Sunday, August 30, 2009

Once Was Enough


I've done a lot of things in my life that I have no desire to repeat. For instance, I will never dye my hair red and get a perm at the same time again. Walking out of the salon looking like Bozo the Clown was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I feel much the same about my knitting. If I've made something that's all consuming, I'm unlikely to repeat myself. I felt this way about Clapotis, though I know a few people who've knit that pattern several times. Part of why I don't repeat myself is that there are only so many knitting hours alloted in life to a knitter. Why not try a lot of patterns instead of focusing on just one or two? Socks, washcloths, mittens and hats don't count since they don't consume a lot of my inner soul while knitting

I got a call from the staff at the Michigan State Fairgrounds today. Apparently, somebody wants to buy my shawl. Or, if it's not for sale, he wants me to make one for him. To be honest, I am in a state of shock completely flattered, but if I never follow that pattern again, that's OK with me. I had to tell the staffer that Ruby is already promised and that no, I won't knit another. Not being completely heartless, I gave her the information on how the gentleman can bid on this item in October, and I gave him a contact number for the woman in charge of the benefit. This way, he has the same chance as anyone else. Perhaps he can make an outright offer for the shawl that the organization will accept and she'll never go to auction. Either way, it's a win-win for Ruby.

For me, although I'm certain to knit more shawls, there will be only one Ruby coming from my needles.

19 comments:

Gail said...

Wonderful! Who knows how much money your shawl will bring.

Rositta said...

I don't blame you Rudee, I've looked at that pattern a number of times (I have the book) but don't have the fortitude to knit it. Maybe the gentleman will get it who knows, either way it's going for a good cause...ciao

Stephanie V said...

I totally agree about not repeating a pattern. I feel the same way about my rugs. No matter how flattered I am that someone wants to buy a copy, I can't bring myself to do it all over again.
Ruby isn't entirely lost to him anyway. If he wants it bad enough that should be a great benefit to the cause. Still, it's icing on the blue ribbon cake, isn't it?

Anonymous said...

I've repeat-knit a couple of scarves and ended up regretting it, due to boredom. However, I've made two pairs of Thuja socks and will probably make more--I like the pattern and it's great tv-watching knitting.

Great idea on the Ruby!

Darci said...

Would he have taken a different type of shawl knit by your nimble fingers?

clairedulalune said...

How fantastic about Ruby! Winner indeed! I was just thinking about when I draw, that I could never do the same picture, so i totally agree with you Rudee!

Anonymous said...

I know what you are feeling. When I used to crochet all the time, and I am every sitting moment time, I would never do a big item more than once. Small things like dishrags etc. when traveling but now that I am trying to learn to paint. I cannot paint the same picture twice.
I like the idea of naming a big project like that.
QMM

Catherine said...

Well done you could make a fortune from your knitting! I clicked on Ruby to see the design in closeup and it is beautiful. When I was a kid my mother knitted Aran jumpers for a designer and was paid a pittance while he went on to become a millionaire on the back of all his home knitters. Those days are no more now people won't be exploited like that. But it shows how little value was put on home knitting. Also there are a number of iconic knitwear designers in Ireland, Lainey Keogh is probably the most well-known and she is up there in the celeb stakes. Her work would compare with ruby - ethereal floaty things. So don't write off doing more of them! But it is hard work I guess. Nurses don't have that much spare time-I should know!
Catherine

Renie Burghardt said...

It is wonderful that someone wanted to buy Ruby, or asked if you could knit another one. I do hope they make a good amount at the bidding. You are so talented, Rudee!

Ruth said...

Hope it makes a lot of money for the good cause it is so beautifull

Kathleen said...

So, so, so cool about Ruby, the winner!

I can't believe I was out of town and missed the fireworks.

(You died your hair red and permed it? Were you going through a rough patch? LOVE the photo! ;^)

Jane said...

Nice to know your work was appreciated so much. Not sure I could knit something like that twice, but lovely to have been asked

Rose said...

I tried to leave a congratulations for you but was out of town without my password info!! Many, many kudos to you; I can't imagine winning a blue ribbon. I love that you had a goal and went for it. Winning was just icing on the cake but still I'm so glad you did!

NCmountainwoman said...

I did not enjoy clapotis either. All this hype about "and you get to deliberately drop stitches" really did nothing for me. All I could think of was, "do you know how many times I knitted that stitch?" Otherwise, I found the pattern a bit boring although I have made several of them. The only pattern I enjoy knitting again and again is the entrelac. So different every time.

I'm in the process of knitting a "Swirl Shawl" with repeated medallions all done on double points. It will definitely be "one of a kind."

sandy said...

Wow, that is so cool and definitely an "honor" having someone want it that bad.

Brenda said...

That was a good suggestion, to have him bid on it. What an honor to have someone want a duplicate though.

MRS MJW said...

funny

Anonymous said...

Any chance you have any pictures of that hair-do in question? Hubba Bubba!

laurie said...

that's pretty damn flattering, rudee.