Thing a day 3 - Created knitters

To sequester myself from the super bowl insanity, I did a knitting workshop for 12 women. A couple were there for review, but most were new knitters. I think creating 12 new knitters in the world definitely counts toward Thing a Day. It's always interesting that some people catch on in 2 minutes and can get the movements down right away (even w/ no previous needlework experience). Then others can go for weeks or months and never pick it up. Some were so excited they stayed up late into the evening knitting their new scarf, and raved about it at work the next day. With such a positive response, I think I'll host it again. I liked even though everyone was excited to learn, it was a low key and relaxed event.

Also baked 3 batches of scones. My classic buttermilk recipe in blueberry lemon and cranberry orange. I love that recipe, and they only take 10 min to bake, so I can whip them out in no time.

Tangerines are peak season right now, so I had a 5lb bowl of of them on the table. The scones were snatched up quickly, but only 1 tangerine was eaten the entire day. Now what am I gonna do w/ 5lbs of fresh tangerines? The skins are too soft and rumply to zest. Guess I could juice them if I can't find takers in the next day or so.

knitting in the post office

My printer is down, so I am forced to go stand in the xmas lines at the post office to send out ebay packages. To ease the pain, I bring my knitting. I dont' have to look at people, I have no idea how much time passes, and I get to focus on getting several more rows done without other leisurely tempations around, like food and video games (am loving Mass Effect).

Today I was in line and there was a man n' woman in front of me, dressed in white. From her platinum hair and rhinestone 'bebe' cap, to his shock of grey hair and weird sleeveless parka vest (that made him look like his arms and head were protruding from a giant marshmallow), they were a vision of winter in LA.

She had turned slightly to see me, and was using a low voice so I thought she was talking to her guy. But I glanced up and she caught my eye, repeating 'what a good idea, bringing that along'. I said it was easier to focus on than reading when in line, and asked if she knit. She said she just started and is working on a scarf, but won't have it done for xmas because she has no idea how to finish it. We did a mini workshop right there and I showed her how to cast-off. Then they were called to the next window and we smiled and separated.

Then the older lady behind me piped up with 'My husband use to knit', and I spent the rest of the time in line hearing a delightful little story about her husband's exquisite seamless sweaters and his attempts to teach her how to knit.

I had avoided going to the post office for most of the day, because it's usually such a chore. But it was downright pleasant today.

Finesse and Warmth

I tend to be heavy handed in a lot of things, spices in food, starting too many projects at once (I have 3 knitting projects going and all my good needles are now indisposed), eating too much good food, exercising until I can't see straight, getting emotionally wrapped up in things that should be the most minor of priorities. Which makes for a never ending string of suprises that I can lose weight by reducing food by a little, that exercise is just as useful if I do it in moderation, and that spices can be marvelous even when they are subtle.

For some reason, my heavy handedness tends to make some things less believable to me to. Like fingerless gloves. If my whole hand and fingers aren't covered by an insulating glove, how on earth are fingerless gloves useful? It makes no sense to me. I like the concept, but it seemed more fashionable than useful to me.

I've been sitting at this keyboard for the last few days freezing my fingers off, even w/ socks, slippers and a hat, my fingers won't stay warm. And gloves make typing impossible.

On a whim I decided I'd try to make handwarmers. Cause I have a lot of little balls of yarn that are not quite being enough for scarves or hats. I did a gauge, measured up my hand and whipped one up in about 2 hours. It fits my hand snuggly, stays in place, and only needs minor adjustments for the next one. I can type and knit with it on, and my left hand is now significantly warmer than the bare one. Surprise, fingerless gloves work, even without fingers. I've converted myself into a believer. And now I can't knit the other one fast enough.