February 25, 2005
Just Call Me Frankenstein
Lately I seem to have become adept at creating monsters. The latest creation? The Cuzzin Tom Monster who, after the launch of his blog, sent me this email today: “Got more comments than yoooou do! Including two from Mongoooolia! Neener neener neeeeener!” Yes, we are just cousins, but he’s starting to sound faintly like a bratty younger brother, no? Besides, I’m sensing a distinct lack of Buddhist compassion in this email. Something about the words “neener, neener, neener.”
And then there’s the MaryB Monster, the one-woman cheerleading force and juggernaut who is convinced we can knit 2,000 items for Dulaan. While I have no doubt we can do it, dear Mary, I am now having nightmares about the number 1,999. Perhaps a fresh look at the math will help. It will require:
2000 people knitting 1 item each
1000 people knitting 2
500 people knitting 4
250 people knitting 8
1 person knitting 2000
But ultimately I say, numbers, schnumbers! One hat can make a difference in the life of one child; one fleece blanket can make a difference in the life of one struggling livestock herder. Knit on, Brigade! Knit on!
Of course, I suppose now I should confess that, carried along by the enthusiasm of people like MaryB, I’m on my own sixth Dulaan item. Last week, I finished the Irish Hiking scarf, knit in green and blue Red Heart TLC, graciously modeled here by none other than my TMK (note the light cotton shirt; yep, more o’ that freaky Seattle winter weather):
And here is the beginning of a hat, knit using this pattern and plain ol’ Red Heart, but in a soothingly rustic flecked ecru. This picture was taken last week and the hat is actually finished now. Finished, and yet… The top is screaming out for some type of adornment, but I don’t know what. I loathe pom-poms and those stunted little umbilical-cord-like i-cord topknots. Any other ideas, Dear Readers? A button, perhaps? Sew that stitch marker right onto the hat? Get over myself and put a pom-pom on anyway?
Item #6 is a Coronet knit in a bright, lime-green Cascade 220. Knitting this pattern—one of my favorites—in this color is an utter blast.
Lastly, a shout goes out to the folks attending Janine’s Dulaan Knit-In tonight. I suppose now we can let our secret out: We almost, and I mean almost, came to the knit-in ourselves. Much research and huddling and whispering was done with regard to flights and hotel rooms and logistics. But, this time around, it was not to be. And we are sorely disappointed. In fact, TMK and I just finished a phone conversation in which many of the sentences started with "I wish..."
Thank you to everyone who is going to the knit-in. Cuzzin Tom, the folks at F.I.R.E., TMK and I will be with you in spirit. And so will this little girl:
It's not to late, she whispered like the snake to Eve...
For the hat finale? I suggest a cool-o finish like that sweet little girl's braids!
Posted by: Janine on February 25, 2005 11:05 AMWhaddaya mean, you're not coming to the knit-in? I, for one, would have loved to meet you and TMK in person. It's going to be so much fun!
I can't believe you're not coming. C'mon, it's easy, just get on that plane tonight and you'll be here in no time.
I'll come pick you up from the airport and send you back there if you come, OK? How's about it?
helen of troy has nothing on that dear little face in the pic- it could certainly launch 2000 items-
must knit faster- stay happy-
Posted by: barb in texas on February 25, 2005 11:15 AMMethinks I forsee a rebirth or two for Cuzzin Tom. :)
What about i-cord spirals (not too umbilical-esque) from Knitting on the Edge, with knit stars on the ends? Nanette did something similar: http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/2004_12_01_knittingincolor_archive.html (Check out Dec. 8 and 30)
Next time Janine has a Knit-In you could stay with us, Ryan. No need to bother with hotel rooms. As we're empty nesters, we have room! and only a couple miles from Janine's house.
Posted by: Celia on February 25, 2005 12:24 PMOuted! How dare you!
OK, all brattiness aside, the Mongolian artist Ganna, who's kindly providing me with a place to stay in Ulaan Baatar, left the cutest, most touching comment on my blog, which I reproduce verbatim (please note his English is WAY better than my Mongolian):
"Thank you Konchog,
We see lot of informations about Mongolia from your web.
The Dulaan project is most important and helpful for us today and you are starting Mongolian project in best way.
We hope many people will see that projects from your web and will help for children in Mongolia.
I will send your web to all others who I know.
Best regards,
Ganna."
There. There's your warm fuzzy for the weekend. You already made a Mongolian man happy, you wonderful, marvelous Dulaan knitters!
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on February 25, 2005 12:34 PMHow much do I want to bring that little girl home with me! I'm gathering my basket of goodies to take to Janine's. More Big Wool for hats, extra needles and some Cascade 220 that is destined to become and Irish Hiking Scarf for some little one.
Posted by: Nathania on February 25, 2005 01:13 PMMaryBMonster here, with the quote of the day: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.
The Dulaan Project Brigade described to a T!!!!
A couple of years ago, I met a group of Washington teens who visited an orphanage in Siberia. They brought with them toys, commerically made clothes and food, AND a great pile of handknitted items made by community knitters at Churchmouse Yarns. The American teens were slightly surprised to find that the Siberian orphans were more touched by the handknit items than anything else. They prized these items because they understood that someone had taken the time to knit them.
We must do the same for the Mongolian orphans. We must let them know we care. 2,000 items or bust! MaryB
Posted by: Mary B on February 25, 2005 01:14 PMCuzzin Konchog, I'm asking you a question here (because we knitters have made a pact not to post on your blog until Ryan's numbers match yours!): How do you pronounce Rinpoche?
Thank you for sharing the wonderful post from Ganna. I've started another hat from handspun...
And clearly, MaryBMonster is on the side of the 1 knitter 2000 items. Knowing Mary, I would put my money on her!
Posted by: Janine on February 25, 2005 01:22 PMIt's "rin'-poh-shay". Means "precious one" in Tibetan and is a title given to lamas who have attained genuine meditative insight and other good qualities.
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on February 25, 2005 01:44 PMLast night I went with my husband in our "Big Truck" ('98 Freightliner) to Halifax for a run and managed to make a hat to add to my box. 4 out of 20 items for my personal goal! I also stopped into a local shop today that is closing out and picked up some pretty yellow Bernat Smarty Pants to make another hat. It was way cheaper than the tag, so I am going to stop in again tomorrow and pick up some more! 2000 items here we come!
Posted by: Sheri on February 25, 2005 01:57 PMI'm commenting just to bring up Ryan's numbers - not because i have anything to say. However, the knit-along tonight sounds like fun... wish I was 2000 miles closer :-)
Posted by: melissa on February 25, 2005 02:01 PMWell, I almost have one tiny little hand-spun scarf done for Dulaan, but count me as ONE doing whatever I can knit-wise, and ONE comment to count for Ryan. LOVED the message from Mongolia. Makes my needles tingle and want to fly.
Posted by: joan on February 25, 2005 02:19 PMJoan, one is just fine! I'm not working right now, so I have a lot of time to knit, but others have more demands on their time and energy. A single scarf or hat or blanket is just as prayerful. No apologies!
Posted by: Janine on February 25, 2005 03:12 PMI've got three items completed -- one gaiter, and two pairs of thrummed mittens, and I've got a brand-new-but-nobody-wanted-it 100% wool men's AE sweater comin' too. And more knitted items to come. Just doin' my part to bring down the average, over here in Vermont!
Posted by: Norma on February 25, 2005 03:13 PMWhat about corkscrews for the top of the hat? Like these http://knittingincolor.blogspot.com/2004/07/im-sad-that-geane-has-decided-to-blog.html
I finished two hats in the last two days!
A tam is on my needles and more substancial stuff (to knit) on my mind. It is so exciting to see these lovely items add up!
Posted by: laura on February 25, 2005 07:43 PMOne gaiter, one baby hat done. :)
L
I just finished packing up a sweater and 2 sweater/hat sets. They'll be going to the post office first thing Monday morning. Next week, I'll distribute fliers to the members of my 3 knitting groups.
Posted by: Mary D. on February 26, 2005 07:00 AMHmmm. Maybe our new goal should just be to have the Mongolian kiddies be "up to their hips in gaiters"?
Aaah. I love it when the morning coffee kicks in.
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on February 26, 2005 07:24 AMThanks, Cuzzin Tom. I am feeling all warm and fuzzy from Ganna's message.
Ryan, that scarf is gorgeous. As for the hat, how about some long i-cords formed into dreadlock-looking ropes, about 4 or 6 of them.
Posted by: Susie on February 26, 2005 11:59 AMI picked up a couple of balls of Bernat Smarty Pants that were marked down in a store in town that is closing out. They don't have much left for yarn, but I couldn't pass these up for $1.77/ball (inc tax)! So far I've made a yellow twisted stocking stitch hat and have started a pink mock cable ribbed hat. Will have enough leftover from these two hats to make at least one more two-tone hat. And if anyone out there has even just one item that they can make and send in it will be greatly appreciated -- it all adds up!
Posted by: Sheri on February 26, 2005 01:59 PMHow about two thick braids of yarn ended with either a tassel or a knitted star/flower? I love tassels on hats, but I am of Scandanavian descent. That may be why.
Posted by: Karlie on February 28, 2005 07:05 AMI have completed three pairs of mittens (whoopee, but it's a start) and will be casting on for a child's size 6 sweater tonight. So there's four items to cross off the list.