Driving to Rhinebeck
I was driving along today and a car–same color, same make as mine–pulled in front of me. And, silly as it is, I caught myself looking at the license plate, almost as if checking to make sure it wasn’t my car . . . you know, the one I was actually driving. (Sheesh) But it made me think . . .
So, here’s the thing. For those of you going to Rhinebeck on Saturday . . . now, obviously, nobody’s going to be wasting time in the parking lot–we’re all going to want to get IN to the show as quickly as possible–but still . . . Points for anyone who can spot my car. I’ve mentioned the manufacturer in the past. I’ve got vanity plates AND there’s a license plate frame around the back plate. I always say that anybody who knows me would recognize my car if they saw that license plate & frame combo . . . so. IF you see my car . . . say something! (Although, please don’t post my license plate number on the internet.) Send me an e-mail, or say something TO me on Saturday. Leave a note under the windshield wiper (if you’re confident enough). There may just be something in it for you . . . This isn’t quite a contest, but . . . something!
And, about Rhinebeck. I’m really looking forward to shopping. And one of the things I want to get is enough wool roving to make a sweater for myself, but don’t know what or how much. Not only will I want a color I’ll like, but also something that will make a nice, soft yarn. Any suggestions on what kind of wool or wool-blend I should get? And, how much??
One other question for those of you who’ve been to Rhinebeck . . . is there going to be anything my mother’s sensitive stomach can handle for lunch? Nothing too greasy? Or would she be better off bringing a turkey sandwich in her purse?
(Oh, and of course, I’m looking forward to meeting people, too. I’m going to have to remember to bring notepaper to jot down names and blogs . . . but, ooh! I just remembered. My camera can do voice memos–that could come in handy!)
I’ve worked on my Hyrna H Unpronounceable Shawl again last night and tonight. I’ve decided that it’s an unpronounceable (to Americans) shawl because . . . not only does it make profanity easier (not that I use that kind of language) but also . . . it’s just uncooperative all around. I do not know WHAT it is about this shawl, but every single pattern row is giving me grief. Every one! I’m simply alternating between two, simple rows, and have been for quite a few rows now. I’m not losing track of which row I’m on. I’m not miscounting. I’m not forgetting the pattern . . . and yet. Every. Single. Pattern. Row. Argh!
On the plus side, I’ve been getting work done on my Union Square Market Pullover. It feels at least like it’s going faster since I split for the front and back. About an inch to go on the back before doing the few short rows up there, and then at least part of it will be done. I feel like I’ve been making no progress at all, which is ridiculous. But . . . there are so many nice, finished ones over on the Knit-Along. Please check out some of the finished products! They’re fabulous, and putting me to shame.
Click here to subscribe via RSS
Follow me on Twitter!
Tannenbaum.
House Calls
I’ve been told that two pounds of roving should get you enough yarn for a good sized sweater. Are you going to buy a fleece and do the whole thing?
Do you have a copy of “In Sheep’s Clothing”? It’s very helpful when selecting what breed of sheep you’d like to consider knitting from for different projects.
I’ll look for your car.
Maybe HH is just not to be right now..perhaps her role in your life is to get you excited about the Market Square pullover?
Hey, when you figure out the whole “why some projects get finished and others don’t” thing, let me know, okay?
Oops, I meant Union Square Market (you knew what I meant). I’d say Snow’s right, but probably get a bit more, maybe 2.5 or even 3 lbs to be safe. Of course, if your yarn is going to be fingering weight or less, you’ll need less wool. Maybe figure how much (in weight) you used for a similar sweater (or if you’re using a pattern, the pattern calls for) and then increase it by 20% for roving. If you’re buying a fleece and having it processed, it depends a lot on the breed, but you’re probably going to want to double the weight of the yarn requirements. If it’s a fine, greasy breed (merino, rambo, cormo), you might want to more than double it. Can’t have too much, but too little is borderline tragic.
I’d go with the above advice. You want one of the finer wools (merino, polwarth, cormo -mmm cormo, even a finer corriedale) for a next to the skin sweater. Since you’re going for roving and not fleece, you can take a bit of it and rub it on the inside of your wrist or under your chin to see if it feels good. Doesnt’ work so much for grease fleece as that grease interferes with this test.. oh and if it’s cold out, when I find it always feels soft to the fingers. Silly fingers.
As for food, you’ll find mostly hamburger/hotdog/lamb kabob food.. mixed with a small sampling of carnival fare. If she’s got a sensitive stomach, a gentle turkey sandwich in the purse might not be a bad idea.
I bet I could figure out which car is yours. If I was there. And willing to hunt the parking lot looking for it instead of shopping. But no, I’ll be here in Ohio – far away – no fiber festivals for me.
BTW, my plate is CRZYLAB. Anyone could figure out mine.