Two Black Sheep

A Long Walk

Ava-
So I made it home safely, tired, but safely.  I had enough time in the Newark & during the jaunt to D.C. to finish my G-Rocks.  This accomplishment led to some interesting knitting activities.  There's nothing like knitting lace at an airport bar.  To add to the interest, plied baby camel is like knitting with 4 separate pieces of sewing thread.  I think the bartender was impressed, but not enough to float me a beer.

My Philly update will not be as impressive as Ava's.  My memory is drifting away, lack of proper sleep will do that to a girl.  Before we boarded the train, we stopped at Kraemer's for some Tatamy Tweed Worsted.  I've swatched, washed & believe that US 6 will do me fine for the Half Dollar.  Fingers crossed, please.

After a quick stop at Starbucks (why do people let their large dogs walk around parking lots & then into the shop?), we went to the train station.  Since we just missed a train, we decided to enjoy a couple beers, NASCAR and people-watching.  I don't think the bar saw many women walk through the door.  Men actually offered their stools.  How sweet.

The night before, I stayed awake & practiced walking through a turnstile.  Push. Push.  No, don't pull!  Philly's transportation got the new & improved Lola!  We hit Rosie's Yarn Cellar first and grabbed more Noro, Folk Shawls & a set of the breast cancer Denise needles.  I'm sure that someone got more cashmere, but I can't remember.  It's a really good guess as it remained a hot commodity in Philly.  From there, we grabbed a delicious lunch at Ten Stone to fuel up for Loop.

Loop was our favorite yarn store in the 2007 Yarn Extravaganza (however, I love my purchases from School Products the most).  The store was well lit, large enough to walk around and had a nice staff that didn't make you feel like you were a bother.  We also saw an electronic ball winder that we're both coveting.  Ava grabbed some Lorna's Lace, Blue Sky Dyed Cotton & more cashmere.  I was almost  tempted by the shrug/cardigan in the window, but I was being realistic.  I had just bought enough sock yarn, yak, camel and cotton to knit sweaters for the entire Jolie-Pitt clan, plus the others that will surely follow.  Take me, Angie.  Take me.

One more stop at Lush and we were back on the train home.  B & V came with us to Philly, & kept us in line.  No eyes were rolled.  Not a lot of vulgar language. No dancing on the corners.  But they did leave us at Urban Outfitters, and the picture below was snapped.  Who sells a hat like this?  I guess the question should be, who buys a hat like this?  I'm not passing judgment, promise, but you could make it for 1/2 the price!

To be honest, we were slap-happy.  We were also really annoyed with cell phones.  Just because you can have an entire conversation about your evening, doesn't mean you should!  Go outside!  I don't want to hear that Danny can't handle his liquor.  I'm sorry that Molly has crabs, but I don't want or need to hear it.  I don't think he was amused by the hat.

Somewhere along the route, we ran into this little fellow.  Thanks to the girls for a heads-up.  The Hubbys were happy.  Probably even proud.

So that's the big 2007 Yarn Extravaganza!  Next time we hope to drop in on some knitbloggers.  We did run into some (a little Googling led us to them. we're not proud), but we don't have kind things to say.  And we  gave up being mean for Lent.  Not really, but it sounds nice.  We had a fantastic time in both NYC & Philly.  That's not really fair.  We always seem to have fun when we're together.  Whether it's large cities, a 16-hour car ride with a 5 month-old, or a pond full of goose shit.  But that's how sisters roll...
-Lola

Rehab Remix

There are so many titles for this post which we could have used . . . "Blame It On the Rain," "Downtown,"  or "The Bitch Is Back," but we settled on "Rehab Remix" for a variety of reasons. First, after this shopping weekend of yarn-porn, we truly need some rehab to get our spending back in check. Second, we realized that we really are kind of (okay, really REALLY) snarky when we get together. And third, we listened to Amy Winehouse all weekend long and it's the first and last song on the CD. Ironically, it has nothing to do with drinking. For that, we don't think we have a problem . . . seriously. Friday started off in typcial fashioin for us: Lola's flight was cancelled. She nearly cried on the ticket agent's shoulder saying, "Please don't make me go home to a 2-year-old. I can't do it." Suffice it to say, she got here and we got into New York City without any major obstacles. Granted, I really didn't know what we were doing other than a train would in fact take us into the city, but we got there.

Our first stop was Purl. We were a little enthusiastic when we walked in as they weren't even open yet, so we grabbed a quick bite at Once Upon a Tart (thanks for the recommendation, Cara) and then waited patiently while about ten other knitters walked up and down the block. Talk about looking like herion addicts waiting for fixes. The thing about Purl is the size really gets to you in the end. If you are even remotely claustrophic, Purl might require some anxiety medication. Lola picked up some Lorna's Lace Purl exclusives (she was such a good girl), but I bought some Habu Cashmere along with the Lorna's Lace. For me, the word of the day was cashmere. Not a cheap word by any means. From there, we went to Purl Patchwork (pop another anxiety med before entering . . . it's itsy-bitsy) and bought a variety of fabrics. Me? I'm just making a purse or two. Lola, she's making a purse, a pillow, and an apron. Neither of us is into "exquisite" quilts or technically matching fabrics like some of the other shoppers. In both stores, we were struck by how the owner was able to make the most of her limited space and still have a thriving business. Thanks for cutting the fabric, Joelle; it was a pleasure.

Let it be said that Lola's interaction with public transport is limited. Still, I expected her to know how to operate a turnstile. I am wondering how many people looked at us in the Spring Street station saying, "Look, see how patient that woman is with the mentally challenged lady." Unfortunately, our "sister sign language" wasn't working that well so it took four swipes of a MetroCard to get Lola into the station. Priceless!

Somewhere between Purl and Purl Patchwork, it began to rain which is fairly typical for our New York expeditions. This time, it wasn't a torrential downpour as in the past, but still, New York in the rain kind of sucks. Seaport Yarn was next on our trip. If you haven't been there, it really is an interesting place as the yarn just goes on and on and on. We were a little overwhelmed, but they did have a fantastic selection of Louet Gems and Noro so we each got a little sumpin' sumpin' for our projects. We tossed around going uptown to Tender Buttons, but the rain really put a damper on that idea, so we settled on just Habu Textiles and School Products with a quick stop at Lush for good measure. Lola was unaware that Lush made a Karma Kream and, after trying some, spent the rest of the afternoon smelling her hands. Habu was worth it just to marvel at all the nifty yarns, but I found myself having to really do some mental talking just to buy something, so we left empty handed. School Products (after we found the right building) was much more profitable - for them and us. Lola had been talking about super-yak for a while, but I just couldn't get my head around it. School Products has a variety of yak yarns as well as an extensive camel selection. If you would have asked me about camel and yaks last month, I would have laughed at you, but suffice it to say, camel and yak was on the train home just an hour later. Me? More cashmere and some Koigu for the Chevron Scarf as I am giving into peer preasure.

We got home relatively early - about 7 PM - and got to work on our knitting while we decompressed with a beer. We learned that we don't wear our knitting into yarn shops because we don't need to prove that we can knit. If you are in a yarn shop and fondling the yarn, we assume - as do the owners - that you know what you are doing. You do not need to wear your most complicated piece as if you were fishing for comments. Please, if your first scarf turned out shitty and your second piece just as shitty and then you switched to lace and only lace, do not assume that you have a talent for the complicated shit . . . you have a talent for yarn overs. We also learned that if a yarn shop owner professes a love for a certain designer and we don't share those feelings, we will keep it to ourselves for fear of getting into a protracted arguement based upon said designer's speech patterns. And finally, we learned that the owners will laugh a little more with you if you aren't condesending about the whole thing. After all, it's just yarn. Lola will post about Philadelphia tomorrow; I have a Chevron calling my name.
-Ava

Me & Mr. Jones

Ava,

Ok, I lied.  This is the last post.
Half Dollar has got some competition.

 

Cable Blanket Coat from Scottish Inspirations by Sarah Dallas.  I'd need about 2,337 yards of a DK weight yarn. 
Which one to make?   And don't you dare say both.

I've got to pack.
-Lola

You Know I'm No Good

OK so here's what happens when I need a Project between projects.  You get a cake, yep a cake.

For some reasons, I make these wonderful Hallmarky plans for my family's future.  If you could, read that statement with a sarcastic tone.  Thanks.  I love the idea of tradition.  But I'm also realistic, you get busy and one year you forget to read the Cranberry Story at Thanksgiving.  Then no one sees that book for the next 10 years.  I've got traditions in the work, but is a tradition planned?  I've started a mini sock advent calendar.  I'm about 15 socks away from a full December set.  I'd like to add the birthday cake into the mix of Lola's Tradition.  Gus and SK are having a birthday very soon.  Couldn't it sit out for a week before the big day?  I mean, we had a huge birthday candle when we were growing up!  Remember, Ava?   Every year you got to burn off one more number.  God, if you forgot one year, it took about 4 days to catch up.  It also had some pictures of age appropriate milestones.  I think at 21, I was suppose to be married.  I also think that high-school was the highest level of education I was suppose to achieve.  Guess it's a good thing that we lost intrest in that tradition.  Really how could a little knitted cake hurt anyone?  Beside prove to Gus that his Momma lost her mind around his 2nd birthday.  Who knits a fucking cake?  Please tell me you've knit worse.

OK, this is the last post before I reach your doorsteps.  Oh how exciting, a real live post together.  A photo of two slap happy sisters is sure to follow.  Think about the possibilities?  Pictures from the road.  Pictures with beers.  Pictures of WIPs.  Pictures of Ava sleeping, but nobody's really sure if she is sleeping (she laughs in her sleep.  kind of creepy, sorry.)  OK, I won't take a picture of that.  I don't need a picture of my ankles showing up.

I need to stress how much I love the Amy Winehouse CD.  Perhaps the best use of the word "Fuck" ever (I'll stop using it in the blog, but I'm trying to limit its use around the house.)!  I'm sure that I'll paraphrase it in  the blog at some point.  Probably if the new Half Dollar yarn doesn't work out.

-Lola

Spiderman Theme

In two households that follow comics as if they were the Times, why didn't we post this sooner? 

Won't SK be proud?  He married a Spiderman!  Oh shit, this is proof that I'm morphing into a nerd.  Crap.

I wonder what the Flyer got? 

Thanks, Hygiene Chronicles!

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.

Which superhero are you?

Money for Nothing

Ava,

Before I get to the lovely Ms. Shedir, I forgot to talk about this during one of our many phone calls this weekend.   Gus needed a haircut .  He was starting to look like an 80's art student.  Like most 2 year-olds, he has a phobia of the cape and scissors.  After a number of melt-downs, I broke and went to a kid-friendly haircut place.  We go to sit down and the stylist asks, "Mom, would he like to watch Dora or the Wiggles?"  I answered, "I don't think either will help, he hasn't seen either one."  She looked stunned.  Later that weekend, we went grocery shopping.  He was in a foul mood, so we thought we'd try the kid-car attached to the shopping cart.  I couldn't move the cart, and a woman comes over and says, "It's a dollar.  There's a DVD player on it."  I shrug and move to the ole fashion cart, and she says, "No really, he can watch a movie while you shop!"  What the hell?  Can a kid stop watching a DVD for a second?  Please don't think that I'm getting on my soap box.  I don't have a problem with kids watching TV in moderation.  But anything in excess is bad.  Flash back to my freshman year of high school, it would prove that lots of "Silk Stockings" isn't a good thing. 

And now to the Shedir.  Doesn't Spidey look fabulous?  Can't really say anything else that hasn't already been said.  The cables are wonderful and the crown is gorgeous.  I used a US 2 circular from Knitpicks, and my pointer finger is still sore.  I wonder how much sharper the Addi Lace are than the Knitpicks Classic or Options?  If they're sharper, I won't be able to use them.  I added an extra repeat, and I probably shouldn't have.  It's plenty long.  I'm a little concerned with the stretch factor of Rowan's Calmer.  Let's test it this weekend in NYC & Philly!

-Lola

P.s. Finally made it through Babel.  I'm sorry, I love Brad Pit.  Even when they try to make him look average (gray hair and wrinkles), I still want to be the one that he has to help to pee in a pan.

Showdown

I sort of get obsessed with things.  At the end of high school, I loved black & white cows.   During the pregnancy, I loved loose tea (I don't think it was a craving.)   I'll save my obsession with the Greek NY coffee cup for another post.  Right now I'm obsessed with the Half Dollar.  I thought I had it under control.  I've never swatched more for any other sweater.  Somewhere during this swatching marathon, I've taken a wrong path, one that includes a ton of dog shit.  Swatch #1 was close to perfect, except for the color.  I jumped online and ordered the Merlot.  It's a beautiful black/purple.  Kind of like Chanel's Vamp, but insert purple instead of red.  Every time you look at you wonder, "Is it black?"  So I take out my US 5's, and make Swatch #2.  It dries and I'm disappointed.  I got almost 2 extra stitches to the inch.   I kept telling myself, "Calm down.  Different colors of yarn can produce different gauge swatches.  Use the US 6's."  Swatch #3 is giving me 1 extra stitch, and a very loose fabric.  So I'm left with the obvious realization that I fucked up the Swatch #1.  I guess the pattern really does call for a worsted weight yarn!  The pattern uses US 5, and I thought I got guage with DK weight!  What's a girl to think?!  Tease.  I was going to use US 6's & take the Make-the-Larger-Size Route, but that path is also littered with dog shit.  So I'm going to be a big girl and work on my patience skills.  Once I get to Ava's I'm going down to Kraemer's and buying the Worsted Tatamy Tweed in Merlot and knock this sweater out.   So help me, Half Dollar, if you don't turn out gorgeous...

Ava, since I've been talking about this book, I thought I'd include some of the creepier pages.  My parents got it for Ava as a Christmas gift in 1974.  I have always found this book creepy.  Recently, I was home and found it with the Golden Book library.  I'm 30, an opposite book can't be that scary.  Right?  Wrong.  Even SK was reading it to Gus this morning, and says, "Hey.  This book is kind of creepy."  The bad thing is Gus likes it.  He knows when to say "Yucky" and "Heavy".  And quite frankly, I'm sick of reading the  Puppy Book and any Richard Scarry book.  So we'll deal with Sesame Street Book of Opposites with Zero Mostel for today.  But if I start dreaming of Zero in his diaper, I'm sending the book to you.

Off to find something to do.  I have no sweater project.  The house is clean.  What to do on this glorious St Patrick's day?  I'll crack open a Guinness.

Love,

Lola

Start & Finish

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

My Darling G-Rocks,

I knew something was wrong last night when Ava could barely muster one round. Do you ever get that feeling that someone is just not into knitting you . . . almost a "It's not you, it's me" vibe when you know damn well it is you? Last night was one such night. I wondered, "Did I do something wrong? Could I serve a better purpose plugging her ears after listening to all those youngsters murder the divine Diana Ross?" Alas, when her darling children started petting her hair, telling her it would be okay, I knew it couldn't have been the fault of a little bit of yarn.

Oh, G-Rocks, I just know if we put our tiny needles and fiber together, we can come up with something better for the girls. I hear that on the Internet, you can find lots of lovely flights for very little money. If you promise to be a good lilttle sock and I promise to at least try being one, I have a feeling everything will work out for the best.

I was beginning to think that my lovingly hand dyed colorway (you are right . . . we do need to think of a new name for that ) might run from all the sadness, when the ruckus from downstairs finally made a connection. G-Rocks! You are coming to the East coast after all! Jump for joy, little one. You can see Lush and Purl Soho and Schoolhouse (three-way? Shit, the way Ava talks, we're in for an orgy) and a subway and maybe, if you are really good, we can recreate the Rocky scene running up the stairs. Wait; that would take physical exertion and we know Lola and Ava aren't into that unless there is a Starbucks at the top of those stairs.

Jump in your traveling pouch and tell your inner-Mom voice to hush; it looks fine. Besides, the boys never look at the construction before they try the zipper. Ava is trying to pick out the Amy Butler prints that she wants for her bags. For some reason, she keeps muttering stubborn and bitch over and over again. I hope she doesn't get too involved with the Bernina again. That affair gets a bit over-wraught. Put away the cheap wine and turn on America's Next Top Model - at least no one will sing. After last night's AI, I was ready to have Ava put you on the phone to sing. Foofaraw says she is love, but she's a bit off her rocker if you ask me.

See you soon,
Monsoon

PS - We promise to stop our socks from blogging . . . they are getting a bit full of themselves. I might have to threaten Monsoon with frogging if she doesn't behave.

Ain't No Sunshine

My Dearest Monsoon,

Regrettably, I must write this letter.  As of tonight, poor Lola's working meeting has been canceled, which means no visit to the east coast!  I was so looking forward to finally seeing you in your natural habitat.  The last time I saw you, you were just brilliant heap of half dyed wool on BMFA's table.  I was hoping that they'd give you a proper name.  You know those BMFA ladies... "How 'bout Crushed Pepper?" No.  "Marilyn's Lipstick?" No.  And then after 3 glasses of wine, someone says "Foofaraw" and the whole room gasps a collective "Yes."  (Makes no sense to me, but I'm just a 7x2 ribbed sock)  Monsoon works for your beauty.

I feel horrible for the girls.  I don't think "heartbroken" could describe the tone of their phone calls.  Before the horrid Cancellation email, Lola was so excited that she made me a traveling case.  No more plastic bags for me, Monsoon!  The bag is down right cute.  Shitty construction, but adorable.  I just know that her mother will roll her eyes, tell her the zipper isn't straight, and want to fix it on the spot.

 

I can't bear to think of all the places that traveling pouch would have taken us.  The smells from the Lush store would have slowly permeated Lola's purse and into my knit stitches.  We'd mingle with luxurious fibers from Purl Soho, maybe we'd bring home some Yak from Schoolhouse Products.  Little three-way action, Monsoon? You dirty minx.  Oh and Philly!  Don't think about it, G-Rocks, don't.  If fiber could cry, I'd be a mess right now.  Good thing I'm superwash.

So for tonight, I'll sit in her lap while she dulls the pain with some cheap wine and American Idol.  Maybe someone will sing, "These Boots Were Made for Walking."  Afterall, I am a sock.  And sad one at that.

All my Love,
G-Rocks

 

 

Oh My Nola

Ava mentioned in an email that she bought some yarn for Shedir.  It reminded me that I had 2 balls of Calmer just hanging out in the stash.  Oh how I love having a sister that knits, because if I didn't start Shedir I may have stuck a needle in my eye.  I couldn't do one more row on Ripple.  To be honest, I probably could have, it's that addicting.  But I was afraid that I'd hate the afghan, & I don't want to hate her (yes, Ripple is a girl).  And the Baby Miter is on the verge of becoming a spiteful ex-boyfriend.  But I needed to knit something.  Enter, Shedir.

I love cable knitting.  I even like figuring out how to do each cable without the needle.  Charting it out.  Referring back to the chart.  Watching them just show up after a couple of repeats.  Usually, I'm used to doing cables that you do a cable row after 4 straights.  Shedir has a cable every other row.  Keeps it interesting.  I've got 3 of the repeats finished and I'm thinking about adding an extra repeat.  I've got a big noggin.  It's also the first time that I've used Calmer.  Delicious, but a little splity.  It kind of reminds me of TLC Cara Mia (Do you know how much of that stuff I have?  I still have no answer for the amount I bought).

Ava, I've got a plan.  This isn't for my trip, it's a plan for our future.  When we're crusty & crotchety, we'll live in a big house.  Drinking & smoking (at 90, I'm picking up the habit) all day long.  We'll be the ladies that the neighborhood kids spread rumors about while sneaking past our porch.   Since we grew up with a tiny kitchen, our new one will be lovely.  Stainless steel appliances, subway tiled back-splash, hardwood floors, & these dishes.  Can you image the holidays?  Sweet potatoes will never have tasted so sinful.  And then, we'll clear the table (Gus will.  My boy will do stuff after holiday dinners.) & serve up some dirty martinis.  We're in our 90s, so we don't need regular martini glasses.

-Lola