Thursday, October 06, 2011

I've Been a Little Busy Lately

I remember a time when I didn't write most of my posts while sitting in airports. But here's another one. I'm in Chicago, waiting for a flight to Boston. From Boston, I go to Reykjavik, Iceland.

I've never been to Iceland; but I hear tell that they sell yarn at the grocery store, so I'm expecting it to be an Earthly Paradise. Albeit a slightly chilly Paradise, which would explain the omnipresence of yarn.

I was packing for the trip when I realized, last night, that I don't have a winter hat for myself. Not one. I've knit tons of them, but they've all gone off into the world on other heads.

It's in such a situation that Knitters and Those Who Do Not Knit part company. Those who knit not would go out and buy a hat. Knitters, or at least this knitter, reach a point where buying a winter hat feels like cheating (at worst) or giving up (at best).

There is simply no way I can show up in Iceland with a four-dollar hat from Target.

So I'm knitting one en route.

Leaving for Iceland

I have until I get there to figure out and finish the brim treatment. Ribbing is out. Too pedestrian. This should be a Project Runway challenge: finish your garment by the time the plane lands, or get frostbite.

Off we go.

33 comments:

  1. Bon Voyage and happy knitting! I'm sure you'll finish it before you land. You're a miracle worker!

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  2. Anonymous3:40 PM

    I'm so close to hitting the under-24-hours mark on my current addictive hat- good luck on yours!

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  3. You've packed a couple of empty duffel bags for all the lopi you're bringing back, right? Right?

    Give Ragga a big hug and a birthday smooch from me.

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  4. Poor guy, no hair, no hat...happy knitting.

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  5. Happy trails...I know your hat will be awesome.

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  6. I love your attitude, although I hope for your ears' sake that you can decide about the brim on before you land! Hehe...

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  7. They really need to have yarn and needles on board planes for sale, just in case you run out or (shudder) forget to bring any on board with you in the first place. Of course, if you're really desperate, you can always activate the Knitting Energency Response Unit. (http://whirlingneedles.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/the-knitting-emergency-response-unit/)

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  8. Have fun in Iceland! I think it's cool to be able to knit your own hat if you need one. Must be a knitter. :O)

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  9. You have always risen to the challenge. You can do it this time. Enjoy yourself.

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  10. I've also seen yarn for sale at the grocery store in McCall, Idaho. Acrylic yarn though, so maybe it doesn't count? ;-)

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  11. Knit faster, knit faster!

    What about casting off the hat, then knitting a sideways brim to sew on? Too complicated?

    What about a ribbed and cabled brim?

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  12. Can't wait to see you what you come up with! Need to knit my guy a new hat, so expectations are high....

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  13. Maybe you can make a cabled band, a little thicker just over your ears (or whatever part of your ear area you intend to cover).

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  14. Good luck with your hat, and I hear you! Last year I was embarrassed at my proper-hatlessness. Since I finally made a proper every day hat (light weight tam, not for really cold days nor long times outdoors), I can take my time with another, a Zimmermann type heavy brioche st cap. Pretty colors, VERY warm. I should finish it before it snows!

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  15. You will definitely need that hat! When I went to Iceland I forgot to take one and boy did I know about it. I ended up buying one and it was hugely expensive but worth it not to die horribly of the cold!

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  16. I have a woolly wormhead hat that is knitted in stocking stitch and the brim is just made by allowing the stocking stitch to curl naturally - I think it would be a good look for you Franklin! I also think my hat was knitted sideways, but I imagine it would work OK knitted top down - maybe you'd want a few rows of rib, and then increase a few stitches and knit an inch or so... just a thought...

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  17. Lorilee6:04 PM

    Project runway? Just yank your needles out and rub the edge a bit so some stitches felt and some run. Done.

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  18. jennifer6:11 PM

    i-cord? Not picot... Safe wool-filled travels!

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  19. Love it! Can't wait to see the result!

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  20. anne marie in philly6:36 PM

    dr. mel just went to iceland this year, I think...

    you look wonderful; have a good time, model your hat, and post pix when you return. your armchair fans want to see another land.

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  21. Anonymous8:21 PM

    New glasses? Most excellent. Lovely color for the hat, too.

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  22. Everytime I read one of your posts, I just want to start clicking the 'like' button. You got me again.

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  23. Anonymous10:19 PM

    Perpendicular garter edge? I'm not sure that's the real name--when hat is long enough, cast on x stitches and go back and forth in garter, k2togging it on at the live edge stitches, and when you're done, just BO x stitches, sew a little seam (or not, if you like the notch), and hey presto!

    --Jessica

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  24. Anonymous10:56 PM

    You may be surprised how warm it will be in Reykjavik - no frostbite for you! Go for a swim!

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  25. I can see you on the runway...have fun in your travels...wait, you always do, so I didn't even need to say it...you know what to do!

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  26. Amen! Oh. That reminds me, I keep making berets for people and still haven't made one for myself. Oh, well. When I finish another Christmas present, maybe?

    In any case, I'm sure your hat will be a winner. You do know that we all expect you to publish the pattern, don't you?

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  27. Amen! Oh. That reminds me, I keep making berets for people and still haven't made one for myself. Oh, well. When I finish another Christmas present, maybe?

    In any case, I'm sure your hat will be a winner. You do know that we all expect you to publish the pattern, don't you?

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  28. My outlaws went to Iceland, the Mother-not-in-law deemed the wool too expensive to buy me as a gift and instead bought me a polar bear t-shirt and a glass which where both expensive (she left the price on). I would have preferred a smidge of wool.

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