I'm listening to Gene Autry singing Back in the Saddle Again and imagining how it would be to knit while riding a horse - in a gentle John Wayne-swaying-into-town motion rather than at full gallop, you understand. These musings and croonings have been prompted by the feeling of pure pleasure to be knitting after a long period of quilting. I have a new a new pair of socks on the go, I'm knitting all sorts sorts of swatches and I have a whole book synopsis full of ideas and plans. And it's good be wielding my needles once more, even if it's if only on the settee in front of Wimbledon (hasn't John McEnroe mellowed and improved with age?) and not in the wild west. Yes, I'm definitely back in the softly upholstered, very comfortable knitting saddle again.
How perfectly timed to be knitting just in time for Wimbledon! All the excuse you need not to miss a moment's tennis! t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | June 24, 2009 at 20:42
Hi Jane, Elizabeth Zimmerman used to knit while riding on the back of her husband's motorcycle -- she has written that she used to lean back to keep the needles from hitting him so he wouldn't realize she was knitting. I think that's from Opinionated Knitter or perhaps from Knitter's Almanac.
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | June 24, 2009 at 20:48
Yay for sock knitting.
For months I have been getting my sock yarn out and looking at it, with no ability or inspiration to knit socks, perhaps it is back?
Posted by: lucy@theantidote | June 24, 2009 at 21:09
What yarn is that? It's GORGEOUS! Going to make a great sock!
Posted by: Laura | June 24, 2009 at 22:38
omg - need to know the yarn NOW! ps jane are you on ravelry?
Posted by: yvette | June 24, 2009 at 22:48
Knitting on the back of motorcycle? Now that's committed.
Posted by: frog | June 24, 2009 at 23:47
C'mon Jane...are you saying you got sick of quilting? But, I think after reading your blog for these few years..it's pretty obvious that you love knitting just a wee bit more than quilting. Anyway...your sock yarn is really pretty. By the way, I owe you, for introducing me to the love of knitting socks. Never knitted a sock until I found your blog. Oh, and the love of quilting with bold Kaffe Fassett colors and...mmmmmm....what else? Oh, and blogging. I would have NEVER started a blog if I had not been inspired by you. You've changed my life....in the best possible way. Just ask my husband! Now I am going to be singing 'Back in the Saddle' all night!
Posted by: cathleen | June 25, 2009 at 01:13
I just set up my new sewing machine today! I don't have it out of the box yet, just put it on the table. I'm looking forward to switching with you-away from knitting and toward sewing.
Posted by: willow | June 25, 2009 at 04:00
Your socks look just scrumptious. Isn't it wonderful to have a variety of lovely things to make?
Posted by: Desiree | June 25, 2009 at 08:00
Ah, the return of the inside - out sock! Beautiful yarn, too.
Your hot water bottle cover was on display when I made a tenth birthday visit to Persephone last Thursday!
I ALWAYS liked John McEnroe, even when he was a bad boy, but, yes, he has mellowed!
Posted by: Jayne | June 25, 2009 at 11:12
I'd like to join in on the 'what is that amazing sock yarn?' question. I've been hunting everywhere for some inspirational yarn, and that is it! Please let us know...
Posted by: Ali | June 25, 2009 at 16:15
You always have the best yarn for socks and the best photos to inspire me to knit socks. I have had my sock yarn sitting in my basket next to the piano for months now, maybe it will soon be time to actually knit a pair.
Posted by: Regina | June 25, 2009 at 19:30
yummmmm, that yarn looks like those Brach's Jelly Nougat candies...
Count me in on also wondering what kind it is... :)
Posted by: Jennifer | June 26, 2009 at 20:24
I secretly like J Mc when he was more bombastic, but I can see his current persona is more restful to knit to! Lovely yarn, you are a clever duck :-)
Posted by: rosepetaljam | June 27, 2009 at 17:25
Here's another John MacInroe fan checking in. Then and now, he really knows his tennis!
Cheers for Gene Autry, too. And the yarn is quite good as well.
Best wishes.
Posted by: frances | June 27, 2009 at 17:56
I'm reading They Knew Mr Knight by Dorothy Whipple at the moment and bought myself 3 books last week from Persephone when they were on offer.Thanks for introducing me to Persephone Books.
Posted by: barbara | June 27, 2009 at 21:11
I loved it when John was shall we say a bit more colourful...oh how I miss Wimbledon and knitting
Posted by: abeachcottage | June 27, 2009 at 23:07
Oh, Jane, you always knit the most beautiful, comfy-cozy looking socks! I can almost picture you as a cowgirl, knitting away as you ride at a lazy pace along with the herd :)
Posted by: Laura | June 28, 2009 at 00:38
love the yarn. It looks exactly like one in my stash and may inspire me to get knitting with it. It is Admiral Flakes by Schoppel wolle shADE 2013
Posted by: Julie | June 28, 2009 at 20:16
Knitting and tennis: perfect.
Posted by: Luisa Perkins | June 28, 2009 at 23:32
Knitting on an elephant could be good. Leaning back on silken cushions...
Posted by: mindfulbeader | June 29, 2009 at 13:43
Seems we are all on the sewing wagon right now! I've put my needle's down for a bit of quilting myself ...but not too far away! I find there is nothing more perfect than a comfy chair and a pair of knitting needle's!
Posted by: Alice | July 01, 2009 at 16:10
wow, such lovely colour combos. Simply beautiful. Wish I was a better knitter.
Posted by: urban craft | July 04, 2009 at 17:28
Another request to know what this yarn is... please.
Posted by: yvette | July 07, 2009 at 02:43
I love the yarn, but what pattern for the sock are you using???
Posted by: Sue | July 09, 2009 at 05:00