Monday 21 April 2008

I'm Asking for Advice

No real knitting update today because - it's (sort of**) my 1 Year Blog Anniversary.

And one of the things I've learned in knitting blog land is that when it's your blog's anniversary you have a contest. So, I'm having a contest -- or 3 mini contests really!

Contest 1: Squishy Yarn for All is open to everyone, regular commenters, lurkers and people just wandering by alike.



The prize is 2 skeins Posh Yarn Cecilia laceweight (110gms about 1400 yards) in gorgeous green colours and a skein of Duet Sock Yarn (DK weight) in blues and purples (Duet Sock Yarn comes with a co-ordinating colour for heels and toes!)

Contest 2: Come Out of the Closet is my not so subtle attempt to lure lurkers out to comment at least once and so it is open to new commenters only. The prize for this contest is 2 skeins of Middle Earth Yarns sock yarn. Cairi dyes beautiful yarns which I've used for some of my favourite socks over the past year.

Contest 3: Friends and Family is open to people I know in real life only -- most of whom are non-knitters but dip into this blog occasionally. My mom is always telling me about aunts and cousins who have been looking at the blog. But apart from the Caked Crusader and a not so subtle (but ignored by me) hint from my sister for a Babette blanket none of my friends or family has been brave enough to leave a comment.

The prize for this contest is that I'll knit the winner (by the end of May) a scarf, or pair of socks, or small cardigan/shrug of their choice. NOTE (primarily directed at my sister): the choice of prize excludes Babette blankets, Lyra's and anything else I deem 'too big'. NOTE 2 (primarily directed at the Caked Crusader): yes, this would include Lemur Puppet jumpers.

HOW TO ENTER
No doubt by now you are all chomping at the bit to get a piece of the action. Well, entering is simple, and is the same for all contests: just give me some advice before next Monday morning 28 April - 8am British Summer Time.

The advice can be anything -- words of wisdom found in your last fortune cookie, a pattern you think I should be knitting, or some DVD's or audiobooks you think would be great for knitting, or.... well, whatever you think I need to know!

Leave your advice as a comment. (I expect I'll be able to categorise you all as regular commenters, lurkers or friends/family, but feel free to leave me a hint.)(And don't think that just because I have more cousins than I count that I won't be able to spot an impostor in the Friends and Family group!)

I'll randomly select the winners on Monday morning and let you know who the winners are by Monday afternoon.

Bring on the advice!!




** In a display of organisation and 'on top of things-edness' which make me the sought after professional I am, I managed to miss posting yesterday - which was the actual 1 year of anniversary of this experiment in online knit journalling.

132 comments:

cat lady said...

Dear Soo,

Your work is absolutely beautiful! The shawls, scarfs, lace table covers are so pretty.

My advice to you my friend is to keep an address book up to date. Notice the 'up to date' so that you can contact your friends and let them know that you are moving. This can be electronic or paper! :-))

I think I now have vacuumed up enough cat hair for socks and should have enough for a sweater by the end of May!

alison said...

Soo--
All I can say is that I wish you were my next door neighbor! I would love to look at and touch all of your projects! Thanks for the inspiration!

ikkinlala said...

Happy blog anniversary!

I am not so good at giving advice (I have a tendency to give advice that I need to use but the recipient may not - "quit procrastinating" would be an appropriate example right now), but your mention of audiobooks made me think of Librivox so my advice is that if you're not familiar with it you should go see what it's like. Basically, it's free audiobook versions of a bunch of classics, and it's one of the things I listen to most often while I'm knitting.

(I'm not sure which category I'm in. I know I don't comment regularly, but I've been reading off and on for a while and I don't remember whether I've commented before.)

Jacqui said...

Oh a contest! Ha, yarn tart that I am I cannot resist comenting, but advice hmmm! Well I can't give you knitting advice as you are so very much better than me, I am about to do a niebling because of you! So general advice, be prepared, take a brolly, and it's never too late! Corny enough for you? My Mum used to say "Never leave home without your best knickers on, you never know!" I think she meant 'you never know when you'll be run over by a bus.' but you could get lucky, you never know!

Anonymous said...

happy blog birthday - I'm listening to Paul Temple detective stories while I'm knitting at the moment
jenny

Opal said...

Happy Blogiversary! As for advice? Always be open to new experiences and opportunities to broaden your mind. It keeps you young! And never leave home without your knitting! You just never know when you'll be stuck somewhere with idle hands. That's the best I got.

RiverCitySTL said...

I don't know if I've left a comment before or not...either way, I always enjoy your blog! I wish I was related, I'd love a hand knit garment!

Advice: Read the book "Comfort Food" by Kate Jacobs, I got an early copy and it is awesome!

k n i t t e r p a t s y said...

I've been reading awhile, but I'm a lurker--not just on your blog but on most of the ones I read.
My advice is to keep doing what you love. I visit your blog because of the variety of knitting--not all lace, not all Starmore--a good mix of things and your thoughts on them.

Kristina B said...

My advice (although a bit late): don't eat yellow snow.

My status: regular visitor, not quite a lurker.

Happy blogiversary!!! And I'm looking forward to winning the Cecilia... :-)

fleegle said...

Happy anniversary!

My advice is simple:

If you aren't having fun, you are doing something wrong.

Not necessary to knit anything for me, but it's fun to give advice once in a while :)

Gale Bulkley said...

Happy blogiversary. My advice to you is to make the Mystic Waters shawl, while I vicariously watch you do it.
Semi-regular commenter.

the Lady said...

I always love looking at your lace-work, so inspiring and pretty! (I think I might have commented once.)

My advice is to "go with the flow."

I'm working on that myself.

old lady said...

My advise is "keep doing what you're doing!" Your knitting is lovely and you seem to enjoy it. And if you want to knit some socks for me I won't object!!

Beverly said...

My advice comes from waking up yesterday with a horrible cold: When your husband, who never gets sick, comes home from work with a nasty cold, do NOT let him kiss you at all; for certainly if the virus is strong enough for him to get it, you'll get it too.

Happy Blogiversary!

Alyssa said...

My advice is to never go to bed angry. First of all you can't sleep and second of all you never know what will happen so patch things up right quick.

Also I started watch Allo Allo recently. Its awesome...watch it.

Joan K said...

My advice is to use a pressure cooker for preparing meals. The food is great and it is so much faster.

Anonymous said...

I have been a lurker - I really enjoy your blog and seeing all of your beautiful projects. I know I can't give you any knitting advice, so... my advice to you is, when you see beautiful yarn that you must have, don't hesitate! (how's that for enabling?) Buy it, because you never know if you'll see it again.

Thanks for sharing your inspiring knitting!

florencemary said...

My grandmother's advice to me was: "marry a nice Catholic boy, or if not, become a nun". I'm not sure if she was bad at giving advice, or I was bad at taking it.

Anyway, my advice 'in general': as Mick Jagger said, you can't always get want you want, but sometimes you get what you need.

My advice on knitting: mix the tricky with the simple (and if you want something tricky, like teeny tiny lace cabling, then check out Dodile's KAL for the Forar shawl just starting on Rav...).

And a happy blogbirthday!

LittleBerry said...

I suppose my advice would have to be:

"Everything happens for a reason"

Kate said...

My first comment! My two favourite pieces of advice are:
To thine own self be true (don't know who said that, but its worth remembering when you are sitting in a cafe knitting and people point and laugh!)

If that doesn't work, remember that the best revenge is to live well (and that one has definitely stopped me from getting bitter and twisted on occasion!)

z's momma said...

happy bloggiversary! My advice? hmmm... always back up your data.

Anonymous said...

Dear Soo,

My advice to you is to make at least one doily (Niebling!) in a really bold colour. You have such a great eye for colour.

Kai said...

Happy Blogiversary!

My advice, listen to some Stephen Fry (http://stephenfry.com/blog). He always makes me laugh while I'm knitting! :)
Oh and "Don't Worry, Be Happy!" :)

lv2knit said...

Soo: I don't think my comment worked! Here it is again, just in case:

1: Keep sharing your gorgeous and inspiring knitting -- because I have learned so much from you!

2: Check out the Mystic Waters Shawl -- it is really pretty and you could knit it up in a flash!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary!

My advice for life is: 'Measure twice, cut once'.

Not just applicable to fibre/fabric crafts, but to all crucial decision-making (at least, that's what I'm finding out...)

Teresa T said...

Hi Soo,

Thank you for providing such inspiration. I check your blog daily and have started many of projects after seeing your work.

Posh yarn Cecilia... my goodness that is nice yarn.

Recommended pattern - triina's vine and leaf shawl

My favourite knitting item - wetnaps for removing excess dye.. seems to work better than soap...

Have a great day!

Teresa

Anonymous said...

Ok I can't possibly give you advice on knitting!!

And I've already told you about the Gilmore Girls episode with the knitathon.

But I have found this...it doesn't look big budget (although I suppose wool can be quite expensive) and may not be readily available on Amazon.

film

Enjoy. I hope I win!!

x

Anonymous said...

Okay, I'll de-lurk for a chance to win... :-)

Even though I am a knitter and crafter, my best advice is more generic. Whenever you're feeling slightly down, go visit a dog park or someplace where you can see dogs having fun. There's not much that's more therapeutic than happy dogs.

Lil' Vicki said...

I'll come out of the closet...
My advice (from unfortunate experience) is never try and catch a dpn they're pointier than they look.

And I'd recommend reading Phillipa Gregory's Tudor novels.

Cinders said...

Hi soo,
I'd never give you advice on knitting. You're so much better at it than me.
My advice;
even on the wost days, look for 3 possitive things that happened.

Heather said...

Delurking here. My aunt once broke up with a farmer after a meal at a restaurant when he left the waitress a "tip". He wrote, "sow your corn early this year" on a napkin. She now says she regrets it since he was such a good man.

Life is all about perspective. Be flexible with those you love.

Kim said...

Hey Soo!
I bought a bood which made me think of you and know you would like to read it. I meant to read it in Cuba, but with golfing, touring Havan, lying on the beach and enjoying much needed mojita's, I did not. But I will now hope you do too.
"The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs Kim

Dirt Road Diva said...

Soo - your contest has lured me out of lurkdom - I have your blog on my bloglines list so I see all your posts. Did you ever get a comment from someone in Wyoming - although I don't live there anymore I grew up there and consider it home - so if you are still looking for a comment from there let me know and I'll talk to some friends and relatives.
My advice - if you don't know about spit splicing, learn it - I learned from Sally Melville and use it all the time.
Thanks for all your beautiful knitting and inspiration.

Sharon said...

Happy Blogaversary!

My advice: those bamboo skewers that you're meant to use for bbqs can be used as stitch holders when the squillion you know you possess appear to be 'missing in action'. Judicious use of sandpaper can also turn them in to dpns.

The Caked Crusader said...

OK here goes - and while I'm not trying to influence your decision at all remember that Lemur puppet jumpers are quite small thus don't take long to knit, and that aged lemur puppets get very very cold in winter and would love a nice Christmas jumper to keep hypothermia at bay....

My favourite piece of advice is what the mother whale advises her baby - that it's only when you start to spout that you get harpooned.

The piece of advice that I always fail to follow is from the sage that is Miss Piggy: never try to eat anything bigger than your head.

Anonymous said...

Hi Soo...

I can't remember if I've commented before or not, but enjoy your site. Advice? Consider the source [of criticism, of comments, of advice...] and treat the validity of those things accordingly. If it it criticism, and it hurts a bit, but it is valid and it comes from someone that you respect and treats you with respect, then it's probably worth acting on. If it's nagging by someone who is self-interested or "speaks their mind"... well... ignore, and don't feel guilty for doing so.

lanajoh

Joan said...

Delurking to leave this bit of advice: keep blogging-- you've got quite a few fans, and they're all better at giving advice than I am. Happy Blogiversary!

Anonymous said...

Dear Soo -I'm a lurker and I love your blog. Your pictures are beautiful as is most everything you knit! Happy Blogoversary!
My advice is to check out these movies: "Titus" directed by Julie Taymor, is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus with Anthony Hopkins (and a bunch of others). It is beautiful to look at and beautiful to listen to. "Yes" directed by Sally Potter is an entire movie spoken in Iambic Pentameter! a beautiful movie.
I guess I have movies on the mind lately. :)

ElizabethR (escr@snappitypop.com

Samantha said...

Delurking to offer the following advice: knit what you want, when you want, it's your hobby after all (but I don't think you need this advice ...!)!

SeaMonkey said...

My advice for the week is:
No matter how beatiful the day is, don't leave your blocking out to dry on a breezy day. :-)
Because of my curious cats I tend to do my lace blocking on a large styrofoam sheet in the garage. Since the oaks are shedding right now (hmm, when aren't they?) I propped up my latest two knitting priject to dry. But as soon as I would go inside the wind would always blow the board over.

Kristina B said...

Oh, Soo - I must apologise as my advice above was incomplete. It should have been:

Don't eat yellow snow, eh??

And - one good reason to keep an eye out for such a thing... so that you can make snow cocktails!!!

Enjoy... next January or so, I hope!

Anonymous said...

OH MY! LOVE those colors! Beautiul! The sheep cozy is so cute.

Anonymous said...

I recently bought a lovely skein of HazelKnits sock yarn-don't know if you know about it, but Wendee has a shop on Etsy and since you like to knit socks, I thought I'd pass it along. Hmm...that's really more of a recommendation than advice I guess. Love your projects!

Anonymous said...

Soo -- you've caught me. I'm a chronic lurker, but nothing makes me jump out of my comfort zone than free yarn. Before we hop RIGHT into the self-serving portion of this comment, I'd like to put a disclaimer in that your work is lovely and you have been an inspiration for me in many things (not just lace knitting, but that's a huge thing, don't get me wrong.)

My advice would have to be: there's nothing wrong with having a lot going on, in knitting or in life. After all, variety will either keep you young or kill you early enough that it won't matter! :)

(It has just occured to me that we are in RADICALLY different timezones, and I have no idea what time it is for you, "now." Oh well. You still got me to comment!)

Anonymous said...

I will pass on some good advice I got years ago from Sidna Farley. Never rip after midnight.
Happy Blogiversary! May you have many more.
And now, back to lurking.
Kari

Anonymous said...

Since I know you like James Taylor as much as I do - I though it only appropriate to steal some of his advice on life ...

"The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time"

Susanne said...

Wow, gorgeous yarns! I am a first time commenter (or is it commentor?)so I guess I fit into either #1 or #2 category! My advice is to always "Feed your Spirit". Sometimes we find ourselves doing things that do not fill us up. Knit often, love large and feed your spirit!

Temperance said...

Congradulations on the Blogversery!

My best advice to everyone is breathe, often and deep. Who knows it might be habit forming. :)

Unknown said...

Dear Soo,

I guess I'm a lurker, although I may have posted once before. Your knitting is so lovely. I come here just to be inspired. My advice is to keep up the good work. Lame advoce, I know. ;-)

Anonymous said...

SOO! It is one of your biggest fans...du du du dunnnn. Dylann. Bam.
My advice from here in Canada..is Don't eat yellow snow. I can't tress this enough.

bittenbyknittin said...

I *think* I'm a lurker. Does that make you a lurkee?

Advice? From a bumper sticker:
You don't have to believe everything you think.

Happy blogiversary!

JoanK said...

Dear Soo,

Lurker, never commented - your work leaves me in awe.

No advice, unfortunately - other than beware the free kind, as in you get what you pay for!

Anonymous said...

I am a lurker who is commenting for the first time.
My advice is to always do your best at everything you do so that even if you fail you know that you did everything you could do.

Bea said...

I believe I am a newbie.

My advice is that all the sheep I’ve met have been very nice, but the llamas have attitude.

Have fun knitting and happy one year!

Elaine said...

Well I'm a lurker - never commented. I feel like some sort of pervert when I say that.

My advice - Read the book "The Other Boleyn Girl". It is terrific!

Unknown said...

Soo,
I always advise knitters to try knitting something absolutely pointless... just for the fun of it. You know, something totally non-functional that you'll never use but that you enjoy making nonetheless. I just finished a pair of mohair lace underwear. They're useless, but they make me smile.
Also, always have something going on in the background while you knit. I find it keeps me more focused. My obsession is podcasts: I love listening to Brenda Dayne or Lime and Violet.
Fab prizes, by the way. And beautiful work!

cpurl17 said...

Happy Blogiversary!

Not a lurker, but a huge fan!

My advice: buy low, sell high

wenat said...

I listen to podcasts for knitting -- whether it's knitting podcasts like Cast On or Lime & Violet, or SF short stories from Escape Pod. They're fabulous!

Awesome Mom said...

I learned the hard way today that you should not knit lace when little kids are near. Thank heavens for lifelines or I would have been sunk.

Anonymous said...

Hi, my advice? Try to agree to new adventures when they're on offer...you only regret the things you HAVEN'T done, later, when you look back from the point where you can do them no longer! (I have been listening to my 84-year-old Dad, who after my father-in-law died, was taking stock of his full life and wondering if enough has been crammed in!) Fran (no longer lurking!) franmachardy@hotmail.com

Christy said...

My dad gave me two pieces of advise...

1. Do the best you can do in everything you do.

2. Drag the body inside the house before you call the police.

Nice contest.

Linda said...

Happy blogiversary! My advice is not to eat a whole large packet of Revels all at once as it makes you feel really sick. (just done it so I know!!)
Lin x

Dove Knits said...

I am, obviously, a new commenter...

My words of wisdom: grease stains on clothing come out with a little bit of dishwashing liquid rubbed into the stain shortly before throwing the thing into the washing machine. Sometimes you'll need to do this a few times to get the stain out completely, but it works!

Miss T said...

Advice? Knit happy. Only knit what you really want to knit--life's short.

Sharon Rose said...

First-time commenter!
My advice is the same three bits of homework I give my patients:
1) Get light, frequent exercise
2) Drink more water
3) Most important - Be happy!

Bianca said...

Congrats on your first blog-anniversary.

My tip: Use your imagination to create something unique

helenlam said...

Congrats on the blogiversary! De-lurking with the following advice:
Read the whole pattern/chart before casting on!

Thanks for the holding this contest...looking forward to reading what others have to say

Unknown said...

I'm awed by the shawls. Absolutely fabulous!

My advice is to take time for yourself every day even when you are most busy. You deserve it!

Count me as a lurker.

tripletsmom said...

Your knitting is an inspiration to me. I just finished my first lace piece a couple months ago for my hubby's grandmother and I'm in love with lace!

The advice I'll give is two things I've learned from having 3 3yr olds.
1 - Always make time for yourself no matter how hectic things get. Everyone will be happier.

2 - Nothing is so bad that a hug or a laugh (or both) won't fix. :0)

Anonymous said...

I'm a lurker.

I love your shawls and the coat is absolutely fabulous!

My advice: Trust your own instincts. They're probably the right ones.

Heather said...

i subscribe to your blog, but i dont know if i actually leave commemts or not. so put me into whatever category i fit in. :0)

advice-if you are ever camping with out your knitting, no matter how tempting it is, never knit with worms and twigs. the worms get angry and twist up your knitting something fieirce!

Anonymous said...

I am a definite lurker. I do love looking at your FO and should tell you how wonderful they are.

Advice: Don't lurk (like I do). Compliment people when you love what they're doing. It makes them feel good and really is what you should be doing.

Anonymous said...

Congrats!

My advice is to..make the market bag from weekend knitting!

It is my favorite purse! I'm ready to go make another one...

Anonymous said...

My advice to you is to not buy DVD's but make on so you can give us advice on how to knit as beautifully as you.

edina said...

Your knitting is gorgeous!

My advice to all knitters is, if you make a mistake while knitting and it bothers you, fix it right away...do not wait until you've knit more rows, thinking it will somehow bother you less later! This will save time and anguish when you either decide to rip it back anyway or leave the mistake and end up hating the finished item and never wearing it.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love your photos of the knitting.

Advice: remember to say something nice now - you never know what will happen tomorrow.

I'm a lurker.

Rachel said...

New commenter and actually new to your blog...and may I say I am so glad I found it. I'm addicted to lace (though don't do as much as I want due to time) and also have been seriously considering taking on Niebling's Frosted Fern...what I see here is so inspirational. Beautiful knitting!

Since there is no way I could offer you knitting advice, I'll leave you with something I need to do myself...always take time for your friends and family, no matter how stressful life may be. In the end, they are what matters.

Cornellian said...

Wow, brand new reader and I just love the blog!!!

My advice is definitely to always try to be courteous, and recognize when you are thinking something less-than-nice. Endeavor not to think it in the future, and don't make assumptions about people based on what you see!

(i'm giving that same advice to EVERYONE)

DeltaDawn said...

Oooh - a contest! I don't know where I qualify - I read a lot, comment a little, and revere your knitting a ton!

My advice - revel in the small stuff!

Yarndancer said...

Happy Blogiversary!

The best advice I ever got was just after my gran died when I was 14. My friend told me that if I wanted to cry, I could, and if I wanted to laugh, I could do that too. There was no limit to what emotions I could show at that time, and it was OK to feel any of them. The same at any other point in my life too. :)

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

My advice is something I can never do myself: Don't fall in love with the prize yarn until you win the blog contest! Oops, I did it again.

I've just re-discovered your blog, through WiKnit: The Knitting Contest Blog. The Chinese Rose Coat is amazing! I remember finding it when I was searching for info on stranding more than two yarns. But I forgot to bookmark, and could never remember the exact search that led me to it. It's great to see it again, and know I'll always be able to find it when I need a quick dose of envy!

Congrats on the anniversary!

danielle said...

I am Coming Out of the Closet. And this is advice I wish I would adhere to....when you buy yarn for a project, pack it up together with the needles, and especially a copy (or two) of the pattern so that you know what you bought it for! And when you start and stop it (I need to listen to myself here!!) make sure you mark exactly where in the pattern you stopped...

Anonymous said...

I have never commented before (I'm pretty sure) but have often admired your Finished Objects. I'm having trouble thinking of any advice for you, so I will offer my favorite quote from my dad, which I supposed could be applied to knitting in a metaphoric way: "Sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you!"
Best, Michele

laceknitterlois said...

Please be advised that your Lyra saw Odette & Odile in the lower pictures & graciously informs you that she's waiting for her fraternal twin. Any yarn/thread will do, as long as it's a "luxury" fiber. Lyra is a snob that way, isn't she? But then, she deserves the best. My advice is, listen to her.(Entry into the previously lurking, but no longer category)

laceknitterlois

Anonymous said...

My maternal grandmother used to say "If you've got it, flaunt it. If not, flaunt something else!". My most recent fortune cookie had the first half.

Kendyl Young said...

Lurker coming out of hiding, here!
Walk to the edge...
Listen hard...
LAUGH...
Practice wellness...
Play with abandon...
Continue to Learn...
Appreciate your friends...
Choose with no regret...
Do what you love...
Live as if this is all there is.
-Mary Anne Rademacher

Dave said...

Advice, huh? Okay.

Smile.

It'll make you feel good, and it'll make whoever you're with feel good.

That is all.

(Except I love your knitting; some day I want to grow up and be like you.)

Kenyetta said...

I am awed by your shawls! I am delurking to say, in the famous words of Forest Gump- Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are biting into!

krazy4katz said...

Your Rose Coat is stunning! Loving all the other FOs, too, LOL!

As Henry David Thoreau said, "Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each".

purple-power said...

All I can say about your knitting is "oh WoW"

I'm a lurker but you've flushed me out.

Advice - when the going gets tough, the tough get yarn!

What do you do with all the shawls? They are gorgeous, but when do you get to wear them all?

Rachel said...

Hello! Clicked over here from knittyboard to see your gorgeous storm water stole.
My advice for you is, always chose hugs over paperwork.

Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

Please enter me in Contest 1&2
Advice 1: put a counter on your blog to see how many times your blog is read it is fun to see:)
2:Make a Clapotis Iam and it is so fun to knit:)
3:Buy Some Dream in Color Smooshy it is so yummy:)
I love your shawls so amazing and Happy Blog Anniversary!!!! Darcy
t_watts29@yahoo.com

Elise said...

Dear Soo,
Please enter me in contest #1 & #2. As for the advice? I actually have three pieces that always help me(!):
1)"God has a plan."/"Everything happens for a reason." This has gotten me through many a tough time (not to mention some new yarn... LOL).
2) "If you truly want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Plain and simple! I guess it could be counted as advice #1, but oh well...
3) "You are your own worst & toughest critic." It's true - especially if you're a perfectionist like me! =)

Your lace work is gorgeous. I haven't found any lace weight yarn that is of nice enough quality & within my price range (I'm a college student) to be brave enough to try it. I do knit socks though - lots of them! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. Great idea, BTW!

RedRose said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RedRose said...

My advice to you, unashamedly stolen from the wisest man who ever lived, is "To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple."

I'm not sure exactly what it means, and my second piece of advice is don't think about it too hard, it may make your head hurt :p

Love your blog by the way, and really really love your lace :)

p.s. - lurker

Anonymous said...

My advice (after seeing your mis-sized socks) is to know the length of the needle you are using. I always knit socks on a 6" dpn. I can then use it as a guide for measuring my socks. Since I usually knit 6-8 inches before beginning the heel, the needle helps me judge how far I need to go. I hope this helps!
Nannette

Anonymous said...

Hello-
I just happened across your blog this morning--your talent has inspired me to try more lace!!
BEAUTIFUL!!! :)

My advice comes in the form of a borrowed quote:

"The difference between try and triumph is a little umph"
-Author unknown

Have a great day!
I look forward to visiting your blog again!

Rene'K

CreeksideKnitter said...

Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

;)

The CreeksideKnitter delurks

Anonymous said...

Ok... Ok.... I'm coming out of lurkdom :)
Your knitting is awesome, but that's not advice, that's just a given.
My advice: Go listen to "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak it will blow you away!!

Deborah

Anonymous said...

Soo--I love your blog and am in awe of your knitting! And thanks for introducing me to the Caked Crusader, another great blogger.

My advice: Don't trust your BlackBerry, it's just eaten all my good quotes. sigh.

karen said...

I'm Karen from Wausau, WI, an admitted lurker, but also an avid reader of your blog!! I also have my own blog (http://karenundergrace.blogspot.com/), but I am soooo bad that I haven't posted to it for over a year. Too long to explain, but it entails foot reconstructionsurgeryand sons who play high school sports (time flies....)!!
My advise to you is to seek first the kingdom of God and everything will be added to you (God always INCREASES!!), and keep being as creative and prolific as you are!! My advise to myself is to stop procrastinating and post something to my own blog, for crying out loud!!!!
Congratulations on your one year blog anniversary!! I do love reading your posts and seeing what you are knitting!!
Karen Schneider

Anonymous said...

I once read that "Finished is better than perfect." Of course, I would rather be perfect, but I try to keep this in mind when I see a mistake near the bottom of an almost-finished project.

Love your blog and read it frequently!

Kim said...

My advice is - listen to your heart when making big decisions.

Anonymous said...

I love your work and your blog - Happy Blogaversary!!

I just listened to the best audio book - The Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. The narrator is wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm a very regular lurker here, first time posting. My advice to you is completely probably useless, because well, advice is rarely as useful to the advisee as it may seem to the advisor! ( hee hee ) but why dontcha make socks toe up? then you can combat the increasing altitude to decreasing capacity to measure length ratio. My next piece of advice is: knit something else for us to look at from any yarn made by Hand Maiden! You are a wonderful knitter and the yarn is so pretty that the combo is unbeatable! Third piece: as you were! I really know nothing!
Rowan
turningwithinATyahooDOTcom

Anonymous said...

soo,

I am so inspired by all your gorgeous projects! So, I am delurking to leave a bit of advice...When deciding whether to wash reds on their own or mixed in, it is always safer to wash them seperately. I still need to remember this from time to time. While the girls in the family will tolerate pink, the guys - not so much!

punkin said...

Hi Soo,

I am delurking to wish you a Happy Blog Anniversary!

When pondering the wonderful words of wisdom I would like to share with my bit of advice, the only thing I can think of is.... Be careful about taking advice from strangers. I am sure I will think of something profound later when it is too late (squeezing head - trying to make brain think).

Merryheart said...

Advice from my mom: "It's no use shutting the barn door after the cow's out"

We didn't even live in the country!

Happy anniversary!

Merryheart

Anonymous said...

Always envious of your talent.

All things can be achieved it just takes one step at a time.

Happy blog anniversary!

Tally Knits said...

Such beautiful knitting and lovely prizes!

Always follow your gut (heart, etc.). Even though others may try to tell you what's best (with the best of intentions), it's ultimately YOU and only you can know what you need, want, etc.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I'm not the same person as the other Ingrid - I'm from Hong Kong.

My advice is to knit socks with circular needles while travelling. I haven't had them confiscated yet!

Penny said...

I'm not sure if I've commented, although I have been reading for a while.

My advice is that when life presents you with difficult choices, try to avoid the ones you know you'll regret later.

kathryn said...

Count your blessings.

Viknits said...

Hey Soo, you've given me good advice so I'm giving you mine which is a quote that stayed with me, it's short and simple:

"Don't count your thunder storms, count your rainbows"

:)

Anonymous said...

Soo, How many times do you say the 'K' word? Thanks for happy blogging. Linda

Holly said...

Congratulations on your anniversary, Soo! I've thoroughly enjoyed keeping up with you and your stunning knitting. I don't really feel worthy of giving someone of your skill level advice, but I think I might have one thought - have you ever considered trying your hand at designing? Your work is so lovely, and your creativity so inspiring. I expect you'd have some terrific designs!

Anonymous said...

I'm a recent lurker...I just love looking at your beautiful creations!

My advice to you is the same as my dear grandmother used to give me: always wear clean underwear...you never know when you have to go to the hospital!!!

Beverly said...

I don't know if I've posted a comment on your blog before or not! Hopefully, you will be able to tell. Well...if you like audiobooks, you'd might enjoy the Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters. They are about a family of Egyptologists that always stumble on murders. The reader is amazing!

Anonymous said...

he who laughs last, didn't get the joke

Mouse said...

Happy blog anniversary :) Your work is always so beautiful. My advice to you is keep doing what you are doing because it's wonderul, you don't need to change anything. Knit for yourself, take time for yourself and be happy. x

mimiasovitch said...

Hi Soo, and congratulations. I'm a regular reader and occasional commenter. I have 2 pieces of advice. The first is extremely heartfelt - never EVER accept a jar of nutella, not even "for the children", as there is no way that the spoon will avoid dipping in every time you go into the kitchen, and before you know it the whole lot will be gone and you'll be left and bit fatter and feeling sick.

The second was something my mother in law once said to my sister in law, and has caused no end of merriment in our family: always warm your plates or you won't keep a man. Got to love that! x x

florapie said...

I have no business giving knitting advice to someone who actually finishes a project that's been 18 years in the making! Congratulations on the blog-iversary and thanks for sharing your inspirational projects with all of us. And if you must have advice, this one's good for everyone, in every situation: DON'T PANIC

Betriska said...

Hmmm? Well, here goes. One of my favorite books - that has Patterns - is "Knitting in Plain English". It's got some GREAT techniques and Maggie is quite entertaining in the process! One of my Favorites in the Book? The Dumb Baby Sweater that matches the Stupid Baby Bonnet!

A piece of advice - keep your BEDROOM your sanctuary! It's not a closet or a media room. It's the first place you see in the morning and the last at night - so make is lovely, organized, and PEACEFUL!

Sweet Dreams .... Betriska!

Two Wednesdays said...

hello Soo

My advice is "Never run with scissors"

(Not that I have, but I'm sure somebody has sometime, with expected results...)

I love your knitting - in fact if I could either be a combination of you and the caked crusader (or better still live next door to you both) I would be in Nirvana - knitting and cake - what more could a girl want?

Not sure which category I come in - don't think I've left a comment before but I have been lurking a while!

Two Wednesdays said...

hello Soo

My advice is "Never run with scissors"

(Not that I have, but I'm sure somebody has sometime, with expected results...)

I love your knitting - in fact if I could either be a combionation of you and the caked crusader (or better still live next door to you both) I would be in Nirvana - knitting and cake - what more could a girl want?

Not sure which category I come in - don't think I've left a comment before but I have been lurking a while!

Bearium said...

wow, so much advice, I'm not sure how much I can actually add ;)

How about, never let small boys choose the colours you have knit them as they'll probably refuse to wear it anyway!co.uk

Katie O said...

Wow, your shawls and scarves are beautiful... i queued a few of them on Ravelry!! :)

Advice: Never leave an angry conversation/argument go for too long... you don't want to regret the conversation later. From personal experience... Keep on knitting!

Felicia said...

My first thought was "advise??" She must be out of her mind - look at Soo's knitting and look at mine..and then see who should get the advise.

But then I read Cat Lady's comment. (It's the only one I've read so far.) You need to make the up to date address book on paper. I had my son's new address text msg'd to me - and didn't have it written down anywhere else. Along with phone numbers on speed dial, etc.

The phone met with a fate worse than death and no information was able to be retrieved from said dead phone. Have a paper copy somewhere.

Aunt Marti said...

Oh! I guess I must be a lurker! I heard about your blog on the podcast, and immediately went to find you. So not only am I a lurker, I am a newbie lurker! Love the blog, happy anniversary.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the Luna Moth Shawl. It was a blast to make! PS, I am not a regular, possibly a lurker, but i'm not sure I like that name. ;)

Anonymous said...

For contests #1 (all) and #2 (lurkers): My advice is to always follow your instincts, one's first impressions are powerful and should not be ignored. This applies to relationships, knitting, and even what to order in a restaurant!
~Michelle in North Carolina (USA)

Heddy said...

I am a lurker, coming out of the woodwork ... advice? hmmm ... how about "lather, rinse, repeat".? works for me, and I guarantee, you will have shiny manageable hair.