July 14, 2006
I Now Own More Yarn Than God
While I’ve been grappling my way over The Wall, a wall of a different sort has been quietly growing in my garage, like a forest of giant mushrooms:
There it is, Dear Readers: the 1000-Skein Yarn Avalanche. To put things in perspective, the stacks of boxes are taller than my 5’ 4” head. And one entire stack doesn’t even appear in the photo (although you can see the corner of it on the lower left-hand side of the photo, and, yes, the box in front of the bureau also contains yarn).
So…
HELP! SOCORRO! M’AIDEZ!
As soon as I’m recovered enough, I’ll be starting the 1000-Skein Yarn-Avalanche Giveaway, so keep an eye out for various and sundry announcements. For fear of ripping an abdominal stitch or ten, I haven’t looked in all of the boxes but the colors seem to run from an almost-black navy blue to a yummy periwinkle (which may mysteriously “vanish” before the giveaway) to a robin's egg blue to terra cotta to an acidic yellow to beige; something for everyone.
The yarn is definitely industrial strength, not scratchy like Lopi but certainly not alpaca soft. It’s perfect for layered wear, like vests and cardigans, and for hats. Mixed with something softer, it would make a great super-bulky/polar weight scarf or pair of mittens.
I have also learned that it should be knit using least size 13 needles. How do I know this? Because I've been knitting a Warm Woolies Vest with it on size 11s…and the vest is giving the Scarf That Wouldn’t Bend a run for its money. Woe be to the poor child who gets this vest. His ability to run and jump and play reindeer games will be immediately and severely curtailed, as will his ability to breathe. But he'll be warm, by God! Half-strangled and completely immobilized, but warm!
Fortunately, the Vest That Won’t Bend has inspired me to design a different kind of child’s vest that uses this weight of yarn. If it works out, I’ll publish it on the blog.
And, now, as a reward to all of you for being so kind and supportive to me over the last few weeks, I will embarrass myself by posting the kind of picture that I swore I would never post, one of me in bed.
In my defense, this was a Wall Day. I had, with all the best of intentions, gotten up, eaten breakfast, even gotten dressed (which explains the flannel shirt)—and whammo!—a major attack of the Wall, so I floundered my way back to bed. However, about half an hour later the postman arrived with a surprise box of "get well" goodies from Becca which is why I manage to look so pale and yet so ecstatic at the same time. I am clutching to my chest a skein of pink Cascade 220 which, according to all the major medical tomes, is the perfect antidote for post-hysterectomy pain. Becca, how did you know?
Hi, Ryan! ::waves:: I'm glad to hear you're getting better, one step at a time. I've got my own Tower of Yarn going on - I just returned from helping my parents move in with my grandmother, and was gifted with a box of yarn bigger than I am (which I named God's Own Box of Yarn. Great minds think alike). A trip to Target for bins and a few hours of sorting later, and voila! Tower of Yarn!
That enormously fun dishcloth pattern you've been knitting? Makes a great Dulaan scarf, too. Just cast on the same number of stitches with worsted weight yarn on size 10 1/2 needles, and keep going until you run out of yarn or burst into tears. I've got about two feet of one on the needles now, earmarked for Dulaan 2007.
Give my love to everyone, and hugs to yourself.
Posted by: Lisa Rogers Lowrance on July 14, 2006 04:19 PMTHANK GOD YOU POSTED. I have been so bored I was reduced to reading conservative Christian editorials on the Sad State of Everybody But Us. (To be honest, I didn't read the title of the link well and didn't realize that's what it was.)
I will be happy to take some of that Dulaan yarn off your hands when you're ready for the doling. (When I explained it to my husband, he said, "Well, can't you use THAT for your Christmas gifts?" Um, no, hon, this isn't free yarn extravaganza, it's CHARITY yarn. Apparently my explaining skills are a little weak.)
He's just annoyed that I finally had the yarn binge I've been wanting.
Anyway, on with the healing, I need to knit bulky wool in Arizona in July, during the humid-est month in a long time. Mmmm, steamy wool.
For some reason the beginning of my previous comment has disappeared. I am commenting on your July 14 entry, which has (0) comments listed - but two people have still beaten me to it.
I do not want this to be buried - please check out: www.hystersisters.com.
It's a world-wide site for women who have had a hysterectomy, or who are going to have one, or who are debating about having one.
It had plenty of tips for me a couple of years ago - expect your Swelly Belly to last for about a year (although over that period of time it will appear less frequently); drink a glass of water every morning; sitting is an activity - so limit yourself on the amount of time you do that (Blog only in short spurts? Despite your nifty new laptop.); prune juice can be a friend (but start with a small amount); and avoid people with colds.
There's a lot more but that is all that I remember off the top of my head. Do not even THINK about lifting anything - which includes dishes down from the cupboard, or a full container of milk from the fridge. And vacuuming is on the prohibited list too - for at least 6 weeks. (I almost managed to convince my partner that it was "verboten" for 6 months. It doesn't hurt to try.)
All the best on your recovery.
P.S. Hystersisters is a great help for those of us who do not have any post-hyster problems - telling us what to expect as "normal" in the recovery process.
And it is also a great help to those who have no other place to turn, so don't be scared off by any of the stories you read.
Janey, both a close friend and my surgeon's nurse also recommended HysterSisters so I did spend a little time there after my surgery. Besides your recommendations, the one helpful thing I found in the "general postings" on the site was to watch out for the long, luxurious morning stretch; that activity alone can cause some damage. Just this morning, thanks to the site, I prevented myself from stretching too long and too hard! And just today I had to convince myself not to do some vacuuming!
Thanks for the helpful words, Janey!
Posted by: Ryan on July 14, 2006 05:36 PMRyan, let me know if you need any help please. I'm available for the foreseeable future, what with the looking for a job and all. I'd be happy to assist if you need someone to help pack up stuff to send out.
And I think you look marvellous! I love your hair color. :D
Continuing to send good healing vibes your way!
Posted by: moiraeknits on July 14, 2006 05:43 PMPut me down for some of that dark navy yarn (and your in-progress vest pattern!). And I surely hope the postman didn't get you out of bed. (Oh, the guilt...)
Posted by: Becca on July 14, 2006 05:47 PMNot to fret, Becca! It was the ultimate of guilty pleasures: TMK answered the door, got the package and then just delivered it to me in bed. I could not have been more spoiled if I had tried.
Posted by: Ryan on July 14, 2006 05:49 PMHey Ryan!! Glad to hear from you. I think you look marvelous in your soft comfy bed; keep up the good work. Maybe you could blog a little more? I'm always so glad to see you've updated!
Posted by: Bonney on July 14, 2006 05:52 PMDahlink! Doan joo sink it shud be pronownced
Varm Voolies Vest?
I vant ze steel blue gray yarn.....lotsssss of it.
Posted by: Linda "K" on July 14, 2006 06:33 PMOh, I'm so glad you felt well enough to blog today. Congratulations on avoiding the vacuuming -- that's always a tough sell ;-)
I'll take some of the navy, terra cotta, and acid yellow when you are well enough to pack and ship. My mind is picturing those colors together in a... something. Maybe a cardigan/jacket. A good friend made herself a sweater in those colors years ago, and I've always remember how well they complemented each other.
Continue to take it easy and heal yourself. We love ya!
Posted by: kmkat on July 14, 2006 08:54 PMYou are a-freakin-dorable in that picture.
Posted by: Rachael on July 15, 2006 12:09 AMRachael beat me to it - you are so cute in that picture! You're always cute, but that is especially so.
I always knew sitting was an activity - so nice to have it confirmed.
Posted by: Patti on July 15, 2006 12:18 AMSo glad to hear you're feeling better!
Let us know if you want to organize a mailing party. And by "mailing party" I mean "Ryan waves a hand in the direction of the garage, and we do the rest of the work." (I would be there this time, I promise!)
Posted by: Erika on July 15, 2006 12:28 AMCrikey, you're like one of those celebrities -- "this" is how *I* look with bedhead or "I just gave birth 12 minutes ago." Ha! Fess up: You had makeup artists and hair stylists and the whole bit, didn't ya?!
I'm not taking ANY of that avalanche. I'm getting my own mini-avalanche from someone else already.
Keep smilin' and takin' care o' yourself!
Wow, that is some avalanche. I am using your photo to show my husband the extremes of yarn hoarding. I know that isn't your stash pile but he doesn't! It makes my few,(all right 5) bags jammed in our tiny closet look small by comparison. I confess to having 2 unfinished sweaters in there.
I will watch for further posts about 'adopting' some of that to make Dulaan goodies. Would it be okay to send postage money? Also, my 13 year old just got into knitting so she should be good for a scarf. She loved the photos of the kids with their warm hats,etc.
And thank you and your posters for all the info on the dreaded hysterectomy. I feel mentally better prepared if I or a loved one ever needs the big H. Forewarning can be so important. I had no idea it was such a tough road. You are doing great!
You look fantastic, despite your delicate condition.
As for the wall of yarn, just think -- it makes great insulation! (And we all know that we need insulation in July and August. I'll just shut up now and go back to boiling marigolds, shall I? OK, I'll do that.)
Posted by: Rabbitch on July 15, 2006 11:59 PMI ahve an idea for a box or 2 of that yarn.. We need to talk. :)
I am glad you are having more good days than bad. Gentle hugs from Philly.
Posted by: anj on July 17, 2006 07:55 AMI dunno, Ryan... I'd watch those blog entry titles if I were you, lest He become jealous and smite thee for thy boastful ways...
I agree with whomever said that you look far more glamorous in your PJ's than the average person. Glad you are able to post occasionally despite The Wall; I miss you when you're away!
Posted by: Denise in Kent, WA on July 17, 2006 11:15 AMMy apologies if you are already aware of this, but I heard from Dulaan and they are accepting 2006 items until August 1st, so we still have time to get them up to 10000!!
You look so happy in that picture! Yay Becca for sending happy pink yarn!
Posted by: Ang on July 17, 2006 02:26 PMAh, the Wall. I remember it well. But just think in a few months you'll be walk past the Tampax aisle and just smile happily. Hmm, TMI?
You look beautful, sweetie. Enjoy those goodies.
Posted by: Ranger Susie on July 17, 2006 05:19 PM