So there's this mythical creature sometimes seen commenting on certain blogs. The creature is called Adelaide. Adelaide uses magic to transform upholstery-type fabrics into things like this:
(check out that inside!!!! I'm no fabric expert, but I think it's silk. It has a sheen that is heavenly to behold, and it changes colors in different lights. The hunter green takes on a coppery cast when moved in the light. OMG, it's Heaven in a bag. Heaven!!! And check out that ribbon embroidery and the other finishing details. Can you BELIEVE this is made by human hands? Well, yes, actually -- no machine could do this. Only mythical creatures.)
Pure artistry. Brings tears to my eyes, actually. And the straps (I couldn't get a decent photo) are long, for shoulder use. How did you know, Mythical Adelaide? Stunning beyond words, and I feel honored beyond belief to be the lucky recipient of such an incredible gift. I will be carrying this at Rhinebeck 2005. I hope to meet you there.
---------------------
And inspired by Teresa C. this morning, I am going to begin The Great Stash Documentation Project. A wonderful idea, Teresa! I shudder at the use of the phrase "I'm a visual person," because -- well, I have my reasons -- but when I saw Teresa's idea of making a Typepad Photo Album of the stash, it REALLY speaks to me. Spreadsheets, notebooks, bleh. Doesn't help me. That photo album, yeah, HELPS me. Big time. I hope it will keep me from making foolish purchases, help me to knit from my stash more often, and help me to remember what the hell I HAVE, damnit! (and it will be interesting -- frightening, maybe? -- to learn HOW MUCH I actually have. There's a part of me that doesn't really want to know, but the bigger, more pragmatic part of me does want to know so I can be more sensible.)
Well, ya know that Adelaide's gift helped out with the first photo for the album.
(10 skeins yellow blend Koigu I got for my birthday last summer, slated for a retro '50s-style cardigan, slim-fitting, trimmed with picot edging, and tiny buttons. At least that's my hope. The store used its software to pound out a basic design for me, and I'm hoping to get started on it relatively soon. *cough*) Oh, and I see a single skein of hunter green Koigu crept into the picture, too. So that's 11. Will everyone help me keep count?
Now for more Great Reader News:
Michelene of The Comments has been keeping me up to date on her Good Karma Socks. Never mind that she nearly poked out her eye with US No. 3s and ripped off part of her eyebrow in an attempt to look less like Tommy Lee Jones. (hey, her words, not mine!)
When I quizzed her, "Do you really look like Tommy Lee Jones?" she sent me this explanation:
I look a lot like my father, and he looks a lot like Tommy Lee Jones. I've got the eyebrows, but my boobs are bigger. (we're glad for that, Michelene! ~ Norma)
I live in Springfield, IL, Land of Lincoln. I took the socks to visit Lincoln's tomb, and while there, performed a ritual that is supposed to bring luck. The tour guide didn't even bat an eye when I asked him to take this picture. I also took the socks with me to pay my traffic tickets, and turn in my overdue library books. We had lunch at the place I used to work (remember I started the socks for my boss), and my ex-boss had to wait on us. The socks hid in my purse, but I think they are feeling much better now. I still didn't give him the socks.Michelene

Ooh. I love those stripey socks. WTG Michelene!
Posted by: Colleen | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 08:30 AM
I love those socks too. Great job, Michelene. :)And, Norma! That Koigu is gorgeous and would make a beautiful sweater. Can't wait to see your progress. ;)
Oh, and regarding the "diet" and Jack? Sadly no, he is not on it~ yet. I plan to start in a few months. I didn't want to cause any "stomach issues" while housebreaking him. If you know what I mean. :)
Posted by: Annie | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 08:46 AM
Michelene! Those socks are great! And while I don't know the whole boss story, a little *statue snot* may be appropriate.....
Okay Norma, let's see the down and dirty stash! So far, so good, but then we all know of my Koigu mania.
Posted by: Teresa C | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 08:58 AM
Gorgeous socks, Michelene, but I am sort of missing the Nose of Lincoln significance.
Adelaide's bags are awesome, I can see some of her famous silk ribbon embroidery peaking out from the inside.
And as far as this stash documentation... I know you say you want to know, but I'm not sure you really do. Or maybe I don't really want to know (how much I have, not how much you have).
Posted by: Cassie | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 09:19 AM
Well what you have in the stash documentation album so far is just beautiful. There must be lots of good projects you could get started on. But why so much Koigu for a non-sock knitter? Have you seen the pattern for a baby blanket in the spring Interweave Knits? It's done in more subdued colours but might inspire you.
Let us know if you decide to do a girl-from-auntie style 'stash for cash'.
Posted by: Jo in Ottawa | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 10:16 AM
Gorgeous bag. I think the stash documentation could be fun. Then when you get inspired you can look at your own online yarn shop catalog, where everything is "free".
Posted by: Lauren | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 10:21 AM
I am inordinately fond of sock-traveling pictures. Maybe someday, Normal won't have to import them from other lovely knitters....
;-)
Posted by: claudia | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 11:26 AM
Wow beautiful bag! I would be kind of afraid to document my stash. It might cause me to start thinking about how much money I have *invested*
Posted by: Jean E. | Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 11:27 AM
you rub Abe's nose for luck, Cassie. If you were to take the socks out of the picture, you would see Abe's nose is all shiny from lots of hand rubs. Michelene, I love the socks. Norma, gifts from Blog-land, how fun is that?
Posted by: erin | Sunday, February 20, 2005 at 12:43 AM
wow you have to jump quick on those yarn barn deals! :)
nice for the voyeur in me though!
Posted by: stinkerbell | Monday, February 21, 2005 at 08:44 AM