Thread Theory

Like Buttah

That's "Like Butter" for those of you that don't live in Maine. (And, no, I didn't grow up here, and I don't speak with a Downeast accent, but I like to say things like, "Like Buttah.")
This supersoft Manos Strata cotton yarn is courtesy of my One Skein secret pal. I've always been a fan of Manos wool (which is soft, too, but not nearly as snugly as this), but I had never had the pleasure of knitting with this lovely yarn. I have not decided what I'll do with it. I have a few babies to knit for, and it would be perfect for that - but I'm feeling kind of selfish and want to keep it. As I was watching it go through the ball-winder, various shades of pink and orange (the overcast Maine weather was not doing it justice in the photo shoot) were passing by - it's so pretty! Thanks, pal!

Missing a Threat

I am very sad to report the death of one of our beloved "Threats to the Thread."
Our dear friend Mr. Cat died this summer after his liver collapsed.
Harriet and I picked Mr. Cat up at the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook when both he and Harriet were 2 years old. I always liked to say he picked *us*. I'll never forget standing in the shelter's "cat room" wondering how on Earth I was supposed to select a cat from the hundreds that needed homes when a black cat came running down a ramp and meowed. The toddler in my arms leaned toward the cat, and the cat stretched over and licked her cheek. "We'll take that one!" I said, pointing at the black cat. He and Harriet grew up together, and I heard her call him her best friend many times.
He was kind of skinny when we got him, but he grew into a handsome, fat, squishy, lovable cat. He really disliked a certain standard poodle, but was very affectionate to everyone else and we forgave him his intense interest in our knitting projects.

SP 8 Pal Introduces Me to Lace!

My super SP8 pal is introducing me to lace knitting in more ways than one. I was speechless when I realized that what I though was a skein of mohair was actually a lace scarf! (Please excuse my beat up kitchen chair model - my daughter is still in bed and I don't dare get a poodle to model anything hand knit!)
My pal is quite an accomplished lace knitter. Check THIS close up out!

My pal, who it seems is a ballet-dancing mathematician from Wisconsin, also sent me some tips on taking up lace-knitting, and included some beautiful Koigu (Why have I never knit with Koigu?), patterns and some lovely sterling, freshwater pearl and Swaravski crystal stitch markers! So I am off!

Thanks again!

More SP8 Questions

The possibility of a prize lures me out...
1. What is your favorite season?
SPRING! (Or what passes for Spring in Maine, anyway…)
2. Where is or would be your favorite place in the world to take a vacation? I want to go to The Galapagos.
3. If you could have any job in the world and not worry about finances (everything would be taken care of), which means you'd be doing something you actually like, what would it be? Hmmmm, if I could blink and be handed the talent as well as the finances, I’d love to be a portrait painter. (I can barely doodle, so this is a Big fantasy!)
4. What is your favorite project to knit or crochet?
I love to knit baby sweaters because they are quick, but also because there is so much love and optimism involved.
5. What is your favorite food - whether it be a main dish, dessert, snack, whatever? Tomato sandwiches. One big slice of a fresh summer tomato between two slices of good bread, salt, pepper, a tiny bit of mayo – I’m happy!
6. What is your favorite way to relax and unwind? Need you ask? Knitting! (Reading a really good mystery is a close second.)