I'm NOT Laughing.

I strolled through a Chicago area knit shop recently. I'm not going to name it, but I will say that, regardless of their name, they didn't make me laugh.

I am an accomplished knitter. I, like many of my sisters and brothers in yarn, like to buy yarn. I like to go to yarn shops and touch it and see how the light plays off it and examine the twist and chat with the yarn shop staff about yarn. I am not a naive consumer -- I know there are less expensive ways of obtaining quality fiber -- but there are intangibles associated with yarn shops which are worth the extra cost. Or maybe not.

To get back to my most recent visit to the Shop Which Must Not Be Named. I had just selected a button for my current WIP at Tender Buttons to mark the half-way point in the project, and I thought I would give myself the incentive to get the second piece started by picking out the yarn for my next piece. I think I have mentioned in this space my desire to undertake the Adventure of Socks next.

I walked in the door to Che Hoity-Palloity. There are six women in the store, including the owner and two employees. I look around the walls for sock yarn, but this place is really, really crammed full of stuff. So I asked the owner, "Lettie", who was knitting at a table, where I might find the sock yarn. Instead of rising from her seat, she told me to look at the bottom row of bins behind the cash register. As I walked in the direction she indicated, she called after me "Leave your bag on the counter before you go back there."

Now this was not my first time at this particular shop, and I have spent a considerable amount of money there -- it being the closest yarn shop to my office. Did she really think I was going to steal sock yarn? It isn't like "Lettie" didn't know me -- I stick out. How many heavy-set Jewish men buy yarn from her? I swapped brisket recipes with her friends one day, for Pete's sake. I'm a known entity. I couldn't believe the insult.

I don't know why I was surprised -- I've never been treated with much regard at this shop. My design judgments are always questioned, my opinions always dismissed. Immediately upon entering the store I always feel like they want me to leave as fast as humanly possible. I quickly placed my bag on the counter where she could see it and fell to my knees to look at the selection.

Then comes the next indignity. I had to ask for the price. Nothing -- and I do mean NOTHING -- is marked with the price. You must ask how much something is. And all prices are arbitrary. I have paid two different prices for the same yarn in the same week. I really think the price is very much dependant on if the owner likes you or not. And I don't think she likes me.

The price she quoted me was a full 17% higher per ball than another, newer, friendlier, customer-centered shop adjacent to Downtown Chicago called Loopy Yarns. I know the price difference because this second, friendlier store prices all of their merchandise. Oh -- and, though I have only been a customer for a couple of months, they encourage me to come in, sit, knit, and enjoy the store. They remember me -- when they received a shipment which included a type of cable needle I had been looking for, they called me at home to ask if I was still in the market for them. THEY know how to attract and keep customers!

I left the Shop Which Must Not Be Named vowing -- not for the first time, but hopefully the last -- that I would never again darken their doorstep. My money is neither wanted nor appreciated there. I will gladly spend my yarn allowance at Loopy.

Sorry for this long, negative rant today. Maybe I'll be more upbeat tomorrow. You know what might make me feel better? Maybe a couple of balls of sock yarn!

Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grown

Our first meeting of Stitches in Britches, while sparsely attended, was an unqualified success. We have, at present, four members and a couple of other people who have shown interest, but I didn't give much notice for the first meeting. Franklin had a photo shoot, and Andy had a previous commitment, so it was just Jonathan (above) and me, below.



We've already heard from a couple of people who plan to come next meeting, so we are confidant there is enough interest to allow the group to grow.

We had a great time, got in a lot of knitting, and made some important discoveries.

1. The Borders Cafe, while very accommodating, was loud, crowded, and uncomfortable. And I swear to an awesome and benevolent Dog that if one more person had dragged their heavy metal chairs across the stone tile floor, I would have had to kill them with my bare hands. It was like dragging a rake across a freakin' blackboard...for three hours!

2. Said chairs were a hot commodity. I had to damn-near wrestle the chair I was saving for Jonathan away from a sneak-thieving teenager who had already been told the chair was taken. But as the saying goes, "Age and treachery will always triumph over youth and skill." Needless to say, I won.

3. We had to find another place. One nearby. One that wasn't crowded mid-evening. One with more comfortable seating. With adequate lighting. And we found it! Argo Tea Cafe, located next door to Borders at 16 West Randolph! Jonathan and I went in, checked it out, and talked to the supervisor -- nice boy named Tyler, I believe -- and we were warmly welcomed. I think they may hope for an edgy, hip crowd of young, buff urban knitters, but will be satisfied with us.

(Note: In pursuit of full disclosure, my wife, Myfanwe, doesn't have anything nice to say about Argo Tea -- she thinks anyplace that charges $3 for a glass of iced tea should be shuttered permanently.)

I got another few inches done on the first piece of the wrap I am making for the Akiba fundraiser auction. I am almost done with the first half. Then the second half follows, and then the dreaded finishing. I'm looking for an impressive, simple sizable button similar to that in the photo, so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

I am looking forward to completing this wrap because I am not allowing myself any other projects until this is finished. When it is, I want to take up socks -- something I've never done, but I think I would enjoy. And I want to try dying some yarns, too.

Stitches in Britches Lives!

With the help of Franklin and a new aquaintance, Jonathon, I have made significant strides towards establishing Stitches in Britches -- a new men's knitting group here in the Chicago area.

We have a Yahoo group site, Stitches in Britches, and we have arranged meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 6:30 to 9;30 p.m. at the Borders Cafe at 150 N. State Street.

I am 20% finished with the cream asymetrical wrap I am knitting for the Akiba auction. Yesterday I purchased a rotor cutter and mat so I could start my next project. I have about 8 yards of a purple knit fabric I used a couple of times to cover tables, but am not using currently. So I am cutting the fabric into approximately 1/2 inch strips, tying the strips together, and balling the resulting "yarn". When I have it all balled, I plan to knit a throw rug for our bedroom. I haven't swatched it yet, but I'm trying to conceptualize the results on a large needle vs. an extra-large needle. I think for a rag rug I'd like it to be a little tight. But it will all become clear in the swatching.

Today we are off to Devon to go shopping in the Indian markets -- one of our favorite outings and one of the reasons I could never live in a small town again. I love the diversity of experiences available. I'll try to remember to take pictures.

Oh What a Night!

I picked up NancyKwik last night and headed for the new Stitch and Bitch hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art on the first Tuesday of the month. Last December was their first, and I heard they had about 4 people.

Well what a difference a month makes! I would guess there were 50 knitters -- and I wasn't the only guy. The incredibly talented Franklin Habit met us there. Whew. I can't tell you how much more enjoyable it is to have someone around to take half of the rude glares, half of the insulting comments, half of the condecending questions...



It was really amazing how many people were there. And the space couldn't have been better -- it is walled off from the rest of the museum, so we didn't have to keep it down, there was plenty of room for everyone, and they had really good spiced tea. I was happy.



I had arranged to meet up with Franklin to discuss pulling together a Mens Group -- there are obviously enough men knitting in Chicago, I think it would be a lot of fun to not be the odd man out -- at least just once in a while. If you are a guy, a knitter, and a resident of the Metro Chicago area, click the Yahoo link at the far right and join up. We aren't going to set a time and place until we have at least a dozen members to poll. So join already!



Franklin is a stitch -- so if you haven't read his blog, grab yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for some good writing, some funny delivery, and some delightful illustrations. I really, really dig the sheep. I think he should develope a line of stationary with the sheep.

I definitely plan to go back to the MCA SnB, but I don't think I can add any more knitting groups to my schedule. I've got a regular Monday night, a Tuesday once a month, and I'll soon (kinehara) have a Stitches in Britches to attend. More than that and my wife is going to kill me!


The woman on the right in this photo was wearing a sweater her grandmother had knit for her mother, which she inherited when her mother passed away. I thought that was such a nice and comforting thought. My son may pass on sweaters or scarves that I made for him. That's a pretty powerful idea.

I am currently knitting on the wrap which I making to donate to a fundraiser at my son's school. I had to rip it all the way out yesterday -- my guage was off -- but I'm glad I did, because I must ahve cast on the wrong number of stitches, because my pattern was off as well. I wouldn't have know otherwise until I'd started the second piece, and then it would have been too late to rip back! I feel very fortunate.

Happy New Year! Happy Birthday!

From l to r: Myfanwe, Joanna on Helen's lap, Ron, Jessica, Lilly, Norbert on Sean's knee, Eileen on my knee, and Jim.

WE HAD A BLAST!

After a weeks visit, we saw my in-laws off on their return to Peoria. After a recouperative nap, we stopped by a Chanukah party at the home of one of Norbert's school chums, then rushed North to pick up my nephew, Sean, and his Significant Other, Michelle Lilly. (I call her Lilly, as I already have too many Michelles in my life!)

Together we all hied our way to Dae Woon Hae, a fantastic Korean restaurant on Chicago's north side, where we met up with our friends Ron, Helen, their daughters Jessica and Joanna, and Helen's sister, Eileen and her beau. We had an absolutely outstanding time. The food was great! You can see on the table the bones of a might fine meal!

I laugh now, thinking about it, but Ron, Helen, Eileen and Jim are all physicians. We were probably at the safest dinner in the city!

Monday, January 2nd, was my birthday. I spent the majority of the day with Myfanwe and Norbert -- working on Norbert's science fair project, going to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire again, and then we went out for Carribean food. Then, after dinner, I went to my Stitch and Bitch for a couple of hours and got a couple of inches knit on the wrap I am knitting for the school auction.

I imagine there are a lot of people who don't have as much fun in a year as I packed into just over 24 hours. Damn, I'm lucky. Life is good.

Tonight I'm planning to meet up with Franklin Habit at the Museum of Contemporaty Art Stitch 'n Bitch. Among other things, we want to talk over starting a men's knitting group. I think we both like the idea of it, but neither one of us feel like we have a bunch of free time. I really like the idea, though, so I may have to make the sacrifice.

The End of 2005.

Kindergarten -- 1969 

I came across this photo while looking for another picture on my computer.

The memory that accompanies this photo is a precious one. My parents had separated and were in the process of a very bitter divorce and custody battle. My mom had moved out, and my dad was, I know now, struggling under the responsibilities of working full time and managing four boys -- one with special needs and another just starting kindergarten.

The day before picture day -- my first -- I was insistent that the only shirt I wanted to wear was the shirt in the picture. Unfortunately, the shirt was dirty, and this was before wash and wear fabrics -- it would need to be washed, dried, starched and ironed before I could wear it, and it wasn't likely to happen in time.

My brother Mark, who would love fore people to think he is a big, bad mofo, stayed up late washing and drying the shirt. He then rose early and ironed it. I can still feel the warm fabric slipping onto my arms and smell the fresh scent.

Mark is an incredible person. For more than a decade he cared for our father who had had several strokes. When our mother became ill, he and his wife went above and beyond the call of duty for her -- especially given the 35 years of distance in their relationship. Mark has a highly developed sense of duty and loyalty.

It might sound sappy, but in the New Year, I resolve to be more like Mark.

May 2006 be filled with Joy and Blessings.

And pudding. Pudding is good too. Joy, Blessings and pudding.

Holiday Knitting...Noshing... and other Noble Stuff.

I've been having quite a good time...more fun than any decent person deserves.

My firm showed their tremendous generosity in my bonus check this year, and with a portion of said bonus I bought myself a little toy...a 60gb iPod with video! (I've named it Baby!) I love it! I loved my iPod mini, but now I can not only download and watch every episode of Desperate Housewives, but, with the expanded memory, I no longer have to take something off of the mini so I can add something else!

I gave the mini to Myfanwe and Norbert -- Myfanwe will use it for working out, and Norbert is completely addicted to it already.

I am appreciating Brenda Dayne's Cast On podcast more and more with each new episode. She has great taste in music, and, having listened to every other knitting podcast out there, I feel like hers is the perfect one for me. Listening to her latest episode on Christmas Eve, I was pleased to hear that in the new year she plans to publish weekly instead of every other week! It was like getting a Chanukah present early!

Over the long holiday weekend I spent a little time knitting a sweater for Baby...well, I actually knit two, but the first one didn't fit. That wasn't much of a problem...it fits a mini perfectly. I'll put the pattern on-line sometime soon.

On Christmas Day we did what many American Jews do on Christmas -- we had Chinese food and a movie. But we did it a little differently this year. Myfanwe and I chaired an activity at our synagogue with a choice of 4 movies, then we all had Chinese food after, followed by the lighting of the Chanukiot and the eating of sufganyot – traditional fried donuts filled with sweet jelly. The event was a huge success -- we had 25% more people than reservations! But we made the food stretch and everyone had a great time.




I got a wonderful gift from Norbert for Chanukah -- Mangoes & Curry Leaves : Culinary Travels Through the Great Subcontinent by Jeffrey Alford, Naomi Duguid, which contains recipes and stories of food from the Indian sub-continent. Alford and Duguid wrote my all-time favorite cookbook -- Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet -- which is takes readers (and cooks) on a Southeast Asian adventure of epic proportions. I can't wait to get a chance to really crawl into this book and start cooking.

I ordered the yarn and the pattern for a wrap which I am going to knit as a donation to the silent auction held at my son's school at their annual fund-raising dinner. The design is from Wrap Style by Pam Allen and Ann Budd. I'm going to knit it in a worsted weight natural (undyed) wool...I think the natural, irregular cream color of the natural wool will be beautifully accented by the asymmetrical shaping of the wrap. I checked out the pattern at Border's Books before ordering it (on sale) from KnitPicks.com, and I will admit that finishing -- never my strong suit in knitting -- is key to proper shaping. I may need to bring in professional help!

A Holiday Monday Night Stitch 'n Bitch

I was not at my hosting best. I had been away Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Wisconsin, attending our Congregational retreat. Great fun. And Norbert impressed me so...he lead the congregation in the Ashrei, not a small feat for a reserved 8-year old! I'm so proud!

OK -- so back to the SnB. We rushed home from work, I made a quick pot of tom yum soup for dinner, then raced around to set things up. I quickly discovered the big package of Trader Joe's Bay Blend Decaf had gone a.w.o.l. -- I still haven't found it -- so I only had tea to serve my guests.

I had, before going to bed Sunday night, thrown together a batch of mincemeat bar cookies -- most delectable -- so I had that to share. Everyone else brought things to eat as well, so nobody died of hunger.


We ate a lot, we knit a lot, and we laughed more than anything! Everyone was in a good mood, and we didn't have to be quiet, as we normally would at Border's Cafe.


We listened to Franklin Habit's contribution to the Cast-On podcast, which resonated with many of us.

My friends who do not knit do not understand how social an activity knitting is -- or how much fun people can have talking about knitting.










If the true meaning of Christmas is that of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All, we did our part to make peace in Hyde Park. That has to count for something. Of course, I'm Jewish, so it probably doesn't count. But it feels good nonetheless.

Hyacinths to Feed the Soul

I finished the scarf I have been knitting for my nephew, Sean. I breathed a sigh of relief -- it took a very, very long time. (At least it was a long time for me -- two weeks.) Sean is one of my favorite people, so it was totally worth it. Worsted weight on size 7 needles. Nice and dense with garter stitch panels which make it nice and warm and an open-braid cable for show.

I immediately started a Mobius scarf for my sister-in-law, Laurie, who teaches high school chemistry and physics. She'll get a kick out of showing it to her students. I wanted to knit the scarf using a provisional cast on so that I could graft the ends together, but no matter how hard I tried, no matter how many times I viewed the video, I couldn't get it. So I cast on with my regular knit-on cast and I will graft the ends together when I am done.



Laurie's Mobius has a reversible pattern, so the twist won't be too obvious, and it is knit in more of the Wool of the Andes Peruvian wool from KnitPicks.com -- in Hyacinth. I love the name of the color because my mother, z"l, always used to recite the following poem:

If of thy mortal good thou art bereft
And of thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

Words to live by, without a doubt. And for me, my hyacinths come in skeins!

Knitting Weather

We are currently smack-dab in the middle of my favorite season -- winter in Chicago. Last week we had a significant snow storm, followed by some serious cold. Wonderful weather for puttin' on the flannel jammies, slipping the feet into fleece-lined slippers, ploppin' down in an overstuffed chair with a pot of tea, a bit of chocolate, something interesting on the iPod, and knitting the evening away.

If asked to describe life in heaven, I think that would be it. Except that in heaven I am buff and don't have to worry about the price of yarn!

I have been listening quite a bit to knitting podcasts as I work furriously on my last-minute projects. I am quite fond of Brenda Dayne's Cast-On, which is both informative, entertaining, and relaxing. A native of the U.S, but a resident of Wales, her wistful piece on Thanksgiving in Wales is reminiscent of Truman Capote and Bailey White. Brenda's third episode included an essay by a Chicago knitter, Franklin Habit, which was very well written and wickedly funny. (And I loved hearing another man talk about knitting! I hope to meet him someday!)

This coming weekend Norbert and I are going to Wisconsin for out synagogue's annual Congregational Retreat, which is held at OSRUI, the Reform Jewish camp. He is over-the-moon excited about it, I less so. Myfanwe is not going with us -- she's going to stay home with the puppy and get some work done. She has never enjoyed the retreats as much as Norbert and I do, but I will miss her. Oh well.

I'm taking a braided-cable scarf in grey Peruvian wool to finish, and probably enough of the grey to start a matching hat -- gifts for my nephew. In the wings I have 1000 yards of black wool for a scarf and hat for me, and 800 yards or so of a rich royal blue for a Mobius scarf for my sister-in-law. Plenty to keep me busy for a few weeks.