Probably lots! When my almost-knitworthy daughter mentions that she thinks something is nice…well who can pass up a soaring compliment like that?
Laura saw my Sweet Dreams in the car before I took it to work and said she thought it was pretty. Okay!! What color? Black she said. Always black! I asked if she wanted it lighter weight or heavier than the one I had, and she said heavier.
I immediately stopped at my LYS and bought a skein of Malabrigo Sock in Black, Color 195. It seemed to have a heftier feel to it than some other sock yarns. I have been puttering around with it for the last couple of weeks.
And here is fall in some of its glory — taken last weekend in my backyard:
I did find out that my Sweet Dreams sold for $40. I was kind of disappointed, but what can you do? The money went to a good cause, no matter how much it was.
P.S. from Sally — Thank you so much for your concern and comments about Hurricane Sandy. We were fortunate; Washington, DC didn’t see the kind of widespread destruction seen in other parts of the east coast. We had hours of high winds and lots of rain, but we never lost power and life for us is back to normal. Both Susan and I are thinking of those in the worst hit areas, especially New York and New Jersey.
PPS from Susan — Two Things: darling daughter stopped by and I gave her the shawl. She said, “I will wear this…now!” Yay! And thank you for your comments about the lowball bid on my Sweet Dreams. Even though the bid seemed relatively low, I received MANY compliments from fellow employees. I did not feel like the shawl was under appreciated by any means.
The shawl is goooooorgeous! And glad you’re both safe and life is back to normal 🙂
Comment by Charlotte — November 3, 2012 @ 10:28 am
It’s CRIMINAL that the Sweet Dreams sold for only $40………..wish I’d been in on THAT silent auction!! It’s absolutely stunning!
Comment by Sue J — November 3, 2012 @ 12:58 pm
Magnifique châle !
Comment by Dorothée — November 3, 2012 @ 1:38 pm
So beautiful! Love it!
Comment by Mary — November 3, 2012 @ 2:39 pm
My suspicion is no knitters in the auction crowd–if there had been, it would have gone for much more ‘cuz they’d have known the value of all the work that went into that little beauty! Perhaps we should be more forthright in the cost of materials and number of hours of “love” (hard to call a favourite pastime “labour”!) Then the muggles may get a better idea of true value! At least your daughter gets it and I’m loving the black….next time with beads? YUM!
Cheers, Barbie O.
Comment by Barbie O. in Montreal — November 3, 2012 @ 3:53 pm
I wish I could have bid on the shawl. It was beautiful and I would have bid more than $40! Is it possible to include bids from your readers in the next auction?
Comment by Mary Jo — November 3, 2012 @ 7:47 pm
I love the new Sweet Dreams, too.
As for silent auctions, I have come to recognize that elegant knits never go for what they are worth (unless Steven Berg is bidding) and so I always bid what I think it is worth myself. If someone outbids me, great, I let my piece go for what I thought its value was; if not, I donate dollars instead of my knitting and have that piece back for some other purpose. Maybe even for me to wear!
Comment by twinsetellen — November 4, 2012 @ 9:35 am
I have made many items for charity over the years, both for donation and sale. I agree with Barbie O. that ‘muggles’ just don’t understand the value of handwork.
It is impossible to explain to a non-creator just how much time, effort, brainwork and $$$ went into a project. Frankly, that’s why I stopped making gifts for a lot of people. My classic story about this took place when my best college buddy got married, many years ago. I made her a really expensive latch hook rug. When she called me to thank me for the gift, she said: “Thanks so much for the lovely BATHMAT!!” Don’t be sad because others are ignorant. The money went to charity and those hurricane victims can really use the help. You have one of the best blogs on the internet. Succah S from Israel
Comment by SJS — November 4, 2012 @ 11:18 am
I always drop everything and knit for either of my kids whenever they show the least bit of enthusiasm for an item! Such a Mom-thing! But so worth wrapping our kids in lovingly stitched handknits!
Comment by Kym — November 4, 2012 @ 4:33 pm
I LOVE the black. I probably wouldn’t have thought of that color for this, but it is beautiful! Thanks for continually showing us your lovely projects. Very inspiring!
Comment by PT — November 5, 2012 @ 11:58 am
How dramatic. Very Downton-ish.
Comment by Needles — November 5, 2012 @ 4:55 pm
But only if you enjoyed Downton Abbey, otherwise consider traditionally trendy yet old fashioned in ways that make hearts go pitter patter.
Comment by Needles — November 5, 2012 @ 4:57 pm
I just had to come out of lurking to say the Sweet Dreams shawl is stunning $40 is insane! Love your blog so much inspiration.
Comment by Maureen — November 5, 2012 @ 9:16 pm
Sorry the Sweet Dreams didn’t go for more in the auction, but am not necessarily surprised. Someone once offered me $40.00 to knit her a Fiori di Sole, and she also said “I figure that’s enough to cover yarn, too.” Needless to say, she didn’t get one.
As to the new shawl, how was knitting black lace in these dark evenings?
Comment by Susan — November 5, 2012 @ 9:48 pm
I am sorry that your beautiful shawl didn’t bring a higher bid – I know how that feels. I donated a Lizard Ridge blanket to a fundraiser which was held at a holiday party for military families. Winning bid with $80.00 (it was a 4 by 6 square blanket!
Comment by Monica — November 8, 2012 @ 4:56 pm
I love this shawl in black, and you are a really good mom to make it for her in that color . I also jump the minute I get so much as a hint of an offspring (or niec eor nephew, or friend) wanting a handknit, but I don’t do solid black. So hard on the eyes!
Comment by gale (she shoots sheep shots) — November 12, 2012 @ 4:50 pm