I Must Have Some Knitting to Do

. . . otherwise I wouldn't be doing everything BUT knitting.

This weekend, I spent some time with old friends working on our balls. Let me tell you, you'd think we're a bunch of teenagers the way we giggle about these, but who could help but giggle? I mean, if someone were just passing by and overheard even a third of what we mutter while we work, they'd be in stitches.

"How's your ball coming along?"

"How many balls do you have now?"

"My ball is driving me nuts! The stitches keep slipping around."

"I like to work a four-incher because those two-incher's are too difficult to hold." 

"Really? You like the four-inchers? I prefer smaller balls."

"What yarn and batting do you like to use for your balls?"

"Here, take this needle and try it on your balls. It's the perfect length."

Seriously. We've said it all with straight faces and then it becomes too much and we fall over laughing.

If you're interested, these are called Temari thread balls and they aren't very difficult to stitch. One will usually take me about a day's work. There are loads of how-to books available on Amazon and elsewhere.

And if you have to ask me what they're for, please don't. Because if you do, all I will tell you is that not everything has to be useful. Sometimes it is nice to make something beautiful just "because." (And it doesn't hurt that stitching these balls in a group can be, at times, hilarious.)

 

Comments

[emi love]

those balls would make such lovely Christmas tree ornaments. Sounds like you girls had loads of fun too :)

[erin kate]

So pretty! (& you're funny. :) )

[Amanda]

Those are some beautiful balls! (tee hee)

[Meredith MC]

I love your ball. Tee Hee
I just checked out "55 Christmas Balls to Knit" from the library. There's actually some serious colorwork in there but the cover cracks me up. Do you think Arne and Carlos, (the authors) being from Scandinavia, have any idea how that sounds to an American? I, naturally, am imagining little 'ball' cozies knit in christmas colors. I know, right?

[Jenn]

Nice balls.

[Wendy]

Funny thing about that book, 55 Christmas Balls...my editor told me that it is a best seller! We surmised it was because of the kitsch factor. It's really a funny book.

[Seanna Lea]

I have a temari book, but I haven't actually made one yet (I've had the book for a few years now). It's good to know that it isn't hard. The balls generally aren't.

[Angie Fitzpatrick]

I so need to start a temari circle! I may be a 42-year old woman, but I'm a 12-year old boy at heart! I loved reading your post, covering my mouth with my hand and giggling devilishly. I believe it was also you that posted the "Merry Christmas from the Balls" story, following which, I went home and declared to my family that we are changing our name to "Ball" b/c I too want to send out a holiday card from the Balls! Thank you! Exactly what I needed this morning.

[Cricket]

I have to get me some balls. Boy it really works there was a smile. Very nice work and sounds like bunches of fun.

[Patti Croke]

Where are you doing these? I still want to learn?

Patti Croke

[ariane]

Still need to attempt this, someday!