tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post112990976912597333..comments2024-03-19T03:17:32.682-04:00Comments on The Panopticon: Do It YourselfFranklinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03670441931649806878noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-53627865927218930992010-09-24T06:17:05.318-04:002010-09-24T06:17:05.318-04:00My mother could upholster furniture, and sewed us ...My mother could upholster furniture, and sewed us practical things, like school clothes and curtains; and less practical things like matching Christmas pajamas for the whole family, not to mention the best damned Halloween costumes in three countiesKevinhttp://thekidscostumes.com/Classic-Halloween-Kids-Costumes/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130339878916109472005-10-26T10:17:00.000-05:002005-10-26T10:17:00.000-05:00I agree with Laura in Georgia that the post deserv...I agree with Laura in Georgia that the post deserves publication on paper, where maybe more but certainly different people will have to opportunity to read it.<BR/><BR/>It's hard coming to terms with the truth of trite stuff, but sometimes you have to accept it. I think C.S.Lewis has something about that in one of the Out of the Silent Planet books.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130185221833937142005-10-24T15:20:00.000-05:002005-10-24T15:20:00.000-05:00Oh, how I miss that Franklin when he goes so long ...Oh, how I miss that Franklin when he goes so long between posts.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07651035210994960810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130162942297095182005-10-24T09:09:00.000-05:002005-10-24T09:09:00.000-05:00Non-sequitor warning: This is a response to your d...Non-sequitor warning: This is a response to your description of the Stitches posts. I just made a pencilled in date with a friend to try Stitches east next fall and was wondering if we were foolish. Your descriptions helped immensely. I think we'll have a good time. Thanks for your desciptions of the classes. I can see myself trying one.LorreShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17094896522878088873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130160954403248172005-10-24T08:35:00.000-05:002005-10-24T08:35:00.000-05:00My parents gave me a similar outlook on life, alth...My parents gave me a similar outlook on life, although in our house projects usually start with finding and reading a book on the subject. Excellent writing sir.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130118059746923672005-10-23T20:40:00.000-05:002005-10-23T20:40:00.000-05:00I am new to your blog, referred by a friend who is...I am new to your blog, referred by a friend who is also a nonblogging knitter. The story you wrote today, as Rachel (http://www.villageknittiot.com/)posted, is about one of the many intangible benefits of knitting. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>On a knitting forum, an online friend wrote "I like starting over. I get better each time, and I really learn a lot from the experience." Her words led me to respond with this: "...knitting teaches some of the most important lessons we can learn in life, these among them: how to be patient, how to develop a sense of perspective, how to be more accepting of our own mistakes, and how small things can represent a lot of love." <BR/><BR/>I now will add to my list the lesson of your story: while others may simply purchase things they desire, having the will to learn and the desire to create with our own hands produces many more rewards than just those objects.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130090914470342402005-10-23T13:08:00.000-05:002005-10-23T13:08:00.000-05:00Belguim......did you have the fries? There is no ...Belguim......did you have the fries? There is no other place in the world where fries are so darned delicious. I miss living there so much when I remember the fries. <BR/><BR/>Leave it to me to boil this all down to food.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130043843296643672005-10-23T00:04:00.000-05:002005-10-23T00:04:00.000-05:00I too became choked up with tears reading your blo...I too became choked up with tears reading your blog....when I got to the part where your mom made you matching pjamas and the best halloween costumes ever. <BR/><BR/>I've done exactly those things for my kids (now 21, 24, and 27 years old) and just recently they were reminising about their pj's, halloween costumes and their amazing themed birthday parties. Their favorite being a "Princess Party" with a castle and a moat, made from shipping cartons I picked up from an appliance store.<BR/><BR/>Helen, the best Halloween costumes need not be made with a store-bought pattern, expensive materials, and loads of time. A little imagination and this and that from what you have on hand can make grand memories. Dressed all in black with only a simple black hood with eye holes cut in it and an axe made from cardboard, tin foil and a broom handle, and my brother won first prize for his executioner costume.....and had the fun and satisfaction of making it himself.Marlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08670952038534759102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130039498553031192005-10-22T22:51:00.000-05:002005-10-22T22:51:00.000-05:00Literate, funny, interesting; only some of the rea...Literate, funny, interesting; only some of the reasons I look forward to reading your blog. Great story. Your observations are right on target as well. <BR/><BR/>I am sorry I missed meeting you at Rhinebeck as I so love reading your blog. It was my first time also but I was flying blind without friends to guide me and was quite overwhelmed. <BR/><BR/>Your post reminded me of a time when I was a child and we lived in Spain. My parents dutifully took us to all the sites, including the Alhambra, about which I remembered nothing except the pattern on one floor. That I remember vividly. Strange what sticks in children's minds. <BR/><BR/>ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130015597765895752005-10-22T16:13:00.000-05:002005-10-22T16:13:00.000-05:00Boo culture of disposability and instant gratifica...Boo culture of disposability and instant gratification! Yay hand-made stuff and self-reliance and that feeling of "I made this" pride!<BR/><BR/>Your post got me all holiday-ee. It's not even Hallo'een yet!goblinboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13636167643991935136noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1130010537983782032005-10-22T14:48:00.000-05:002005-10-22T14:48:00.000-05:00Thanks Franklin. A few random thoughts:Your story...Thanks Franklin. A few random thoughts:<BR/><BR/>Your storytelling reminded me of a time, long ago- when I read stories like it, totally believing every word.<BR/><BR/>I absolutely love your Kali Knitting Goddess design and will be purchasing some items for holiday gifts.<BR/><BR/>Sorry I missed meeting you at Rhinebeck. I'm looking forward to seeing your future designs and Ted's on The Knitting Vault real soon!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129986510604800232005-10-22T08:08:00.000-05:002005-10-22T08:08:00.000-05:00I'm sure I read that story in my "Childrens Anthol...I'm sure I read that story in my "Childrens Anthology". Then there is my all time favourite, The Little Match Girl. She's why I learned to read, I wanted to hear the end of the story, and Ma couldn't get there for the tears.<BR/><BR/>I had a Caitlin in my class in the '50s. Music, dancing, deportment etc etc. In the late '60s I ran into her in Vancouver International, had a nice chat as she tapped her tambourine and swayed in her saffron robes. That silver paint on her shaved head kinda suited her.<BR/>I made all my kids' costumes partly because Ma made mine, and partly because I had no money. The kids are now in their 20s and every Halloween season I hear about how cool I was making Ninja's and GI Joes and Mutant Turtles out of nothing. Their favourite was "tramp" year, when I embroidered "don't eat yellow snow" on their hats. And I still tear up when I think of my gypsy year, with the coin necklace made of new pennies with holes drilled in them by Pop, and the tiered skirt with the chenille trim made my Ma.<BR/>Barb B.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129985324616650672005-10-22T07:48:00.000-05:002005-10-22T07:48:00.000-05:00Dang but you are a lucky boy--that merino is amazi...Dang but you are a lucky boy--that merino is amazing just to look at, much less what it must be in person! But on a more serious note (tho that is serious merino spinning), hon, I think you have a KnitLit4 submission (or substitute pulication of your choice) here. In your inimitable way, you've captured what motivates a lot of us in our fiber arts pursuits. And I would encourage you to pursue publication here, not for ego or money, but--how to put this--more to trigger that same reflection in others, and perhaps inspire someone to create.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129958215385501922005-10-22T00:16:00.000-05:002005-10-22T00:16:00.000-05:00Franklin, thank you for such a wonderful post. Tha...Franklin, thank you for such a wonderful post. That yarn is the most beautiful color ever...and I loved the story. I'm pretty sure I read the same one as a kid, too. <BR/><BR/>Helen, depending on how old your kids are, they could make their own costumes. My mom was more like Marilyn's than Franklin's, but/and I made my Halloween costume every year from second grade onward... she helped in second and third grade, I think. My favorite was fourth grade when I made a Medusa head out of chicken wire & painted papier-mache. Snakes everywhere. It was glorious. <BR/><BR/>But the more I think about the different costumes, the more I remember how much time my Mom must have spent helping me, so I take it back--having your kids make their own costumes probably won't save you any time, after all. Never mind. <BR/><BR/>I remember how long it took me to make sense of the difference between my Mom's worldview and everyone else's (since we had money I went to school with all the Caitlins--in my homemade clothes. Yeesh). Ah well. Can't complain. <BR/><BR/>But thank you, Franklin, for making me feel a tiny bit less of a...(all the names kids used to call me are returning to my memory...) less of a loner outcast. Hey! Making your own stuff is a <I>good</I> thing! Yeah!<BR/><BR/>So, really, thank you!birdfarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08375896388806726010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129954740781073432005-10-21T23:19:00.000-05:002005-10-21T23:19:00.000-05:00FINE! Just FINE!Just when I'd finally persuaded m...FINE! Just FINE!<BR/>Just when I'd finally persuaded myself that it really is okay to spend $30.00 apiece to BUY my kids' Halloween costumes instead of spending $40.00 apiece to buy fabric and trim and then two solid weekinds sewing things they'll either only wear once, or try to persuade me meets the school dress code, you have to post THIS!<BR/><BR/>Hmmph.<BR/><BR/>Well, ya know what... I'm still gonna to to the costume store tomorrow. (with the fabric store as a back up I guess). I want to spend those two weekends knitting lace with cobweb weight cashmere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129951723679883302005-10-21T22:28:00.000-05:002005-10-21T22:28:00.000-05:00Oh Franklin, you bring a tear to my eye! I loved a...Oh Franklin, you bring a tear to my eye! I loved all of those stories too as a child and miraculously married a man who loved them too! I know those parents of which you speak - my kids go to school with them and it drives me insane trying to counteract the "johnny gets to...jane gets to...". But that's the price we pay when the public schools aren't good enough to send your dog to and you have no choice but to pay through the nose to get them even a halfway decent education. Just wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying reading your blog recently since discovering it. Keep knitting and keep writing. I can't wait to see what you do with the handspun.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129950743781167462005-10-21T22:12:00.000-05:002005-10-21T22:12:00.000-05:00Franklin darling, must you make me misty eyed? Als...Franklin darling, must you make me misty eyed? Also, if you desire to make lace wizzingly fast like Belgians, see this link: http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/9i/i1473.html<BR/><BR/>Cheers, and please get Ted to sell his laceweight online. I'll send chocolate.Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10734681006473113328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129945438534148302005-10-21T20:43:00.000-05:002005-10-21T20:43:00.000-05:00I have enjoyed reading your blog entries for some ...I have enjoyed reading your blog entries for some time now. I has especially enjoyed the last few days, about your Rhinebeck trip, and todays entry about how your mother handcrafted things for you. A very good friend and colleague and I share our off-time creations; mine being woodworking and knitting (new to knitting, and now making handcrafted knitting needles), and hers being sewing and embroidery. I hear every day about her "projects" for her two small children. Her latest is handsewn and embroidered halloween bags and costumes. I shared your blog entry today with her to let her know how important and memorable her tireless efforts will be to her children. You expressed your thoughts so clearly and to the point of what is really important in life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129944712720332042005-10-21T20:31:00.000-05:002005-10-21T20:31:00.000-05:00drat - now the theme from 'Facts of Life' is stuck...drat - now the theme from 'Facts of Life' is stuck in My head too, but I think that's Stephanie's fault more than yours...<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this neat story. I'm a complete sap for things like that. Honestly. But I completely understand the wonderful feelings associated with doing things yourself. My Dad and I rebuilt my front porch steps and railings last summer, and spent a good deal of time just staring at them feeling pleased with ourselves. It's something I intend for my son to learn as well. Oh, and as for the pre-natal classical music? I didn't go that far, but did play the Baby Mozart series for my wee boy as an infant. At four, his favourite music is John Hiatt. Who knew.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129944417761383242005-10-21T20:26:00.000-05:002005-10-21T20:26:00.000-05:00I want to be Ted when I grow up.Well, okay, I just...I want to be Ted when I grow up.<BR/><BR/>Well, okay, I just want to spin like Ted...<BR/><BR/>You think it's bad having the Facts of Life song in your head (Tootie??? poor Steph)...for some inexplicable reason it's morphed in MY head to the theme from Welcome Back, Kotter.<BR/><BR/>I'm going to go spin now and see if that exorcises something or other...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129944244994341222005-10-21T20:24:00.000-05:002005-10-21T20:24:00.000-05:00a fine story well told!!a fine story well told!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129938360247903572005-10-21T18:46:00.000-05:002005-10-21T18:46:00.000-05:00I knew that had to be from Ted before I even got t...I knew that had to be from Ted before I even got to the last line. How many Canadian men spin laceweight?!<BR/><BR/>I guess there will be something after the sampler/swatch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129936158217257592005-10-21T18:09:00.000-05:002005-10-21T18:09:00.000-05:00Hello FranklinI am a new knitter also, within the ...Hello Franklin<BR/>I am a new knitter also, within the last 2 years. I am also stuck in a hat/scarf knitting rut. But, unlike you I haven't jumped over that rut yet. But I will.<BR/>I read through your blog entries and was immediately snare by, "My Grandmothers Hands". My Grandmother was a great chrocheter, and possibly knitter, though I never saw her knit.<BR/>Realatives always remark on my hands and say that I have my Grandmothers hands, which I am very proud to have. Even if they are chubby and doll like with dimples. <BR/>She taught me to chrochet way back in my pre teens, but never really embraced it until I was in my 20's. I never held the hook the way she did, like a pencil, and would also crab at me because it. <BR/>When she past on 16 years ago I found she left me her stash and hooks and needles. I treasure each of them items. So most of her yarn was acrylic, no biggie, it was from Gramma.<BR/>So thank you for jogging my memory of my Grandmother, I miss her very much. And I think she knitted, which I would love to talk to her about now as an adult. <BR/>I enjoy your blog Franklin and I grew up in the suburbs of the Windy City. <BR/>BonnitaBonnitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09917194905278777214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129934701091510582005-10-21T17:45:00.000-05:002005-10-21T17:45:00.000-05:00The idea that homemade things are better, not just...The idea that homemade things are better, not just coming from deprivation and necessity, is so very important. I wish more people understood it. <BR/>That woul be a present to make me cry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10901468.post-1129933153491993972005-10-21T17:19:00.000-05:002005-10-21T17:19:00.000-05:00Franklin, I'm now twice blessed: firstly with the ...Franklin, I'm now twice blessed: firstly with the benefit of you wisdom, and now through your very kind words.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad it arrived; I was getting a bit worried -- in part because I'm currently doing battle with Canada Post and Customs over some yarn I'm importing from Your Side of the Border. <BR/><BR/>Marilyn, I'm afraid I can't take credit for the dyeing. It's from Royale Hare in California.<BR/><BR/>Selma, there's been nothing from me since Mary's Triangular Shawl (which, last night, I was mulling over republishing as a downloadable-from-somewhere PDF). There may be something this winter, though.<BR/><BR/>Returning Franklin's blog back to him.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com