Stuart's parents are here, visiting from Ontario. Stuart's mum, Mary (who is doing much, much better, and is totally back to her old self, if you remember all the health stuff from last fall) has been a knitter her whole life - I mean, really, I don't think it's possible to grow up in Wales and not be a knitter, you know? Anyway, the last few years, she has moved away from knitting, which was a bit sad for me, as this was just as I was growing to love the craft, and I had hoped we would be able to share this. It's a bit tricky marrying into a traditional Welsh family, when you are not very... traditional. (I did produce a grandson with all possible haste, which smoothed things greatly, but still.)
Mary was completely surprised by the things I knit, by the patterns and yarn that you can buy now, and was deeply fascinated by my Panda Wool socks. At first, she looked with a bit of interest. Then she looked some more. When I told her about the kids' Christmas Knitting requests, she thought that perhaps she could knit something up for one of them. We looked through my box of wool, and made plans to go down to the LYS one day this week.
But this sock, well, Mary had never seen anything like this before! This was not some thick wool thing, that she used to hate to knit. This was pretty, and colourful, and had bamboo in it! Then I pulled a dirty trick - I brought out my sock yarn bin. Just so she could have a look, you know? Before you knew it, she had chosen a couple of balls, I had needles in her had, and we had pulled out Knitting Rules, so she could follow along Stephanie's basic sock pattern. It's not like I had to teach her anything, because the lady knows far, far more about knitting than I will ever forget, but it was a special feeling, sitting side by side on the couch, knitting on our socks. Last Saturday, I was listening to an interview with Ann Bud on Knitpick's latest podcast episode. She called herself an "evangelist" of sock knitting, and I was happy to share the love here!
The Eyelet Cardigan has had all the knitting completed, and I am still waiting for my last skein of yarn. I was told that blocking it out ahead of time will help with the finishing process, so that's what I'm doing.
In the meantime, I'm working away on my toe-up sock. I did the heel this weekend, and am now climbing the leg. (I know you love pictures, and I tried, I really did, but it just wasn't working - sorry.) I don't know how far up I will get with these - I was hoping for knee socks, but I think I might run out of yarn before I reach the knee. I guess I'll just keep going until I have to stop! I am still in love with the Panda Wool, and am truly hoping I'll find some on my holiday to Vancouver Island next week. You know, to avoid the shipping costs!
And a big thank you, to all of you who offered to be my yarn broker. You just don't know what you may have set yourself up for! At least there are several of you, I'll have to put you into a rotation or something clever like that!
The eyelet cardi sure looks pretty there!
I can't even begin to express how wonderful it must be to knit with your MIL Mary and so sneakily getting that sock yarn and needles in her hands, but oh..to sit side by side in knitting.. you're both so very lucky.
I do love the Panda Cotton but I'm for sure needing to get my hands on the Panda wool! It's just such a fabulous yarn!
I'm excited for you...your upcoming holiday!
Posted by: marianne | August 13, 2007 at 10:45 AM
I'll be your yarn broker any day! What a sweet story about Mary. I have to admit, that it is such a sense of accomplishment when I lure someone into the world of sock knitting! Although now I will have to share my sock yarn inheiritance with my sister. Hopefully that won't happen any time soon!
Posted by: marti | August 13, 2007 at 12:47 PM
What a great knitting story :-) You should be very proud.
Posted by: Shmaelen | August 13, 2007 at 08:23 PM
That is so sweet! I love that your mother in law has rediscovered knitting through you.
Hey! I am on Vancouver Island from this coming Sunday to Friday -- well, mostly on Quadra Island (there is a pretty fabulous yarn shop there...) which is just a 10 minute ferry ride from Campbell River.
Whereabouts on the Island are you headed for holiday?
Posted by: Miss Scarlett | August 13, 2007 at 09:45 PM
That's a great story! So sweet.
If you need anything from Europe, I can also be your yarn broker. Opal or Wollmeise maybe? ;)
Posted by: Hasbu | August 13, 2007 at 10:24 PM
How awesome to find a common bond with another knitter. I know my Mother gave up knitting mostly because of the scratchy wool she used to have to knit with and now she is fascinated with all the pretty sock yarns to be had.
Posted by: Dorothy | August 14, 2007 at 08:20 AM
That's so nice, knitting with MIL! Really really jealous.
The eyelet cardi looks great! I'm so psyched you are almost done!
And just let me know what yarn you need and I'll be more than happy to pick it up for you!
Posted by: Colleen | August 14, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Oh I want your M.I.L too ! Crystal Palace Yarns are bringing out a corn fibre yarn soon ( it looks lovely). The Welsh had some very tough lives with English Landlords so I am not surprised they make thigs , are a very resourceful nation . As an English lass I am very proud to be neighbours. My primary school teacher was Welsh he changed my life . He taught me to value books in a way no-one else had .
Posted by: angie Cox | August 14, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Oh that is a lovely story about your MIL, I love the idea of two generations knitting socks side by side.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 14, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Oh that is a lovely story about your MIL, I love the idea of two generations knitting socks side by side.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 14, 2007 at 11:31 AM
Oooo!! I can't wait to see the eyelet cardi seamed up!
I'm glad to hear the visit is going well, and that she is feeling so much better.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 15, 2007 at 08:09 AM
Good work on spreading the sock love :) So nice to share this craft.
Also glad to hear that Stuart has the right idea on what to do about flat rate shipping :)
Posted by: Sarah | August 15, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Hope you have a great vacation! I still plan on blogging when I'm in Korea...and of course I hope to get some yarn while I'm there. I mean, what kind of knitter would I be if I didn't go look for Korean yarn...or even buy North American yarns...while I'm there? I wonder if they'll have any knitting groups (especially English speaking ones) over there that I'd be able to join. That would be cool!
Posted by: Shelley | August 15, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I want to go to Vancouver Island! Have a great time!
That is so very, very cool about your MIL! Re-addicting her. Clever girl, Charity! Your eyelet cardigan is looking pretty and practically done.
Posted by: Carrie K | August 16, 2007 at 12:22 PM