DrLaura is putting this on, so I should use the Crystal Palace Panda Cotton I have (but wanted to save for a baby surprise jacket). I’ve been wanting to figure out Mr. Monkey socks, transforming the lace bits and filling in the holes with increases, and the prescribed yarn was going to be BMFA’s Kawkaw colorway from this year’s sock camp. A third choice would be something in a Scout’s Swag color (who we just interviewed on YKNIT 012: Y Would Dye 4 U).

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Time to check my queued patterns on Ravelry and look at some books. Opening Ceremonies is less than 24 hours away, so I need to get my gear in gear. Good luck to everyone during the Games!

The yarn is a fiber version of crack… or a marital aid that doesn’t require batteries or soaking in bleach. It’s compelled me to knit whenever I have a spare moment. The combination of wool, alpaca and bamboo makes for an incredibly soft and lightweight fabric. The pattern’s simple broken ribbing and unique sole shaping is the perfect combination of playful and predictable.

Thank you, Sean, for the gift that’s so much more than a skein of yarn. I started this the day it arrived (7/21) and finished the first sock last night. Proof that one could produce a sock in less than a week and still hold a full-time job. We’ll see how long #2 takes…

Take an audio peek into the fun of the Men’s Spring Knitting Retreat at Easton Mountain from back in May.

Now, it’s off to bed… this podcast thing was the first thing I did when I got up and the last thing I’m doing before I go to sleep. G’night!

I warned you I wouldn’t be writing here that much. In lieu of me, here’s my little angel (on my pillow) to entertain you.

Last weekend, all three days of it, felt like a major turn-around. I was well rested. I picked up my knitting again (finished Earl Grey and starting Ribbed Coreolis, both sock #2). Bread was baked. Pesto was made. Dinner with friends was shared. Olympic trials were watched (swimming, that is). What more could you ask for?

Well, if you want more, on Monday we released YKNIT episode 10: Public Displays of Creation. Put that in your podcatcher.

It’s 9:00am. Time to get ready for swim practice and work out some soreness from last night’s circus training.

ever since the return from vacation work has been eating up all of my mental energy. sorry that I’ve been selfish and not wanting to burden y’all with my whining. I mean, this is tedious enough writing a sorry excuse for not writing more often.

there hasn’t been much knitting going on either, which I’m sure doesn’t contribute to my overall sense of not-so-well-being. good thing WonderMike and Anthony are 2/3 of the podcast, or I would have dropped the ball on that as well.

I wish I could say there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but there isn’t in the near future. I just gotta find/make the time to get back in it and return to my jolly ol’ self; and that includes knitting, taking pictures, writing (email, letters and posts), reading, cooking, working out, and (imagine!) seeing friends in real life.

starting in September, I will have 8 weeks off of work, so then I’ll have no excuse NOT to dust off ye olde blogg. I don’t have any firm plans, yet, so suggestions are always welcome. A smidge of travel, interning at a local fiber business, hammering out a few designs, stretching my art muscles, and running away to join the circus are all being considered.

10 weeks and counting…

But, yet again, sorry for the radio silence (blog-wise, at least), kiddies! I’m glad there’s the Twitter feed over there on the left to let you know my occasional whinings. I know my mom reads it! I still haven’t gotten my sea legs back since returning from Germany… there are pictures still to post on flickr and lots and lots and lots of work to do at the J. O. B.

But enough of that… go listen to Y KNIT’s interview with the Yarn Harlot.

Although only 2.5 days, it rivaled my week and a half abroad for fun. It has provided me with a heart-full of happy memories, a truckload of laughs and a big, old stash of new friends. I can’t imagine what it would be like if it was longer. Even if I described the location, the guys, the workshops, the meals, the laughing, and the yarn action, it wouldn’t capture (pardon the hippy word) magical experience.

Here are my photos:

Created with flickrSLiDR.

I’m at a loss for words, and late to the game, so go read what some of the the others have already said:

• co-mastermind KnitterGuy Ted
• co-mastermind QueerJoe (and photos)
• roomie-extraordinaire and instant BFF Sean
• the only one I had met in person, Dr. Mel
• twitter friend and Blithering Knitiot Paul
• the only other west of the Mississippi boy who knits, Texan Kenny
• spinning wizard VTknitboy Chris
• and the most comprehensive travelogue by Paddy

If we had one on the West Coast, would anyone be up for it? I’ve started researching locations… something in the fall perhaps?

Arives in Berlin. Luggage came a day later. Have seen contemporary art musem, wandered neighborhoods, bought sock yarn and eaten white spargel.

Alley ist gut.

My phone doesn’t seem to be able to find a network yet, so I don’t know if my texts to Chris got through… which is a bummer, as I was rebooked and will be landing in Berlin 2 hours earlier than aniticipated. Hooray for more time in Germany, but boo if it means waiting around and trying to piece together the meaning of words should I need to interact with anyone.

Not sure where there’s free wi-fi in Wilmersdorf near the apartment… watch this space to find out!

I’ve been very lucky and had many opportunities to have fun as a knitter and otherwise, but this was beyond any expectations I could have imagined. Never before have I been around so many incredible, talented and hilarious men. QueerJoe and KnitterguyTed created a new piece of knitting culture. One that I hope will continue for many years to come. Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart. I hope to return for years to come.

I’m typing this oh my phone, so I can’t link to everyone I’ve met and tell you stories about each right now. There was some recording for YKnit that you’ll eventually hear, but nothing could capture the joy and peace (sounds too Christmas-y) or the silly merriment and fibery inspiration I just experienced. I loved seeing Dr. Mel and meeting his David, finding out Guido is just like he sounds (if not feisty-er) and getting to hug and laugh with Michael (after years of email and his launching my “career”). Everyone who was there was a fine and fabulous fellow who I’d to hang out with (pardon my dangling participle).

But there was one guy who is my new best friend and retreat roomie for life: Sean of the Soapbox out of Boston. I’m relieved we live on opposite coasts, because we’d be a terror if we spent any more time together! Thank you for the ride to Albany and unending laughs. Read him, love him and find him at Woolcott & Co if you’re ever in Cambridge. I liked him online, but now that I’ve met him, I may tattoo his face on my bum-bum. In a platonic kinda way. (Mom, this is a joke.)

OK. This thumb typing is boring me. I’m going to get back to savoring my memories. It was awsome to spend the weekend with everyone. We simply must do it again. If you’re reading this and have testes, do consider coming new time!