I Could Write a Book . . .

So, doing this knitting Thing has gotten interesting. Not so much in the "interesting" way, but in the "interesting" way if you get my drift. The cast of characters is much more vast than I can even begin to describe and let's just say that on one hand, you'd need a doctorate in Sociology to figure out all the ins and outs of the knitting s(n)ubculture or . . . let's say that you could just take a quickie online "Sociology For Dummies" course--the one with that offers a certificate for $9.95 (Paypal accepted) and know all you need to know. Take your pick!

I don't know if it bugs you when someone asks you what type of method you use to cast on and then they chastise you for your pick (they know more than you when it comes to that type of thing, of course). Or if they tell you that your left-leaning what-cha-ma-callit is definitely lacking in refinement, and wouldn't it be a better choice to choose a slippitydip-hoo-hah instead? Never mind that the slippitydip-hoo-hah takes a double jointed Chinese acrobat with seven fingers on each hand to accomplish. Never mind, either, that because of the texture of the pattern you wouldn't be able to tell if you did any old kind of decrease, increase or make one. Take your pick.

We all know how important it is to hide our perfection in our knitting, right?

So that's my rant.

Here is my rave: The book, Custom Knits, is available here and here and at your local yarn stores--or at least it should be, very soon!

To celebrate, I thought I'd show you an image of one of the simple top-downs in the book. It is called "Ingenue" and uses Karabella Marble. I'm not sure if it is kosher or if someone will wag their finger at me (I don't own copyright, but my publisher does and I'm betting they'll like any publicity I can bring them), but know this: There are definitely no slippitydip-hoo-hah's or any other what-cha-ma-callit's in this pattern. I promise.

BTW: I was thinking that I could hold a few little contests, games or whatever's to celebrate the book. I have a few copies that I could sign and send out. Now that I am nearly a third through the "Adult Drive Thru" sweater, I am starting to reach for a name. Perhaps I could gather names from you all and we can hold some sort of election for the best name. Don't suggest anything yet. Give me a chance to get enough completed so you can get the flav-ah of it before giving it a name.

Comments

[Patty]

I love what I see and am happy to say my copy is on order! AND what makes me love you the most - everytime I screw that knitting up a little bit I just smile to myself and say Wendy would have kept on going too! Here's to imperfection and a nice cocktail!

[(formerly) no-blog-rachel]

Yeah I've never been one for slippitydip hoo-hahs myself.

Slippitydip hoo-hah - I love your terminology - too funny. And I can't wait to see the book. Congratulations!

[rudee]

During a break at work today, I slipped into my LYS and met the most charming and unpretentious woman. She was delightful and a breath of fresh air. If I hadn't had an appointment to get to, I could have spent all afternoon knitting with her. There are all types out there; once in a blue moon, I get lucky enough to meet someone like this. She had to be 30 years my senior-and I'm 51. Let me just say, all she talked of was her love of knitting. Not a slippety hoo-hah was ever mentioned though she did speak fondly of bobbles.

BTW, I'm not waiting on a contest or a holiday wish to get your book. I'm ordering now.

[Melissa in Oklahoma]

Wow. The enlarged picture of the Ingenue looks lucious! The collar/sleeve/hem detail is gorgeous! Will be looking for the book for certain!

Cannot get behind slippitydoo hoo haas of any sort or variety. If it was good enough for EZ, then it's good enough for me. Finis.

[Kathy B.]

Hi Wendy,

I got your book early today and couldn't wait until tonight's post to write you about my reaction (all good) so look at the 24th comment on the August 15th post. It's there in glorious, verbose detail. Congratulations and many wishes for highly deserved success!

[Kathy B.]

Hi Wendy,

I got your book early today and couldn't wait until tonight's post to write you about my reaction (all good) so look at the 24th comment on the August 15th post. It's there in glorious, verbose detail. Congratulations and many wishes for highly deserved success!

[robin]

I always read, never comment - but I have to tell you - FAB-U-LOUS book! I pre-ordered months ago and received my copy today. Love, love, love it. I can attest that there is no slippity-dip hoo hah in this book, just great and simple patterns that will fit perfectly. Go Wendy!!

[Kathy B.]

Hi Wendy,

I got your book early today and couldn't wait until tonight's post to write you about my reaction (all good) so look at the 24th comment on the August 15th post. It's there in glorious, verbose detail. Congratulations and many wishes for highly deserved success!

[--Deb]

That big brown truck pulled up after supper tonight with my copy! I wanted to be sure to leave you a comment telling you I'm impressed. Nice patterns, very classy--I like Ingenue quite a lot, too. The cover sweater, Slinky Ribs and Skinny Empire, too. Definitely a good pattern collection, and I am really looking forward to really reading the alterations section in the back. Great job, Wendy!

[elizabeth m]

I looked at our local Borders yesterday, but to no avail. Will check again soon! I'm so excited for you.

[sitdevil]

I got your book today, and it looks great! I really liked the suggestions in the first chapter it makes me feel better about my recent failed ufo (not to worry its going to look great on my mom). Anyway, I can't wait to cast on my first project! Congrats!!

[Robyn]

I was just thinking about this last night, that I am actually scared to show people how I knit in case they tell me I do it wrong and I should cast on 'this' way and bind off 'that' way.

And then today I log into google reader and your typing my thoughts. The book looks great, must get myself a copy.

Have a great day

[Marion]

Wendy,
What a beautiful name and it really fits you too! You are like a soft breeze on a warm day that refreshes and soothes. I do love your blog now i have to figure out how to get the money for that book. Geesh either i didnt read closely enough or it just went over my head that you were writing a book. Some days I wonder if I have altimers (or how ever you spell that) Thanks so so much for shareing with all of us its a pleasure and more. God Bless you
Marion

[Lori]

And the book arrived today. My sister and I made a first pass through it tonight at garden club and each found several things that we want.

[Amy]

Love the sweater pattern. My customers and I can't wait to get our hands on your book. So many knitters fear the dreaded "seam", so your patterns are a breath of fresh air to them.

Amy

[Kate]

It's funny every craft/sport/etc that I do has a cast of technique junkies - people can talk about, advocate for, or just plain argue why their way is simply the BEST way to do something. It makes me laugh - I knit, run and sail because they are all pleasurable things to do in the own way. Why would I tell someone else that they were "doing it wrong" if they are happy with the results?

[Lorajean Kelley]

LOVE the sweater, can't wait to knit one for me!

[scoutj]

Where's my copy!?!?!??!

HUH!? I want a signed one. :P

I want NO.6 too. Did you knit that for me yet.

Did you just laugh at me?

[Harper]

My copy of your book is en route and is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Yay!

And I'll be thinking of the two women taking naughty pictures at the beach while a photo session for your book was in progress. That story made me laugh so hard.

Your comment re the snubculture reminds me of everyone who crows that their way is faster. Geez, I thought the point was enjoyment?

[Christy / Not Hip]

You could call it the Walk-In

Congrats on the book.

[Kristin]

I saw the book tonight at my Barnes & Noble, and it's already gone on my wish list! I love all of the info in it, and thought your list of things to consider - and always carry with you - was brilliant. Congrats on a fantastic book!

[Magalie]

WOOOOOOH! I can't wait to get my hands on the book...and thank you for NO slippitydip-hoo-hah's. Isn't that what that Vogue knitting magazine is for, knitting with the hoo-hah's? Well...the last issue wasn't as over the top thank goodness. But please, gimme the down to earth knits that are fashionable AND that I can wear in So-Cal.

That photo is gorgeous and the sweater is very classy. I like it!

[June]

Congratulations, Wendy! What a great achievement!

[Jenn]

I pre-ordered mine from Amazon.com months ago and just got an email today that it's en route. I cannot wait until the book arrives! How exciting for you!

[Tammy]

Gorgeous! That's the kind of sweater that makes me go crazy wanting to knit it and snuggle up in it!