The book will be somewhat akin to what you find in here: a bit of doodling, a bit of typing. I hesitate to say much more, but I will tell you it's not a book of patterns. Interweave is, I guess, looking to branch out a bit and I'm one of the twigs. I'm pretty proud to be working with an outfit I've admired from a distance for so long.
And now...news from and about Maine.
I got word from my sister, Susan, that my Exceptional Niece Abigail's® Littlest Democrat Sweater made its public debut at a meet-and-greet for noted Maine politico Chellie Pingree. Abby, shown here pondering a question from a Portland Press Herald reporter about which Democratic presidential hopeful she prefers, was a good girl and did not spit up on my handiwork. I am proud.
As usual, I'll be heading to Maine to spend Christmas with the whole beautiful bunch. While I'm there, I'm delighted to announce a...
1000 Knitters Public Shoot: Purl Diva
Oh yes oh yes...the one-and-only Purl Diva of Brunswick has offered to host a shoot for the 1000 Knitters Project on Saturday, December 22, from 4–7 p.m. Directions to the shop (and lots of other information) can be found via her Web site.
As usual, sittings will be on a first-come, first-served basis; there's no advance registration. If you're interested in being a model, there's basic information here on the project blog.
I'm curious to know how many folks might be able to show. If you're thinking about it, be a darling and leave a comment to that effect in this entry, won't you please?
1000 Knitters Goodies
On a related note, I've been able to add a few 1,000 Knitters items to the shop to help support project expenses. I especially had fun assembling the portraits on the bag, which were selected using a random number generator.
More will follow, and of course as the project progresses I'll do up versions with new and different portraits.
In the meanwhile...still got Christmas knitting in the works. Oy!
And by the by, many thanks to the folks who've written to say they like their 2007 angel ornaments. (I wish Knitpicks would get to work on producing those little clouds to float my fair isle strands.)
Hi Franklin... I'm in Canada, so I will not be at the sitting...but that's the _2_2nd, right? Boy, I can't believe how much hair Abby has! Bonne Chance with the book!
ReplyDeleteAck, you're right. I typed "12" instead of "22" by mistake - all better now.
ReplyDeleteHow fitting that the exceptional Ms Abigail is wearing a specially made sweater for the Great Ms Pingree, whose North Island creations have warmed many a knitting Mainah over the years. Well done!
ReplyDeleteDamn... Damn... Damn... I would so go to the shoot, but I won't be in the area until Monday. Darn family wanting me to visit... Perhaps I can explain to them that I want to visit some knitting guy, an imaginary lamb, and a knitting store.
ReplyDeleteOk. *NEXT* time you're in Maine I'm going to come see you. I'd love to this time, but I've got lots of family stuff to do on this side of the border.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the 1000 Knitters swag!
And by "coming to see you" I mean at a shoot.
ReplyDeleteHi Franklin,
ReplyDeleteI still haven't overcome the shock that I am not the overall winner ;-)
but anyway..........!!!
Abigail is divine.
ReplyDeleteLooks like ENA has her father's hair.
ReplyDeleteI love the sweater! Hee!
ReplyDeleteI would *almost* drive four hours each way to see you and be a part of your amazing project, but two days before I have a houseful of guests? Um, no. Shoot. New England is kind of big, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested in both your book and in Interweave's branches.
Also, I thought the sock with the cable needle was hands-down the closest, eeriest likeness of Dolores. THAT sock rocked!!
I have all three of your ornaments on my tree at this time.
ReplyDeletetrying to keep them away from the cats is another matter...they are positioned high up from little paws.
thanks for creating them! and have a wonderful holiday in maine!
I am going to try to make it down to Brunswick for the fun!
ReplyDeleteThat Laurie
Abigail is just the sweetest Democrat ever!
ReplyDeleteNo way...1,000 Knitters in Brunswick, on a day when I will be within spitting distance! I am going to talk my partner-in-fiber-crime into driving down with me (I'll tell my partner-in-all-other-crimes that my absence three days before Christmas is an early gift to me).
ReplyDeleteOthers have already mentioned the Chellie Pingree knitting connection, ENA's blond locks, AND the little tyke's amazing growth, so I will sign off and say that I really hope to see you in Brunswick.
It just goes to show that this is officially my season of crummy luck--you are coming to a place within driving distance and I will be in Florida. If anything could make me regret going, that's it.
ReplyDeleteIf I don't have rehearsal that day I will absolutely endeavor to be there. Not that I need an excuse for a field trip to Maine, but isn't it nice to have one that's so unusual? :-)
ReplyDeleteHow can it be? Abby is cuter than she's EVER been before! When you're there visiting, will you plumb her thoughts on the candidates? As she is a 21st century Woman I'm gane to hearken to her recommendations. ::Also, thank you for the 1000 Knitter notecards, I'll be ordering me up a set or fove o' those, (And Dolores - I HAVE to have something with Dolores on.)
ReplyDeleteOooops...I'm "GAME"; also, I'll be ordering a set or FIVE. That'll teach me to not check my text after the kind of day I've had, sorry....
ReplyDeleteExcellent! I shall be off the day of the shoot, so I'll get to see you and have an excuse to visit Ellen's store, which I've not managed to do yet (ask her how she met me). Will you need any assistance with your gear/setup, 'cause I'd be a willing flunkie for a day?
ReplyDeleteENA is cuter every day. I suppose that's one of the reasons why she's E.
ReplyDeleteAnd damn, I'm on the bag! I didn't even notice at first - it took Jasmin, ringleader of the Minions of the Pointy Sticks to point it out. Though I am a tad hurt to be selected by a RNG, rather than you being so charmed by my sparkling personality that you had to include me. But I'll get over it. :)
The book sounds fantastic, I can hardly wait. (Well, I shall, perforce, but you know. [g]) Hurray for Abigail, she looks wonderful in her sweater! And the 1,000 Knitters items are great, especially the bag.
ReplyDeleteGeesh, I hope you're taking time to breathe!
Belated congrats on the book deal! And your niece is getting cuter by the day!! If you ever want to do a sitting out in Charleston, SC - drop me an email, and I'll get you all set up!
ReplyDeleteMel sent an email clueing me in... I am so going to try to be at Ellen's the day you are there.
ReplyDeleteI will plan on being at Purl Diva!
ReplyDeletehttp://flickr.com/photos/lunaspin/
Oh, yay. Brunswick isn't that far away from me. I'm sure I can make it up there on the 22nd barring nasty weather with teeth. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteJust had to delurk to drop a comment: that sweater is just adorable, loved it since the first time you posted it, however now seeing the wonderful Abigail in it again now that she's a little older makes me say "Wow!" (how's that for some stunned-ness? what a run-on sentence) Your neice is utterly adorable, Democratic sweater or not. Bravo, and brava to your sister!
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the bébé, she adds that little something extra to your creations, yes?
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds delightful, very … “you”.
The 1000 Knitters Project is taking shape and it inspires awe!
I can’t make it to Maine for the photo op, too far away. You and the Purl Diva have fun with those who live closer!
If I am *not yet* one in a 1000, can I still get stuff that says so? You need to promise to come within a days drive of Baltimore to make me not a liar.
ReplyDeleteYay! I will be there for sure. Purl Diva is actually my favorite LYS (even though I live in Portland so it's not that local), and I'm always looking for an excuse to stop in.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wrote a book in elementary school as well, illustrated by myself. It was called "Wow!," and involved a young girl and her birthday. I'm hoping it's not my magnus opus.
I love the 1 in 1000 swag - and if Santa does not bring me a sweatshirt I'll have to get my own.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if by chance you were thinking about heading to California in February for Stitches West, I'd love to really BE 1 in 1000! Or perhaps another 2 in 1000, if my mother posed also? Oh and did I mention it'll be my birthday too? I'm just sayin'. ;-)
I'm going to try to make it. I'm so excited that you're taking time out of your family visit to photograph knitters!
ReplyDeleteThere's more to compliment about that entry, but honestly all I can think of is how utterly adorable Abigail is, and how much she resembles a Podling child from Dark Crystal, and how much I would like to snatch her up and smoosh those cheeks.
ReplyDeleteI want to learn to knit so that maybe Delores will visit.
The Knitter Portraits rock so hard...
ReplyDeleteon an unrelated (distantly related??)note, you seem to know a thing or two about restoring spinning wheels...I am getting one for practically nothing, and a friend of mine has offered to help with it (He restores guitars, yeah...not so close...but at least he knows how to treat wood)
any good tips on what to use and what to watch for?
It needs a new foot pedal and drive band...I have no idea how to go about that...
Ashley
ashleygirl2005@hotmail.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOh, ENA® gets more adorable by the minute!
ReplyDeleteAnd the sweater is adorable on her :)
Too many damn comments on your book-announcement post for me to scroll through and make my own so let me say now, Franklin: WOO-HOO! Can NOT wait! Yippee! You ROCK! I knew it ahd to happen one day!
ReplyDeleteYay YOU!
Kathy
I will be there with bells on. Okay, so I don't own bells.
ReplyDeleteWhat Rosesmama said....how about you plan a visit to MD S&W? We can sell you a border collie to help you with that sheep infestation problem you have.
ReplyDeleteHI Franklin. 1st time commentor here. I'm going to do my best to make it to Purl Diva...and bring a buddy. Congrats on the book!
ReplyDeleteGosh, Abigail just brings a smile to my face.
ReplyDeleteI won't be anywhere near New England this holiday season but I am going to be in Chicago in March. Unfortunately, we are at a convention scheduled at ROSEMONT Hyatt . . . blechhhh . . . on the other hand it gets over at 4:00p and they told me that the train station is within spitting distance of the hotel. So tell, me, how well do Chicagoans spit?
Holy wow, that girl's got the hair. I'm so envious. All i had was peach fuzz until i was about three.
ReplyDeleteDelurking to rsvp yes! to the sitting. I'm bringing my mum along as well - I love your blog but am shy online!
ReplyDeleteWhen did Abigail get hair? She just had fuzz yesterday, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try to make it up there on the 22nd. It's only four hours away. ;)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear about the book deal (it's about time)! I'm also pleased to hear it won't be a pattern book--I have plenty of those but could really use some witty, intelligent commentary to stretch my brain.
ReplyDeleteA hard copy Franklin would do the trick (no off color meaning intended).
Franklin, my husband and I will be there. We got married in Harpswell, just outside of Brunswick, because there's a lovely church and it's midpoint between his family and mine. We needed something at the party store across from what I think is Purl Diva, (I'll check) and we both wanted to go in so badly, but had to do the whole decorating the hall thing, and couldn't shop for yarn (I'm so glad I don't have to do the whole wedding thing again). So we'll finally get to go into this shop, and sit for your project! How could we miss out on that?
ReplyDeleteHave fun in Maine, Franklin. I'll be there too, but 5 hours north up in The County (Island Falls). Give Abigail a squeeze for me. What a sweetie! Here's to great flying weather!
ReplyDeleteah, we all go "home" for christmas - my home would be chicago, so i was hoping there would be a holiday shoot all up in there around then... but then YOU go "home," too, so yeah - maine! bummer! someday, i am determined to join in on the fun.
ReplyDeleteLoved your essay on Cast-On.
ReplyDeleteDiane/Bloomington,Indiana
I still want to add my congratulations. That's a big deal!
ReplyDeleteThank you for paving the way for the rest of us...:)
If the snow in Maine keeps up through December you might actually see woolly mammoths while you're here.
ReplyDelete(That'd be an interesting fiber to knit with, wouldn't it??)
I love the pictures of Abigail - she is so very cute. I often check just to see her...and delores of course!
ReplyDeleteSomeone told me that they might have seen a picture of me on the knitting bag... I checked and they were right! =) Of course, I bought one as fast as I could click and type out my credit card number. Thanks for this awesome project--can't wait to see all 1,000!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book too!
She is ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteI will be in Maine! I will be in Maine! But on the 23rd, not the 22nd. Darn it all. One day, and fate laughs last. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteHi Franklin,
ReplyDeleteI ordered 75 of your fantastic ornament for a gift for the local volunteers of my knitting program, Christmas at Sea. They were a huge hit. Thanks for such a great design!
Abigail is extremely adorable, and I say that as someone who has a baby niece herself.
ReplyDeleteOn a related note (knitting-related, that is, not niece-related), I liked this website:
http://www.knittaplease.com
Maybe I can get to Brunswick -- hope so
ReplyDeleteso- if the planets align and FSM allows, I may actually be in Brunswick and at the Purl Diva. I am flying in to see family in Maine and I think they will be tolerant of a detour on my part to stop in and see you and Dolores. yay!sue
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