It seems like a million years ago, but I once thought that I was going to go into biological research. I got a BA in biology, worked on a prairie restoration project, was a student worker in the biology department, and did other science-y things. Instead of going on to grad school for biology, I freaked out my parents and went into a program that turns scientists into filmmakers. A few weird turns later, and I’m working for Knit Picks!
All of this is just me trying to explain why I wanted a test tube rack for my needle tips – I am a huge, unrepentant nerd.

I used a company out of New Zealand, Ponoko, to make a prototype of what I wanted. It’s a pretty slick service – you draw up your plans, put them into a …

We did a quick video of Angela, Nina, and Brett trying out the new Zephyr needles (with a brief cameo by Melissa). They’re all such good sports!
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See, here I am helping Kate at work.

We were setting up the new sock KAL . It’s really fun, you can get free patterns and show off the socks you’ve knit. And there are lots of knitters who’ve made many, many pairs of socks in the KAL, so if you run into trouble, there’s probably someone who can help. I don’t wear socks, but if I did, I’d join.
I’m also helping Mom with a special project she’s working on for Knitters for Knockers PDX. See all that pink yarn? She obviously needed my expert opinion to help her narrow it down to just one or two favorites.

It would be even harder to pick just one now that we introduced all the new fall colors! Did you see all the new colors in Palette? There are 7 new pinks!! …

I am ridiculously excited about our announcement of the Zephyr needles. This time last year I was traveling in Ireland happily knitting on my Aran Cardigan using the first samples. The light weight, sharp points and slight flexibility made working the cables an absolute joy! The hard part was taking care not to show the “sample” needle tips in my photos.
I’ve been using the “second draft” samples for my Moderne Baby Blanket knitting.
Finally, we have been able to share them with you. I know we have had many orders but I don’t think any needles have actually arrived at their new homes. Once you receive your Zephyr needles, could you do me a favor? Add a comment to this post and let me know your first impressions. That would help ease my anxiety quite a bit. 🙂
Thanks! …

Seriously, I have great hopes for Classic Lines Cardigan Tuesdays but there are going to be legitimate distractions that cannot be ignored. Sock Summit begins on Thursday and I am so excited! I also need to finish prepping for my classes. I don’t actually have homework but I do need to gather up my supplies.
Here is my schedule for Sock Summit
Wednesday Afternoon
Drop by the Convention Center and pick up my Registration Packet
Thursday
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm — Hizsocks Class
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm — Student Only Marketplace
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm — Opening Reception
Friday
9:00 am – 2:00 pm — Wander Marketplace
2:00 pm – 6:30 — Restorative Nap at home
7:00 pm – 11:00 — Sock Hop Party in Portland
Saturday
9:00 am – 4:30 pm — Bavarian Stockings class
Sunday
9:00 am – 1:30 pm — Marketplace Wandering
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm — Luminary Panel

Whew!!! I’ll be on a high for weeks!! …

Last week, OPB gave me a call to ask if Knit Picks would be willing to participate in a live conversation on the radio about the knitting industry, and Bob was more than happy to comply.
The show aired this morning, and our whole staff camped out in the conference room to hear what Bob had to say. Cat Bordhi and Jo Hartman, the owner of a local Portland yarn shop- the Yarn Garden, were also guests on the show. Bob did a great job (of course!).
You can download an MP3 of the show and take part in a discussion about the current state of the knitting industry here on OPB’s site– http://www.opb.org/thinkoutloud/shows/joy-knitting/. <

I snuck out of the office for a couple of hours this morning to go check out the Sock Summit marketplace with Alison and Kate. It was very educational. At the sock museum I learned the difference between a gusset and a short row heel. This is a gusset.

Who knew!?
I also touched A LOT of yarn. It was kind of like a petting zoo without any animals. I petted llama, baby camel, bison, yak, buffalo, angora bunny, mohair and cashmere goats, silk (and silk cocoons!), and a bunch of different kinds of sheep fiber. I thought the bison was especially pretty. I learned I like the long color repeats and transitions in Malabrigo and Mini Mochi. And I was especially attracted to blue yarn today. I saw the Yarn Harlot in person, but I didn’t kinnear her.
We also ran into Stephanie Bryant from Handknit …

I am in a swoon from my exhausting weekend at Sock Summit. Well, with the exception of my fingers which are twitching in anticipation of all the incredible socks I will be knitting. I’ ve taken down all my Barbara Walker and Nancy Bush books as resources for my new sock plans.
Yes, I did take photos and I have a lot to say but I’m going to combine my photos and this week’s blogpost. That’s going to take a couple of days. Rest today, work tomorrow and share on Wednesday.
Let me just say that Sock Summit was absolutely fantastic!! <