Finished Object Dance

Yesterday was a lovely day and today is being just as nice.

In the morning I gave the April and May office baby sweaters (sorry, pictures are on the other computer) to the respective expectant mothers at the office and then took a half vacation day.

In the afternoon, Jane of Porter Square Books and Lucy of Mind's Eye Yarns worked hard arranging for Stephanie the Yarn Harlot to come to Porter Square. At first she was going to appear at the bookstore, but when they realized the store holds about 100 people, it got moved across the street to the Masonic Temple's basement hall. The event was scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m., but folks showed up early to help out. We've been in there about 10 minutes and +/- 150 chairs are set up.





A short time later and there was a quiet presence at the back of the hall.

Lucy (on the left) had made a gift basket from local goodies. From what I remember her listing the other night, there was Burdick's chocolate, nice pens from Bob Slate Stationers, sheep imprinted purse tissues from Tags (sorry, Cantabridgians, she bought them out), and, of course, some freshly hand-dyed sock yarn of her own.




Close to show time and there's a small crowd at the back buying books and saying hello to the guest. I didn't get a shot of the hall during the show, but most of the 150 or so chairs were taken.




There's a contrast between urban and suburban knitters. I'm a regular at the Granite State Knit-In, which happens the first Saturday in June up at Loon Mountain (send me email if you wanttheir contact info, registration is happening now). The suburban knitters have cars and bring big bags of knitting for the day, since there are classes in the morning, a market, a lunch and a speaker in the afternoon. I'm used to them needing room for their stuff. The urban knitters (since I think many came by MBTA) bring far less luggage with them. I was setting up chairs with lots of space, and it really wasn't necessary. Live and learn.

Grumperina was there and several people showed her their Jaywalkers.

And with a brief introduction, the show began. Much of it was familiar from her books and blog, but it was good to hear her voice, her emphasis and tone. There's nothing like live performance to bring a work to life.

Himself came by afterwards, Stephanie took our picture with her sock (wow, she has a tight gauge on that thing -- it felt stiff) and we wound up going out to dinner. I hadn't realized (but it makes sense) that other knitters had gone on ahead to Christophers and saved seats, and we all joined them. I know I recognized faces from blog photos, but couldn't put names to people there. And then we went to the pre-NEFFA dance at Springstep.

Today I put eyes on the chicken and stuffed it. Himself is suggesting the name 'Spring' for it, and I still haven't come up with anything better.

And tonight the real dancing begins. Be back on Monday.