There's been a minor uproar on the KnitList and at KnitU regarding an op ed column in the Charlotte Observer. Tonya Jameson said some really unflattering things about knitters and any women who do any sort of "women's work". I don't often get my feathers ruffled, but that did it, and my response follows:

*********************************************************
Dear Ms. Jameson,

You really don't get it, do you?

While I was fighting for equal rights, where were you?
While I was campaigning for the right of 18 year olds to vote, where were you?
While I was protesting that women had the right to control what happens to their bodies, where were you?

All this time, I was a knitter, a cook, a seamstress. Also an economist, a journalist, an engineer, a business owner, an airplane pilot, a landscape designer, a dancer, a pianist, a reader, and a motorcycle mechanic. I didn't take Home Economics because it was boring, and I already knew how to cook and sew.

I knit in line at the Post Office, the bank and the grocery store. It makes me a nicer person. I knit while waiting for others, whether it's my female (also a knitter) doctor who's always late for appointments, or my engineering colleagues (non-knitters) on interminable conference calls. I create something from virtually nothing while waiting, rather than wasting my time, fidgeting and becoming frustrated. I even knit before piloting an airplane, because it calms me and makes me a better pilot.

We will agree on one thing, however, as I don't watch Martha Stewart either. I don't watch enough TV to even recognize the other shows you mention (they are TV shows, right?).

Lighten up. I don't shoot hoops because I think basketball is a game for pituitary freaks and it bores me to tears, but I fought for your right to play it. I think women should have a choice about what to do with their lives, and while I've made mistakes in mine, I did it my way. You don't have to fly fish, rebuild a carburetor, plant roses, knit a sock, or make jam, but I will because it gives me pleasure.

This is a frightening time. My sister-in-law worked on the 102nd floor of the WTC until August 31, 2001. The wife of a co-worker was on the plane that went into the Pentagon. My husband and I had been in those buildings the week before 9/11. I'm as scared as the next person, but fear will not take over my life. I haven't returned to Mayberry, and only stockpile in case of earthquakes, which are a certainty in northern California. I have chosen is to make my home a place of peace. One of the ways I do this is by knitting.

And by the way, I can't be connecting with my inner Grandma because my Grandma didn't knit. She was too busy struggling to keep her family together, clothed, and fed, on the harsh Texas plains during the Depression, making do and creating something from nothing.

Maybe there is a connection after all.

Peace and enlightenment to you, and all who pursue it. I hope you find the security you are seeking. I've found mine, and part of it requires only two sticks and a string.

Sincerely,

Diann W. Lippman
Fremont, CA
********************************************************

Made a little progress on the Liberty socks while visiting Small Claims Court with my Business Management class. Worked on the Rambling Rows afghan for a bit before bed to calm myself after reading "the article". At this rate, I'll never get anything finished, but somehow, I always do!

And now, back to my irregularly scheduled knitting, but first, a little gardening since the drizzle has stopped.

Spent a lovely weekend at Sears Point Raceway (now known as Infineon -- is anyone else as fed up as I am with sports arenas and such being renamed for -mostly- high tech companies?) knitting, chatting and watching our racers. They did well, and so did I!

Here's what I was knitting:

1) Rambling Rows afghan in shades of rose and purples Finished the 2nd rectangle and cast on for the third. This is fun, people think it's amazing, and it's using up leftover acrylic yarn at an amazing rate! I'm going to buy more to keep to the planned color scheme!
2) Lorna's Laces Liberty sock Ripped out the 2 or 3 pattern repeats of the recommended pattern I'd started with. That is just not going to work for me; taking way too long for each repeat. Probably ripped out 2 hours work, and while I know I'm not a fast knitter, this is ridiculous. Started after the ribbing with a twisted rib from Dez Crawford's pattern in Socks*3. That goes faster and looks just as good IMHO, and whose matters more?!
3) Best Friend Jacket in Trendsetter Fresco, sort of a latte color with that fine black netting. Finished casting on the stitches for the left front and knitted on that until I finished that ball of yarn. Forgot to put in another, darn it! I like this stuff and the pattern is fun too. Mindless, and clever, and useful all at the same time.
4) Opal socks in the aforementioned twisted rib. It doesn't show up well in this colorway, which is greens, browns, peachy-orange, white and black, and which might make interesting stripes on the foot. I'm doing the heel on these, plain heel stitch, from the pattern I know by heart.
5) Enchanting Cables sweater in blush Cotton Fleece for my SIL. Looked at it, carried it around, but didn't work on it. Even though I'm doing the sleeves with just one cable and the zigzag, it still takes more concentration than I have at the track. Hope to finish it this month if possible so I can ship it off!

I just love race weekends; all that down time to do nothing but read or knit! People even use my knitting as a landmark (go down to the blue E-ZUP on the corner where the lady is knitting...) and now that Kathy brings her crocheting it's even better! We watch her kids, and do our fiber things and it's restful and peaceful in ways I never expected!