So I love to knit socks for my grandfather because he loves them. He even requested a pair of socks to be put aside for his burial. He believes in being prepared. lol. I knit those with fine charcoal alpaca. There’s no better way to get a knitter to knit for you again than to love her gifts and wear them so much that you wear them out. I was talking to my Gram the other day and she informed me that my grandfather is in dire need of new socks. He has taken to duck-taping all of the socks I knit for him so they won’t wear out any more! lol. I swear he’s a completely sane, very intelligent even, man. Okay, okay Gramps. I got the hint. More socks soon.
For the second year in a row I bought “Odessa’s” fleece from Whitefish Bay Farm. I’ll post a picture on the first sunny day when I can take it outside and spread it out. You can see the variation in this swatch. I’m telling you… it’s the most stunning, soft, clean fleece. It goes from silver grey on one end to a charcoal grey on the other. CLEAN! Ahhh… heaven. I got the idea for this swatch from one of the spinner’s I met at the Spinning Retreat in Scotland last Summer, Freyalynn Close-Hainsworth. Her gorgeous Misty Mountains Shawl was in the Fall 2003 issue of Spin Off and was the winner of the 2002 Majacraft International Competition of Fiber Innovation. She used Vivian Hoxbro’s Domino Knitting for the knitting of the diamonds in the shawl. The beauty of it though is the way she carded and spun the wool. She kept the dark and light locks separated and the result was diamonds that blended like this little rectangle I did with Odessa’s fleece. She even knit beads into it. Gorgeous shawl. I still want a pair of Viking Combs after watching her use them in Scotland.
Your grandpa sounds fantastic. It’s great that he loves your socks…and you’re right…the best way to get a knitter to knit for you is to compliment him/her on what she makes you. 🙂
Congratulations on winning the Edelweiss grand prize! And I think it’s swell your Gramps likes … no, LOVES your handknit socks!
Love duct (that’s how I say it) tape. Thank you for the new idea on how to use it.
Love the swatch so far too. And congrats on the grand prize. Can I hide in your suitcase? Puhleeeeze?
Grandpa loves the socks, that is so cute! My dad would probably do the same thing with the duct tape. That, and WD-40, fixes everything! Congratulations on the trip!
Well, then I need to get out and buy some more action movies and send more popcorn. This time I will try to remember some photos and letters to include. Maybe I should find a copy of “Days of Thunder” since we will be at the Pepsi 400 in July. I know they broadcast the NASCAR races to the troops and hosts a lot of them at the tracks each race. I am so glad when an organization in America tries to honor the troops and their service. I love that shawl! That gives me an idea of how to use some variegated Mohair I have. I hate to miss that gradation from color to color. Maybe that Lily of the Valley Entrelac scarf from an IK issue last year?
Another use for Duct Tape! That shawl is amazing! The color is so subtle and elegant.
Let me guess…that would be your “Scottish” Grandfather?<
Congrats on snagging a fleece from Whitefish Bay. I knitted Evelyn Clark’s Sheep Shawl (Fibertrends) with a silver fleece from Dick a couple years ago.
In my experience, Dick’s fleeces are a tad short for use w/ Viking combs. Mini-combs will work just fine w/ less waste. Thanks for reminding me of Freyalynn’s shawl!
Also, congratulations of finding a dr. for Daniel that inspires confidence and is willing to work with you!! God bless you all…..
I will have to meet your granddad when you come back home to NH!!
What a gorgeous shawl!! I can’t wait to see how your’s comes out.
Congratulations on your prize, its nice to have your hard work appreciated. Your Grandpa sounds like a great guy.
LOL! I’m such a dope! It is DUCT tape, Nilda. LOL. Yeesh.
Jean if you ever have a chance to visit the Door County area of Wisconsin please do so! It is so beautiful and midwest friendly.
Congratulations on winning the grand prize,no one is more deserving!
Way to go Grandad! That’s a grand compliment too, your socks forever, what a great and very comforting thing to say. I think that’s fantastic.
There is actually a Duck brand of duct tape. It always gives me a chuckle. The Virginia State Fair has a duct tape category in its crafts competition. I have also seen a duct tape wallet for sale in a catalog.
And why isn’t duct tape something the troops request for care packages? Do they get it in their standard supplies? It is so handy – I would guess they could even use it as a bug and mouse trap.