theraineysisters knitting and so much more

July 16, 2012

From Susan — Back from Camp

Filed under: Updates — lv2knit @ 11:34 pm

I’m ba-a-a-a-a-a-ck!!  And not sure how or where to begin.  It seemed like a very different experience to me this year.  An emotional roller coaster.  Of course, there was the sheer bliss of reacquainting oneself with friends made last year, and the unbridled joy of being immersed in HOURS of knitting every day.  But there was also a somber mood that hung over this year’s Camp for several reasons.

Last year we lost Joyce Williams and her presence was felt at every turn.

Joyce

The contest this year was “Knitting under the Influence” and it evoked many touching stories (many about Joyce) and the important people who shaped our [knitting] lives, as did the annual “show-and-tell.”

R. moved us with a story about how much she misses her homeland.  S. is a very talented local knitter whose work is exquisite.   I was geared up to see her beautiful work, but instead she told us that health issues had intervened and she lost her knitting mojo.  Completely.  And so it went.

But it was not all sad!!

G. told about his father’s farm and how he is knitting socks for his dad with handspun yarn from the descendants of his own favorite ram (he even had a picture of himself as a child riding on its back!). The winning contest entry was the cutest vest ever — a portrait of Elvis in shadow knitting. WOW — and quite subtle 😉 .

The knitting was truly inspirational and we laughed ourselves silly over dinners and late night knitting.  We forged some lasting friendships and bonded like sisters!  I am already looking forward to Camp next year.

I bought a very tiny amount of yarn (really!) from Jeannette and George of Sun Valley Fibers, which will reveal itself in due time.  And an FO will be revealed this week that I absolutely love.

Kim and I also discovered these — Brigid was wearing them.  Dansko patent leather clogs in a style called Funky Knit.  We both bought a pair on our way home — could not drive to Schuler Shoes fast enough!!  All knitters must own these…

A Final Thought
While at Camp, Kim and I found out that a dear friend from our knitting group, MM, lost her husband quite suddenly while travelling.  We are heartsick and in shock for M. and her family.  M. is one of my favorite people — she loves and supports me in all ways and I am so sad.  M. is one of the pillars of our group and was there from the beginning.  This news weighed heavily on Kim and me, and I really appreciated the comfort that being with the other Campers provided.

M. you are in my thoughts!!

10 Comments »

  1. I saw these shoes at my local shoe shop this week and there’s a little tiny part of me that is thinking that it would be way too dorky for me to buy these shoes, but it is being drowned out by the part of me that is going “MY Lord! Are those shoes with YARN on them?” Now I’m going to have to actually try them on…

    Comment by Angela — July 17, 2012 @ 12:15 am

  2. I expect that Camp would feel very different without Joyce Williams there. She taught me the figure 8 caston for toe ups several years ago at Camp. She was a delight & an amazing person to be around.

    Those shoes are so cool! I expect a run on Danskos now!

    Comment by Samina — July 17, 2012 @ 10:09 am

  3. I am having a hard time on re-entry. The hubby actually wants me to go to the store today. I have yarn to wind and is aching to be cast on.

    I’ve had those shoes in my zappos basket twice and took them out…now I guess I must go actually buy them! You are so bad.

    Linda and I both enjoyed sitting in our corner with you and Kim. We are so looking forward to next year already and thinking what knitting we need to do be concentrating on this year.

    Comment by Penny — July 17, 2012 @ 11:00 am

  4. Aaahhhh. Sounds like a shift in your world, but I’m so glad you enjoyed your time. Great shoes!

    Comment by Lisle — July 17, 2012 @ 12:30 pm

  5. Oh, oh! Seeing these shoes, CUTE as they are, gives rise to anxiety in my knitting heart! Back in the day when counted cross stitch was HOT, I dove in deep!!!! I think it was a way for me to have some control in my life as I had 3 wee ones at the time. Then, I started seeing printed cross stitch greeting cards, cross stitch decks of cards, cross stitch wrapping paper, cross stitch paper plates and – I – was – DONE with counted cross stitch!! Not that there is anything wrong with counted cross stitch. Just too commercial for me. Love the shoes, though, and can’t wait to see them on your feet as well as the stories from the knitting retreat!!

    Comment by Kathy W. — July 17, 2012 @ 3:37 pm

  6. Didn’t we have fun?? Penny and I talked knitting all the way home. The word for the year is going to be “focus”. All the UFOs are going to be reevaluated and dealt with accordingly. My husband actually had the nerve to ask me what was for supper last night. Like I should be doing something about it. I should get my book today and I am really excited to sit and look through it slowwwwly. Any missing mojo is definitely back.

    Comment by Linda — July 18, 2012 @ 9:47 am

  7. You are a bad influence. Love the shoes. Purchased them today.

    Comment by Marilyn — July 18, 2012 @ 12:00 pm

  8. I didn’t even know that Brigid had purchased these clogs. I phoned Schuler Shoes, because someone had put a picture of them on my fb page. They had 3 pairs left. When I left with mine, they had 2 pairs left. I love them. I am glad you had a good time at camp. I can well imagine, sadly, the hole left by Joyce Williams’ passing. I adored her.

    M’s husband was way too young. I am so sad for her.

    Comment by Shelley Hermanson — July 20, 2012 @ 3:18 pm

  9. ok, so twist my arm! (not really) I ordered those Dansko clogs. I needed a new pair anyway. Thanks!! I always enjoy reading you blog!! 🙂

    Comment by Mary in Carol Stream — July 20, 2012 @ 3:21 pm

  10. I have owned those clogs for about 8 weeks now. I work in a hospital, knit on breaks and everyone refers to me as teacher, lol. I love them and asked the gift shop to only sell them to knitters, lol. I have not seen anyone else wearing them…

    Comment by Cheryl — July 24, 2012 @ 11:50 am

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