hmm, I like how that sort of makes it sound like your fault and not mine.) Since I last posted I have been caught between two extremes: first a series of 11-hours work days, then a two-week lakeside vacation with no internet access, and then an immediate return to 11-hour work days. While both of these are good things (yes, even the work, in its way), neither has done anything good for my posting frequency. I never though that I’d get to the point where my standard would become “at least monthly,” but here we are. For that reason, I’d like to encourage you all to think of Lickety Knit as less of a blog and as more of a monthly knitting periodical, sort of a (admittedly low-content) web-based magazine. Instead of “posts,” I now put out “issues,” as in “Have you seen the most recent issue of Lickety Knit?” or “I was happy to receive the fall issue of Interweave Knits, but what I’m really looking forward to is the new issue of Lickety Knit.” (Oooh, I like how I look in italics.) If you all agree to do that, then I agree not to be come LKQ (Lickety Knit Quarterly).
Before I move on to scintillating tales of my vacation (please enjoy the photo prelude in the meantime), I urge you to drop everything you’re doing and head over to Brooke’s blog at Drunken Money Knits. Remember when I said that I wanted to make many different colored shells for different occasions for Sheldon? Well, Brooke was way ahead of me, and she did it infinitely better than I could ever hope to. You will not regret going over to look at them. A few examples can be found here, here, and here (OMG and here — the shell is a little zippered backpack!!!), but there are lots of others and they’re totally worth poking around for. (Brooke, have you considered creating a section in your sidebar with links to all your different turtles for easy access? If the public is not already demanding it, I expect they will be soon.)
Okay, back to me now. I cannot recommend a two-week vacation enough if you are ever in a position to manage it. A one-week vacation barely gives you enough time to stop thinking about work before it’s time to start thinking about going back. A two-week vacation allows you to forget for a while that you even have a job — and that’s when the real relaxation can begin. (I will boastfully confess that the most thinking I did about work was when my boss called me to tell me I’d been promoted — I really ought to go on vacation more often! I wonder what I’ll get over the Christmas break? A corner office?)
My vacation (on Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire) was an idyllic, soft-focus world where I just floated from one leisure activity to another: snoozing, reading, eating, knitting, canoeing, eating, sunning, knitting, eating, hammocking, tennis (not real tennis — just enough light tennis to make me sound good on the blog), swimming, napping, reading, knitting, eating, watching the Red Sox while knitting, eating, sleeping. Doesn’t that sound divine? It was.
And whenever it started to get maybe just the tiniest littlest bit dull, people showed up! Early in the trip we had a visit from bloggers Fumblerette and Kris (not technically blog friends, as I know them through my husband and not the internet). Then some blogless friends from home paid us a visit. Then for two days we actually tore ourselves away from our lakeside utopia and had a delightful visit with my friend Emilie and her boyfriend J in lovely Portland, Maine. Finally, we were just starting to talk about whether we should stay through the final weekend or go home a couple days early so as to attend to the many chores that no doubt awaited us, when who should call and invite herself up to the lake but Minty?
Some of you may recall that one of the odder features of my relationship with Minty is her heated rivalry with my sister-in-law, whom she’d never met. Feeling mischievous when Minty called, I told her that yes, of course we’d love her to come up, but did she mind that Matt’s sister (Rachel Sr.) would also be coming? (I made a quick note to myself to call and invite my sister-in-law as soon as I got off the phone with Minty.) And wouldn’t it make sense for them to rent a car together for the six-hour drive? Minty, to her credit, agreed sportingly (as did Rachel Sr., against all odds), and I looked forward to a weekend full of high drama.
Everything went according to my plan at first, and you should read Minty’s first blog post about it for the full story with excellent photos. It all began well, with stony silences and tension-filled semi-truces.
But then things began to crumble around me. It became clear, first of all, that Minty was co-opting the rivalry for her own blog. But then, worse, it seemed as though maybe Minty and Rachel Sr. were actually starting to like each other. It all began with small things, like their cutely and awkwardly reaching for the pancakes at the same time, but by the end of the weekend they were totally cliquish and leaving me out of their little in jokes — jerks.
And now that I think about it, by Saturday she and Matt had started dressing alike, like some insufferable preppy couple…OH MY GOD SHE HAS STOLEN HIM TOO! I can’t believe I didn’t see it before now. Beware of Minty, everyone. Hide your friends and family. (I’m so enraged that I don’t even want to link to her second related post, but blog etiquette demands it.)
Yes, my personal life is in shambles, but the blog must go on. And since this is a knitting blog, after all, I offer you a small amount of knitting. (Yes, I did knit quite a bit while on vacation, but I didn’t seem to finish much. It does mean I have a good stream of nearly finished objects in the pipeline to be finished over the next couple weeks, though — if my job allows me any knitting time at all, that is.)
These are the Waving Lace Socks from Favorite Socks. The yarn is Regia Silk. I wound up liking both the pattern and the yarn quite a bit more than I expected to when I was starting out. In fact, at the point I finished the knitting I was ready to declare them my favorite pair of socks to date.
The yarn is delightfully soft and drapey — none of the stiffness that you can often find with wool or wool/nylon blends. It showed off the pattern beautifully. The only thing that wound up tempering my enthusiasm was the fact that after one wearing (the state in which you’re seeing them here), there was already a considerable amount of fuzzing and a little early pilling. You’d think that after multiple years of being disappointed by handknits in this way I would have come to accept it as inevitable, but I still manage to be discouraged by it every time.
Nonetheless, I expect that I will wear these socks often (they’re work friendly, which is another reason I love them). I knit them exactly as written in the pattern, by the way, so I have nothing useful to contribute to the collective knitting wisdom.
Okay, I’m sure I’ve exceeded any sort of advisable word count. Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!
P.S. I am declaring Bloglines bankruptcy, which frees me from the crushing weight of my enormous RSS feed backlog, but renders me completely ignorant of anything going on in your lives. So my apologies in advance if I come to your blog and comment that it looks like you lost a lot of weight (when in fact you gave birth to triplets) or that your cat must be such a joy to you (when he was hit by a milk truck two posts ago and you posted the photo as a silent tribute) or that it must be awfully nice to be able to buy so much yarn all at one time* (when in fact your stash storage shed burned down last week and this is the only yarn to your name).
*Because apparently I am a passive aggressive jackass in my comments.
matt said,
September 1, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I should probably let you know that, yes, I just gave birth to triplets. And, I don’t know how to say this but… they’re Minty’s. Sorry.
Laura said,
September 1, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Boy I had been wondering when this issue of Lickety Knit would arrive! With all the photos uploaded on Flickr, I’ve been coming over here every day (NO! every hour) hoping to find the new issue waiting for me that not yet on Bloglines.
When they were reaching for pancakes, did Minty and Rachel, Sr. “bump” hands in that suggestive way that we see in the movies? That Minty! She’s fickle. Don’t worry. I won’t abandon you and become BFF with Minty, too. (Though she does give me work and you don’t) In fact, I’m hoping to have a surprise for you in October. I’m not sure if I can get it (and it’s more of a “tribute” than a “thing”), so don’t get your hopes up too much.
Christine said,
September 1, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Lickity Knit has the best subscription price of any knitting mag! Awesome!
Michelle said,
September 1, 2007 at 2:51 pm
That wacky Minty! :-) I just met Fumblerette on Monday so it’s cool to know someone on a blog you read. Did you at least get to Center Harbor to buy yarn?
Amy said,
September 1, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Yeah, what Christine said. Dump the other magazines and bring on LK! See, you can abbreviate it too…like VI…or IK….
Phhpt on Minty and Rachel Sr. A pox upon them, I say. A pox.
Carole said,
September 1, 2007 at 5:03 pm
You crack me up. mwah
Claire said,
September 1, 2007 at 5:07 pm
I think all your posts are hilarious! Hey even the NY Times cut an inch off their paper–you can say your more limited posts are in the fine tradition of the Times.
Kristen said,
September 1, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Isn’t that always the way with 3 girl friendships? They end up 2 against 1. Other than that it sounds like you had the perfect vacation.
Did you hit any of the great yarn shops in NH and Portland?
Sonya said,
September 1, 2007 at 5:58 pm
It’s like jr. high all over again. But to lose sister-in-law and husband at the same time really is beyond the pale. BTW, I have not given birth and my critters and stash are all alive and well. Just so you’re in the loop. And Brooke’s turtle shells are amazing! I continue to be intrigued by that little elephant too.
Heather said,
September 1, 2007 at 6:52 pm
I can’t see and hear about Lake Winnipesaukee without thinking of the movie ‘What About Bob?’–I know, terribly mature.
Sorry that your life is in such a shambles, I think that Minty is going all ‘Single White Female’ on you!
Erika said,
September 1, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Good to hear from you–it sounds like you had a great vacation even with the homewrecking. Just don’t let Minty near your workplace or it will be like…gah, I can’t remember what movie it would be like…all over again.
Those turtle shells are great!
Mintyfresh said,
September 1, 2007 at 10:19 pm
So I’ve been pricing out homes in Providence, RI–thanks for confirming your address for me, there, Rach, because I believe there’s a place available just down the road. And I’ve started talks with your boss about coming in full-time. My master plan is all coming together.
Hi Matt!
Mintyfresh said,
September 1, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Oh, and we named one of the triplets Rachel . . . after his sister.
Theresa said,
September 2, 2007 at 2:08 am
Glad to hear you had a nice vacation, and also that you liked the Regia Silk. I have some I’m looking forward to starting myself . . .
Specs said,
September 2, 2007 at 11:55 am
Oh the drama! And people claim that knitblogs are boring (these people are what we call “fools”).
What an excellent post. I’ve been feeling very anti-blog lately, but this post made me want to write and be funny and take good photos and, oh yeah, knit stuff.
Knitnana said,
September 2, 2007 at 8:57 pm
ROFLOL! LOVE IT.
And I’m sooooo green that you were on the Lake 2 WEEKS? I miss it. What an idyllic spot.
(sigh)
btw…Forget Matt, if he’s that shallow to prefer Minty to you, well, you don’t need him, sweetie! (I suspect , after seeing that wedding photo from a couple months back, that she’s just a “passing fancy” anyway…his heart is truly your’s!)
(mwah!)
*wink*
(((hugs)))
emilie said,
September 2, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Hi Rache!
SO great to see you and Matt on your vacation! Thanks so much for making the trip over to Portland and checking out our neck of the woods. I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’re welcome back anytime! The bed is always ready for you!
Happy, too, to hear that Mindy and Rachel Srs visit went well…er… ok.
hugs!
Ashley said,
September 3, 2007 at 10:04 am
I’d just like to point out that when _we_ met, I did not steal one single thing/personal relationship of yours.
Christy/ Not Hip said,
September 3, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Well if you had made that last comment on my blog, it would have been true…..it was nice to buy all that yarn Bwa ha ha ! I had some b-day money and I was not afraid to use it.
I’m sorry that Minty showed her true colors to you.
Oh, and Ashley is lying….she totally stole that one sock that you’ve been missing.
pamela wynne said,
September 3, 2007 at 6:13 pm
Hooray for Bloglines bankruptcy! So liberating.
Also, ditto what Specs said. I think I might love you. Which makes me a whole different kind of stalker than Minty.
stacey said,
September 4, 2007 at 8:19 am
you’re back!!! :) I used to go up to the lake all the time when I lived in Concord…now it’s a little further, but not much. It looks like you had a perfect vacation!!! now back to the real world!
the silk does wear well – i have worn my socks many times and the original pilling that started is still there, but no new pilling.
Adriana said,
September 4, 2007 at 10:35 am
Welcome back, Rachel :)
It sounds like you had a great vacation. Your socks look yummy (I love Regia Silk!).
Is Matt excited about going back to school? I picked up my bus pass today which was exciting but classes don’t start until Thursday and I’m still working until the 14th so it really doesn’t seem real.
Congrats on the promotion!
I look forward to your October issue :)
brooke said,
September 4, 2007 at 10:57 am
Thanks for the great comments about the turtle… I’m definitely blushing. I’ve pondered the sidebar thing, and I’m sure it will come in time. For now, I like to make people work for their reward, you know? :)
Looks like you had a great, relaxing time on vacation. The waving lace socks look great, and it does add to the knitting knowledge collective that you didn’t make any changes… it’s always good to know that a pattern is just fine as is.
Welcome back!
Melissa said,
September 4, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Hey! I’ve been there! Isn’t that also the lake where “What About Bob” takes place?
By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed this issue of Lickety Knit. I think I’ll keep my subscription.
Debby said,
September 4, 2007 at 4:35 pm
You crack me up. And if you need a place to stay after Minty moves in your house, our door is always open. I don’t think I can help you with the job though, but maybe Laura can. :)
Knittypants said,
September 4, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Great issue! The whole thing including the comments had me chuckling :-)
I copied you and made a Sheldon, that little guy is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Look forward to October’s issue.
Sue said,
September 4, 2007 at 10:45 pm
So glad that Minty and Rachael Snr. became good friends. Now you need to set aside your differences and join in the trio of fun too. It sounds as though you had a wonderful relaxing holiday too, and congrats on the promotion. Love your socks too, so nice and I will await the next monthly issue of Lickety Knit.
earthchick said,
September 4, 2007 at 10:58 pm
Dear Editor,
I really enjoyed my recent issue of Lickety Knit, especially the beautiful Waving Lace socks and the links to Brooke’s amazing turtle. I always appreciate the quality put into each issue of LK and I look forward to it arriving in my bloglines mailbox. Unlike some publications that come out more frequently, I read LK cover-to-cover each time. I laugh. I cry. It becomes a part of me. I read it again and again.
Your devoted subscriber,
earthchick
nova said,
September 5, 2007 at 11:15 am
Huh, I thought my subscription lapsed. So yeah, I think the whole Minty/Rachel Sr. saga is the funniest thing. Welcome back! Oh, yes, nice socks, by the way.
Scribbles & Bits said,
September 5, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Yes, and Minty was driving the milk truck. If only I’d known to watch out for her….
I kid, of course! My kitty and pooch are both fine and I don’t know Minty but I’m sure she would never plow any animals down. Or drive a milk truck, for that matter. But her posts are hilarious, as are yours! Thank goodness for the newest issue of LK to get me through my work day!!!!
earthchick said,
September 6, 2007 at 5:11 pm
p.s. You have been tagged a Rockin’ Girl Blogger….
sari said,
September 6, 2007 at 7:19 pm
ah, what a great issue. drama, vacations, pretty socks…. what more could you ask for? i liked it!
also, congratulations on getting a vacation promotion.
JayJay said,
September 10, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Love the new issue! I really wish I were more of a passive agressive jackass sometimes, but that’s another story. The socks look great, pilling and fuzzing aside.
lomester said,
September 17, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I don’t care if Lickety Knit is YEARLY! It is so entertaining to read. (although, please, no yearlies)
Allison said,
September 17, 2007 at 3:25 pm
I love the new issue! (See, I’ve adjusted already.)
Any man who will read Harry Potter aloud with you without sneaking to read ahead while you’re asleep will never leave you for some upstart hussy from the blogosphere :) I’m sure Matt will leave Minty to raise the triplets alone and come back to you.
Oh, yeah, and the knitting looks good, too :)
knitfiend said,
September 21, 2007 at 9:54 am
Please post another issue soon – there’s only so many times I can read the same issue and get away with it being my favorite at-work distraction (although, you’d be happy to note that your blog can be read multiple times and still be entertaining each time).
Claire said,
September 25, 2007 at 8:48 pm
I agree with knit fiend. Please make licketyknit bi-monthly at least (um, if that means twice a month.) Your blog is so funny! Your public demands more!
Lickety Knit » Wow, It’s Still September?? said,
September 27, 2007 at 10:12 pm
[...] are all so pleased with this blog’s reinvention as a monthly knitting periodical – the 30-odd letters to the editor in response to the last issue have validated my choice very [...]