I’m going to risk beginning with the words ‘Happy new year’, on the off-chance that I finish drafting this post before it’s time to crack open the Easter eggs, AND on the off-chance that this new year does in fact turn out to be in any way happy. After the horrors of 2021 and 2020 (and 2016, for those of us Brits who treasure our European neighbours), I hope that your 2022 will be at the very least Not Overtly Dreadful. Right now, a merely non-abysmal year would feel like a great big win. Here’s hoping.
Oh dear, I’m re-re-re-re-editing this post on 11/1, so we’re getting perilously close to being outside of new-year territory. Here’s some knitting that occurred during a power-cut today, since it wasn’t as though I could do Big Important Internet Worky Thingummies without any wifi or power to the kettle:-
For the record, my own new year began with rehearsing a musical play conceived/written/directed/everythinged by one half of the twinnage (aged eleven). Apparently, I’m to take the starring role as a mad scientist: IT’S A COMPLETE MYSTERY WHY THIS PART WAS ALLOCATED TO ME. I’m to sing a song – composed by my son – about stealing people’s memories, whilst laughing maniacally between verses. It’s a fun opportunity to ham things up, but goodness my son is a tough director – Hollywood must be a picnic in comparison. (The twinnage once had the chance to be in a real-life big Tim Burton film, shot at Pinewood Studios, but they noped out on the first day of filming, despite the superior nature of the pastries available in the pre-filming breakfast tent. Have I ever told you this story? Do you even want to hear this story? Sometimes I worry that I’m recanting my repertoire of anecdotes faster than I’m acquiring new ones. That’s probably a sign that I should get out there and engage in more shenanigans.)
Let’s get back to the yarn. The book content is progressing, because I am on it. I’ve designed most of the patterns, which took just a teeny weeny bit longer than eternity. And I’ve written most of the text: this was the easiest bit, because the tone is conversational so I merely had to open a little flap in my skull and wobble my head a bit to empty my brain’s stranded-knitting-related contents on to the page. That was a lot of contents – no wonder there’s no space left in my memory for where I left my car keys or what my husband’s name is. (You think I refer to him as the ‘Stoic Spouse’ to maintain his privacy? Nah, it’s one of those situations where someone tells you their name the very first time you meet, and you immediately forget it because you’re concentrating so hard on trying to appear like a respectable human being, and then time goes by and it gets beyond the point where you can reasonably ask them again without it being AWKWARD… and after 14 years of marriage and two children and some earnest conversations about whether or not to repaint the shed this year, I’d say that we’re well past that point. Would anybody like to hazard a guess as to my husband’s name? Hieronymus? Agamemnon? Quentin? Bob?)
Anyway, returning to the book, I’m now knitting a gazillion swatches to be photographed as illustrations of what to do vs. what not to do. It’s amazing how, when you’re trying to do things wrong, stitches tumble off the needles looking perfect. It’s almost as though the yarn has a sense of humour, because I can promise you that the knitting doesn’t always emerge so well when I’m trying to do my best. I probably shouldn’t show you any of these swatches, so here at least is the reverse side of a couple of them:-
It’s been a lot of fun writing this book, because I get to chatter about yarn, and colour theory, and nature, and the maths of working in at least nine dimensions with multiple colours, and all sorts of cool stuff, and – so far, before the reviews are in – nobody has said WILL YOU STOP GOING ON AND ON ABOUT YARN ALREADY YOU IRRITATING WOMAN, as would doubtless happen in real life. Also I get to design elaborate things using pretty wool. (Top tip: if your vibe is monochrome minimalist simplicity, you probably shouldn’t buy this book. No disrespect, but you and I just aren’t on a compatible aesthetic wavelength.)
But best of all is the chance to evangelize about the fabulous possibilities of stranded colourwork, and how you too can most definitely design and make your own creations. At the outset, I think the publishers just wanted a book of patterns, but I argued fiercely that patterns were fine and dandy and I’m happy to provide them, but also I want to spread the word about HOW AWESOME STRANDED KNITTING IS, AND HOW EVERYONE SHOULD FEEL CONFIDENT TO DESIGN THEIR OWN MOTIFS. And eventually, there came a point where my editor was weary enough to accept that this was the direction that the book would take. (There are lots of patterns in it too, I promise.)
In addition to the book, I’ve got a design commission from a European yarn company for a Fair Isle cardigan and a dress, which is beginning to cause some serious busy-ness in my week. The first stage of designing garments involves sketches and themes and plans for overall structure. Then comes the knitting of ginormous swatches because I really need to be sure of my gauge before calculating how much yarn is needed for the patterns. Then I’ll begin to sketch actual motifs. Then – some time this month – I need to submit detailed plans with numbers to the company.
I’m enjoying the process of designing from scratch, and the maths of converting ideas into actual knittable patterns. But it’s very difficult being a knitting blogger when you can’t really show any of your current knitting! Please, bear with me. One day soonish, I will be able to reveal absolutely everything. That day will be a happy day.
It’s okay, we believe you. And if you not show it to us in the end I personally will come by to ask Stoics Spouse name, just to tattletale you in XP
🤣 is all that I can possibly say to this, my friend.
Your reference to Easter made me laugh like a drain. I metaphorically threw up my hands in horror at the sight of hot cross buns in the supermarket in the first week on January!
It’s a thing though, isn’t it? Easter stuff in January? *sigh*
Yep. I was in the supermarket on New Year’s day and there they were: hot cross buns. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
No!
Nothing as witty as your writing, just my very best wishes for a very HAPPY 2022 indeed, and best of luck with all your projects. Enjoyed your garden pictures – it’s -25C here today with wind chill, and not a sign of dinner in sight in my garden! Monika, Kingston, Canada
I can’t help envying the proper seasons that you have there in Canada. Meanwhile, happy new year!
I, for one, have not ventured into stranded knitting – although I had planned to do so (took classes to learn ‘continental’ knitting so I could attempt Fair Isle with two hands, etc). Sigh. Looking forward to your book – by the time it comes out, maybe my bravery quotient will have risen?
🙂 linda
Your bravery quotient should be up there right now! Honestly, it’s not difficult…
Having been in the name-problem situation before, I thought it was very funny, so I read it out to my spouse. And when I was half-way finished, he said “Steal his wallet! That’s the obvious way to find out his name. Steal his wallet!”
So I offer that to you as a solution, albeit temporary, because who knows how long the name will stick, when there is so much pretty yarn to fill the space. I will have to steal my spouse’s wallet, again…
HA HA HA HA HA! You’re right, this is the way forward. Off to engage in a little light theft right now…
Happy New Year! I’ll actually get to say that to your face properly soon and not just when I’m lobbing belated Christmas gifts through your door.
I am exceptionally excited for this new book! And you will be pleased to know I have cleared my calendar for your debut performance. I’ve got my popcorn ready!
Nooooo! You’re busy on the day of the performance, remember?
Sorry? What was that? This line is terrible. 3 pm you say?
I SAID YOU’RE VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY BUSY AND CAN’T POSSIBLY ATTEND!
How incredibly exciting for you. I’m so happy not only you, but your family as well, as these opportunities, continue to come your way. And, you’re the perfect Mom, allowing your sons to express themselves, especially in the arts: this is what got me through my teen years, at a time when so many turned to drugs. Hey, ho, and onto great fiber arts! Back month past, I was stoked by your work with ivy, so took and walk around our house to the nice, huge ivy patch we have, only to realize the gardeners had “pruned” it down – no leaves! I’m looking forward to spring…as the yarn I had purchased has been sitting and sitting…
Thank you from the bottom of my wonky old heart for every word of this. I’m a rubbish parent in most ways, but I most certainly never try and stifle my sons’ creativity. I’m glad that such endeavors got you through your teens. (And the hugest thank you for your kindness on my ivy-related stuff.) px
“Much busy, very plenty-of-swatches-in-a-file.”
That is, sans aucun doute, my most favourite caption of all times !!
My guess is Christopher.
Stranded knitting is only for the intellectually active, in spite of your being able to do it while wandering about and looking at things growing.
I shall, however, indulge myself and buy your book when it comes out, so that I can show it to people and tell them I know you. [grin]
And love you, Phil – as we all do !
Stop it! You’re – as ever – so much too generous in your opinion of me!
I’ll have a word with Husbandface regarding whether his name is in fact Christopher…
Stranded knitting is the Most Fun Ever. (And I’m honoured to know you.)
Hi, I’m in the US and your post brings me joy to read while we have so much crazy going on. I’m older so I’ve been in the house for 2 years (knitting away) but getting close to screaming. I think a walk is in order. Your children sound as creative as their mother. Look forward to your book and patterns.
Thank you for every word of this. The crazy is very crazy. I hope that you can take your walk. And yes, for all their peskiness, my dear boys are both creative in their own ways – and I celebrate that fact.
I just say have a Happy and that covers whatever the listener wants, so have a very Happy. If your book is available here across the Pond I will add it to my must haves. Will it go on the coffee table? Not if Max, the Wonder Hound has anything to say about it as I have promised never to insult him by making him outerwear. Heironymus is actually the given name of the lead character in a series of books I read and an Amazon series! After 45 years I call my hubby Honey, my kids all each other’s names and the grands Thing 1, 2 and 3. You knitted in the Rainforest??? You crazy woman! Don’t people point and laugh, then walk in the other direction? The Twinage must be a very talented bunch. Oh, why did I imagine they could be anything else? Best wishes on your very sane and simple Happy. I can’t wait for the next chapter of your 2022 Saga.
Teresa I’m laughing (kindly) at every word of this! Thank you. May you too have a Happy! Even an Exceptionally Happy!
Also, Hieronymus is an awesome name.
Also also, your familial naming system is wise.
Also also also, I’ve no idea whether anyone laughed at my rainforest knitting, but I don’t care! It’s not hurting anyone.
I might be a tad biased, but my otherwise-pesky sons are indeed both creative souls. Not complaining about that at all.
Can’t wait to get my hands on your book! I’m an avid stranded knitter and always enjoy seeing what other people design. Especially that skirt, I hope it’s still in there. Yes, a Very Happy Anything and Everything to you!
The skirt is most definitely in there. Thank you for remembering.
I so enjoy your blogs and posts, Phil. Definitely looking forward to the publication of your book – “monochrome minimalist simplicity” is most definitely not my thing so it sounds like being right up my many multiple balls of multi-coloured yarn!! Wishing you a happy and less-mediocre-and-more-normal-than-you-anticipate year in 2022!
Fist-bumps to a fellow non-minimalist! And wishing you a not-too-terrible 2022.
Love to hear the twinnage stories
Yeah, but you should try living with the obstreperous blighters! (I love them really, and thank you for your comment.)
Ohhh…cannot wait for your book to be available. I assume I’ll be able to get it here in the U.S.? And yes, I would love to hear the twinnage story!
Yup, it’s to be published by Dover, which is a US company. Guess I’d better get on with writing it, then…
I am very much looking forward to seeing your book in print. I know it’s going to be awesome! Happy New Year to you and your family.
And the happiest of new years to you, too, oh long-term reader. Your presence here is deeply appreciated.
Hugs!
happy new year to you Phil!
wonderful to read your words and see your pics again … i always soak them up.
best regards always,
daisy
And thank you for being 103% kinder than I deserve. Very best regards to you, too, and I hope that you’re 2022 is unexpectedly fabulous.
Thanks for posting this. I have had a difficult time lately and your post is one of the few things that make me smile. Best of luck with all your projects!!
Oh gosh, I know you’re a very long-term reader/commenter and I’m so sorry to hear that life is tough. Please may better fortune smile down upon you VERY soon, because that’s what you deserve.
Happy New Year yep I’m going for it. As always when reading your blog I realise I’m smiling…. book will be a defo to buy for no other reason than it’ll make me smile and give me something to aim for with your fab patterns. Stoic Spouse – Jack. Happy New Year to you and yours … blimey tempting fate here twice in one paragraph
Smiling at every word of this. Thank you! May 2022 be a marvelous year for you.
Best way to start my morning! Reading your blog post.
happy New year Phil!!
Your book will be ,I m sure ,a masterpiece.. something to cherish for us all and I m thinking you could make a marvellous patchwork blanket with all those samples once they are been photographed , I can’t wait to see them all in person once we ,hopefully,catch up again!
Last but not least … I really want to see you perform as the mad scientist! And … regarding the husband’s names… well the list of possible appellations after 30 years has become for me let’s say, rather colourful.. so something for you to look forward hahaha
Lucia XX
Lucia, I’m reading your lovely comment as though in your fabulous Italian-Scots accent, and THANK YOU for such kind words. I really really really really hope that we can meet at the mill again soon. (NOT promising any mad scientist performances, thank you.) In the meantime, if you’ve ever even vaguely near Oxfordshire, PLEASE come and stay with us and share wine and food, though probably not this week because we’re a bit too covidy.
Happy New Year! Please, please check your mail. Letters addressed to your spouse will reveal his name!
Good point. And happy new year to you, too.
Fractal Cauliflower! Family favourite here! Mine never germinated and I only manage to grow slugs when I plant brassicas – so, sticking to the soft fruit for us & beer traps for the slugs from now on…
Hope you enjoy the commission fair isle work – and swatch on…
and although I recall my spouse’s name (and he answers to most – including Oy Hugh!) I have been known to call my son by the name of a friends child – after all, they are only different by 15 years and ~10 stone in weight -so really very similar, possibly?
Yeah, re the naming confusion. It’s tough, applying labels to close family members. (And yeah, fractal caulis are awesome. May yours grow wonderfully this year.)
Monochrome minimalist simplicity? NEVER. 😁
Can’t wait to see The Book (no pressure intended, of course!).
Phew, you and I are on a wavelength!
(I can’t wait to see the book either. Pity I haven’t finished writing the blighter…)
Hi Phil – Happy New Year. I love reading your blog and am looking forward to your new book. I am a professional book indexer and would love to index the book for you. As a lifelong avid knitter I can make sure that your readers can easily find what they are looking for. Do get in touch.
That sounds fabulous! (But I should maybe finish WRITING the book before I consider indexing…)
I do enjoy your blog…..Happy New Year to you.
And I do enjoy these kind words. Thank you! Happy new(ish) year!
Happy New Year Phil, 2022 surely has to be better xx
And the very same to you, too.
You had me at your comment about 2016! it’s not the only thing we have in common but it’s an important one. Just found your website/blog . Happy New Year to you and all of us.
Thank you. Seriously. Here’s to those of us who aren’t xenophobic right-wingers. Here’s hoping that we can one day rejoin. And a happy new(ish) year to you, too.
What??? “Stoic Spouse” isn’t his birth name??? Next you’ll be telling me that “Twinnage” isn’t their name, either. 2022 has now started with an upheaval in my world. Pray that I can recover from this….
Don’t worry, ‘twinnage’ is indeed their official name, because it’s not as though I can tell the pesky blighters apart. And ‘Stoic Spouse’ MIGHT be my husband’s real name, but who knows because I just can’t remember….
I’m a recent convert to stranded knitting and now almost everything I knit is colour work. I’m not as neat as I’d like to be and I don’t always manage that ‘make sure the working yarn is above the carrying yarn’ thing at the back, but the front always fills me with delight. I can’t wait for your book. Can I make a plea? Do include coloured charts – it’s so much easier for people like me to follow than all those black and white symbols. I’m just about to start a totally beautiful colour work jumper from someone nameless and the instructions are on a tiny black and white chart which includes the sleeves in multiple sizes in crazy outlines of red. I feel defeated before I even start! Anyway, enough. I love your blog. Happy, happy new year.
Thank you. Thank you, for every word of this. I’ll endeavor to use coloured charts if my editor allows. Also, welcome to your new addiction! Stranded work is awesome.
I think your hopes for this year are reasonable and I’m totally on board! Also, I’m guessing that your husband’s name is Bob, if only because I have a husband named Bob. He’s really great and supportive of my knitting and I’m guessing yours is too. Excited to see all of your hard work in the future! Best of luck from Wendy in Iowa!
Hmm, ‘Bob’ kinda suits him but I’m not sure that’s the answer. (I’m glad your Bob is yarnily supportive because mine is CLUELESS!)
My daughter reported finding Cadburys mini eggs already…a huge part of their American childhood…I told her she could not buy them until Valentines day was over.(she is 30)
I am summoning up the nerve to design my own color work using a sweater pattern I know fits well…but first I have to make some Llamas…for a quilt…not knitting…
Nooooo, we can’t consider valentine’s shenanigans yet, surely?! Meawhile, PLEASE design your own colourwork, because to do so is the best possible use of brain-space,