November 17, 2004
Calls, Contests and Containers
No entry on Friday or all of next week, Dear Readers. This week, my excuse is I’ll be spending two days in an insufferably dull Microsoft .NET class, using terms like “strong type naming,” “cross-language exception handling,” “lifetime management,” and “dynamic binding.” Urk. I’d rather stick a hot poker in my eye. Followed by a liberal sprinkling of acid. And next week, of course, is Thanksgiving and I’m off for the week so, to all of you, an early
On to today's entry...
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Thank Gawd some sane part of my brain was awake and alert last night when the phone rang and the caller said, "This is Lisa Smith." When it comes to Telemarketers and People I Don't Know, I have a hair-trigger say-something-snarky-and-slam-down-the-phone reaction, so at first I thought, "Don't know her," and my hand started inching toward the telephone cradle. But that sane part of my brain started screaming, "You know her! You know her! Youknowheryouknowheryouknowher!!!!" And then I realized it was "my" Lisa, "our" Lisa, Lisa from Oregon, who had mustered up the courage to call me, someone she only knew online! We (okay, I) did all of the usual girlish squealing ("Oh, my Gosh! It's You! You called! I can't believe it! How are you?") and then settled in for a nice, long chat as if we'd known each other all our lives. Thank you for calling, Lisa. Smooches!
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Now, the results of the contest!
The Question: What do my name and knitting have in common?
The Answer: “Ryan” is an anagram for “yarn!” Go figyuh! It took an embarrassingly long 3+ years for this fact to percolate to the top of my brain—but when it did, it just sort of exploded into existence, like a piece of popcorn in a microwave.
The Winner: At the risk of reeking of nepotism or favoritism—or whatever you call it when a family member just happens to win the only contest you’ve ever run on your blog—the winner was…Cuzzin Tom. Seriously. I know! Weird, huh? But you have to understand—I posted the contest at 11:18 and at 11:18:01, there was his (correct) answer in my email, complete with an unapologetic and loud demand for his prize of Scharffen Berger chocolate.
And because the contest is mine, all mine, and I can change the rules whenever I want, I decree there will be two winners: A non-knitter (Cuzzin Tom) who wins der chocolate, and a knitter (CarolineF—the first knitter to send the correct answer!) who wins der skein of ryan yarn. Cuzz and Caroline, please send me your snailmail addresses. Unless, that is, of course, you don't want the chocolate or the yarn...
The other folks who got the right answer were Susan, Casey, Kit, Aven, LisaG, Annie, Rachael and Sheila. Kisskiss and a gold star to all of you!
The other answers, which I loved just as much as the real one:
- Ryan is spelled almost like Rayon. Close, but nuh-uh, Big Sister.
- Ryan is an anagram for Aryn which is the Celtic spelling for Aran which is a style of knitting with cables. This one was good, don’t you think?
- Both knitting as an industry and the name Ryan used to belong exclusively to men. True and intriguing, but not what I was going for.
- Morrissey magic is a type of slight of hand performed with (among occasional other things) knitted (or sometimes crocheted) balls. Who knew?! Of course, I had to go straight to the Net to do a little research, and I discovered this!.
- Anne and Gayle sent me this.
- Norma rhymes with Lorna which is the type of yarn you’re giving away—which would be a great answer…if my name were Norma.
- And, lastly, The Mysterious K’s answer which was my number one Wrong, All Wrong, Favorite. In her defense, she was tripped up by the fact that She Knows Too Much. She tried to anagram “little king”—which is what Ryan means, according to some sources, although not this one—into “knitting.” If it hadn’t been for two “els” and one “e” too many, and one “en” too few, it woulda worked! Again, go figyuh!
Woodworking World
For Dear Readers Vanessa, Angela, and Nathania, who seem particularly enamored of The Mysterious K's woodworking projects, here is the finished Container For Things To Be Contained, painted in buttercream and a dark sage:
As for me, I've discovered that this a great place to store knitting projects I don't want to think about. In fact, the Janine Pillow is lying in there as we speak.
Knitting Knews
I've finished the pieces of the baby Norgi, and am now stumped. I know I need to sew the steeks for the sleeves to stableize them and then cut the steeks, but I'm having trouble visualizing it. Do I end up with a U-shaped cut? And then do I sew the shoulders to turn the "U" into a hole for the sleeves, and then do I set in the sleeves? This all sounds terribly sloppy and dangerous to me. In fact, as I type this, the Mission Impossible theme song is playing in my head. (Pause.) Bet it's playing in yours now, too.
Hugs Ms Ryan flying your way. Thank you...it was nice to connect a voice to the name. :)L
Posted by: Lisa in Oregon on November 17, 2004 09:35 AM??huh? there must be some mistake or another CarolineF. I am usually among the slower turtles in the race! And anyway I think some of those wrong answers are better than the right one. But, I'm not arguing, I'll send you a mail...
That box is GORGEOUS. If it's cedar, you now have to take on the obligation of filling it up with knitted stuff. Ready, set, go.
Have a nice (not) week in class, we'll miss you!
Posted by: CarolineF on November 17, 2004 10:21 AMHm, I think the wrong answers are better, including the morrissey magic. But I ain't arguing! I'll send you a mail.
The box is GORGEOUS. If it's cedar, you now have to start filling it with knitted items. Ready, set, go.
My take on your question, if I've understood it correctly, is that you sew, or 3-needle bindoff, the shoulders next before proceeding. If you're going to machine stitch the steeks, it's easier to do it before you bind off, but it works either way. When you're done you have a nice circular hole into which to set the sleeves.
Posted by: CarolineF on November 17, 2004 10:24 AMOh well. sorry to post twice. that's how gobsmacked I am.
Posted by: CarolineF on November 17, 2004 10:24 AMIs it a family trait to cause other people to get songs stuck in their heads? Or am I just that susceptible? First Cuzzin Tom and now you. hhhmmmm.....
TMK, the box is beeyootiful!!! You get mucho grande gold stars for that one. Outstanding job. Can I place an order for one?? hehe
Ms. Ryan the Baby Norgi is looking adorable. Cheers!
Hope everyone has a great day!!
Posted by: Stalker Angie on November 17, 2004 10:40 AMWow
I want that box so badly, the colors are fab.
The baby Sweater is adorable, truly
cheers
d
Ryan is an anagram for Rany which rhymes with Zany...
Tell Miss TMK that her chest is glorious (now, stop giggling--although that TMK shirt does show off her other assets). What incredible skill--and she only started woodworking recently. You two are both pretty amazing when you set your minds to it.
I always cut the armhole steek before sewing the shoulders because you have more room to maneuver that way. Also, if you've used extra stitches where you plan to cut (AKA a steek) you can bind the stitches at the top of the steek in with the shoulder stitches (the real meaning of "dynamic binding", which is fiddly and a pain in the ass but leaves me feeling sort of superior. Sad, really.
Have a great vacation! I'll see you at Ferals in December--yeah!
Posted by: Janine on November 17, 2004 10:53 AMThink back, ladies (and gents if you're lurking), to the photos of me that Ryan posted. Now imagine me doing the Funky Chicken Dance Of Victory, complete with spiking my rosary. Then, after I finish my last chorus of "Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye", I will commence the purifacatory fast to cleanse the passageways into which the Scharffen Berger shall be introduced.
I know. It's taking an awfully long time for the monk thing to have any effect on me. You're not the first to think so.
For some reason, our family has some sort of genetic predisposition to be language freaks. I actually hadn't noticed the anagram 'til Ryan posted the question. But honestly, there should be some adjunct prize for most clever. I was very impressed with the responses.
BTW, cuz, those computer topics are easy. For example, for "strong type naming" just use "Butch" of "Rolf" or "Genghis"; where I grew up, "cross-language exception handling" was usually solved with "So's your mom"; and, following the sketchy BBQ I ate in Willcox, AZ, I have intimate knowledge of "dynamic binding", about which we should probably email privately. "Lifetime management"? Lord knows I can't help you there.
Anyway, thanx for the chonklit. And a Happy Turkey Day to you all.
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on November 17, 2004 10:57 AMdepending on your individual tolerance for caffeine the whole norgi question should be addressed either before or after lots of coffee- the little sweater is certainly cute-
i'll miss reading about your (mis)adventures there in the great northwest while you are off, but i wish you, tmk, and frankie a wonderful thanksgiving-
stay happy-
Posted by: barb in texas on November 17, 2004 11:35 AMSorry I hardly got to say two words to you on Sunday. We were craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy.
Wendy explains sleeve steeking with pictures here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/FEATsteeks.html
When I did it I did a three needle bind off first and it was a little awkward.
I have to second Janine's comment: TMK's chest is gorgeous. I wish I had her woodworking skill, but my lack of coordination is pretty scary. I'd be sure to lop an arm off, or something.
Re: steeking. I did a 3 needle bind-off first & then sewed & cut my steeks. I found it easier than having all these parts a-floppin' around while I was trying to set in the sleeves. I see that Janine prefers to do it the other way, so I guess either option works.
Posted by: Samina on November 17, 2004 12:04 PMI love this blog! And everyone who contributes such wonderful thoughts to it!
TMK, your woodworking has me amazed. We want to see more, more, more!!!!
Ryan, I'll be happy to put in the "runways" for your steeks when you're ready!
Mary
Posted by: Mary B on November 17, 2004 12:24 PMMore neat steeking stuff:
http://www.exit109.com/~lsyoung/knitting/Crochet_Steeks/crochet_steeks.html
Love The Container! Beautiful! Kudos to TMK and all who sail with her -
Have a great holiday -
Posted by: Childe on November 17, 2004 12:28 PMWhen I finish armholes on a Dale, I sew two rows of stitches on boths sides of the 'seam' line. Then do three needle bindoff on the shoulder. Then cut between the two rows of machine stitching, in a straight line. Sew sleeve by catching the bump of the purl stitch on the first row of sleeve facing and between two stitches outside (into the body of the sweater) the machine stitching.... muddy?? It's easier to understand with pictures. See Wendy's http://wendyjohnson.net/dale/steek.htm and http://wendyjohnson.net/knit/dale_steeks.htm. Good luck. TMK, the wood work is beautiful, too.
Posted by: Chery on November 17, 2004 04:44 PMomg, tmk that is gorgeous!!!!!
Posted by: vanessa on November 18, 2004 10:49 AMBah. I never win. And nepotism sucks. Fine. I bought my OWN Scharffen Berger fudge sauce. I'm eating the whole jar NOW, coz I'm pouting. (pricey, that stuff!)But I love the Baby Norgi and love even MORE the chest. Awesome, AWESOME!
Posted by: Norma on November 18, 2004 11:35 AMLet it be sung far and wide throughout the land that our fair blogmistress is unrivaled in transcendent qualities. Let lesser mortals bow their heads at the mere mention of her name!
Today, at my humble P.O., I received a rumpled bubble bag, within which was not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR pristine bars of Scarffen Berger chocolate. All different. It was all I could do not to descend into a wrapper-ripping frenzy, a la Frankie and his grocery bags of bones and entrails, and writhe on the P.O. floor, chocolate streaks smeared across my face, snarling like a wolverine at any who dared approach.
Fortunately, my 14 years of Buddhist training hasn't been *all* for naught. Tomorrow morning, I'm driving down to the new house of friends of mine in Patagonia, AZ, for T'giving. After tomorrow, they'll be BEST friends. Not only am I bringing my mother's famous sweet 'n' sour red cabbage that I cooked this morning, I intend to share my chocolate bounty (secretly hoping no one has any room). Just like the 10% cacao gourmet mocha bars shared at the very first T'Giving.
Apropos of nothing, I've been told one of the guests is the guy who created Rocky & Bullwinkle!
I'm sure we'll swap Turkey Day stories on Monday. Hope yours are wonderful, and I offer the prayer that in your next life you have a cuzzin like mine.
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on November 24, 2004 06:16 PMRyan...Next time Cuzzin Tom comes to Seattle, you have to have some sort of gala fete and we will all come to meet him.
Oh yeah, and you. And TMK. and of course, Frankie.
;) Hope you had a fab Thanksgiving.
I lived. Nuff said.
Posted by: Lisa in Oregon on November 26, 2004 09:06 AMOh - responding late, but that is a LOVELY box to store knitted items in.