Knitting Secrets and Questions
I mentioned a “secret” project I was working on. Something in Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock yarn, in the color “Pine.” Something that had beads. Something I was designing myself and didn’t want to say too much about because I was afraid I’d jinx it, or that it wouldn’t come out the way I wanted it to. (Because, of course, I’d hate to disappoint any of you who might have gotten curious.)
Well, I’m still not actually going to tell you what it is. I’ve got one more tiny, final thing to figure out and then it will be done and I can show you a finished picture. In the meantime, though, here’s a photo to whet your appetites. One skein of sock yarn. Beads scattered across the surface. Some shaping for texture, and that’s a hint of ribbing at the bottom. Any guesses? (No prize or anything, but, I am curious if anyone can guess what it is.) I’m really quite proud of it. It’s come out pretty much exactly the way I hoped it would. Now I’m thinking about doing another one and actually writing it down this time, so that I’ll have an actual pattern for it, I like it so much.
I sent my e-mail in yesterday to sign up for SP6. I had so much fun with SP5, I decided to keep going. I’m enjoying my bi-monthly KRSecretPal exchange, too, but the frustrating thing about that is that the pal I’m spoiling never updates her blog–I think the last time was June–and so I never get any feedback, I have no idea what she’s doing these days, what she’s working on, if she’s on a lace-kick, or socks, or whatever. So while I’m enjoying coming up with packages to send her (and she did e-mail a thank you for the last one), I really don’t know how well I’m doing, spoiling her, because I don’t know what kind of things she’s enjoying knitting now. I just know what she said she liked back in March when this started. I might feel differently about having this stretched out for so long if I was getting feed-back, but, well, tastes and passions can change over 10 months and I would hate for her to be disappointed in my last packages because they’re geared toward answers she made months ago, about things she might not be so interested in, anymore.
Anyway–here’s an etiquette question for all of you. The wedding where I’ll finally be able to wear my Peacock shawl is next week, and I was thinking of putting some tiny little knitting project in my cute matching purse (because, well, to fit it would have to be a tiny knitting project, which also makes it discreet). My mother feels that the prospect of my amusing myself with some dainty little knitting toward the end of the reception when I’m usually bored would be terribly rude. I think it would be fine–I’m not planning on knitting at the church (which would be rude); I’m not planning on knitting at the beginning of the reception when, yeah, there are things going on, people to talk to, things to do and watch. But I don’t like to dance, loud music gives me a headache, and except for my sister’s family of four and her in-laws, I’m not going to know anybody there to talk to. I don’t think it would be such a breach of etiquette to have something tucked away in my bag in case things get boring toward the end. Something small and simple I could work on in my lap. Nothing big or obvious, or anything that would require my pulling out a pattern. Not something I wouldn’t be able to work on while carrying on a polite conversation. Just something to keep my hands busy at the point in the day when I’m ready to tear my hair out. I mean, my fingers are going to end up fidgeting with something, why not let them be constructive? (And, I bet my niece and nephew get to bring something for when they get bored . . . does it really matter that they’re 20+ years younger than I am?) What do you folks think?? I could use some ammunition the next time this subject comes up. (And Mom reads my blog, so don’t let me down!)
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Pretty knitting — is it a hat? I really like the beads.
On knitting at the wedding reception: Although I almost always have something to knit in my purse, those who don’t knit can perceive the action as antisocial. Even if you’re bored to tears, unless there’s a quiet place away from the main event room, I wouldn’t indulge. On a day when emotions are running high anyway, someone is bound to take it the wrong way.
I would definitely knit! If you are visiting at the same time how is that antisocial. However, I do knit everywhere except in movie theaters (I always miss something in the action).
I would also guess a hat. I love the color and the beads!
Thank you for the comment! I guess my life got to feeling a little small this afternoon. There will be some varied posts in the future I think:)
i would knit as well. i am known for my crafting, and if i tell people it’s for charity (which the small projects in my bag usually are) they back way off, and say oh, that’s sweet, aren’t you nice, yadda yadda yadda.
i know you don’t wear hats, i remember the hood you made last winter. special mittens? no, the beads would break. hmm. lemme think
Mobeius scarf?
Knit at the reception. I think it’s always appropriate. My family knows not to expect me to attend anything without at least a sock-in-progress. Wedding, funerals, waiting rooms, meetings, concerts, barbeques, and restaurants. I knit at the movie theater, by braille, as long as it’s plain stockinette. It goes everywhere. You can always put it away if you get dirty looks from anyone, anyhow.
Go ahead and knit! Heck, I had something to knit at MY wedding reception, and I did!
As long as it’s small and easy so you can be social, it should be fine. You may find that more people will talk to you just to find out what you’re doing. In fact, I took knitting to a funeral luncheon and that’s where I met the folks who started the Knitter’s Group I belong to.
I LOVE secrets!
Can’t wait!
My first instinct is to say KNIT. But if your mother thinks it’s rude, and there is no chance to change her mind (which WE could try to do>…..It’s NOT rude) then perhaps it would not be worth it.
Or at least, if it were MY mother it would not be worth it.
The purse is perfect!
I can imagine my mum saying the same thing. I can also imagine the aftermath if I did take it too. Difficult one, maybe take it and get your dear mum a few drinks at the same time, maybe she won’t notice….she’s reading all these and gritting her teeth isn’t she? I can feel the tension!
I say take it – and decide what to do while you are there. Take the temperature of the room, the people around you, if you feel they wouldn’t be offended go ahead!
I’d say it’s a tote bag. Am I taking your hint too literally?
And I think if you have to ask, you shouldn’t knit at the wedding.
i’m guessing a beret…which is similar to a hat i suppose.
i couldn’t knit at a wedding reception – but that is just me. you need to do what you feel will make you happiest. so knit away!!
Yes Tracy I’m reading this
I can understand where Deb’s coming from with the not knowing too many people, not liking to dance etc but I just think it’s inappropriate. Of course I’m not a knitter so I’ve never noticed if other people bring knitting to events like a wedding or not. I’m not trying to make waves, just expressing my opinion. And besides, if Deb’s off knitting and I’m bored what am I supposed to do… lol
I hate to be a minority but I too think you shouldn’t knit at the wedding reception. I think knitting is appropriate at almost all times, and I take my knitting to friend’s houses. However when you don’t know many people there and thus they don’t know you, I think it would be rude. They most likely won’t understand and feel that you are being rude and showing our boredom. It may be different if you knew the wedding party very well, or the family of the bride incredibly well, and people just expected it of you, but considering the circumstances I think people may take offense.
Although I’m sure you wouldn’t want it to come across badly, I’m afraid it would. Unless there was some place you could slip away to to knit, like the lobby if it was at a hotel, knitting inside the reception is a bad idea.
I’m not sure what your mystery project is, a purse? But I like the beads very much.
I’d say it’s fine. Maybe take a pair of socks to knit that you will end up gifting to the bride, as a memory of her wedding day?
I think knitting is more appropriate than being drunk because you are lucid and able to carry on conversations.
Thanks for being such a great Secret Pal. I have really enjoyed this summer, with all the gifties to look forward to.
I’m not sure what it is, but I am sure that it is gorgeous! What a lovely colorway (my favorite color is green). I suppose I’ll guess that it’s a little bag. Though a hat seems more likely. Hmmm…
I did bring my knitting to the last wedding I attended, expecting to be quite bored, but I ended up not doing it. It does feel somewhat rude to do, but it depends on the wedding, I guess. I ended up being rude in a different way–refusing to try to catch the bouquet! Apparently it’s quite offensive to people that I might not want to engage in wedded bliss myself right now.
I’m guessing a tea cozie.
And I say take the knitting, and knit if you think it feels okay. I often pass on the knitting just because people don’t seem indulgent, but I always have it just incase. And you can knit in the car there and back if you can convince someone else to drive!
How about taking something like a sock to knit during the reception — and — you might end up teaching someone to knit or finding other knitters. And, there might end up being terrific friendships made! The wedding receptions IO’ve attended got really boring after a while and knitting would have been reallt helpful! What about making I-Cord potholders!?!
I’d say that a small knitting project for the end of the evening wouldn’t be rude. As long as you’re not knitting during the ceremony (which you’ve already said you won’t) I think you’re good to go.
BTW – I heart that bag of yours.
I vote yes for the knitting. I knit everywhere – even at Fenway. (lol)