If it Weren't for the Knitting

Overheard at the local Chili's Restaurant:

Lady says to waiter: "Is your fish farmed or caught in the wild?"

Waiter: "I'll have to check on that for you."

Three seconds later.

Waiter: "We think it's farmed."

Lady: "In that case, I'll have the sirloin chili."

Anyway. Just another weekend over here. I put some ribs in the slow cooker for my husband and his friends. His best friend from boarding school is here for a concert (he's a musician) and he comes to visit with his band-partner about twice a year. I can always count on a big party, one that I wasn't ready for, when they arrive, so I thought I'd lift my pork ban and just go along with it. Thing is, I have the fastest slow cooker known to man. I put five pounds of ribs in at 10:30 this morning and now it's just after two and the meat is falling off the bone. Sheesh. You spend 26 bucks on pork, your slow cooker shorts out, and next thing you know, you have pig-flavored jam.

But this isn't about the pork (anymore, at least). This is about knitting, as always. Because, and let's face it, if it weren't for the knitting . . . if it weren't for the knitting. Well, if it weren't for the knitting is all I have to say.

Now that I'm on the home stretch of the design-part of the book, I'm ready to burst with ideas for more patterns. I must be some sort of glutton for punishment, because now that they're done, my life feels oddly empty.

And something else: I've been seeing discussions here and there about bloggers who "just decide to write books." I wonder why bloggers are looked at differently than generic-others who write books. Many of the others who "decide" to write books happen to be people without blogs. So, what's the big deal? Don't you think that it is irrelevant whether or not one has a blog? What's the big difference? I guess it's hard for me to understand, because I happen to be someone who is writing a book and who happens to have a blog, but I didn't just "decide" to write it. I was offered a deal, and I took it.

Would it be different if a columnist for a newspaper "decided" to write a book?

I don't know. Maybe it's just that this world, even though it has become so big, it has gotten smaller, too. Maybe the windows we open up for the world to peak into give license to discrimination and criticism. I guess that's okay. I guess I understand.

Anyway. I have three skeins of Koigu. It's in a peachy-buttery-brown-y colorway (P620) and I'm in love. I bought three skeins because three skeins will give me more options than socks. But now that I only have three, I am wondering what the heck I could knit.

I suppose I could just keep it there in the skein, as is. As is, is something I could totally go for when it comes to Koigu. To me, Koigu is like an art piece, one that you don't have to dust or rub with mineral oil.

Comments

[Katherine]

My grandaughter had a blog when she was in high school. She now has a degree in journalism and is planning to write a book, and she has been asked, "What makes you think you can write a book just because you have a degree in journalism?" You, Wendy, blog, knit beautifully, and design magnificantly. Who better to write a knitting book?

I say those who can, do. Those who can't just beef about it--or maybe that's "pork jam" about it!

[Gina]

I have two hanks of that same colorway of Koigu KPPM, and it is bewitching!

[jillian]

Criticism, yes. Discrimination, no! As to those who have negative thoughts about bloggers writing a knitting book, honestly I have to wonder if they are just jealous. I am sure you weren't ASKED to write a book just because of your great writing, but because you've shown yourself to be a great designer too. What difference does it make if we "know" someone via their blog first or not. If anything, I love having a book by someone I've met or talked to online in the knitting community, that it feels very personal. Go on with your bad self!

[Lynae]

Personally, I think the blog world gives publishers a better way to find great writers and designers.

I guess I don't purchase my books based on whether or not a person has a blog, but rather, that I like the writing and the patterns!

[christine]

i wonder if a "proper author" (whatever that means) could write an entertaining and informative blog. dont let the man get you down :)

[Lynn]

I truly believe that people who are that critical are so jealous and insecure they need to find fault with others. Why cant they just be happy for someone who is doing well?? If that person truly is a horrid person, they will eventually get bit in the butt.
Meanwhile, write down all those creative thoughts in your brain for your NEXT book!

[Kathleen]

I've been reading those types of comments a lot lately. Everyone is a critic! I can't wait to purchase your book, yours is the first knitting blog that I found and also got me back into knitting.

[Sarah]

In every writing class I've ever taken, I've been told "a writer is someone who enacts the verb -- to be a writer, you have to write!" So I think if someone demonstrates through their blog that they have a solid near-daily writing practice PLUS the ability to design...well, then who better to write a book? I think maybe if you are hearing comments like that, it's from people who don't realize that bloggers are being approached by publishers (for the above reasons.) Previously unpublished writers don't get book deals because they just "decide" to write a book!

[Smuddpie]

When a blogger that I regularly read gets a good deal, a book, or editorship at a mag, I am thrilled for them, and feel a vicarious thrill. You have a good readership because of your writing and designs. That's all good stuff. You got the book deal because of it. Congratulations! Everything else is just sour grapes.

Personally, I think if someone did decide they wanted to write a book, starting a blog is a great thing to do. Why not let people see your talent? It's totally ethical, above board, and a self-starting, proactive way to get what you really want in life. Go! Some people will always whine about not getting their chance to do their life's dream, while begrudging someone else who just went out and did it.

[Debbie Robson]

Hmmm, I just want to know more about this book....and when I can buy it :-)

I've just found you, and already have some of your designs "in queue" I can't wait! I love your stuff!

[Moe]

Three skeins of koigu - You could make a fair sized "diamond fantasy shawl" by Sivia Harding...

[Michelle]

Seems like people can't appreciate someone's talents when it's given freely, as through a blog, and then get bitter when those talents are offered through a larger-and-better-and-awesome albeit with-a-price medium. You have spoiled us I guess!

I am really looking forward to your book. I got No Sheep For You solely for your Tomato pattern and can't wait for a book that's your designs only!

[Melissa]

1. Writers write. Blogs, books, articles, poetry, ad copy - whatever. The rest of us only wish.

2. There are only two kinds of knitters in the world: those who buy as little as they believe they can get away with and those of us who tell our significant others that you can only buy a dozen skeins at a time. Oh, I lied. The third type buys what the pattern suggests and one extra.

knit/design/write on! We obviously love it!

[heidi]

Yes, if if it weren't for the knitting .... I would be far less sane (and would have to drink a lot more).

[Edna Hart]

Every artist has to know when to stop. I do the same thing when I am almost finished (and it takes a lot of struggle most of the time to get almost finished-knit design block) I start to get all of these new ideas..No mother want to see her child leave...and look at all of the support you are getting--good for you.

[Sonya]

People. Don't. Understand. It is a relatively new medium and of course there is an explosion - can you say dot com? Blogging has accelerated so many things - you get an audience so much faster, no need to rise up the catering ranks like Martha, no sir. Have blog, will travel. People are snarky and they really, really just don't understand.

[Sahara]

The chili's lady is SO ME! I insisted we buy the grass fed steaks for our bbq Sunday night... but what did I eat for lunch the next day? The mystery meat rolled tacos at the local taco shop. Its too hard to have hard and fast food philosophies! :) I buy organic apples and I drive through In and Out, I can't make up my mind!!!
Don't sweat the bloggers with books thing... the old school of any group always gripe when the fresh faces come and change things up.

[Anita]

Loking forward to seeing your book..

[Teresa]

Well..I assume it has a lot to do with the fact that when people read a blog, they feel somewhat connected to the person who's writing it. After a few years, the person has become so established that they venture off into books. It's like seeing the whole thing unfold and being there to be a part of it. It's like that when my brother started making it with his art. He's even designing characters for a video game. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I helped him get there. :D

Oh and don't worry, there will be more books. I'm sure you won't just stop at one. :)

[Debra]

Who better to write a book than a successful blogger? I love purchasing books by the bloggers I read. I know they're going to be worth the money.

[Emy]

I really wish there'll be lots of fitted designs and fit for summer patterns!

I am sure your book would be a hit!

[Carrie]

I don't read many blogs and I've never posted a comment before, but I just want to say how much I enjoy reading what you have to say. The first thing I do in the mornings is check to see what you have to say.

I have learned so much from reading this blog and your patterns. I cannot wait til the book comes out and am really just concerned about how fast I'll be able to obtain a copy because I live in the boonies!

[KnitPastis]

Way back when I first starting reading your blog, which by the way is the best,I knew like many others you should write a book.
I will put a bet that your book goes #1. Your blog is refreshing and just good ole fun. It reads like a novel in itself. I can't wait to get it.

[Becca]

My husband IS a columnist and he gets the exact opposite...every one thinks he only does journalism to bide his time until he gets a book deal. Which he wants no part of. Too much pressure, he says. Good for you for tackling it.

Either way don't worry about it...we're all eagerly waiting to read the book!

[Beth K]

So it a person with a blog writing a book like a knitter opening a yarn shop? Who cares if you have a blog and write a book?

I got that same colorway about a month ago. It is so yummy.