An Aside

There is a commercial, or was one -- for what product I don't know -- but with the news lately, it struck me as illustrative of a point.  In the commercial, there are these two guys.  One is on a ladder placed injudiciously atop several other things -- trash cans, trikes, other kinds of garage detritus -- to get the ladder tall enough.  He's on top of the ladder, you know, on the step with a warning label that tells you not to stand on it?  He's up there with a set of hedge clippers -- giant, lethal-looking, scissors-shaped things --  balanced precariously next to a humming wasp's nest hanging from a tree.  He waggles his eye-brows and nods his head.  We follow his gaze downward.  Below him is, presumably, a friend of his -- sporting a doofy smile, holding a metal trash can and it's lid at the ready.  The friend nods. 

The camera angle widens and we see the whole crazy -this -might -work -scheme.  Time slows enough for the viewer to contemplate the entire scenario, should the scheme succeed:  trash-can guy lines up below the nest, ladder guy clips the anchoring twig, quick, and before the swarm of hostiles knows what's happened they're contained harmlessly in the metal trash can and all's well.  Whew, saved himself several hundred bucks, the clever ladder guy thinks.

Back to reality, or this commercial's version of it.  The ladder guy overbalances, tips right into the nest, ill-advisedly grabs hold of it, falls I think on top of trash can guy and they both become instant candidates for anaphylactic shock due to bee or wasp stings in addition to getting clonked on the head with the garage stuff and the ladder.  The moral of this commercial has something to do with the product it's advertising -- which I can't remember as I said, and really doesn't matter.

It's illustrative of a general idea in terms of the current Middle East debacle for me.  Simplistic too, I know, but it helps me wrap my head around the whole thing.  Lebanon, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan -- have always been, well at least in modern times, a humming wasp's nest.  Poke it anywhere and you get a swarm.  The nature of the being, I think.  At least it's political will.  And what have we done, stupid Texas grin on our country's collective face? Had our friends stand beneath it with a trash can while we over balance atop a precarious pile of crap.  Great.

Oh, you came for Knitting?

I am.  What do you think, Marlea?  I did a one by one rib on the top of these socks hoping they'd be more comfortable for you.  In case you all can't tell, they're Chevron socks from Sensational Knitted Socks -- surprise.  Regia Crazy Color number 5439.  Magic Loop, Addi Turbos, size 1 US.

Another aside, since you asked, Carole.  Yes, the Chevron Socks stretch.  My three attempts at the Jaywalker (love the pattern to this day, just can't get it to fit) were frogged for lack of stretchiness.  Couldn't get those beautifully patterned socks over my heel!  You'll remember my grief.  This yarn is the same yarn I used (different color patterning, hence different name, but same yarn).  Knit in this type of chevron it stretches to fit everything -- I mean it.  From the teeny tiny well turned ankle that is my wrist (smile) to the larger actual part of my anatomy.  Really fits.  And the shaping's got memory as well.  A chevron I can love -- even if it hasn't got that tiny stitch marching up the center of the points.  Perfect for stripey yarns. 

And I can't get these out of my head -- done in crazy stripey sock yarn?  IK this month -- Target Wave Mittens.  So cute.  Have to get the gauge, but maybe just the construction will be enough and I can fudge.  Doncha think?  They're from the book Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan.  We had the book in the store, might still.  I liked an interestingly cabled sweater in it as I recall, but I didn't buy the book as ... well, let's just say I have plenty of interestingly cabled sweaters on my wish list!  Missed these mittens though, or I'd have the book in my living room. 

Just when I think I can let my subscription lapse, they come up with an issue that calls me.  Have to re-up I guess.  Rest easy, IK.  You've got me for two more years.

Comments

[Michelle]

those are really cool mittens! I love them!

[Jennifer]

I love those mittens too. I think the latest IK is quite good, actually.

[Carole]

It's great to know that chevron pattern stretches. Thanks!

[margene]

Someday this balancing act will surely come tumbling down. You were able to capture so well the vision many of us have of the mess in the Mid-East.
Love the sock and I'm enjoying my chevron pattern, too (when I knit). ;=)

[Ruth]

I was also intrigued by those mittens. I suspect that I'll be making several pair as Christmas gifts.

Great image of the mess in the Middle East ... W is certainly the eyebrow-wiggling fool in that scenario.

P.S. Happy Anniversary!

[Rachel]

Nice to know I'm not alone in having frogged Jaywalkers for not getting over my heel. I admitted defeat after just one try though.

[Kelly]

I think the recent issue of IK was great and those mittens look like a fun knit!

[Amanda]

Have to agree that those mittens are great. They look impossible but you knitters have amazing tricks up your cable-knitted sleeves. We met our teachers today. Kids admitted to being excited to start school now!!!! Yeah!!!!