Laurie, I'm with you about the knitting pressure . . . only I put it on myself. Like the baby blanket that I'm trying to finish by the 15th of next month . . . I love knitting, until I have an actual goal.
Also . . . first?

aw, who wouldn't want to snuggle with The Roy!?

Oh Laurie! You are so groovy! Please, please take your blog to a book publisher. You'll clean up. I've been reading your archive - including the bit about being a blog stalker and I'm not - and this bit went straight to my heart;

Frankly, I just don't want to die.

Ever.

And ya'll, I don't want you to die either. Let's just live forever and piss people off.

This is my personal voices in your head OCD madness, the dying thing and your words just made me laugh and laugh. I feel so much better thanks for that.

I love it when the kitties sleep together, it's so sweet! So innocent. And then they invade your yarn stash and you wake up with yarn on the foot of your bed...

Being the non-competitive knitter, you best stay away from the Sock Wars of the internets!

I'm a non-competitive knitter too! I knit when the mood strikes, but it does make for long projects sometimes.

Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? I love award shows and they do offer a great time for knitting.

I have been working on a baby blanket for about 2 years now. I keep telling myself that I need to finish it, but it's so hard to feel like I'm progressing on it when it takes me half an hour to knit one row. I learned to knit by taking a knitting class, and my instructor said that she can read and knit at the same time. I still can't figure that out. You need two hands to knit, so how do you turn the pages?

Have you ever read "Zippy" by Haven Kimmel?

It's one of the sweetest and funniest childhood memoirs I've ever read. I think you'd be some stiff competition for her.

Love the kitty pics, I wish mine would snuggle instead of being all bitchy with each other.

Oh, and look out for those stamp collectors, they'll cut you.

You know, I am always amazed how your dark brown sofa never seems to have any cat hair on it (unattached to cats, that is) in your photos. Do you photoshop it out? Lint-roll constantly? Or do your cats not shed?

Knitting is my therapy, that is why I don't follow patterns, too much thinking. I want to create art while watching TV. Zone me out!

I am SO with you regarding the knitting mafia pressure. I love to sit and knit simple things, repetitive rows with maybe a decorative stitch or row thrown in for effect. If I get one more person suggesting I try "something a little more challenging", or telling me I'm ready to "move up" to a different type of project, I'm going to impale them with my needles. The wood ones. Possibly the size 15 set.

Madeleine -- I keep a matching dark brown sheet on the sofa and wash it like every other day. I also vacuum my sofa with the Dyson attachments. I am a little compulsive LOL.

I long to be the knitter of sweaters but some how all I seem to accomplish is socks. People don't usually ask me what I'm knitting... most turn all weird when they find out that I knit.

Last night my husband told me if I were a superhero I would be "Mind Knitter". According to him, all I would have to do this think knitting and it.would.be.done! I could save the world one sweater at a time!! He made me laugh.
you might say...I am knitting obsessed.

LOL Knitting Mafia LOL I hate to say that I am a relatively quick nitter. Lord I better be come next month cause for the next 6 months I'm doing a knit along. I agree that knitting is relaxing HA except when deadlines and the Mother of all, mistakes occur it's stressful.

I have been working on the same blanket since Labor Day weekend. I am not even half done. If I blogged about my knitting, it would be the most boring blog ever (not that it's that exciting now). And when would I have time to write about Guitar Hero?

First, I love the kitty pic. I miss my kitty. I want another. Sometimes two.

Second, I think they of the Knitting Mafia would call it felting (or fulling, if they're old school).

I feel the same way about crocheting and pressure. I go to a crochet group once a week, and one of the ladies (who has been crocheting for as long as I've been alive) will whip out project after project while I'm still on one little ol' scarf. It's easy to feel that way, I guess. But, like you, it's supposed to be a destressing time.

But, hey, we could be wicked intimdating with our sticks and hooks! LOL

I get that exact same look from Pan! Like he wishes I would put down the camera and Get A Life.

Of course, when he wants a lap, and I'm trying to do something that isn't conducive to lappiness, you should hear him!

Knitting Mafia ... Are you talkin' to me? Did you pull my yarn?

I totally hear you about the Knitting Mafia. The blogs I stalk have amazing projects being whipped out every week -- while the women lead full lives and cook 3-course organic meals for their children and have spotless homes and I'm still working on my Mom's WORSTED birthday socks fer cryin' out loud and her birthday was last month and my kids are wearing yesterday's pants.

*ahem*

Ah well, I do love splashing in the shallow end. I'll wave to the others swimming the English Channel -- they're actually really nice and wave back.

Oh, and love love love the colors in your scarf.

I get the same feelings, I'm not knitting diligent enough, I'm not doing anything clever and blog-worthy, I'm not even blogging enough. I have to remind myself, it's the PROCESS of knitting that engages and soothes me. On a good project I don't even want to finish it.

A matching sheet over the sofa...that's brilliant! I have daydreams about the Dyson all the time..one day it will be mine.

I think I could be compulsive with a Dyson. Covet...the...Dyson...

I just sent all of my friends and relatives a "photo essay" of Ganache and Entropy hounding Frank as he was trying to eat dinner last night. It was chicken and asparagus with butter, and he had two cats in his face, demanding "just a taste, to see if this is Good for Kitty."

What are the sock wars on the internet? Do tell!

I knit sweaters. I've made a scarf and a couple of afghans, but I like sweaters best, even if it takes me six months to knit one. Everyone keeps telling me I need to try the double-pointed needles and make a sock but they don't look like fun at all. I like sweaters - particularly fair isle ones in nice, soft wool.

Lisa, if you want to impale people properly, you really must rush out and buy Addi Turbos, size 7. Not 6, not 8, 7, so they are small enough to handle easily but big enough to leave a respectable hole.

Kidding! Really! No, you may not have my home address.

I'm pretty slow too, and Sweater Impaired, and intimidated by people who design sweaters and/or knit a pair of socks every week and/or write books. I hereby apologize for ever saying anything that might be construed as knitting pressure. (However, you *will* be assockilated. That's not pressure, just a law of nature.)

Shelly, I kind of don't want to finish my mismatched scarf, it's so fun!

Pyewacket: OMG funniest line EVER: "...and my kids are wearing yesterday's pants."

heheheheheheh

You should come visit my blog and see my babycats napping (Get Your CatNap On). I love when they are all piled together and separately when they cover their heads with paws.

Any hobby should be relaxing and enjoyable. That's what makes it a hobby. Also, they are meant to be done in your free time, not as an assignment or "TO DO". Again, this is what makes it a hobby, not a job.

I'm a "process" knitter and not a "project" knitter. I don't care when it will get done or that I don't know who it will eventually belong to. I like to knit scarves because they're fun and easy to transport.

Besides - I'd much rather see the kitty pictures than completed works of knitting art!

You should come visit my blog and see my babycats napping (Get Your CatNap On). I love when they are all piled together and separately when they cover their heads with paws.

Any hobby should be relaxing and enjoyable. That's what makes it a hobby. Also, they are meant to be done in your free time, not as an assignment or "TO DO". Again, this is what makes it a hobby, not a job.

Dear, wonderful Laurie!!

You really have a most wonderful way of phrasing things"...maybe take up something less cutthroat, like stamp collecting." You truly make me LOL!!

Question for you to answer at your leisure. I'm fascinated by the Soba! Does she love on the other cats, or you, like she loves on Roy? Is Roy one of her minions or her reason to rule? Just curious about the relationship there.

Thanks much, much love!

I'm a slow knitter too - hence the name of my website... and some of the "knitting mafia" keep sending me comments telling me to post more often than once a week. Gah. I mean, it's flattering that people want to read my blog, but an entry takes me a long time to write. And if I'm writing, I'm not knitting...

So, take your time missus. And stay warm. I'm just over the hill from you and it's 52 freaking degrees here.

Love the kitty cuteness!

And I'm all for joining the knitting mafia. My problem is knitting ADD. I've got stuff that's been on the needles for several months, because something else comes along and catches my fancy. Eventually I remember the older ones and work on them, only to be distracted by something new and pretty.

If you lived in Portland you could stay home and knit and watch Oprah with many cats on you. Why? Snow Day Baby !!! Two inches and it's still falling!!

Hey, I'm wearing yesterday's pants!

Unless you're from England and pants actually means *panties* whereas I put on a new pair this morning. FYI.

P.S. I knit slow too.

I started reading your blog because of the knitting content. I've stayed reading your blog because you are one damned fine writer. You've made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions.

You don't need to explain, or apologize. Just keep doing your thing girl.

OMG, they look like they're hugging. How cute! (And deceptive!)

That's right, Laurie, you kick back and relax over the knitting. Or the camera. Or a glass of wine.

*whipping out my siz8's from my side holsters* okie dokie here, what's going on...you mean we're NOT going to be reading about you scooping out the litter box? hmmm, I'll just have to see about THAT one little Missy!!!

*grin* sorry about the comment, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, I just "quized" about some of your knitting projects only because I thought maybe you didn't think anyone was interested in what your kitting, I am :) I still adore that hat, it is the cutest thing!!! I also am relatively slow at knitting (which is why I only pick easy and small things LOL) anyways, I just wanted to say I was sorry! *slipping my size 8's back into the pouch and tucking my soysilk into my shirt...hey,every now and again a girl needs SOME help ya know!* Tooldes!!

As someone who once stamp collected, I am deeply offended by your reference to stamp collectors as uncompetitive. Have you ever been to a stamp show? I doubt it. There are fistfights all the time over certain collectible stamps, especially when they are in mint condition.

Stamp collectors are very competitive. In fact, I challenge any KNITTER to an arm wrestling competition, anytime and anywhere! (wait, I change my mind -- all that knitting probably gives you very strong arms)

Oh, the knitting pressure. I'm more guilty of putting this on myself than anyone else. I haven't even moved up to dpns yet! But I'm working on a felted needle case that has to be HUGE before the felting process. And I'm actually enjoying the very simple stockinette over and over. Allows me to zone out. But I keep thinking "I must make socks! I must do cables! I must do fancy, complicated knitting things!"

And I totally don't get people that can knit without looking (there's a girl in my knitting group that I swear never looks at her needles). I try, but I just can't do it. It would make it so much easier to knit while watching TV if I could do more than a quick glance up every once in awhile. *sigh*

Laurie, don't let those damn knit pickers get you down. ;D

Debbie, it's fine, you're funny and no apology necessary! :) I get defensive sometimes because I'm so darn slow at knitting! I am also a rather Type A(minus) personality and if I'm not careful I can heap a bunch of pressure on myself. Once I got all freaked out because I wasn't learning line dancing as fast as the other people in my DRUNKEN BAR line-dancing class. I am not kidding. I am a weirdo.

I'm just having a really pressure-filled few weeks right now and I think maybe I am grumpy and anxious. Last night I woke up in the middle of the night all freaked out thinking I was late for work. Yikes.

McTwin! The Sobakowa only snuggles with Roy! And with me, too, of course. She hates cats. She tries to kill Frankie and Bob about once a day. But she loves humans and will aggressively snuggle you if you come over.

I'm so relieved to meet other knitters who sometimes feel they are losing The Great Knitting Race!! LOL

Tangled Up In Wool sounds like a Bob Dylan-esque folky song about the knitter who falls in love with a man who's allergic to fiber or something.

I think if the knitting mafia really wanted to git you, they'd make you sleep with Red Heart. or rug wool.

This is one area of my life I allow myself to be a "slacker". I like to knit and I like to purl and to heck with all the other stitches. If I can't watch TV or a movie while I'm knitting I don't bother! It's very relaxing to be able to let myself slack off at something guilt-free, and every once in a while, when I do pick up my needles, it becomes fun again. Otherwise, just looking at my knitting bag and my yarn and yarn patterns is also fun and soothing.

So if I touched that cuteest-little-black-nose-in-the-world on the Soba, she wouldn't flay me?

I envy you your dyson.

Interesting. Now I'm wondering if I'm a competitive type knitter or not. I don't like to be pressured that's certain, but I do put all pressure on myself. I do knit for the process and the relaxation...

If knitting were a sport, I'd have been the last one picked. I'm always working on the same three projects, and very slowly, making many mistakes, and felting just to hide them! No need to compete, I just knit in peace - company is nice, teammates would drive me insane!

Knitting Mafia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U00Rrt_mCg8
(film created by Edith Eig's hubby, by the way)

I hear ya on the no-pressure knitting. That's exactly why I am not a join-along person. I only joined the Knitting SPECIAL Olympics. Short bus for me....

Hey Laurie!
Love the "knitting mafia" comment. "I'm gonna knit him an offer he can't refuse." "Leave the yarn, take the cannollis."

I could go on. But I won't.

And your regular cat pics are great too. I had two in my former married life. One died recently. I miss watching them curl up and get comfy. Somehow it made me more relaxed.

And by the way, did anyone read on Yahoo that there are now more unmarried women living in the country than married? 51%! And I can't find one that is right for me. Sheesh.

Love ya, Laurie!

Laurie, if you still lived in central Texas, you'd have more than one day off. It's snowing in the Hill Country, and we've got sleet/freezing rain in San Antonio. The area is totally shut down. (And on TV right now, they're showing people how to scrape ice off their windshields....)

Yeah, and because of the weather in Austin I heard on the radio that the swearing-in ceremony for Gov. Perry will be indoors instead of out. We don't get much ice/snow in the Dallas area but it's more than the Hill Country is used to!

Ooooh, I had really wanted to defend you when you were chastised for not blogging more about knitting! Your online diary is more than just about that. But then she wrote a sweet post. :)

Good to know that some people's knitting is whatever they want it to be. I plan to take classes as soon as I have the extra funds and I was feeling put off by some exceptional knitting bloggers! I didn't feel worthy. Blah. I'll knit the way I want, thankyouverymuch! heh.

Laurie,
I agree. Knitting is not a competitive sport. I work, go to school and take care of 4 cats myself. I keep having to remind myself that knitting is for FUN. FUN dammit!! I also get frustrated when friends & relatives "covet" what you knit and indirectly expect you to make stuff for them. I'm not a knitting "gravy-train"...I'm not!

Sheesh, I keep forgetting everything I want to say in one post! I meant to add "sighs" and "awwws" over the kitties! Love them! It's so cute that Soba loves Roy!

Sometimes I just want to eat my own kitty-cat, Teddy, for lunch, he's so cute!

Laurie - knitting IS supposed to be relaxing. I'm with Samantha - a process knitter. When it turns out to BE something I'm dazzled and amazed! I actually knit toques (the red caps you see in pictures of French-Canadian Voyageurs) for reenactors (they pay me!) but they're strictly the watch-TV-while-you-knit type things. BUT! I finished my first Kitty Pi this morning and now I'm going to try fulling it. Never did that before, wish me luck. And I wish Lilliane and Evangeline would snorgle like that. Any Knitter with Cats is A-OK! (Like I said before, you're darling, keep it up.)

I recently completed a pair of mittens for my best friend. They took my a YEAR. They were supposed to be a 2005 Christmas present and ended up being a 2006 Christmas present. Ooops. I am the world's slowest knitter. Don't worry about not writing a 3200 word essay on your latest creation, Laurie. The blog stalker in me likes hearing about your job/cats/house cleaning anyway :P

FOLLOWING YOUR CATS AROUND WITH A CAMERA??? A KNITTING MAFIA???? LOL - IT'S GOOD TO SEE THAT I'M NOT THE THE ONLY CORNBALL AROUND THESE PARTS. :-D Have a good day!!!

"knit-pickers " - Too Funny.
Laurie - I've had the last few weeks full of pressure, work, home, family, crazy, etc. If you find time to knit so be it. I tell ya - I ALWAYS find time to read your blog, you are my hobby! I enjoy reading your blog, I can do it whenever I want, it makes me laugh and breaks up some stressfull stuff at work. I love reading the comments too!!

Please don't stop what doing what you do girl, crazy and all...
If this is a hobby, am I a blog-stalker?

I just tell folks I am not a very ambitious knitter -- scarves, hats in the round, maybe a baby blankie....that's about it. Otherwise, I cannot relax and enjoy the process. I don't worry about it and neither should you.

Oh and we got a new kitten. Henry was found abandoned on a ski trail in the middle of nowhere. Vivi and Zoey are enthralled.

Yeah, I don't think I realized I feel the say way about people who are competative about knitting. I take forever on projects. Honestly I go to knitting more for the socializing than the knitting. :D So, I know how you feel.

Amen on the competitive knitter crap.. I know what you mean... and I'm trying to remember it's supposed to be fun. I'm lucky I get to knit at all.. and if I do, when and IF it pleases me, I'll show it! *grin*

I'm truly amazed that Sobakowa the Supreme Dictator allows Bob (it is Bob, yes?) to hug on her like that. Isn't it beneath her imperial dignity?

educand... that is Roy. She *loves* her Roy.

I am just finishing up my son's baby blanket. My son is 15 months old. I am giving birth to a new baby in July. So, um yeah. You should hear the complicated version of the story I have to tell when explaining the blanket is for the OLD baby, not the NEW one. The short version is, I got carpal tunnelwhile pregnant and only just discovered Addi Turbos last fall. Plus, like you discovered - if you have a project that doesn't travel well, it cramps your knitting style. Bleh. Whatever.

Boo to Knitting Peer Pressure.

Dyson Dreamers, don't waste your money. With seven cats and Teddy the Keeshond (who sheds enough hair to make a spare dog every month or so), my house is the Vacuum Cleaner Proving Ground like the Bonneville Salt Flats or Baja 500 are for cars. I have a Dyson and it works OK, but it's not as fabulous as the ads suggest. It's not noticeably better than the Hoover Windtunnel that costs half as much. Also, it's obvious that the Dyson was invented by a man who never, ever, ever USED a vacuum cleaner before he INVENTED one, because none of the controls are intuitive for someone who has actual vacuuming experience. The Windtunnels are not particularly reliable, but they're great while they last. And definitely don't bother with a Dirt Devil.

Here in Minnesota, it was twenty below zero when I got up this morning. Yippee! Finally, a real snow storm.

I like to read your blog, but I don't care a thing for knitting. I just skip reading those posts and wait for the ones about YOU. So toss the knitting aside as you will... I'll be here, reading- giggling at the funny parts and sending virtual hugs when needed.

what a perty nose sobakawa has

Don't y'all know that there's NO SUCH THING as the Knitting Mafia??

We work in waste...I mean, FIBER management! Got it??

I am sooo with you! I feel the pressure to have more finished projects too.
Let's start a movement, the slow hobby knitters.

Laurie,
How did the office excavation go this weekend?? Did you find anymore cats or old house guests under the piles?? I was thinking about you all weekend!

:-) I come here to read what you're up to, not see how fast you're knitting. I knit because I like it. Long ago, say just after junior high, I gave up on the whole competition thing.

Who said they would be on the short bus?? I'll be joining you! We can't all be gifted.

I'm a slow knitter too. I just get a lot done because I stay at home with the children.

Personally, I find the knitting bug comes and goes. When I first started knitting I was overcome with wanting information, stitches, yarn, and projects and and and and.. then I slowed down and realized that I really like to knit garter stitch, a lot, and that I am not a sweater maker and they are cheaper at the store. It just isn't worth my time. Then I drifted along and cranked out a project about once a month or two unless work was really busy. Then I started spinning again, seriously this time, and I got bitten by the bug again. Now fiber consumes my life. I still do it for pleasure, I still enjoy it. And I know I will slow down again, because that is the way of things. I may even take up line-dancing during the next slow spell.
Enjoy - don't let the people who want you to do it their way convince you that you should do it their way.
And those people who can do it all are either just superwoman or they don't have full time jobs outside of the home, so they can work on their knitting around their other schedules - full time Mom's are superwomen anyway, so I don't know how they get it all done.
Don't fret it, babe. I imagine it was more like a prompt from the mafia because so many people came to love you and your knitting. They want to know what you are up too. You just take it as a compliment. I can't tell you how many PI's I see being worked out there in blogland. You have started a new kitty trend. If the rest of the cats could figure out how to make this happen, they will take over the universe. Yours are just exceptional.
Holly

Personally, I find the knitting bug comes and goes. When I first started knitting I was overcome with wanting information, stitches, yarn, and projects and and and and.. then I slowed down and realized that I really like to knit garter stitch, a lot, and that I am not a sweater maker and they are cheaper at the store. It just isn't worth my time. Then I drifted along and cranked out a project about once a month or two unless work was really busy. Then I started spinning again, seriously this time, and I got bitten by the bug again. Now fiber consumes my life. I still do it for pleasure, I still enjoy it. And I know I will slow down again, because that is the way of things. I may even take up line-dancing during the next slow spell.
Enjoy - don't let the people who want you to do it their way convince you that you should do it their way.
And those people who can do it all are either just superwoman or they don't have full time jobs outside of the home, so they can work on their knitting around their other schedules - full time Mom's are superwomen anyway, so I don't know how they get it all done.
Don't fret it, babe. I imagine it was more like a prompt from the mafia because so many people came to love you and your knitting. They want to know what you are up too. You just take it as a compliment. I can't tell you how many PI's I see being worked out there in blogland. You have started a new kitty trend. If the rest of the cats could figure out how to make this happen, they will take over the universe. Yours are just exceptional.
Holly

Personally, I find the knitting bug comes and goes. When I first started knitting I was overcome with wanting information, stitches, yarn, and projects and and and and.. then I slowed down and realized that I really like to knit garter stitch, a lot, and that I am not a sweater maker and they are cheaper at the store. It just isn't worth my time. Then I drifted along and cranked out a project about once a month or two unless work was really busy. Then I started spinning again, seriously this time, and I got bitten by the bug again. Now fiber consumes my life. I still do it for pleasure, I still enjoy it. And I know I will slow down again, because that is the way of things. I may even take up line-dancing during the next slow spell.
Enjoy - don't let the people who want you to do it their way convince you that you should do it their way.
And those people who can do it all are either just superwoman or they don't have full time jobs outside of the home, so they can work on their knitting around their other schedules - full time Mom's are superwomen anyway, so I don't know how they get it all done.
Don't fret it, babe. I imagine it was more like a prompt from the mafia because so many people came to love you and your knitting. They want to know what you are up too. You just take it as a compliment. I can't tell you how many PI's I see being worked out there in blogland. You have started a new kitty trend. If the rest of the cats could figure out how to make this happen, they will take over the universe. Yours are just exceptional.
Holly

k - something happened with the post cause I am not so overeager that I posted it three times. I promise!!!
Sorry about that - can you delete them?
Holly

Ok. I am sitting in my office howling because I just read your email from November 05 about tennis. You are just too funny.!!!!

It really seems unfair that God should gift people so disporportionately- (word?) How some people are so incredibley funny and some of us can only appreciate you since our minds just don't work that fast or humorously. I seriously, (Grey's Anatomy hot saying -sorry) cant wait until you publish your book!

Don't let anyone bully you about your knitting! It's beautiful and it is YOUR knitting. Not theirs. Sheesh. (See me get all defensive on your behalf?)

BTW, I live for your kitty p*rn. Sooo cute!

I don't knit at all. Or drink wine. I come here to check the blog everyday for the witty company. And the divorce and loneliness camraderie. You will never know how much reading your posts (and others' comments) has helped me in slogging through my own personal nightmare. I also like the blogs about budgetizing, decluttering, Dysoning, Zappos addiction, being Southern, etc. - I can certainly relate. I will read whatever you want to write. And now you have even got me doing a 365 project at Photoblog - here are my cuddling cats--
http://quilter77.photoblog.com/user/quilter77/2006/12/22/

I worked (as you well know) on the same damn blanket for 13 months. Therefore, I say, I adore those who can produce a sweater a week (and you know who you are!!!) but I tend to work at one project with a simple (and easy to remember pattern) so that I can chit-chat and not have to worry about mistakes...just my philosophy on knitting..

Wow, Laurie, you are just amazing!

It's great to finally find a blog which isn't completely boring! I love your witty way and eagerly await your next posts. I am a teenage knitter and I am uber inspired. Thanks!

mafia: hey if they tangled you up in wool, then they could felt you. now, that would WORK!

Laurie,
If it weren't for you & your seriously fabulous blog, I wouldn't be knitting today! You were so encouraging when I wrote you eleveny million years ago (okay, a little over a year ago) and said I wanted to knit but was scared.
So, thank you!
BTW, I'm working on a poncho that I started 14 months ago. I'm not even 1/4 of the way through (but in my defense, I'm using the Moda Dea Goddess yarn, which has 4 individual threads, and I often get them tangled around my needle which causes little loops, requiring lots of tinking and frogging, depending on when I notice my boo-boos).
In between poncho takes, I've knitted a gazillion scarves and freeformed an iPod Nano cover, so I don't feel too bad.
Yarn is like a good book--it's waiting for you right where you left off.

I'm with you on the knitting! With two kids, a part-time job, a husband, a house, meals to cook, groceries to buy to cook the meals etc...I am the slowest knitter in my knitting group! But I refuse to stress about it or feel competitive because that would suck all the joy from knitting!

Did you see Oprah yesterday? You talked me into buying Dr. Oz's book, which I am now reading and yesterday, I ordered Bob Greene's diet book from Amazon! Hell, the first two weeks, you don't have to change what you eat! Now, that's a diet!

CAP, I read your blog because you don't wax on endlessly about knitting! Knitting is great but variety is nice to! Your writing is charming and I love my daily trip to hearing what you are up to!

I got a dyson for christmas. "The Animal", all 550 bucks of it. gasp! but my god, it is a blessing for a woman with 5000 square feet of white carpet and two black cats. I tell everyone that crazy aunt purl told me about it....which, makes them think I am crazy!

Knitting Mafia? Careful! They'll break your needles, leave half-skeins in your bed, feed you to the moths ... They'll really cut up your piece -- erm, "peace." We don't want no trouble here!

I heard someone else once telling me how awesome the Hoover Windtunner was, I just happened to have bought a Dyson instead. The thing I love about it maybe more than anything is that I haven't broken it yet! And I've had it over two years, and I vacuum literally every other day if not every day.

Oh here is a gross story, I have been running my heater 24/7 because of all the cold weather and yesterday I was like, hmmmm. I should check the air filter. It looked like the dirtiest thing I have ever seen. Grooooosssss. I changed it.

Kim I saw that Oprah with Bob Greene. I liked her Wasa sandwich! I have those a lot, too, but with more cheese ;)

haha... windtunner. I am so redneck even in my typos.

OH!! Aimee congrats on your new baby Dyson!!! ;)

I always assume I'm not churning out the FO's because I have ADD and tend to desperately want to cast on something new when I'm knitting something else.

I hear you on the self administered pressure though! Just keeping track of the books I read made me keep looking at my list and thinking "is that all?"

BTW, that was hysterical about weighing Sobakawa! Exactly what I would have done, if I'd gotten on the scale in the first place. Clearly she's 65 pounds if she's an ounce.

Stay warm! It's so cold now! So. Very. Cold.

That would be self diagnosed ADD. Doctors. What do they know? They won't even give me oxycodone for a paper cut. It hurt.

I really enjoy your blog- and would buy your book right away should you ever write it!!! Have to admit that I'm a knitter, too- one of the fast ones-one of those that watch tv while knitting lace doilies...ehem, sorry, that's just the way I am! The main thing though is to knit for the fun of it. I've taught my kids to knit, and they are making hats and scarfs- and little kittens!!! Our big black cat, and our big grey cat only tangles up my yarn, so they have to stay in the barn catching mice...
Thanks again for writing. Have a good life.

There is something special about tortoise shell cats, they can look so grumpy, so easily.

I'm just getting back into knitting. I am not a fast knitter by any stretch of the imagination. I am surrounded by fast knitters without children. I hate how I feel bad about working on the same sock for the last month and a half. It will be done someday, and maybe it will still fit, who knows? That is the excitement of knitting for a three year old.

YAY! Kittie pictures! YAY! They're so precious.

I don't have a dyson, but I got a Roomba for Christmas this year: wonderful! I don't know how/if it works on carpet because I have hardwoods, but it sucks up that cat hair (from 3 furbabies) like you wouldn't believe; it has definitely decreased the hair tumbleweeds... And it's so easy, you just charge it up, turn it on, and let it run until the battery dies, then repeat!

And I love Ms. Soba, she looks just like my Boo. Your kitty commentary for her always makes me think of my Boo because she's got that same tortie attitude. Of course I call her "my Boo", but really she owns me not the other way around!

Concerning the knitting mafia... Since I don't blog about my knitting no one really bugs me about being a slow knitter. All I got done last year was a shawl and three washcloths, I just wasn't inspired. Scarves are my favorite...

Laurie-
I'm a slow knitter too -- my friend Sandi just cranks out the projects! But, I'm perfectly content to work on two or three scarves for several months. I use the time knitting to relax and unwind, especially after a busy day at work.

Also, I found this knitting story on Yahoo! today:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070116/film_nm/books_author_jacobs_dc_1

I am over the knitting mafia/competitive bs. I don't knit more than one thing at a time, I don't knit every day or even every week. I just finished an ugly scarf for charity that is too boring for photos. I choose to knit whatever I feel like knitting whenever I feel like it and sometimes I might put it up on the blog sometimes I might not. I'm not ever going to post lots of in progress pics w/ essays on the yarn, the pattern, my feeling about the project, etc. If anyone doesn't like it there are millions of other knit blogs out there.

Oh, Laurie! Your kittens are so precious--and so are you! You just knit whatever you want and write whatever you want. We're just grateful that you write and post pictures for all of us. Your blog is so entertaining. I love to follow your adventures.

Umm-mm, I don't knit, I cross stitch, obsessively. But I am a slow stitcher too...very slow. There are many cross stitch blogs that I read and I get so jealous at all the beautiful projects these ladies stitch...do they ever sleep? For awhile, I felt inferior but then I remembered why I love to stitch...it's therapy and I get to paint with thread. Too cool. So now, I don't care how many projects I finish...the journey is what's important. Just like knitting.

I'm glad I'm not the only slow knitter in the world. And I stress myself out sometimes, too, thinking I should knit faster and do more and post pictures, but it is supposed to be the de-stressing thing, not the distressing thing, so I'll take a leaf from your tree and chill out. Thanks, and keep warm this week!

Laurie, I like to know what you're knitting every so often. I love reading your blog, and I don't want it to seem like pressure, but I'm nosy. I like to see what you're doing and how the scarf has changed. OK. Really, I'm nosy.

Yarn cakes!!!! Yes!! That's what I've been calling them since buying six ounces of black Zephyr that my yarn store proprietress kindly wound for me! Mmm, dark chocolate yarn cake!

I once actually stabbed my brother in the wrist with a knitting needle (we were in a struggle, fighting for possession...why...don't ask me). It was an awful experience. He was ok, but had to go to the emergency room.

I'd like to show you my pile of unfinished things of yarn. If I ever meet a one footed person, they are getting all of my "never made the second one" slippers. And, well, I do have a one handed brother for the single mittens but he prefers gloves.

I am indeed part of the knitting mafia. Say hello to my little friends (needles)...get crackin on the projects, sister.

Thanks, Laurie! hurray for the slow knitters!Also, if I find a mistake, I have to fix it no matter what. So it takes a while for me to finish any project...
Your cats are truly the cuteness.

Of course I sang, "tangled up in wool," in Bob Dylan's voice. Nice work, Purl. Now I'll be hearing that line (and JUST that line) until I fall asleep tonight.

(God grant it fades while I'm sleeping.)

AWWWWWW!!! Kitty pics!! thank you!!

and umm... Neil, you rock dude.

Knitting mafia! HA! Would they spike your bamboo needles by rubbing them in poison ivy? You should check out http://www.knittaplease.com/Home.html. Knitting Mafia meets Robin Hood.

Slow or fast, it's all good. I am in awe of the knitting speedsters, but that's not me, or every will be. I happily settle for finishing my projects (eventually) but if I am totally bored with it I give myself permission to frog it if I'm not feeling the love. Ah, the neverending struggle against entropy, two steps forward, one step back.

Thank you for being so funny. I really laughed at the whole notion of knitting pressure because I, at times, have succumbed to it and then had to step back remind myself I started knitting to relax. All I have to say is don't join a knitalong. Talk about pressure. And then try having a secret pal (from the knitty boards) who started knitting at the same time as you did, but now has about 6,000 finished projects and has managed to actually open a yarn store and publish patterns, all while being really, really pretty and running a household with two beautiful children. Ugh, I hope I'm not starting to build a knitting resentment.

Boy you said it!! --knitting mafia... I was thinking I was under to much pressure this afternoon when posting about finishing a sock and having taken 15 days to complete the pair. Why was I putting my self under so much pressure? Why? For who? What good would it do? Thank you for the cold water in the face. I love reading your blog...keep up the great work and doing it at the speed you want:) ~ Cheers

Ooo. I get that "you're disturbing my sleep look" a lot from Natasha.

And now you have moved onto a knitting mafia. Whatever happened to the Cancer Crips?

Amen, sister. As always you speak for so many of us. I knitted a bit here and there for a while, but when my work life got extra-stressful I began knitting like a fiend. It was almost like meditating it had such a calming effect on me. I understand being proud of a project, especially if it was technically and creatively challenging. But it seems, as with many other things in life, some people can't help but turn what we all love as a hobby into a competition.

Is that much cuteness even legal?

I confess, I'm a fast, childless knitter. And I'm nosy what others are knitting, but just because I'm curious, not pushy (I hope). And I make stuff for other people's kids 'cause they're too busy, and the smaller the thing, the quicker it's made so I can start the next thing. Do it on your schedule, just let us KNOW! Plus, I'm on Tommielee's side, you should read Haven Kimmel! (you know in all your free time!) She's fantastic! Like you! After A Girl Named Zippy, there's another memoir, and then two novels, all good. Just a fan, not an employee, I promise.

As long as you enjoy your knitting, that's all that matters. I think I only finished 3 things last year (and they were not even big things... no sweaters and no regular sized afghans...) So, don't feel bad. I understand how you feel. :)

I am the same way about knitting, and I can't stand snobby knitters who look down their noses at me and my basic projects. I mainly knit when I watch TV, and I like to do easy stuff I don't have to pay attention to while watching my favorite shows. I also don't have much patience for intricate, complex projects. The knitting mafia also would take me to task for my yarn choices, which are low budget unless my mom sends her extra stash yarn my way (she buys the really nice stuff...I now have some Rowan yarn for a scarf! Usually I go for Lion Brand or Knit Picks). The only nearby yarn shop is stocked with knitting snobs (both staff and customers), so I mainly buy my yarn online. I love your blog--I found it through another knit blog and expected lots of knit talk, but I haven't missed it a bit. With all the entertaining and insightful content on your blog, it just hasn't even occurred to me to wonder what you're knitting!

i have to say, as much as i love to knit, i don't really come over here to chez laurie for knitting news. nor do i feel the need to lay the pressure on you to try to get you to knit more. you are just a fantastic writer--i'd be happy to read about pretty much anything over here. :)

yay for a relaxing knitterly sunday--i had one of those myself. aren't they wondrous!?

Just tell the quizzers that the knitting is irrelevant and that you are just there for their company. LOL
knitting knatzies are type A

I love your kitty pics and your comment on the Knitting Mafia. Like some of your other readers, I came here for the knitting content, but stayed for the kitties and the laughs. I am a "prime-time TV" knitter; I enjoy the process more than anything.

"tangled up in wool" or something.
HAHAHAHAHA

Actually, in the first picture it kind of looks like they're getting it on, and in the second you are getting a look "Do you mind?! You're disturbing us, Human!"

Actually, in the first picture it kind of looks like they're getting it on, and in the second you are getting a look "Do you mind?! You're disturbing us, Human!"

hmmm...you are so much more than a knitter. I luv your writing - it is such a gift! I'm a slowknitter and have to think. However, I also found out if I think too much, my thoughts filp to visualizing what the stitches look like from the other side and blammo...I get lost (even with only two types of rows). Anyrate, I'd buy a book if you wrote it; I've sent links to your writing to lots of friends - for wisdom and patience and smart-thinking and a nice deep and wide vision of things. You're the best.

I know what you mean about people bugging you about your knitting in public! I ride the train to work, and there's a gal on there who, every time she sees me knitting, even if it's the same thing as last time she saw me, she asks me what I'm knitting. And then, oh the humanity . . . she has to grab it to inspect it and nearly pull it out of my hands. I was working on a lacy type project once and she almost pulled a bunch of stitches off the needles to "inspect" my work. I would have had to hurt her if she had! I did tell her never to do that again. Haven't seen her in a long time, I must have scared her away.

OMG! I was laughing out loud when I read 'knitting mafia'. I used to be *really* into quilting, was a member of my local guild, etc., etc. My husband used to refer to all the quilting ladies as the Quilt Syndicate.

Oh, long time lurker, first time poster... You rock!

You are a hilarious woman. Just found your blog today looking for a purse pattern and you are great.

Oh, the knitting pressure -- it all comes from inside in my case.

I am a project knitter. I like seeing the completed project (goal oriented type-A girl that I am). I realized the other day that it is OK that I don't use knitting to relax.

If finishing my current WIP is just *one thing too damn many* in my life right now, that is fine. That's why I picked the 12-18 month size pattern before my baby even arrived -- I knew life would get crazy & I wouldn't be able to handle the time line of finishing Blu before he outgrew the size!

you're adorable and a fantastic writer. my sister's a big knitter with a million kids and a seriously hard job. i can't imagine how she has time for everything or how she avoids feeling pressured all the time. i am just a single girl with a job and a hobby, too-- i make hand bound books and cards and such. often i feel like i'm not doing "enough" creating stuff and feel all pressure-y and inadequate. your entry said exactly what i try to tell myself when i get to feeling that way, "hey, this is for fun. chill out!"
also, you should post your cat pictures on www.cuteoverload.com. they'd fit right in!