Hi, Jan,
This question may never show up on the national geography bee, but do you know where holding socks was invented? I guess it could show up in an international geography bee, which may give you a clue. The answer is:
Lettuce Knit, a shop brought to my attention by the Yarn Harlot. I had the fortune to visit there this week while in Toronto on business. It is a lovely shop, small but very well stocked and well organized, and the extremely helpful and charming Natalie demonstrated that they really know their stuff. She was able to coach me on how various yarns knit up, etc., and while I was there, she helped a nice man pick out sock yarn for his wife, treating him with total respect and not a bit of the “oh, isn’t that cute, a man in a yarn shop” that so irks me, having been on the “oh, isn’t that cute, a woman chemical engineer” side of things far too often. Natalie is shown here holding my second Rivendell sock, which I have finished all but the toe graft.
Natalie invited me to join them for knit night, but sadly I had a business dinner that didn’t end until after 10. The up side of that was that I got to see the Toronto troupe of Second City perform. They were, not unexpectedly, hilarious. I took some photos on my cell phone, but they are all horribly blurry. Here is one, just as proof. Maybe someday I’ll see one or more of these faces on SNL, but even then I’ll harbor a bit of regret at not getting to knit night at Lettuce Knit. (But I have another trip there in June, and I’m blocking Wednesday night in advance!)
My direct flight home got cancelled, putting me on a prop plane to Detroit and finally a flight to MSP arriving near midnight. I would be bummed about that, but hearing about the other prop plane that crashed that night changed my attitude. Hold your loved ones close this weekend.
You’re one of mine,
Ellen
Jan and Ellen are identical twins who have always had an innate fashion sense. Crafting is an integral part of their lives and they stay stitched together sharing their love of knitting, family and community.
February 14th, 2009 at 10:58 am
I’m so glad that you travelled and arrived safely; what a scary comparison to have to make. Lettuce Knit sounds wonderful, and I bet that knit night there will be great fun! Thanks so much, btw, for the wonderful question suggestions; I’m definitely adding them to the list (and your name to my list of future interviewees!).
February 14th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
As I sit here in my blue SWE polo shirt I wonder if you have joined yet. Your experiences dealing with “oh isn’t that sweet, a woman chemical engineer” would be valuable to our young and collegiate members!
I <3 Lettuce Knits e-newsletters. And I hope to visit there one day. I do have to travel to Canada later in the year — maybe I could somehow work a layover in Toronto on a particular June Wednesday. Hmmm…..
Natalie appears quite charming…and Rivendell as well. I’m glad you had the chance to visit the shop and any business meeting that includes going to Second City performances…well, that isn’t too bad!
Glad you’re home safe too!
February 14th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I want to go to Lettuce Knits! And I am really glad you got home safely. It does make one ponder life and chance and all sorts of big questions.
February 15th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I have always wondered how that started. Sounds like a great shop. Hope you can make knit night in June!