September 22, 2005
It's Fair Isle Fall!
So wouldn't it be swell if my camera actually liked to photograph Shetland 2-ply?
Anyhow, I cast on the 349 stitches and got the first four rows of "Zauberflote" done. (Hey, stranded purl rows are slow! And 349 stitches, remember?) I didn't have to swatch because I've used this yarn before and I know that I get gauge. It's been a while since I did Fair Isle, so it took a little while to get back in the swing of things, but I find that I'm already anxious to be done with the garter stitch section and move into the main stockinette part. I hate purling with two-color stranded knitting, is that so wrong?
In other news, I saw Elton John at The Garden tonight. That man puts on the most incredible show ever. He started singing around 8:10pm and the show didn't end until 11:30. And there wasn't even an intermission or anything. One brief costume change, but seriously, non-stop music. Amazing. He just sang and sang and sang, and the audience ate up every note.
But the whole thing paled in comparison to the fact that I was sitting next to a family who was clearly there under the aegis of The Make-a-Wish Foundation or a similar organization. The boy had maybe MS or something, it was so sad... but the whole family had VIP backstage passes, and Elton even said his name from the stage - and the whole family cheered extra loud - and then Elton dedicated "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." I wept. It had been clear the whole time that the guy was a huge EJ fan - he was singing along, and he knew the words to every single song. Even the ones I had never even heard before.
The last time I had heard Elton dedicate "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" to someone, he dedicated it to the memory of Matthew Shepherd, which also made me weep. I get weepy. So sue me.
The bottom line? If I hadn't already given so much money to Hurricane Katrina relief, I'd have come right home and donated more money to Make-a-Wish. But with Rita looming in the Gulf... wow, what a scary time for this country.
Posted by Jon at September 22, 2005 03:13 AMI am new to your blog. Got here from one of Urban Barbara's (I love her...wish I had her as close friend) links to other bloggers. I just took up knitting again after a huge hiatus of about 20 years. I learned from my mother and from the maids in our house (grew up overseas)whose technique for casting on I found easier to figure out than Mom's. I like your observations about this craft and envy your ability and dedication. I am looking forward to the two projects I have bought material for: a long scarf in a mohair-y boucle melange (beautiful shades of green and goldie yellow)and a vest with a turtleneck in a very soft wool and alpaca yarn. For the time being I am sticking with bulky yarn and big needles so as not to get bored with an interminable garment. I love all your pictures of stuff.
I live in D.C. but go to NYC a few times a year (get my hair highlighted, shop for shoes...)so I will be checking out some of the yarn stores you posted on a list somewhere in the blog. Great to have found you.
*sniff*sniff* I saw EJ a few years ago in (of all places) Wichita, KS. I got up ultra early in the morning to get my tickets, etc. Of course I couldn't hold back the tears. In the packed venue it was still so emotional to be in the presence of such greatness. It was an awesome unforgettable concert. Thanks for reminding me of how wonderful it was. :)
Posted by: Laura at September 22, 2005 12:17 PM