June 12, 2006
Yarn on Steroids
[June 13, 2006: This blog is on a (hopefully) short hiatus while the blogmistress recovers from surgery.]
Three things you don’t want to hear in the operating room:
1. “Oops.”
2. “That can’t be good.”
3. “Catch that before it gets…! Nevermind.”
One thing you don’t want to watch immediately after surgery: The outtakes from the movie version of the “The Producers.” The movie itself was okay (mostly it felt like a flat, one-dimensional videotape of the play) but the outtakes had us gasping for air, wiping our eyes on our t-shirts, and begging for mercy. That woulda’ killed the stitches, man, killed ‘em.
Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart for your well wishes. Fortunately, I am blessed with a great support system: TMK, my “mother-in-law” who is coming to put cold compresses on TMK’s head during the surgery, my out-of-this-world-supportive genetically related sister, my equally supportive online and offline knitting “sisters,” and a cuzzin who has promised to send healing Buddhist vibes my way. A girl can’t ask for more.
Here, further proof that TMK will do anything to get me blogging again prontissimo. Even as I was teasing that she might, perhaps, strap a pencil to my forehead while I was still under, she was out buying this, a new lighter laptop that would rest more comfortably on my stomach. (And you thought I was kidding.)
I spent the bulk (pardon the pun) of this weekend acquainting myself with my The Dulaan Brigade’s yarn windfall. Here, a picture of the contents of just one side of the box (mind you, this box is wide and deep. You’re seeing, again, just half of the box plus, depth-wise, one of perhaps ten layers.).
Three of the colors of the yarn which, as I mentioned in the last entry are a bright lemon yellow; a gray-ish robin’s egg blue; and a dark, almost black, slate blue:
The last color, and proof for the Peanut Gallery Rebecca and Cuzzin Tom that some of the hanks are, indeed, large enough to cover even my entire upper torso:
To give you yet another idea of the size of this first box, there are at least three of these hanks in the box. Fortunately, this yarn is respectably soft and will make some great garments.
Here, a photo of the terra cotta yarn next to an acrylic worsted so you can compare the weights of the yarns. It may not be quite super-bulky but it’s definitely in the bulky-chunky family.
The other three colors are slightly scratchier and slightly lighter in weight than the terra cotta, so I did a swatch to see what we had to work with. I used size 13 needles and came up with a gauge of 2.5 stitches and 3.3 rows to 1” square. Did I measure it again after washing? Er, no. But I was happy to see that the washing definitely made it softer and more drapey.
Enough for now, Dear Readers. Oddly, for the first time in the six years I've been here, work has chosen now to become insanely busy. So, ta for now, and I'll see you on the flip side...
(Afternoon Update: Nope, you couldn't get rid of me that easily. Just a belated note to let local Dulaan Brigadiers know that all the boxes went out this weekend, six of 'em, containing 174 hand-knit items including 125 hats, 16 scarves, 12 pairs of socks, 11 sweaters, 6 pairs of mittens, and 4 blankets. There were also 9 storebought items thrown in for good measure. Well done, everybody!)
Ryan--let me also echo everyone's good wishes and my reassurances that all will be well. What goes around, comes around, sister, and you've put so much goodness into the world, it will only find it's way back to you, ten times over.
The yarn looks absolutely yummy and I will be happy to get my hands on some of that yellow! Thanks for the pic showing size, because while I know you to be a reliable and unexaggerating person, the comparison of the skein to your upper torso stretched my imagination to the breaking point...but, as I now see, it is TRUE!
Smart of you to get all your as out before they stitch you up--now get lots of good movies for the recoup time. (I'm ready, willing and able to run to the video store for the two of youse.)
Hugs and best wishes, and my volunteering for ANYTHING YOU (or TMK) NEED, Mary B
Posted by: Mary B on June 12, 2006 12:37 PMgood thoughts and get well wishes will be heading your way - best of wishes for a speedy recovery- you will have global 'good vibes' accompanying you during your recovery period-
stay happy-
Posted by: barb in texas on June 12, 2006 12:45 PMP.S It was supposed to say: "Smart of you to get all of your ya-yas out before they stitch you up..."
Posted by: Mary B on June 12, 2006 12:49 PMSending you lots of love and healing vibes, darlin'! Perhaps it will help to know that commuknity is accumulating quite a nice pile of hats and things to send off to FIRE next week. Mwah!
Posted by: Nathania on June 12, 2006 12:54 PMGood wishes from me too. I would also like to get my hands on some of that yarn. The pink would make great heavy Cardigans for girls.Let me know how to get the shipping money to you and we can start.With all that yarn you are getting we can make all the items for next years F.I.R.E shipment.
You take care in that hospital, k? And that TMK, she's a gem. If I go for an operation (perish the thought), will you get me a new lappytop, TMK????
Posted by: Norma on June 12, 2006 01:25 PMBe good, rest well, knit often. (Screw work.)
And tell me again how I can get my hands on some of that Dulaan yarn. (I am many states away, sadly.) If lent to me for the knitting, it will not make it for 06, but it will all be knitted up for 07, even if I have to dole it out to some of my fellow stitchers at my SnB for help.
I asked Spiff to get me a new laptop for blogging after my surgery and he said, "you won't hurt your stitches on your old heavy one unless you bang your head into the screen, silly girl..."
Dude. How does he think I come up with my posts? ;-)
Posted by: Lee Ann on June 12, 2006 02:01 PMI knew TMK would figure out something -- and I wasn't disappointed at all :D --- you can also load up on some DVDs to watch on that ya know - as you figured out already not the funny ones though.
Lots of non-Buddhist healing vibes coming you way too - we will get all denominations covered I am sure.
BTW you are allowed to be whiny after surgery you know -- it is the anesthesia (that was what I blamed it on anyway...)
Posted by: rho on June 12, 2006 02:06 PMThe best one during my knee surgery was, (from one of the nurses) "Um, I'll be right back... I have to go to the bathroom."
I called after him to make sure to wash his hands before he came back.
Best wishes, you've got a great support team and that'll help a lot!
Posted by: Anne on June 12, 2006 02:07 PMYou KNOW you only have to give a shout (or, in fact, a simple whimper) and I'll bring you whatever you need. I'll work on a Dulaan item on Wednesday in your honor!
Posted by: Janine on June 12, 2006 02:13 PMforgot to mention another phrase you don't want to hear during surgery and I heard was "What the???" which is what the surgeon says when the break is 3 breaks and worse than the original doctor who didn't want to operate thought. And has begun healing because of said first doctor so it has to be rebroken and cleaned up before they can even begin ...arrgghhhh
Posted by: rho on June 12, 2006 02:35 PMAdd my best wishes & good thoughts to your pile, too. I expect that you'll be in good hands post-op, so you'll be bouncing back rather quickly.
On another note. Holy freakin' canolli, that's a big hank of yarn. I think you should wind it into a ball without breaking any of it off. I wanna see how big a ball it would make.
Posted by: Samina on June 12, 2006 03:11 PMNow that's a hank of yarn! WOW!
Wishing you a speedy recovery! I am sending my box of 7 items out tomorrow. Pics on the blog.
Posted by: Sheri on June 12, 2006 04:33 PMI'll be thinking about you and TMK Wednesday, and knitting for Dulaan as fast as I can. I've been spreading the word at every convention I hit this year, and have gotten a LOT of interest. Gizmo sends healing cuddles!
Posted by: Lisa on June 12, 2006 04:50 PMYowza! That is a Hank's Hank! 'Scuse me while I phone up Guinness...
Can't wait to see pix of yer healthy toes, dear Cuz. Vibes are engaged.
Posted by: Cuzzin Tom on June 12, 2006 05:25 PMI didn't get that kid's sweater finished, so I'm packing up the items I have ready tonight (including a hat that a nice person, Marika, sent me from Sweden!) and mailing them out tomorrow. The sweater will be my first item for 2007. :)
Posted by: Norma on June 12, 2006 06:08 PMAdd my good wishes, thoughts, etc. to the mix, along with a meager box of a half dozen contributions to this year's Dulaan mix that shipped out Saturday. My goal is to at least double that next year! And know that good, solid Reiki energy is headed your (both) way!
Sue
I've said it before and I'll say it again, TMK totally rocks.
I'm only 3 hours away and one postal day. I'm not sure what I can offer except cheap labor, greyhound cuddling and salt water taffy from the beach. But I'm offering!
Posted by: Laurie on June 12, 2006 07:09 PMQuick note, wanted to let you know that I posted my Dulaan box today. I also wanted to let you know that I'm sending you all kinds of good healthy Canadian vibes!
Thinking good thoughts for you. :)
Posted by: Tammy on June 12, 2006 07:26 PMgosh, that is some hank o' yarn!
I mailed off my box of 3 little sweaters today, so darn cute, I want to start on more right away, but must do some other things first.
Good vibes coming from here too, Ryan, for an easy recovery.
And I'd like to have some of the yarn too, whatever you pick up first. I'll gladly pay postage. But first of all, take care of yourself and feel all better soon. Everything else can wait.
I think that picture is photoshopped.
During surgery for a weird breast lump? My surgeon said, "oh, EW!"
I'll be thinking about you guys. Don't forget, I'm close, and I have some Xanax if TMK gets uncontrollable.
Posted by: Patti on June 12, 2006 11:20 PMFor surgery, younger is definitely better. Give yourself 6-8 weeks before you expect to feel your normal energy levels. My MIL waited until she was 90 (!) to finally (after 20 years of suffering) have her knees replaced, and it took her probably 4 months to recover. Best of luck, and take it easy.
Posted by: Ellen on June 13, 2006 05:02 AMDon't forget to take your humour to the hospital - it will protect you no matter what!
'Coupled with Vibes and the myriad good wishes and prayers heading your way you will absolutely keep safe and enjoy a speedy recovery!
You are in our thoughts here in Toronto!
Posted by: Marie on June 13, 2006 06:31 AMForgot to mention that the Wyoming Cap (and a pair of mittens) were mailed to F.I.R.E. yesterday -- am now spring cleaning the craft room so will probably find all sorts of half-finished / half-started projects to motivate me for the 2007 Dulaan Project.
BB
Good thoughts for a quick recovery. Just wanted to let you know that a Dulaan box was sent off from Rhode Island.
Posted by: Lisa on June 13, 2006 09:25 AMTMK rocks. As do you, m'dear.
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Posted by: ringtones free on June 13, 2006 09:57 PMGet well my dear Ryan... We'll miss you on the blog and at the Guild. (I hope you can make it, but don't fret!)
Kisses,
An offline knittin' sistah
Hope your recovery is short and sweet and that you're back to your usual sassy self in no time :) That new computer is quite the gift! That TMK, she's a good kid.
Posted by: Robbyn on June 14, 2006 07:42 AMJust wanted to wish you well in your recovery, and let you know that my box for Dulaan went out this morning. 14 items headed for AZ. The Yarn Harlot should get credit for those - she's the reason that I found out about Dulaan in the first place.
Next year's box will be even bigger!
Posted by: Amy M on June 14, 2006 08:27 AMGood luck. Hope you heal quickly!
Posted by: Ranger Susie on June 14, 2006 10:25 AMBest wishes for a speedy recovery. I'm packing up my Dulaan box to make sure it gets there in time, and if you're making a list of knitters to send yarn to- put me on it and let me know where to send the postage. I have a great "recipe" for a ribbed bulky-yarn hat that fit everyone from my tiny 5yo to my big-headed 11 and 16yos to my husband. (From Barbara Albright's Odd Ball Knitting)
Posted by: Tish on June 14, 2006 10:28 AMBest wishes for a speedy recovery. TMK - take notes on what she says coming out of the anesthesia - it's usually good for future laughs. The yarn looks fabulous - can't wait to see it in person.
I hope you are healing quickly and relatively painlessly!
Up to now I had not contributed to the Dulaan effort because I cannot buy yarn (no job, no $$$$) then I went to my mom's and discovered I have a lot of leftover sock yarn and half-knitted sweaters. I have been unraveling the sweaters I know I will never finish and washing the yarn. I am happy to report that I already have knitted 3 pairs of socks and have enough yarn for several kid's sweaters for the 2007 "campaign".
Posted by: Judith in NYC on June 14, 2006 12:45 PMFeel better! I'm so sad to hear you had to have surgery, but I am happy that you ahve such wonderful support around you! And a new laptop to boot! My Dulaan stuff (two tremendously thick scarves from when I first started knitting) and some hats will be winging along to F.I.R.E. by Saturday. I hope it makes it for the '06 mailing, but if not - at least now we know it will get there for 2007!
Put me down on any list you are compiling for donated yarn, I will gladly pay postage!
Posted by: Angela on June 14, 2006 02:10 PMSending all kind of vibes and good thoughts for your speedy recovery from surgery!
Posted by: Norah on June 14, 2006 03:46 PMHealing thoughts from Pennsyltucky! May you have multitudinous hours of knitting time supplemented with all those you love and all your favorite goodies.
Posted by: Nancy J on June 15, 2006 10:23 AMGlad to see you back online! And great new computer! :)
I'm almost moved up your way, will be fully there Pride weekend (talk about timing, 'eh?)
So, if you need another person that could bring you stuff or just hang out, (though I'm a virtual stranger at this point) just give a shout!
Posted by: Carry on June 15, 2006 03:41 PMOne package of seven items officially mailed from Nova Scotia! I sent it air mail to make sure it gets to FIRE by July 1.
Posted by: Sheri on June 16, 2006 03:15 PMEnjoy the yarn and that SMOKING new laptop.
Feel better soon.
Posted by: Laurie on June 18, 2006 07:24 AMWell, I hope your recovery is speedy and glitch-free. Also, nice laptop!
The NH box is heading out today, with its cargo of hats and other warm goodies.
Posted by: Melanie on June 19, 2006 09:17 AMsending all healing juju your way ryan!
Posted by: vanessa on June 19, 2006 02:01 PM