WWW: On the meaning of knitting, knitted objects, and knitting objects

A lovely memoir of sock knitting…  “I learned to knit socks in a drugged state.”

“The Feel-Better Sweater”: a precious FO from years ago brings comfort.

Intriguing: a new history of Estonian Knitting. The book ‘trailer’ – a preview video – is definitely worth the watch, even if you’re not interested in a big book on the topic. You get a 2 and a half minute introduction to the history and the wonderful work of Estonian knitters.

Speaking of knitting history, June Hall, co-author with Donna Druchunas of Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions, has launched an accompanying exhibit at a museum in Coniston, Cumbria, U.K.

A mystery item for some, it’s true

Love this idea: San Bernardino County Museum in California has launched a new exhibit, “Mysteries of the Museum”, challenging guests to examine and identify antique objects. One such object is an industrial circular knitting loom.

(Reminds me of a funny story: the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto ran a contest last year, challenging people to identify a mysterious machine… They tweeted out a photo of the thing. I think they were fairly surprised by the speed of the response, and the number of correct responses: I’m not sure they realized how many sock knitters — and owners of antique sock knitting machines — there are in the Toronto area.)

Two free guest passes to anyone who can identify what our newest acquisition will be when re-assembled:) pic.twitter.com/xEfs1FxXRY

— Bata Shoe Museum (@batashoemuseum) July 9, 2015

If you’re at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival this weekend, Kate (me!) will be there! I’ll be prowling the show on Saturday, fondling yarns, signing books at the Signature Needles booth, and eating my way through the goat cheese samples. If there are sheepdog demonstrations, you’re likely to find me there… If you see me, say hello!