The country is at war. The economy is in a downturn. Citizens are stressed.
That's when Americans pull out their knitting needles, said author Susan Strawn, who will speak on the history of knitting in the United States at a program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.
Strawn, the author of "Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art," said one surprising fact she learned while researching her book was the correlation between what is happening in the nation and the popularity of knitting.
"Every time this country is very stressed by the Great Depression or wartime, there is an increase in the amount of knitting," she said.
That still holds true today, contrary to knitting's old-fashioned image, said Strawn, assistant professor of apparel design and merchandising at Dominican University in River Forest.
"Many people are very devoted to their knitting groups right now," Strawn said. "Knitting is perhaps as popular as it has ever been."
Americans are plying their needles for an array of philanthropic causes, she said.
Knitters use their craft to provide warm clothing and items for the homeless, premature babies, foster children, veterans and soldiers at war.
During World War I and World War II, knitting was seen as a sign of patriotism and students were even encouraged to knit during class, Strawn said.
While groups like the Red Cross may no longer solicit knitted items for soldiers, private groups are supplying their own, Strawn said.
"There are knitters who are knitting helmet liners to send to Iraq and Afghanistan," she said.
Knitting during stressful times gives citizen artisans a productive way to respond to the crisis and sooth their own anxieties, Strawn said.
"Once you have a proficiency at it, it's very soothing and very calming," she said.
Strawn herself learned to knit from her grandmother while growing up in Nebraska. She became fascinated by the idea of being able to create fabric from two sticks and a string.
"When I was 12, I became obsessed with it," she said.
Knitting can range from simple to complex. Some high schools now offer knitting classes, Strawn said.
The beautiful yarns and interesting patterns available today mean that knitting can be used to be used to create fashionable clothing or even high art, Strawn said.
"Now there are a number of artists who are using knitting as a medium," she said.
Knitters meet in person or via the Internet to support a variety of causes. There's even a Knitters for Obama group whose members are using their skills to raise money for the Democratic presidential nominee.
"For me, knitting holds my life together," Strawn said.
Knitters are encouraged to bring their work with them to Strawn's program and will have an opportunity to share their own stories.
September 30, 2008
September 21, 2008
Wool, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, and Kings Island
It has been a fun filled packed weekend. Yesterday morning found Jimmy and I at A Wool Gathering. It was my first fiber fest and what fun it was. The animals are way cute. I wonder what Poo and Kiki would do if we were to bring home an Angora Bunny for them to play with?
Sheep.... I am glad we visited them early in the day before they had a chance to stink up the tent.
These lambs were only 5 days old. Aren't they cuties? Oh just think of all the wool....
And now for the loot. Above are four hanks bought at Midwest Fiber Co's booth.
The loot. A T-Shirt with last year's design. A tote bag with this year's design. Yarn from right to left. Midwest Fiber Co. 100% Alpaca which was hand painted in blues, green, and burnt orange. Jimmy picked these out so that I can knit a scarf for him. He has selected the Swelligant Scarf found in Son of Stitch 'n Bitch.
Next is two hanks also from Midwest in a blend of 90% Alpaca and 10% Soy Silk in a black with white fleck colorway. I picked this out and think it might be a scarf using one of Anne Hanson's patterns. Perhaps an Elm Row for me?
Above that is a 100% Merino in a Red Hot Chili Pepper colorway by Knitting Notions. Jimmy picked this out too for a hand knitted hat. I also picked up a shawl pin from her booth too.
Last but never least is the two hanks of Super Washed Merino in a hand painted Indigo colorway by The Weaver's Loft. I hope to make a sweater for me with this super soft yarn.
Saturday evening we ventured to downtown Cincinnati to check out Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. It was an OK time. To many people crammed into 5 city blocks left me feeling a little claustrophobic.
The company Jimmy works for rented out Kings Island today for the employees and their families. That is us up on the observation deck of the 1/3 replica of the Eiffel Tower.
View shot from observation deck.
And another.....
Jimmy preparing to have his brain scrambled on the scrambler.
Took a train ride around the park. They are currently building a new roller coaster that will reach 80 MPH called the Diamondback to be finished for 2009 season. There are 24/7 Web Cams recording the progress of the build.
Diamondback pieces.
Diamondback footers.
It has been an awesome weekend. The best part is coming home to kitty cats and knowing that we still have another day off on Monday. :-) Even if it is going to be filled with laundry and cleaning. OH yeah and the Bills are 3-0..... Woofrigginghooooooooooo......
Sheep.... I am glad we visited them early in the day before they had a chance to stink up the tent. 
These lambs were only 5 days old. Aren't they cuties? Oh just think of all the wool....
And now for the loot. Above are four hanks bought at Midwest Fiber Co's booth.
The loot. A T-Shirt with last year's design. A tote bag with this year's design. Yarn from right to left. Midwest Fiber Co. 100% Alpaca which was hand painted in blues, green, and burnt orange. Jimmy picked these out so that I can knit a scarf for him. He has selected the Swelligant Scarf found in Son of Stitch 'n Bitch.
Next is two hanks also from Midwest in a blend of 90% Alpaca and 10% Soy Silk in a black with white fleck colorway. I picked this out and think it might be a scarf using one of Anne Hanson's patterns. Perhaps an Elm Row for me?
Above that is a 100% Merino in a Red Hot Chili Pepper colorway by Knitting Notions. Jimmy picked this out too for a hand knitted hat. I also picked up a shawl pin from her booth too.
Last but never least is the two hanks of Super Washed Merino in a hand painted Indigo colorway by The Weaver's Loft. I hope to make a sweater for me with this super soft yarn.
Saturday evening we ventured to downtown Cincinnati to check out Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. It was an OK time. To many people crammed into 5 city blocks left me feeling a little claustrophobic.
The company Jimmy works for rented out Kings Island today for the employees and their families. That is us up on the observation deck of the 1/3 replica of the Eiffel Tower. 
View shot from observation deck.
And another.....
Jimmy preparing to have his brain scrambled on the scrambler.
Took a train ride around the park. They are currently building a new roller coaster that will reach 80 MPH called the Diamondback to be finished for 2009 season. There are 24/7 Web Cams recording the progress of the build.
Diamondback pieces.
Diamondback footers.It has been an awesome weekend. The best part is coming home to kitty cats and knowing that we still have another day off on Monday. :-) Even if it is going to be filled with laundry and cleaning. OH yeah and the Bills are 3-0..... Woofrigginghooooooooooo......
September 19, 2008
MS4 Clue 1 Finished
I finished clue 1 last night on the MS4. You can't tell from these photos but I have knit both ends. Here are some photos of it so far....
September 18, 2008
Randon knitting and friends!
Poo and Molly kick of the knitting & friends. Look at that lovely knitting bag. Poo tried to climb in....
My knitting notions pouch has gotten way out of control. On Saturday Poo and I decided to sort and organize the notions. He was a HUGE help!
While the MS4 (Mystery Shawl 4) officially started on 9/5, Kristy, Tami and I started on Sunday during football week 2. We had good food, great sangria and lots of laughs despite the major wind storm that blew in leaving many with out power. I feel sort of guilty that we never lost power.
Tami casting on.
Kristie casting on.
Nice Mark.
MS4 swatch.
Mom's cables recast back.
All the knitting and wind makes Poo a very tired boy!
My knitting notions pouch has gotten way out of control. On Saturday Poo and I decided to sort and organize the notions. He was a HUGE help!
While the MS4 (Mystery Shawl 4) officially started on 9/5, Kristy, Tami and I started on Sunday during football week 2. We had good food, great sangria and lots of laughs despite the major wind storm that blew in leaving many with out power. I feel sort of guilty that we never lost power.
Tami casting on.
Kristie casting on.
Nice Mark.
MS4 swatch.
Mom's cables recast back.
All the knitting and wind makes Poo a very tired boy!
September 17, 2008
Curtains again.....
So instead of the Bubbly for the kitchen, discussed here, I have selected the Simple Lace Curtain by Interweave Knits. This project is on the back burner right now since I am busy knitting the MS4 and Mom's sweater. Pictures of those items will be posted as soon as my Mac is finished being restored.
September 12, 2008
Ike Update... Get out now!
000
WTNT34 KNHC 120841
TCPAT4
BULLETIN
HURRICANE IKE ADVISORY NUMBER 45
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL092008
400 AM CDT FRI SEP 12 2008
...IKE GETS A LITTLE STRONGER...FORECAST TO BECOME A MAJOR
HURRICANE...
A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MORGAN CITY LOUISIANA TO
BAFFIN BAY TEXAS. HURRICANE CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH THE
COAST IN THE WARNING AREA LATER TODAY. PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE
AN PROPERTY IN THE HURRICANE WARNING AREA SHOULD BE RUSHED TO
COMPLETION.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT SOUTH OF BAFFIN BAY TO
PORT MANSFIELD TEXAS. A TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS ALSO IN EFFECT
FROM EAST OF MORGAN CITY TO THE MISSISSIPPI-ALABAMA BORDER...
INCLUDING THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS AND LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN.
FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA...INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS...PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.
AT 400 AM CDT...0900Z...THE CENTER OF HURRICANE IKE WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 26.7 NORTH...LONGITUDE 91.6 WEST OR ABOUT 365 MILES...585
KM...EAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS AND ABOUT 265 MILES...425 KM...
SOUTHEAST OF GALVESTON TEXAS.
IKE IS MOVING TOWARD THE WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH...20 KM/HR. A
TURN TOWARD THE NORTHWEST IS EXPECTED LATER TODAY...WITH A TURN
TOWARD THE NORTH EXPECTED ON SATURDAY. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE
CENTER OF IKE WILL BE VERY NEAR THE UPPER TEXAS COAST BY LATE TODAY
OR EARLY SATURDAY. HOWEVER...BECAUSE IKE IS A VERY LARGE TROPICAL
CYCLONE...WEATHER WILL DETERIORATE ALONG THE COASTLINE TODAY...LONG
BEFORE THE CENTER REACHES THE COAST.
REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE
THAT MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 105 MPH...
165 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. IKE IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON
THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. SOME ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS
FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS...AND IKE IS FORECAST TO BECOME A
MAJOR HURRICANE BEFORE THE CENTER REACHES THE COAST.
IKE REMAINS A VERY LARGE TROPICAL CYCLONE. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS
EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 120 MILES...195 KM...FROM THE CENTER...AND
TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 275 MILES...445 KM.
AN OIL PLATFORM IN THE NORTHWESTERN GULF OF MEXICO RECENTLY
REPORTED SUSTAINED WINDS OF 89 MPH...144 KM/HR...AT AN ELEVATION OF
400 FEET.
THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY THE HURRICANE
HUNTERS IS 953 MB...28.14 INCHES.
COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF UP TO 20 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE
EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE CENTER OF IKE MAKES
LANDFALL...EXTENDING A GREATER THAN USUAL DISTANCE FROM THE CENTER
DUE TO THE LARGE SIZE OF THE CYCLONE. SURGE FLOODING OF UP
TO 25 FEET...AND POSSIBLY HIGHER...COULD OCCUR AT THE HEADS OF BAYS.
COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 6 TO 8 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED
WITHIN THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING AREA ALONG THE NORTHERN GULF
COAST. ABOVE NORMAL TIDES IN THE EASTERN GULF OF MEXICO SHOULD
GRADUALLY SUBSIDE OVER THE NEXT DAY OR SO.
IKE IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 5 TO 10 INCHES OVER
EASTERN TEXAS AND EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA...WITH ISOLATED
AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES POSSIBLE.
ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE TODAY OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN
LOUISIANA AND EXTREME SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE
POSSIBLE TONIGHT OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN LOUISIANA AND
SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS.
REPEATING THE 400 AM CDT POSITION...26.7 N...91.6 W. MOVEMENT
TOWARD...WEST-NORTHWEST NEAR 13 MPH. MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...105
MPH. MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...953 MB.
AN INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 700 AM CDT FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE ADVISORY AT 1000
AM CDT.
$$
FORECASTER BEVEN
September 11, 2008
I feel spoiled....
While my birthday isn't until the end of next month, Jimmy presented me with my gift early. Anyone who knows us will say yeah what makes this year any different? HAHA And they would be right. We are really bad with waiting until the actual special day. Christmas usually happens the whole month of December around here with nothing left for the actual holiday.
Anyway.... This is my new Sony Reader and man let me tell you I really love it. It really does read like a regular book however I wont need an entire room (like the one we have) to store the 150 books it will hold on the internal hard drive. Oh and if I run out of space I can use memory cards too.
The other thing I like about it.... I can take my .PDF pattern files with me for my knitting. :-)
Below are South American goodies brought back by Jasmine's Mommy. Let me tell you that yarn is way yummy and squishy. But the coffee is AMAZING. The finger puppet was made my children being taught to knit.
Off the needles.... Pink wash cloth. Love it!
Off the needles.... Felted balloon purse. This is going to be stuffed with fun stuff and given to a special person for a special day coming up soon.
Finally I decided earlier this week the reason for my procrastination on knitting my Mom's fisherman knit sweater was the Red Heart yarn. While Red Heart has its place I don't think it the best for cables being warn on your body. So off to the knitting store I went. Mom can't wear wool and the garment has to be washable so Jasmine's Mommy recommended this yarn ~ Fantasy by Dark Horse Yarn. It is 50% acrylic and 50% nylon and it feels amazing. Even Jimmy said he would much rather wear something made with this than the Red Heart. :-) Only the best for my Mommy!
Anyway.... This is my new Sony Reader and man let me tell you I really love it. It really does read like a regular book however I wont need an entire room (like the one we have) to store the 150 books it will hold on the internal hard drive. Oh and if I run out of space I can use memory cards too.
The other thing I like about it.... I can take my .PDF pattern files with me for my knitting. :-)
Below are South American goodies brought back by Jasmine's Mommy. Let me tell you that yarn is way yummy and squishy. But the coffee is AMAZING. The finger puppet was made my children being taught to knit.
Off the needles.... Pink wash cloth. Love it!
Off the needles.... Felted balloon purse. This is going to be stuffed with fun stuff and given to a special person for a special day coming up soon.
Finally I decided earlier this week the reason for my procrastination on knitting my Mom's fisherman knit sweater was the Red Heart yarn. While Red Heart has its place I don't think it the best for cables being warn on your body. So off to the knitting store I went. Mom can't wear wool and the garment has to be washable so Jasmine's Mommy recommended this yarn ~ Fantasy by Dark Horse Yarn. It is 50% acrylic and 50% nylon and it feels amazing. Even Jimmy said he would much rather wear something made with this than the Red Heart. :-) Only the best for my Mommy!
Yowza meet Ike.... Tina can tell you all about him!
I follow Art in the Wind's blog and she posted a picture of Ike so I would like to give her the creative kudos for inspiring me today.
This is Ike. Picture obtained from NOA. I hope and pray for anyone in the path of this monster to get out of the way and be safe.
September 9, 2008
Bubbly Love...
Project frogged this morning!
I fell so in love knitting the the Bubbly curtain for the powder room (pictures not available yet ~ on the list of chores to be hung). This picture is from the book Mason-Dixon Knitting.
In the powder room version I revamped the top edge as a 12 K row, 1 P row, 12 K row edging to fold over the curtain rod.
For the kitchen three I think I will use the edging prescribed in the pattern as these are going to be half window curtains and a little less formal.
I fell so in love knitting the the Bubbly curtain for the powder room (pictures not available yet ~ on the list of chores to be hung). This picture is from the book Mason-Dixon Knitting.
In the powder room version I revamped the top edge as a 12 K row, 1 P row, 12 K row edging to fold over the curtain rod.For the kitchen three I think I will use the edging prescribed in the pattern as these are going to be half window curtains and a little less formal.
Political RANT
OK... If you are here to see knitting content please stop reading and move on to the next knitting blog on your blog feed list. You will not see any here this time.
I have two political rants (ok three ) to get out. I am not looking for a debate here. I just need to get this garbage (negativity) out of my head before it stews and turns into spoilage.
1. Why do we need 12+ months to elect a new president? I honestly think this is a very conservative time frame since it really is closer to 24 months. I find it hilarious this was pointed out on the Howard Stern show this morning by a member of AC/DC who isn't even an American citizen. We must look like a bunch of buffoons here in the U.S.
2. Normally I keep my month shut when it comes to politics. I keep my opinions to myself and discuss them with a very trusted soul, Jimmy and a very few select others. Well earlier this spring/summer I was in a discussion with a friend. We were discussing "what if Hillary doesn't get it" the nomination. I was so enraged, I said something like "there is no way I will vote for the other" if she doesn't get it. Well at that point I really had no idea what I was committing myself to when I said that... So this is my official notice.... I am reserving my right officially to be a flip flopper just like everyone else. I am not making my official decision until I step into that booth on 11/4.
OK I have one more thing to say on this issue..... If you are an American citizen and 18 or older it is your born right to vote in this election. I feel you have an obligation to vote on 11/4. GET OUT there.... Register and vote. The future of this country is to DAMN important to not vote. Here are five links so that you can Register and read on the candidates. I don't care who you vote for but you have to vote.
Register here:
http://www.rockthevote.com/
Presidential Candidates (in alpha order)
John McCain
http://www.johnmccain.com/
Barack Obama
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
VP Candidates (in alpha order)
Joe Biden
http://biden.senate.gov/
Sarah Palin
http://gov.state.ak.us/
I have two political rants (ok three ) to get out. I am not looking for a debate here. I just need to get this garbage (negativity) out of my head before it stews and turns into spoilage.
1. Why do we need 12+ months to elect a new president? I honestly think this is a very conservative time frame since it really is closer to 24 months. I find it hilarious this was pointed out on the Howard Stern show this morning by a member of AC/DC who isn't even an American citizen. We must look like a bunch of buffoons here in the U.S.
2. Normally I keep my month shut when it comes to politics. I keep my opinions to myself and discuss them with a very trusted soul, Jimmy and a very few select others. Well earlier this spring/summer I was in a discussion with a friend. We were discussing "what if Hillary doesn't get it" the nomination. I was so enraged, I said something like "there is no way I will vote for the other" if she doesn't get it. Well at that point I really had no idea what I was committing myself to when I said that... So this is my official notice.... I am reserving my right officially to be a flip flopper just like everyone else. I am not making my official decision until I step into that booth on 11/4.
OK I have one more thing to say on this issue..... If you are an American citizen and 18 or older it is your born right to vote in this election. I feel you have an obligation to vote on 11/4. GET OUT there.... Register and vote. The future of this country is to DAMN important to not vote. Here are five links so that you can Register and read on the candidates. I don't care who you vote for but you have to vote.
Register here:
http://www.rockthevote.com/
Presidential Candidates (in alpha order)
John McCain
http://www.johnmccain.com/
Barack Obama
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
VP Candidates (in alpha order)
Joe Biden
http://biden.senate.gov/
Sarah Palin
http://gov.state.ak.us/
September 4, 2008
Knitting Nirvana
Today I received a box full of knitting goodness! First the new Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic. Second the Son of Stitch 'N Bitch by Debbie Stoller.
Knitting heaven with Harmony 10" Straights from Knitpicks.
Yarn for MS4. Hurry this KAL is closing to enrollment on 9/12/08. The first clue will be published tomorrow morning. Knitpicks Gloss in fingering weight in the Woodland Sage colorway.
# 6 Root Beer frosted seed beads from Fire Mountain Gems.
Over the weekend we were able to celebrate a couple family birthdays. This little guy is our nephew. He will be 7 tomorrow. Happy Birthday Austin!
Knitting heaven with Harmony 10" Straights from Knitpicks.
Yarn for MS4. Hurry this KAL is closing to enrollment on 9/12/08. The first clue will be published tomorrow morning. Knitpicks Gloss in fingering weight in the Woodland Sage colorway.
# 6 Root Beer frosted seed beads from Fire Mountain Gems.
Over the weekend we were able to celebrate a couple family birthdays. This little guy is our nephew. He will be 7 tomorrow. Happy Birthday Austin! 
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