Wait a Minute Mr. Postman
I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love to receive mail. Especially when that package has a certain hand drawn sheep on it that could only have been inked by one person in particular.
I don’t remember how or why I stumbled upon Franklin’s blog. I have a vague recollection that I followed a link from a particularly thoughtful comment. Whatever it was, I was hooked from the start. Thoughtful, intelligent, articulate, unapologetically honest and self searching. I was inspired. I created a special category of links — the “Lately Inspired By” section. I intended to update it whenever the fancy struck, but I couldn’t seem to find anybody to replace him, so I finally had to give him his own special spot. Franklin’s Spot.
When I found out we were finally going to have the opportunity to meet in person at Rhinebeck, I was thrilled. And when the drop spindle which I had purchased at the previous year’s Rhinebeck (yes, the same one that talked me into buying my own spinning wheel) insisted that it wanted to live with Franklin (I think it was feeling neglected), I was more than happy to let it tag along. And Franklin, it turns out, was more than happy to let it go home with him — with one condition. I had to allow him to send me one of his photographs. Twist. My. Arm.
It took me a very long time to make a selection, partly because I wanted all of them, but also because my favorite photograph wasn’t on his professional website. So, I e-mailed him with my choice (I do love nuns) and a confession that my absolute favorite photograph was not on his site (it is now) and would he consider possibly letting me have that one instead. To my great joy, he said most certainly.
Yesterday, she arrived:
As they say, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Being a creative person fond of metaphor and symbols, I tend to be very picky and very personal about the art and decorative elements that populate the house. And I can say with no reservation that this is just a perfect addition to my collection. Thank you, Franklin. You really are an amazingly talented human being.
Now, onto Knitting News
The Kousa Dogwood did see some progress. Then it saw some unprogress. While I did manage to finally graft the third square on, it took me three tries. Yeah, clearly I was doing really well that day. Once I correctly grafted the item on, I progressed to the edging on the left shoulder and made considerable, speedy progress. Only to be faced with my own inattention to detail yet again and had to rip back all my work. Note to self — lace knitting requires concentration. Sometimes I forget that. Nevertheless, as promised, here are a couple of pictures:
Lace knitting always looks so unflattering (and very, very small) before it is blocked. So, to bolster my own sense of accomplishment, here is a better detail picture.
I am really working on a good excuse to buy a better camera. Of course, after spinning on Juno’s Majacraft wheel last weekend, I’m also working on a good excuse to upgrade my wheel. This could be an expensive year…
March 17th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
In between deep red blushes, I am writing to say that I’m delighted you like the print. I loved making it and thinking of it having a place in your home.
March 17th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
You are making progress on the shawl. Blocking will really make a difference on this one.
March 17th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
Wow, I think it looks great! Your handspun yarn is so soft looking. I’m anxious to see what size the shawl ends up. I just a few minutes ago posted to your previous post, not seeing this one. I’m also starting this pattern. You can see some pictures on my blog.
March 18th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Thanks for the lovely post on my blog. You’ve inspired me to read more of the America Knits book, and read again what I have already. It really is a wonderful book.