Thrifty Knitting June 29, 2009

In this morning’s Irish Times there was an article by Conor Pope called Recycling thrifty wisdom.  The article was mainly about Hunter Davies, a journalist whose latest book is titled Cold Meat and How to Disguise It, a look back at 100 years of belt tightening.   In researching this book, Hunter Davies was struck by the similarity of money-saving domestic tips across generations. 

I grew up in the U.S. and really did not experience the deprivations of the 2nd World War as experienced in Britain and even more so in Europe.  Even though many of us have not experienced the shortages and make-do solutions that our parents or previous generations had to devise, Hunter Davies does feel that even in these recessionary times and if things got really bad we could cope.  “There is something in the human nature that likes deprivation.”   I am not so sure about his view of human nature liking deprivation but I would agree that we could cope. 

I could certainly cope with the following tips of knitting advice. 

“Save all pieces of string that come round parcels of all kinds.  Knot them together and wind into a ball and knit excellent dishcloths - the knots help to get the burnt marks off pudding dishes.”  from The Best Way Book, 1914

“In every economical house the knitting basket should be an institution and all the girls should be taught to knit.  Knitted woollen stockings are not only more durable than bought stockings, but they promote the circulation better and so are preventative of cold feet and chilblains.”  from Domestic Economy, 1896

Carry on Knitting – Socks June 26, 2009

I seem to be slipping into a a very comfortable routine of knitting socks.  Before I went to Seattle I was knitting a series of socks using purple colours from my stash.  I didn’t try to take my knitting needles and wip through security at the airport – my knitting was safely packed in my checked bag.  I didn’t know what the policy was for American Airlines – I know that Aer Lingus still considers knitting needles to be a security risk.  As it happened though I wouldn’t have had enough room to knit – I had a “window” seat with only one person on my left.  However, elbow room was at a premium as was space in front of me – my seat did not recline and the person in front of me put his seat back for the entire flight.  I wouldn’t have been comfortable trying to knit.  I put window in quotes because my “window” was a grey wall and I had only an oblique view out the window of the seat in front of me.  

 

However, early on during my visit I completed the 2nd sock to go with the one I had completed before I left Dublin.

 

Then I started working on the socks promised for Susan’s birthday back in May.  That was my main knitting project for the remainder of my visit.  Again, I finished the 2nd sock when I got back to Dublin.

Kaffe Fassett colours sock yarn

Now Caitlin and Ashley have requested that I knit socks for them.  I chose the Kaffe Fassett yarns at the Full Circle Yarn Store.  Plus I bought a ball of a nice yellow Regia sock yarn and a ball of Kara Soy Silk and Wool yarn – maybe for making a hat.  I found a pattern book for making hats – couldn’t resist.

 

The start of the sock for Ashley.  28 stitches.  Will see how that works out.  If it’s too few stitches it can be for baby Ethan.  I cast on 48 stitches for the socks for Susan.

KNITTING AT THE MOVIES June 25, 2009

Knitting at the Movies

  Have you ever tried to knit in the dark??  As dusk fell over Magnusson Park in Seattle the family settled down for an outdoor showing of Mamma Mia.  I was comfortably ensconced in a safari chair, had finished my Americano coffee, wrapped myself in a blanket, and got out my knitting.  All was well, I could see a little bit – enough to realize I had dropped a few stitches when I pulled the knitting out of its bag.  What to do.  I picked up the stitches as best I could and decided to carry on.  I could fix any mistakes in the morning in daylight.  The knitting went very well and I clicked away while we all sang and watched the film.  It was a lot of fun.  Baby Ethan was snug as a bug in a rug and slept the evening away.  Ashley and Caitlin snuggled with their parents and Caitlin eventually fell asleep.  The projection system short circuited about three quarters of the way through but was fixed pretty quickly before we succumbed to hypothermia.  The film ended after midnight and by the time we packed up our chairs and sorted out the sleepy children we were among the last to leave.  Silly me, I didn’t even have a torch (flashlight).   We made our way back to our cars for the sleepy ride home.  What a fun evening.  I look forward to more outdoor screenings when we arrive back in Seattle later in the summer.

 As for my knitting – I did about 2 inches on the sock and decided I should stop as I might have reached the decrease point for the toe.  Examination in the light of day revealed that I had to sort out 3 dropped stitches-  as I had suspected after I pulled the knitting out of its bag.  This meant going back a long way but I did it successfully and then continued a few more rows to the toe. 

 

 A couple of nights later I had a chance to do more knitting on the 2^nd sock.  At home we watched Madagascar – a fun film but I wasn’t sure how appropriate it was for the children.  There was a fair bit of violence in it, as happens in cartoons, but I have a more critical eye for this sort of thing as I watch with my grandchildren.   Knitting at home in the dark is different from knitting in the open air.  At home I can turn a light on or take a break to go to another room where I can turn the light on and examine my knitting.  For lack of a torch at the outdoor screening of Mamma Mia I was stuck.  The knitting itself was very easy – I was using lovely Regia sock yarn and bamboo needles and I could knit by feel. 

 

The girls are so enthusiastic about these socks for their mummy that I went out and bought 2 more balls of the KaffeFassett colours Regia sock yarn to knit socks for them.  I carefully chose colours I thought each girl would like – when I showed them the yarn they surprised me and spontaneously traded the colours I had chosen.  That says something about my choices doesn’t it.  Doesn’t really matter though since they seem to share and swap everything.

   Rnjoying Mamma Mia

  Progress on the sock, Kaffe Fassett colours Regia sock yarn

  More sock yarn

Irish History June 9, 2009

                 

A few days ago I wrote a blog  about my father-in-law and the First World War.  Still thinking about that, I just wanted to refer not only to the book mentioned in that blog (The Picture She Took) but also another book I read recently, Sebastian Barry’s A Long Long Way.  These 2 books portray so vividly some of the complexities of the involvement of Irishmen in the First World War.  Just after writing the previous blog I came across an old box of photographs taken by my father-in-law and his father at that time.  A real treasure and a tantalizing discovery.  Those photographs have been safely packed for our move to Seattle and at some point I’ll scan them and write more.

From the Madrigal to the Modern June 8, 2009

  The programme for the concert Shakespeare in Song, From the Madrigal to the Modern.  This concert was so enjoyable.  I want to give you a few excerpts from the programme.

Contrapunto bestiale alla mente (1608), Adriano Banchieri (1568-1634), The programme began with something of a musical oddity.  The title of this is often translated “The Animals Improvise Counterpoint.”

 

Italia mia (1538), Philippe Verdelot (c. 1470/80-before 1552), Verdelot was born in France but spent much of his life in Italy.  He was employed by the Medici family and is remembered today as the father of the Italian madrigal.

S’io esca vivo (1579), Orlande de Lassus (1532-94), Lassus is now remembered, along with Palestrina and Victoria, as one of the three greatest Renaissance composers of sacred music.  He is also responsible for a sizeable body of madrigals, of which this piece in six parts is a particularly fine example.

Il lamento d’Arianna (1614), Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643), Claudio Monteverdi was a contemporary of Shakespeare.  He is one of the most important pivotal figures in the history of music.  He straddles the Renaissance and Baroque and was also a seminal figure in the birth of opera.

Three Shakespeare Songs (1951), Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), Ralph Vaughan Williams occupies a hugely prominent place in twentieth-century music.  His output extends across symphonies, opera, song cycles and choral music.  He was also very involved in the collection and notation of English folk songs.

1. Full Fathom Five

2. The Cloud-capp’d Towers

3. Over Hill, over Dale

Full Fathom Five (1984), Jaakko Mantyjarvi (1963- ), Jaakko Mantyjarvi is a Finnish composer, born in Turku.  He is a qualified linguist and translator but he also studied conducting and theory at the Sibelius Academy.

Two songs from Let Fall the Windows of Mine Eyes (2007-08), Paul Mealor (1975-  ), Paul Mealor is a young British composer born in St. Asaph, North Wales.  He studied at York University and is currently a Senior Lecturer at Aberdeen University.

1. Ophelia’s Lament

3 ….to weep….

Blue Moon (1934), Richard Rodgers (1902-79), arr. David Blackwell

Night and Day (1932), Cole Porter (1891-1964), arr. Andrew Carter

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (1940), Manning Sherwin (1902-74), arr. Gene Puerling

 

 

Still Knitting at Age 99 June 7, 2009

Readers of this blog know that I try to go to Kilternan Country Market every Saturday morning.  I have been a member since January 1984.  The Market had humble beginnings in a caravan in 1964.   It moved to its present premises in 1968.  Very few of the original members are still with us.  So far as I know, the only original member still with us is member no. 5.  The numbering now goes up to 344.  My number is 268.

The oldest member in terms of age had her 99th birthday in April.  She is no longer able to come to the Market each week but she occasionally still sends a knitted item – usually a large doll in detailed colorful dress.  

 Alison, age 99 and still knitting, the picture and the article about Alison appeared in the June issue of our local magazine, Panorama.  The party was held at Kilternan Market.  Alison is in the foreground in her wheelchair and Market members are grouped behind  her.

Shakespeare in Song June 7, 2009

 

Shakespeare in Song – that is a misleading title for this blog.  Last night we went to a concert and Shakespeare in Song was indeed the title but the songs were interspersed with poetry.  The concert and the readings of the poems were performed by the Gaudete Singers.  A very enjoyable experience.  Much to my surprise, one of the poems was about knitting.  It was called Thoughts of a Late-Night Knitter by Pam Ayres.  “I had a lovely boyfriend, Knit one, purl one.  Had him for a long time, Cast on for the back.    Had him all the summer, Loved him, cuddled him.  Push it up the knitting pin, And gather up the slack.     Well, he knew how much I liked him, Knit one, purl one.   I made him seven jerseys, Never did him any wrong.   And he told me that he loved me, Knit one, purl one.   Told me that he loved me, But he didn’t stop for long.  Well he never said he’d left me, Knit one, purl one.  Told me that he loved me, He never even told me ‘Cause I found out on me own.  I was going up the chippie, Knit one, purl one.   And he came out of the pictures With that horrid Mary Stone.    Well I didn’t know what hit me, Kint one, slip one.  After I’d looked after him, It wasn’t very nice,  And they went off down the High Street,  Laughin’, gigglin’, And left me on the corner  With me chips as cold as ice.   Well it isn’t that I miss him, Kint one, Drop one.   I never even think of him,  Good riddance….ta ta!  I’m very independent!  Snap one, tie one.  I’ve never been so cheerful, Ha ha….ha!    And I hear they’re getting married, Knit one, drop nine.  I wish them every happiness, It’s lovely staying in!  Well I don’t need romancing, Cuddlin’, dancin’.   Bundle up the knitting bag, And sling it in the bin.

But back to the music theme – here is the jigsaw puzzle for today.

http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/2009-06-07-F2250AC204A6

And if you enjoyed doing that one, here is one more from one of my photos.

http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/C21451EC3A0

I Have a Dream…… June 6, 2009

  I Have a Dream….a song to sing

This Abba tune has been going through my head all morning.  I am reading a very good book – The Picture She Took by Fiona Shaw.  It’s about the First World War and my dream last night was about the uniforms worn by the men in that war.  Many men from Ireland served in that war, among them my father-in-law who died after the War but long before I met the family.  The uniform that he wore was kept in the “maid’s room” in my husband’s childhood home.  I can quite vividly remember the uniform and how small it seemed compared with the height of his 2 sons.  It somehow seems appropriate to write about this on June 6, 2009, the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the Second World War.  It is important to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of those generations.  The book I am reading is particularly about the scars, both mental and physical, left by the First World War. 

  This is a photo I found on the internet.  It is an officer’s uniform worn in the Manchesters Regiment in the First World War.

 

 

How I would have liked to have known my father-in-law and to learn of his experiences, if he could ever have brought himself to speak about that period of his life.   (My mother-in-law, whom he married in 1927, told me he never spoke of his experiences in the War. ) He was an officer and he lost a leg in the Somme Offensive.  His brother was killed in another part of France and the body was never found.  I have seen photographs of my father-in-law when he was recuperating in England after he had been wounded.  The nurses look most attentive.  He went on to marry and father 3 children but sadly passed away still at an early age.  My mother-in-law told me she thought he had been weakened not only through the loss of his leg but also from other wounds.    The tragedy of war.  So many lives lost, so many families losing their loved ones, and the women left to be spinsters and never know the joy of marriage and having children.  It is important to remember.

Dissectologist June 5, 2009

Dissectologist – a person who likes to do jigsaw puzzles.  I am one of those.  Here is a a link to a 48 piece jigsaw puzzle made from one of my photos.  The photo is of Baby Surprise No. 4

  Baby Surprise No. 4

I’m not sure I have succeeded with the link to the above.  Here is another photo puzzle.

  my photo of Bettina’s colour wheel of natural dye results

I Have Not Been Idle June 3, 2009

 

I have not been blogging very much lately but I have not been idle.

 

 Remember the Baby Surprises Numbers 3 and 4?  Well, I finally got around to sewing in the ends and fastening the buttons on these and also Baby Surprise Number 2.  Plus I did a small adjustment on a sleeveless jacket which I knit last year.  And I sewed the ends on the socks I knit during Bloom, the marvelous garden show, held in Phoenix Park over the weekend.

 Baby Surprises from left to right, No. 3, No. 2, No. 4, Green Jacket, and the purple and white socks

At Bloom, the Irish Guild of Weavers Spinners & Dyers, had a minuscule space, probably about the size needed for a big loom.  Instead of a big loom we had a small folding loom, a Louet spinning wheel, a table, and two or three people.

 Here are two of our demonstrators -Deidre at the loom and John at the spinning wheel.  Not pictured would be me sitting behind, knitting a sock.  Each of these activities attracted a lot of attention and we usually had a crowd gathered round.   A number of people commented that one just didn’t see handknitting any more.  Most women had done knitting in school and had had great difficulty in learning to turn the heel of a sock – I think that put many of them off and they never wanted to knit again.

 Two more weavers - Marilyn at the floor loom and Shanah doing backstrap weaving

 

Our display was very good also wall hangings, scarves, tapestries, rugs, crios, and posters showing the results of using natural dyes and food dyes.

 Colour wheel by Bettina

 

We were so busy that it was only on my third and final day of the Show that I had a good chance to look around at some of the Show Gardens and the various stands. 

 One of the Show Gardens – this one appealed to me with its imaginative use of the garden shed