Inertia

I have the feeling these days like I'm swimming upstream. Lots of stuff to do this weekend to prepare for the Upcoming Event. It feels like nothing is being accomplished. I'm working every day at the regular job through Monday. Sunday I'm doing a sort of fitting with the borrowed tent, to see if it will fit in my vehicle. If not, I'll have to rent a little van for the set up and show strike. Unfortunately for me, the Man has a minivan in his fleet that's unavailable to me, because he can't locate the title, and therefore, doesn't have registration. It's been like this for five years, and is one of the things that makes me crazy. Or irritated. One of my favorite television shows on Bravo was called Things I Hate About You. I just love that title. Couples would film each other's annoying habits, and judges would determine which partner was the most irritating to live with. The show had liberal use of the word irritating. One of the more memorable ones was a wife who put Splenda on everything she ate. In my household, I would be the one wearing the halo, and the Man would lose, because he clearly is more irritating to live with. This little sweater was a custom piece, one of three knit for a returning customer. It's cashmere! The body is Cape Cod Fibers, bands Plymouth Royal Cashmere, and tips Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere. That is going to be one happy little girl with her body surrounded by that.

Through the Glass

Here's the last window at Arcadia Knitting, taken right before I dismantled the display. Four projects from the so-called book. Along with a view of the gas station across the street.

The Only Job

I was driving the other day from one job site to another, up Broadway, and driving along side of me was a woman on one of those electric mobility devices. There was a basket on the foot platform, and I could see something moving inside the open basket. It was a little Yorkie. I was struck by what a dangerous job this little one had. Being a companion, the only job. I'm sure that she is happy to be riding along with her person, risking getting toppled out of the basket and into the street. Because that's where she wants to be. It's why I knit for dogs. Who is more deserving of some hand made love to wrap their little bodies? At the Renegade, a woman stopped into my tent. She didn't take a card, so I know she's not reading this. She looked at the prices of the sweaters, and said, "well, I love my dog, but not XX dollars worth!." I don't exactly remember my response. I may have said, "I feel sorry for your dog!," but I think I said "then I have nothing to say to you!" I myself can't put a dollar amount on the depth of love I have for my companion.
My other companion animal spent the night at his mother's. He's taking turns with his other siblings, as she has not been well. He called me to complain that she wouldn't let him eat the whole cake out of a box with a fork (instead of slicing it and putting it on a plate), or let him jump rope in the house. I guess the Man thinks that a jump rope is an essential piece for an overnight trip. This morning, when he wanted to wash his hair in her kitchen sink, she said, "are you nuts?." At home, he goes beyond the hair washing in the kitchen, and does a full on "farmer bath." He's a wild, unrefined, untamed beast.
I'm adding more to the Lucky Penny inventory for my upcoming event. The last one I did, picture to follow, pushes the color envelope even for me. Bright Noro stripes with an even brighter hand paint for bands. I was going for retina damage. Wouldn't it be funny if it sold first?

Attitude

So, I have this show event coming up. Never mind about creating more inventory, getting up to speed on the credit card service, or fine tuning my display. The big question is, what am I going to wear? There's a limit to how much I can glam up for this thing--there's not time for a face lift or total body liposuction, but I will get the hair thing under control, and a much needed eyebrow waxing. There might be time for adding some knitwear to my wardrobe. I purchased this little kit at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, from Briar Rose Fibers. Four skeins of hand painted wool/flax blend, in a color combination that is, let's say, questionable. But, put it together, and magic! I was so excited to make this, I cast on for it when I got home that night, and knit on size 13 needles, was done a few days later. Since these photos, I've assembled and worn this vest, called the Tuscany Tank. This yarn sort of has a drape, and even with a double strand, I don't think it looks bulky. My mom loved this sweater too, and she'll get one this year. I also like it enough to make it again for myself.
One of the highlights of going to my Guild meetings was the show and share portion at the end of the meeting. I'm at the point now where I don't think I'll participate again. A few months ago, I was telling a Guild member about an idea I had for a dog sweater. Imagine my shock when she presented my idea in a finished sweater, along with the packaging she intended to use when she sold them at the Fine Art of Fiber. At the last meeting, I showed the Symmetry cover. When I was going back to my seat, another member told me that she had turned down that job. This person is what I would describe as a diva. I don't mean that in a derogatory sense, and most of the time I am amused by her attitude, and sort of wish that I could pull it off. But something about what she said just made me sputter. Turned it down--like the job was beneath her! I sort of don't believe her, first of all, and wonder why she felt that she needed to say that to me. I could say some really mean stuff right now, but I'll stop. If I ever behave like her, someone, please slap me.

Over the Renegade

The Lucky Penny display seen from my vantage point at the Renegade Craft Fair. Two days with just enough second hand smoke wafting by to leave me with a nagging headache. Sunday night, home in an overheated house (79 degrees inside, and the Man said it was cold!), I think I was underhydrated and overtired. I couldn't fall asleep! Everything hurt from the packing and unpacking of my vehicle over two days. The Man was a really good sport about setting up my canopy, and taking it down with me when it started to rain yesterday afternoon. I was thankful to leave early and be driving home at 5 pm, when it really started to pour. The Man helped me unpack the display grids and tables from my car today. I'm only just now starting to feel normal. If I get custom orders from people who said they were interested, then I had a successful show. I think that my prices are too high to do this show in the future. A silk screened t-shirt or bottle cap pin is an impulse purchase. But with my prices starting at $80, and going up from there, the sweaters are an investment piece. They will last the life of a dog and beyond, because I use quality materials. So, I understand the custom concept and try to go to these shows with my expectations low. I'm trying to have the same attitude about the upcoming Country Living Fair. But it's hard to contain my excitement. I'm have to change my display for this event. My display grids are too industrial, so I'm going to borrow some antique drying racks.
I did have fun, aside from the smoking issue. My mom kept me company the first day, but decided to go back to Wisconsin early. There were logistics issues, like no room in my car, and getting a ride to the train on Sunday. She also had issues with tattoo abundance and odd body piercings observed at the show. One in particular, a pale young man, with pendulous ear lobes from the plugs that got removed, really got her upset. That in combination with what she described as an "elf hat" grossed her out. I myself, didn't notice the hat, because I couldn't stop looking at the ears. There were lots of odd wardrobe choices to be seen, too. I guess if you are 400+ pounds, there's no hiding it, so why not wear a polka dot dirndl skirt with a tulle petticoat, for the full hippo effect? I did have some fun visitors. On Saturday, Dana stopped by. On Sunday, Bonne Marie kept me company for a while, and Theresa and Angela chatted for a while, along with their respective handsome spouses. Some Guild members stopped in to say hello, Fern and her mom, Francine, Linda, Lauren, and Kay.
I am now a member, on a trial basis, of the Chicago Craft Mafia. The nicest people, truly. Some familia was set up at the fair, too, Brandy, and Michelle. I feel very honored to be in their company. I hope that I have enough expertise to contribute to the group. I sort of feel that I don't have that much in common with them. CCM=successful. Me=not so much.
I added to the stash this weekend, some beautiful handspun from Vera Videnovich. Some brown Corriedale for a hat for me, and lovely wool/alpaca blend that will be Lucky Penny sweaters, along with some dyed wool for trim.

What Are You Doing This Weekend?

The weather's going to be nice, so come out and sit a spell with me!

Renegade Craft Fair

Wicker Park

1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago

September 16-17, 11 AM-6 PM

In Perspective

I got an e-mail today, from Megan at Arcadia Knitting, that the Playboy issue was out, and they color corrected my sweater. I found the cover by way of a Google search, and could see by the sleeves on the sweater tied around the model's shoulders, that it was not the one I had knit. A call to the sylist confirmed that they had not used the sweater. It may appear one day in a shot that would be on the member's web site. So it sits in the closet at Playboy. I think I came close to the tear sheet that they presented. Having been a photo stylist myself, I realized that there was always a possibility that the garment wouldn't be chosen for the shoot. The cover that resulted is not anything like I would have imagined, but it does look cute. My sweater would have looked great with the argyle hose the model is wearing. So, no photo credit. Putting this all in perspective, I'm asking myself, does my Lucky Penny customer read Playboy? Probably not. There's so many other good things happening right now, that I won't let this get me down.

Emerging

I was talking my former supervisor at a job that I had made part time last year, and quit two months ago, how it seemed that Lucky Penny stuff had sort of ramped up ever since I left that job. A coincidence, I am sure. Then, I come home to check my e-mail messages, and something else is in the works. A really big show. OOAK, people! That's code for a yearly event at the MM in Chicago. Wow. I need to knit more. It's taken something like eight years, but I may be considered an Emerging Artist. We'll see what happens next!
The photo is the most adorable Lyubi (pronounced Loo-bee), one of the models for that other project.

Out Takes

The new photo files got sent off this weekend, and I have all photos in jpeg format here, so occasionally, I will post shots that I know aren't going to make it to publication. These little girls, Zoey and ZeeNa, live together and love, love, love each other. This is the last garment I designed for the book, and I ended up really liking it. I went to my adopted state over the weekend without the Man and Piccolo, and spent Saturday afternoon on a boat in Lake Geneva with old work friends. Saturday night was a big feast, with my contribution being home made pies from a roadside stand on Route 50. I tasted a Cosmopolitan for the first time thanks to my friend Yvette, who sent the appletini mixer home with me. Yum. Now I just need vodka and a cocktail shaker! Sunday morning my mom and I went to Jefferson for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. There was shopping for me, eating lamb sandwiches, and watching livestock shows. It's a much smaller event than Michigan. I bought some goodies from the star of the show, Briar Rose Fibers, and I'm itching to get started on these projects, some really cute vests. For one, the yarn is being custom dyed. I've got a hank of Tuscany hanging around my neck as I type this, and the smell is heavenly. I came home from work tonight just dragged out, so tomorrow, I'm going to get started on show preparation hopefully feeling fresh and renewed. I'll wind yarn tonight to prepare it for the machine.

I'm Easy

Say the right things to me, and I'll do what you ask. The Man knows this. Instead of getting a no from the show promoter, I got a yes. Along with just the right amount of flattery to make me think that I belong at this event. Still expensive, but discounted enough to make things more palatable. I'm going to do it. I cancelled another commitment that conflicted to do this show. I'm completely unprepared for it. I need to find a white canopy, set up a credit card service, and step up production. I have about three weeks. So, I'm plunging ahead with the attitude that this little puppy in the picture has. True to my history, just when I think I'm at my limit, another opportunity presents itself. This fall will be interesting.

Sweating Like a Whore in Church

The title of this post is my favorite quote from tonight's Project Runway. My favorite dress won, and Vincent got his long deserved auf'ing. The most disgusting thing was when Vincent was brownnosing Catherine Malandrino at the boat party. Gross! I'm here working like mad on my dog couture. I'm on the second of three custom sweaters, and am charging ahead with the second without asking the customer if she approves of the combination. I haven't had a chance to photograph it yet, and if she doesn't like it, the sweater can go into my inventory. I love the colors--mint green body, pink bands, and hot lavender tips--it reminds me of Fanny May Easter candy. I got an application via e-mail today for a vendor space at the Country Living Fair at the Chicago Botanic Garden in October. It would be the most that I have ever paid to be in a show, and would be a huge risk if I didn't sell much. I noticed that I got the application sent to me after the deadline, so I assumed that there were still open spaces to fill. So, I asked if the fee could be discounted. All they could do is say no, and I didn't feel I had much to lose for asking. On the other hand, the event is Country Living. I would love to have some editorial attention from that magazine. It doesn't help that I have to wait for some funds to be reimbursed that went to the photography for the book.

Unprepared

September is going to be a busy month. I'm working a custom order for three sweaters, preparing for a show in twelve days. With sweater weather approaching, it appears that the only one prepared in this household is Piccolo. We were on a short Wisconsin excursion this weekend, and last night, I noticed that the left elbow of the black cardigan I wear all the time, which was getting thin, now officially has a giant hole. I have lots of sweaters in various stages of completion, but a lot of them have issues that may prevent them becoming part of my wardrobe any time soon. I found a solution to my re-formatting issue. In exchange for knitting lessons, a friend is taking care of this for me. This would have cost me another one half of what was spent on the entire photo budget if I were to do this professionally, as I was prepared to do last Friday. I'm thinking that knitting lessons are not enough. I'm going to knit something for her, and I think it's going to require an on line shopping excursion at Rovings. The photo is from the bloggers event last month at Arcadia Knitting. Two projects intended for the book. The mannequins are now in Arcadia's window display, which is very cute! Pop over there if you get the chance, and check it out!

It's Been Some Kind of Year

It's occured to me, about a week late, that the House of Penny has been in the blogosphere for one year. What a year it's been--I've been with the Man for a total of eight, our apartment got messier, I adopted and returned another dog, I knit a lot of stuff, bought a lot of yarn, and maybe finished a book. The book thing is still in question because now that the manuscript and photos are in, the real shit hits the fan. So, at this point I can say I have a lack of trust and confidence in those people in New York, and I really can't speculate on what the outcome will be. So, after I put out the current book-associated fire (thinking that there's more of this to come), I'm going to focus on what's next. I'm thinking some self-publishing is the way to go, and will start working on some patterns that knitters can download from the Lucky Penny site. It's funny, that three years after it came out on Knitty, the pattern that I wrote still gets me a lot of hits on the Lucky Penny page. So, I will have total control over the content and artistic vision of my designs. I'm going to knit for my wardrobe, which is sadly lacking these days. I was so excited at the chance of wearing hand knit socks again today, but found that my left foot won't fit into my shoes, one month post-injury. I'm adding to my sock stash, with some Blue Moon Fiber Arts purchased at Stitches. The specifics are Seduction in Blue Brick Wall (will become a shawlette), Socks that Rock heavyweight in Sun Stone, and medium weight in Dutch Canyon.
So, Rachel, here's some talk about Project Runway. I'm giving some thought to the Fan Favorite voting. Michael Knight is my current favorite, but I think he's going to win it all, so I think the $10,000 prize should go elsewhere. I'm going to throw some love to Malan Breton from Taiwan! I thought he was delightful, and loved his goofy laugh. He was auf'd way too soon.