The Boyfriend Sweater

The Man is wearing a sweater that I made for myself, around twenty years ago. It was on the back cover of Rowan issue #2, that goes for big bucks now on ebay. When I found that out, I quickly went down to my storage area to see if I still had it! It still has a lot of sweaters in it that I would like to make. I knit it from Manos, and before I had a clue about how to do intarsia. I carried the background yarn behind the leaves. I'm a self taught knitter, if you remember. About five years ago, I washed the sweater, and not knowing the advantages of using the spin cycle, I put the sweater, heavy with water, into the dryer on the air setting. I felted the sweater. I was going to cut up the fabric to make pillows or dog coats, but when the Man saw it, he wanted to wear it because it would be a warm sweater. I cut a slit into the neck, and not very neatly, so the Man could get his head through. He wears this sweater a lot. Which I think is funny, because he hardly ever wears the sweater that I actually knit for him. I think the sweater shape is a little girly, but I'm getting used to the look on him. The Man isn't terribly gender sensitive when it comes to warm clothing. Sometimes, he wears this sweater inside out, which looks rather interesting. So, did I avoid the boyfriend sweater curse? Not really. The Man and I have broken up twice in the eight years that we've lived together. Once for a few days, and once for about a month. I guess I'm safe to knit him more stuff. I would like to, but the truth is, the Man really doesn't care about it. I would like to knit for a Man. I might like to design something for a man, because I don't think there's enough classic, cool things available for them. Perhaps I'll do something for one of my nephews when time permits.

The Sandwich Bandit

Wednesday evening, I had picked up Piccolo from grooming, and stopped in Arcadia to pick up a gift. The car was parked in front of the shop, so Piccolo could have complete view of me while I was there. I didn't see Piccolo for about ten minutes while I was shopping. After I got home, I found out why. I had hidden half of a ham sandwich under the seat, and when I took the bag out, all that was left was a few bread crusts. Yesterday and today, it seemed like Piccolo paid the price for her dietary indiscretion. Her malaise is either that or bad knees acting up. Since they can't tell you, there's only guessing. Which, I think, is what makes veterinary medicine so challenging. It's really dependent on whether or not the pet owner is what they call "a good historian." I'm better at Piccolo's medical history than I am my own, to be sure. In the shop, I'm finishing a custom order for four sweaters, and about 40% done on a cashmere custom piece. I'm leaving for San Francisco on November 17th, shooting on the 18th. I've asked a few of my models to return, and offered them sweaters this time. No one has responded yet, which has me a little worried.

Travels with Lucky Penny

From the Lucky Penny custom shop, hand knit with cashmere, a sweater for Jema, who traveled on vacation to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We finished the sweater, and shipped to the vacation cabin so Jema could hike in style! Thanks to Jema's human companion, Vihara, for letting us use the photo!
For a custom sweater, accurate measurements are essential, and Vihara did a great job.
Yarns used were Cape Cod Fibers for the body, Plymouth Royal Cashmere bands, and Debbie Bliss Pure Cashmere for the tips.

I'll Play

Less than 48 things you could care less about:
1. First name: Corinne
2. Were you named after anyone? I think the story is I'm named for some girl that my dad knew or dated when he was stationed in Berlin. Not for any sentimental reason, he just liked the name.
3. When did you last cry? I don't remember, really. Except for getting a little verklempt when Jeffrey won Project Runway.
4. Do you like your handwriting? Yes. I do wish I did less of it, though. My job is very dependent on handwriting, which I'm afraid will tire my hand out for the really important stuff like my knitting.
5. What is your favorite lunchmeat? No real favorite. I like everything except for bologna.
6. If you were another person, would you be friends with you? I hope so.
7. Do you have a journal? Only the blog. That's enough.
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes.
9. Would you bungee jump? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
10. What is your favorite cereal? Hot, oatmeal with fresh fruit. Cold, corn flakes with a not so ripe banana. Milk is always on the side. I like my cereal on the dry side.
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes.
12. Do you think you are strong? I'm not sure if I'm either emotionally or physically strong.
13. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Pistaschio. Spumoni second.
14. Shoe size? 9. That's a size 40 in Dansko, my preferred shoe.
15. Red or Pink? Blue or green.
16. What is the least favorite thing about yourself? Too many to mention or think about!
17. Who do you miss the most? Yoda, my first dog.
18. deleted
19. What color pants, shirt, and shoes are you wearing? Navy pants, blue knit shirt. I'm in slippers now, but earlier wore navy Danskos. Along with hand knit socks and a recently finished Briar Rose Fibers vest.
20. Last thing you ate? Part of a slice of a Jeannine's cake from a Taste of Heaven bakery, shared with the Man.
21. What are you listening to right now? The Man tearing and rustling old newspaper, and watching Mad Money and Monday Night Football.
22. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Something blue, I suppose.
23. Favorite smell? Freshly ground coffee.
24. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My friend David in San Francisco, discussing another Doggie Knits photo shoot.
25. The first thing you notice about people you're attracted to? I don't know if it's any one particular thing. I take in the whole package. When I first saw the Man, it was like I had a brick thrown at my head.
26. Do you like the person you stole this from? Like? I guess you could call it that. It's also an admiration/fascination thing.
27. Favorite drink? Mostly water. I drink lots. My favorite alcoholic drink is a margarita, and non-alcoholic, a really cold Coca-cola poured over a glass full of ice.
28. Favorite sport? I like watching just about any sport with the Man. Except Nascar. We both don't get it.
29. Eye color? A greyish kind of blue.
30. Hat size? Really, really big.
31. Do you wear contacts? No. My eyesight has deteriorated to 20/20, so no vision correction for me, yet.
32. Favorite food? Mexican or Chinese.
33. Scary movies or happy endings? I'll take the happy ending.
35 Summer or Winter? Winter! Hate, hate, hate being hot.
36. Hugs or Kisses? Depends. Hugs from the Man, kisses from Piccolo.
37. Favorite dessert? Jeannine's cake. See #20.
38 and 39 deleted
40. What books are you reading? Mostly knitting books, I'm embarassed to say.
41. What's on your mouse pad? It's the standard issue Dell that came from the computer. Must upgrade.
42. What did you watch last night on tv? Shopgirl, with Steve Martin and Claire Danes. Loved it! The music was really great, too.
43. Favorite sounds? Piccolo playing with a squeak toy. There's something really soothing about quiet, too.
44. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Neither! I don't care about the Stones, and I guess I'm one of the few who thinks the Beatles are overrated and over played!
45. The furthest you've been from home? London, England.
46. What's your special talent? I don't know if it qualifies as a talent, but I've got a really highly developed sense of smell.
47. Where were you born? Highland Park, Illinois
48. Who sent this to you? Stolen from Bonne Marie!

How to Poop Out a Puppy

We ran up to Wisconsin for one night, stayed at my Mom's while she's out of town. It was nice being in a big house with the Man. Sleeping in a big bed. Today we went walking down to the lake, and had Piccolo running around the yard like a maniac. She passed out in the car, and has spent most of the evening asleep. I don't have her exercise nearly as much as I should. Mostly because I would have to go with, and pretty much hate exercise myself, even with the prodding I take on a constant basis from the Man. I'm still working on a big custom order, and have been marinating the additional book projects in my brain.

What's Wrong With You People?

Today was a blustery day in Chicago. Not just sweater weather, but coats, hats and gloves were being worn. People bundled up, but their little dogs left naked. So, what if they are covered in hair--people, so are all of you! If you are a knitter, get to work on a sweater for your dog now. It won't take long, and your best friend will me most appreciative, believe me. Sweater pictured is from Piccolo's wardrobe, modeled by Lyubi. Knit with Blackberry Ridge wool, color firecracker. I love this knit up--it looks like velvet! The bands are a K1C2 wool chenille, that also looks like velvet knit up.
So, I love being right about Project Runway. I got a little emotional watching the finale, and I'm usually not that way.

Predicting the Project Runway Winner

In a half hour, I'll be shooing the Man out of my t.v. viewing room--because it's the finale of my favorite show! I must confess, I peeked at the collections when they were shown last month at OFW, and I think Jeffrey Sebelia's collection was the most interesting and innovative. I don't think he outsourced his collection, and if he did, I recall lots of hand knits in (first season) Jay McCarroll's collection that I'm pretty sure were not knit by him. So, before the show starts, I'm picking Jeffrey for the win!

Little Traveler

Piccolo's only duty is to be our companion. She takes her job seriously, and does not like us to be out of her sight. I've had her in hotel rooms, and she will sleep with one eye open, to keep me in her sights. We went to Wisconsin this past weekend, and I kept Piccolo in the car while we had dinner. The other choice was to leave her at my mother's house. I chose the car, because this past summer, when the Man and I went to the store for beer and left Piccolo behind, she stood at the door and cried until our return. When we returned to the car from dinner, I found Piccolo in the back (of my mini SUV), halfway wiggled out of her sweater, and generally upset. Returning home the next day, after a stop for lunch, we found her standing on the dashboard, watching anxiously for us. It breaks my heart that she gets so upset when we're gone. I found a way to get good coffee in Wisconsin--I have to make it! Papa Nicholas Hawaiian Blend from the grocery store--I drank about six cups on Sunday morning.

Wiggle Room

In the last post, I lamented about all the things that need to be done in the next month. Wigglyville and I agreed to postpone the knitting classes (one for this garment) until January, so I have a little more time to get my other things accomplished. I was very happy when they suggested it! So, for the rest of the month, I have a custom order to fill, some additional things to design, and some chapter additions. I hoping to go back to San Francisco in early November for photography. I'm not unhappy about going back, believe me. The Man and I are headed to northern parts tonight. I'm thinking about the projects that I want to travel with me. Gotta run!

Decompressing to My Kind of Normal

When I consider the condition that I was in today, that show should have ended on Sunday. By yesterday, I was wiped out, and on the brink of losing my patience with the inappropriate comments. The people who think they're complimenting you, but really slapping you in the face. I'll mention this because Lulu's owner didn't take my card, so is unlikely to be reading this. She said of my work, "this is too good for my dog! People asking the prices of furniture belonging to the exhibitor next to me (who I heard lying to customers about the items all being antique, when they very obviously had Made In China tags on them. I guess if you keep it long enough, it will be antique), even after I had moved to the other side of my display to put some distance between me and the Chinese furniture. I'll mention this other one because this woman also didn't take my card--it's bad manners to have me hold an item for you, and then never re-appear to purchase it. Especially if you're another vendor at the show, and have seen me multiple times after our encounter. These events are always a sort of emotional experience for me--the anticipation gets me so excited, even when I keep telling myself to keep my expectations low. Then, to have those little pieces of my heart and soul on display, to face usually positive responses, then with some explanation of why that sweater will be packed up and taken home again. One thing is apparent--I need to diversify what I'm selling. After December, and my last show commitment, I'm going to work on patterns and kits that I can sell as an alternative to the hand made sweaters. So, on to my next challenges for this month. Two or three more accessory items for The Book! Including the photography. Revisions and technique chapters for The Book. Two four week classes at Wigglyville, if enough students registered. Four or five custom sweaters to be knit, thankfully, they're all small. The Fine Art of Fiber, and where the H did I put the tags? So, will all that, it's back to normal here at the Lucky Penny household.

Everything Hurts

Show's over. The car is still packed. I'm in my jammies, ready to get horizontal. It's back to my somewhat normal life tomorrow.

What Did I Wear?

Like many knitterly folk, I like having a new sweater for a Big Event. Never mind that most people have never seen me before, so any old sweater I had would be new to them. I finished this one with the idea of wearing it to the Fair. It's the Rockport Vest by Oat Couture. I knit it using four hanks of Black Water Abbey wool, shade Bluestack. I was shopping the market at Stitches Midwest, towards the end of one day with Miss Sweet Figs, and saw this vest made up in the Black Water Abbey booth. I had been in this booth a few times before during the event, but that afternoon, as the market was getting ready to close, I had a chance to really see what was in front of me. I had wanted to knit something for me with the yarn for some time, and I love this color, a heathery blue with shades of reds blended in. This year, after retiring a much loved cardigan, I have decided, for the most part, to abandon the sleeve. I do a lot of writing at work, and my left elbow is usually on some hard surface, which accounts for the extra wear. I can deal with wearing out an elbow on some cotton turtleneck, but it's heartbreaking for a hand knit. Plus, the places I work in are usually overheated in winter, so less layers on my arms seems like a good idea. I've got another one of these vests in the works, plus three more.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day at the Fair. After closing, it's time to take everything down and pack it up! I'm happy to say that the Figs will be coming out to keep me company, as she did this afternoon. Her visit was unexpected, but her companionship very much appreciated.

More Country Living

Here's some of the view from my little corner of the Country Living Fair. Here are some photos of some of the whimsical carvings of my neighbor to the left, Al Longo. I would leave these Santas on display all year! My neighbor to the front is Virginia LaChance, who attracts a big crowd with her spinning wheel. My mom bought a birdhouse from Virginia and her husband Rick, that will be in a special place in her garden.
My mom left today for her home in Wisconsin, so I'm alone with my display for Sunday and Monday. So, I won't be able to investigate all the great things that are going on, including the yummy smells and food samples! The grub at the concession stand is good, let me tell you. I'll bring provisions for eating and drinking, and I'm hoping for friends to come by and give me a little break while I run to the port-o-let! Angela and her husband came by today.
One of my favorite images is the one I see when I take my bathroom breaks--it's an effigy of jewelry designer Stacey Porter's ex-husband, stuffed and buried by Stacey's boyfriend. My mom really got a kick out of it too, and can relate, as she is about to lose 200+ pounds of dead weight!

Greetings from the Mud Patch

Here's a view of the magnificent pumpkin tower at the entrance to the Country Living Fair, and my set up that's on top of a very muddy patch of land. Which is why there is hay on the ground. Other than the mud, my location is really superb--visible from almost every angle, and from the road as the tram drives by, and people can be heard squealing, "doggie sweaters!" If the people who expressed interest come back later this weekend (magazine staff waiting for dog measurements from home), or place custom orders, then I've already had a good show. They found me through the Renegade web site. So something really good came out of doing a show, that while it is a great show, was not the best place for me. My mom helped me with set up yesterday, and stayed out with me today, and we really had fun. She bought some really great things to take back to Wisconsin when she leaves for home tomorrow. All my vendor neigbors have beautiful stuff on display, and are really nice. This fair may become an annual event, or may go to other cities! Sign me up, especially if it goes to San Francisco!

Big, Big Weekend!

I'm home from show set-up today, and it's going to be a beautiful show. If you like the vibe from Country Living magazine, you will love this show. There is so much cool stuff here, really fabulous antiques and artist made pieces. My neighbor in the field makes the most incredible carved trees and Santas, really whimsical art pieces, and is super nice. He helped me set up my canopy when I couldn't find my mom at the Gardens. I'll take some pictures to post, including the 12 foot tall pumpkin and gourd topiary at the show entrance. Leave it to me to find and purchase handspun yarn before this thing even opens. The only bad thing right now, is that my space is on a real muddy patch, after all the heavy rain this past week. So, here's hoping for a really good show!

Authenticity

I was home recovering today after working the "day job" for eight days straight. So, a little drained for devoting myself to what Really Matters to me. The Man. Piccolo. Lucky Penny. I think about this a lot, how I'm pulled in two different directions. I need the one thing to pay bills and basically keep the household going. The other is needed to feed my spirit. Making the colorful little sweaters for adorable creatures. I'm an imposter at the "job." I'm my true self when I'm knitting the sweaters, or teaching people to knit the sweaters, or displaying my sweaters at a show. You can catch me being authentic this weekend at the Country Living Fair, or December 8-10 at the One Of A Kind Show! I'm emerging, people!

My Dream Muse

I am a Mr. Winkle fan. He's a little dog who was found as a stray nine years ago by a professional photographer, and became her inspiration for books, calendars, and toys. I buy a Mr. Winkle calendar every year, and it hangs in the office over my computer, along with some swatches and photo inspiration. His resemblance to my little Gidget is striking. His companion has chosen to retire him from public appearances, due to his advanced age, which I totally understand. A few years ago, he was at an appearance at the Borders bookstore on Michigan Ave., and I stood on line two hours to meet him. People who stand on line don't have a clue about personal space. When I got home that night, I told the Man to touch my butt, because that would have made it about two hundred times! I gave his owner a my Lucky Penny post card that had Gidget's image, and she agreed that there was a similarity. I was hoping to knit a sweater for Mr. Winkle. He was the one celebrity muse that I really coveted.