knitting

Friday last week found me in the waiting room of a hospital near Vancouver, Canada. B’s elderly grandad had a bit of trouble and we felt an immediate visit was pertinent.

I was knitting. A woman watched me for a bit and then said, “Excuse me, are you making a belt?”

I explained that I was making a scarf, but in a funny way. Usually one knits a row, then turns around and knits the next one. This one, you cast on the length first (on circular needles) and then make it as wide as you want.

The lady seemed satisfied with my explanation and we were again silent.

When she was getting up to leave a little later, she asked me about how long I thought the scarf would be. I held it up as best I could (in the middle of a row) and said that it might be shorter than usual, but would probably be ok. “Oh, a proper length, then.” I said that I hoped so. She wished me well and went her way.

I do love the camaraderie of crafters.

The idea for the scarf comes from the book Scarf Style (which is still available for free in the gratitude pages).

We managed a quick visit to the Vancouver Aquarium.

I took a quilt and a few pillows for the ride up. A few soft textures from home go a long way to soothing the soul.

Back on the Washington side (on the way home), we stopped in to a restaurant. We had been there about five years earlier (B used to live in Mt. Vernon, where it is), and not only was it open, but they were still serving the salad we sought. It was just as good as we remembered. Do stop in if you ever get a chance (maybe when you’re there for the tulip festival).

We’ve meant to stop at this sculpture near Vantage, Washington, for a long time. We made it a priority on this trip. More information here.

It is approximately 5:19 am here in Washington state (as I begin to type). I have been awake for most of the night, and the good news is that I have made a little progress on my scarf. (When I was little and an early riser, I received very specific instructions about approved activities: Reading (ok), running (not ok). As I was knitting this morning I thought, if only I had known how to knit back then! It’s a perfect quiet activity.

My friend G’s birthday is next week. This particular friend is very creative, and I’m trying to think up a card to make that is worthy of her. Stay tuned for photos.

On another note, I immensely enjoyed this blog post. For the first time ever I felt that I really loved Spokane, as there is a Michael’s within 10 miles of my house. I had good fun and spent only $2 over my planned budget.

My sister-in-law is getting married next month (any Portland, Oregon suggestions welcome). There is a piece of fabric I have long been eyeing at Joann, but couldn’t come up with anything to make out of it. This morning, about 2:45 am, it came to me. A wrap! I wore one to a wedding in March and it was great. It kept me warm in the morning when the wind was up and kept me from getting a sunburn in the afternoon (my complexion tone is approximately “lightbulb”). (That’s me in blue, below.)

With any luck, by the time the store opens the fabric will still be there. If I can get some and whip up a wrap, I’ll post photos.

The house is quiet, there isn’t any traffic on the street outside. People are sliding slowly into their weekends. All will be well.