A Brief Interlude, Part 2: Knitters Are Kind

Well, folks, the dissertation outline and chapter are in, and in a week I will have to defend them. Thank you all for your patience and support during this long international nightmare.

Meanwhile, I seem to have gotten rather large (apparently 31 weeks of pregnancy will do that for you), and I am trying to return to real life, or whatever life this Oxford adventure is. Mr. Trask and I are preparing for the baby, which in Mr. Trask’s case involves sensible things like balancing our budget and his work calendar, and in my case involves…knitting. Of course. You all have already seen what I’ve made for the baby, but here’s something I didn’t expect: you people made things, too. And mailed them to England! Can you believe it?

Duck Socks from Zoë . So cute, and a free Knitty pattern.

The first package that arrived was from Zoë, who lives in Canada and did some test knitting for my book a while back. Apparently, Zoe has been cranking these duck socks out for lucky babies everywhere, and she’s ready to give you advice and support if you decide to make a pair. Pop on over to her blog and let her know that you, too, dream of ducky feet.

Package from Emily, who knows that knitters like to knit.

The next package was from Emily, who sent me a fibre space care package: Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sport and a project bag. Emily knows that knitters like to knit! I started a Baby Surprise Jacket with the yarn, then realized that the yarn just wants to be something else (does this happen to you guys?). As Emily herself pointed out, the colorway, Victorian Village, is similar to the color I used for my Tea Leaves Cardigan a couple of years ago. Tiny Tea Leaves would be an option, then, except that the gauge is wrong. So I’m thinking about a Garter Yoke Baby Cardi. Anyone else have ideas?

At this point, it’s starting to feel like you guys are throwing a virtual baby shower for me. It’s amazing! I get teary thinking about it. Seriously. [I also got teary watching Avengers Assemble a couple of weeks ago. I’m less embarrassed about baby-shower-by-mail tears than I am about superhero tears.]

The next package was from Becky, another sample knitter for the book who has become a friend. Becky was totally silent about this package – it just appeared out of the blue one day, with Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake Mix (an amazing treat) and this:

Amazing Blanket from Becky. When did she find the time?

Becky knit this blanket in her free time…and she has a kid to chase around the house. Super-duper impressive. Who else wants to be Becky when they grow up?

Anyway, knitters are amazing. Not only the three women who sent me fabulous yarny packages, but also all those who have sent me notes about their own pregnancies and their experiences as new mothers, and all of you who have posted comments on the blog, and…just…all of you. I am really overwhelmed and grateful. When I started this blog, I don’t think I realized anyone was going to actually read it. <sniff sniff>

Moving along so you don’t have to see a pregnant lady cry – I’ll be back to a better blog schedule next week. Be aware that Sunday is Mother’s Day in the US, so you’ll be reading another Jane Lawton post from me. Forewarned is forearmed.

Lastly, Jennifer R. won the handspun from Cardiff from the last giveaway. Congratulations, Jennifer! Stay tuned for a bit more yarn in the coming weeks. In the meantime, how about some advice on what to knit with my beautiful pink skein of yarn? I am nothing if not suggestible.