KnitWerk

I ordered the yarn for this one a few weeks ago when things were crazy at work, and there wasn’t much knitting time. It was raining and dreary then, and the promise of the chenille roses lifted my spirits. For the first time in my long knitting experience, I’m using the exact yarn in the exact colors called for by the pattern. It seems weird somehow to use specified yarn, but I’m a sucker for analogous reds, so it seemed a good choice. The yarn, it turns out, is delicious:

The bulk of this one—the trellis—is actually crocheted. I started late last night, and have already finished most of the trellis and one rose, so it should finish quickly—hopefully before it’s too hot here to wear it again. It’s a nice change from US #1 needles—progress is happening fast. We’ve had some gorgeous spring days in the last few weeks, but if current dreary weather patterns hold for a while, I should be able to wear it at least once.

I just joined the Scarf Style Knitalong, since there are at least 3 more scarves I want to make from this book. It’s fun to knit for me, for a change!

I’m tickled pink that Suzie tagged me for an interview. I’m very new to this blog scene, so this is my first time being asked to participate. Thanks, Suzie!

1. Tell me more about your mom’s yarn store. Where was it?

It was in Chico, California. The exact dates are all a little fuzzy now, but Mom started working in the shop when I was in elementary school. She purchased it soon after, and finally closed it in 1990, my senior year of college. I walked to the shop after school every day, and started working there in junior high. That experience changed me in so many ways… I was painfully shy. Customers came in all the time with problems, and at first I didn’t have the confidence to help them—I deferred all questions to my mother. Soon, she said, “Sara, you know how to fix this. You need to let people know that you can help them.” At 12 or 13, I began to help people of all ages out of knitting problems. So began my lessons in poise and projecting confidence. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that I use those skills to this day. Working in retail for a family-owned business is a wonderful way to learn not only about customer service and integrity, but also about presenting yourself confidently.

2. Top 10 songs played on your ipod?

A Minor Incident – Badly Drawn Boy
Shipbuilding – Elvis Costello
These Days – Nico
Orange Sky – Alexi Murdoch
Such Great Heights – The Postal Service
7 Chinese Brothers – REM
Gone for Good – The Shins
Needle in the Hay – Elliot Smith
Dry the Rain – The Beta Band
Float On – Modest Mouse

Hmmm. These are all from the same playlist, my mellow collection that was a true comfort during stressful deadlines last autumn. Must merge my new Secret Pal mellow mixes to this one, as they would all play nicely together.

3. What’s the ratio of things you knit for yourself vs gifts for others?

Ugh—I don’t want to think very hard about this. When I consider my knitting since last summer, only two projects out of 15 were for me (one of them being the scarf I started last night). It’s definitely time for some selfish knitting.

4. What are your favorite East Bay Restaurants? I’m always looking for new ones!

Mmmm…. we go to Lark Creek in Walnut Creek for all special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, Tuesdays, etc.). Prima is another great one, though we haven’t been for a while. One of my new faves is Cafe de la Paz in Berkeley. Killer mojitos! Le Cheval in Oakland is really loud and busy, but terrific Vietnamese food.

5. Is there anything you regret not buying at Stitches?

Sock yarn eluded me. The Koigu booth was tiny, swamped, and pretty well picked over by the time we got there on Sunday. Sock yarn skeins are awfully small in the visual chaos that is Stitches—I think I just overlooked many opportunities in all the clutter. I tried really hard to buy something at Brooks Farm, but by Sunday the colors left were either too pastel-y for me, or too similar to something I already had. I’m looking forward to the TKGA National Conference in Oakland. Hopefully, with this much lead time I’ll be able to get my sisters, mom and both stepdaughters to come.

whoops – later edited to add:

Please let me know if you’d like to be interviewed!