I wish you lived closer! Next Sunday we are having our annual "Knitting in the Company of Sheep" event on our sheep farm. Knitters come together for a couple hours, sit on folding chairs in our sheep pasture and knit while our sheep roam about. We are currently the world record holders for "the most people knitting in the company of sheep" (no one else is competing so as long as someone shows up - we win). Last year we had 230 people. It's a wonderful way to take a break from this crazy world. I wish you could join us - but you'd have to leave the cashmere at home as I'm not sure our sheep would approve...
That sounds so wonderful! I'd love to come. And fortunately, I've also got a merino sweater on my needles. Will you let me know next year and I'll hop in my car?
Absolutely. You've helped me keep the faith many times, so I'd love the opportunity to reciprocate by providing you with a little levity - at least for a couple hours!
That would be wonderful! We graze most of our sheep at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, and that is where we hold the event. I'll let you know the date for next year, as soon as we set it.
Awww- where's your competitive spirit? When was the last time you were a part of setting a world record? - Actually, I hope the competition catches on - so contact your closest sheep farm and start your own "team". I think it's particularly humorous to take such a non-competitive past time like knitting and turn it into a competition. It's just plain fun, and the world needs more of that right now...
Hello, Joyce! You have more talents than should be legal. What did MY parents do wrong? I am almost finished with another one of Denise Bayron’s magical
patterns--the Wave of Change pullover sweater, knitted from the top down, in yummy, yummy Lang Snowflake (pink colorway). I just have the ribbing on the body to complete, and then I am off to Sleeveland. Thanks so much for you astute insights during a time of troubles, and thanks for reminding us that knitting and animals make even the most stressful days bearable. You’re the best!
Sep 10, 2022·edited Sep 11, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance
Hi, Joyce,
Watching Alabama v Texas, with my German shepherd next to me. It’s not cool enough for me to put the finishing touches on a Habitation throw, so socks are on my dpns! My husband thinks I’m a little off when you appear on TV, because I give you a “Joyce!” shoutout!
I am a needlepointer- by default. I could only manage to knit and pearl. I could not catch on to dropping stitches - or really anything else. I guess I could've made a rug for the #1 runway at LaGuardia. (I, too, use needlework to watch television guilt-free.)
My mother was a master needlepointer. She had her own shop with original designs (many were complex, Asian designs as well as other exquisite designs). Beautiful, beautiful things. She passed at the age of 96, and I now own many of the cushions and rugs she painted and then needlepointed. My 20 yr old grandson isn't impressed, but my 17 yr granddaughter totally "gets" it. Guess who's getting their great-grandmother's needlework? 😉
hahhaha... yeah, not a surprise. He's an elite athlete and I have learned they're highly focused, with not much free time (he's a Soph. at Univ.) . She's more artistic (like my Mom and me.)
And you're right, working a canvas is a lot like paint by numbers... I think what was so great about my Mom's stuff is she designed and then painted the canvasses herself. Then she pulled the wool, and worked the canvas. She did have a professional finisher for the rugs and cushions. Not a cheap hobby. But lovely heirlooms for sure.
Hi Joyce. First things first: poor Harry. Sigh... It will grow out (but he looks adorable)
Secondly, I only knit and purl and only scarves and blankets. But you've inspired me to make each grandchild a fab cashmere scarf for Christmas! thanks!
I have a legal question about the "master" choice. At one point I thought I heard Neal Katyal say there's a way to dump connor in favor of a DC judge. I had the news on in background and wasn't able to rewind and rewatch.
Did I completely misunderstand? Or is there a way to move the entire thing to DC? Connor should be disbarred, no? Her ruling sounded more like a scofflaw than a qualified judge. I thought Neal said something about DC being more apt a court venue anyway, since the matter is Federal? Ugh, My head hurts.
One other thing I'm hoping you address in a newsletter sometime soon, is this whole "Is this particular SCOTUS legitimate, or as I believe, illegitimate?" thing.
Not because of the court itself, but because of how it was politically (egregiously) assembled. McConnell messed with it and messed everything up. Do you believe Roberts would serve the nation better by acknowledging those problems? Rather than adamantly digging in? Thanks..
I think Neal's point was that if DOJ indicts in the future, it could easily happen in DC. There is also a law regarding review of presidential records that lays venue in DC. But my take is that any effort to move this to a "more favorable" venue will look like judge shopping and DOJ will avoid that like the plague.
As for the Supreme Court, oh my, will we have lots to talk about ahead of the new term. The court doesn't have an army to enforce its rulings, so they have to be very careful about guarding public confidence and they seem to be, let's just say a bit off track, with that.
I have always admired those who can knit, but I live in Florida & am just wishing that the weather would turn cool enough that I could turn off the air conditioner for a while, and that the humidity would go away. I am happy that Hurricane Season has been quiet so far, and *fingers crossed* that it stays that way. I really don't have much use for sweaters very often so I will just admire all of your projects, and go water my orchids. I hope everyone has a restful weekend, and chills. I feels like every week is more eventful than the last!
Totally get it...I'm a LYS owner and to take time for my own project is really gratifying. we can all use the extra Zen! Knitting a sweater out of Manchelopis-unspun yarn that needs the knitter to be mindful : )
I’m currently hanging out on my deck with the dogs and knitting! The past couple of days is the first time in months it’s been cool enough to knit outside. I have far too many projects on my needles but the 2 I’m making the most progress on is a (No need to) Panic sweater (grinding out another couple of inches of the body) and a Sharon from Security MKAL shawl, both patterns by Casapinka.
Can’t wait to hear more of your take on the FL drama!
Would you please share a simple knitting project (ie the one you mention above, I’d love to be one of your students!) I haven’t knitted in years but so enjoyed watching my grandmother knit when I was young - so much so I asked her to teach me in my 20’s. I’d love to pick it back up again after hearing you talk about it on Cafe Insider and here 🧶
Sure, mine is just a simple garter stitch scarf. You really don't need a pattern! But happy to help figure out the right number of stitches if you've got yarn in mind (or send yarn if you don't)
Working feverishly to get socks, baby blanket, toddler sweater off needles so I can justify casting on some new projects. Beautiful outside knitting here in Illinois.
I am an unfrequent knitter and finish my projects even less frequently, but working on my sewing UFOs at the moment. I like to listen to #SistersInLaw while sewing! In other news, apparently people are making unsolicited pitches to be appointed Special Master for this matter. While I didn't send in mine, I think my pitch deserves a hearing: I believe I would be an excellent #SpecialMaster as I have an MFA, interest and expertise with sharp tools and am highly skilled at working with piles of confusing paper (pattern maker for costume).
I wish you lived closer! Next Sunday we are having our annual "Knitting in the Company of Sheep" event on our sheep farm. Knitters come together for a couple hours, sit on folding chairs in our sheep pasture and knit while our sheep roam about. We are currently the world record holders for "the most people knitting in the company of sheep" (no one else is competing so as long as someone shows up - we win). Last year we had 230 people. It's a wonderful way to take a break from this crazy world. I wish you could join us - but you'd have to leave the cashmere at home as I'm not sure our sheep would approve...
That sounds so wonderful! I'd love to come. And fortunately, I've also got a merino sweater on my needles. Will you let me know next year and I'll hop in my car?
Absolutely. You've helped me keep the faith many times, so I'd love the opportunity to reciprocate by providing you with a little levity - at least for a couple hours!
It's a date! Two of my boys went to school close to you and my daughter is just up the coast in Maine, always a good excuse to come up (and she knits)
That would be wonderful! We graze most of our sheep at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, and that is where we hold the event. I'll let you know the date for next year, as soon as we set it.
oh ME - your daughter know of Three Bags Full Studio? https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThreeBagsFullStudio?ref=shop_sugg
Michele is lovely and makes wonderful project and notion bags, totes, etc. She is in ME.
I’m not a knitter but would LOVE to sit in your field watching talented knitters and sheep! Sounds like a divine way to spend a couple of hours!!
It's pretty awesome! It totally takes the edge off of life for an afternoon.
Where is Clatter Ridge Farm?
Farmington Connecticut
Not too far from us! Ruh Roh
Sounds lovely! But, a bit far from British Columbia😉
Awww- where's your competitive spirit? When was the last time you were a part of setting a world record? - Actually, I hope the competition catches on - so contact your closest sheep farm and start your own "team". I think it's particularly humorous to take such a non-competitive past time like knitting and turn it into a competition. It's just plain fun, and the world needs more of that right now...
Well, if you’re in from BC I’m in from California 🐑 🧶
wow that sounds awesome!!! i can listen to sheep all day
Thanks for being so real, here and on TV. We appreciate your wisdom on all things legal.
Joyce,
You are just the best!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life with us.
I always appreciate pictures of your chickens, dog, cats, etc.
...and husband, and herself, and the greenery!!! OMG... I live in the high desert, and delight even in weeds, just because they're green!
Hello, Joyce! You have more talents than should be legal. What did MY parents do wrong? I am almost finished with another one of Denise Bayron’s magical
patterns--the Wave of Change pullover sweater, knitted from the top down, in yummy, yummy Lang Snowflake (pink colorway). I just have the ribbing on the body to complete, and then I am off to Sleeveland. Thanks so much for you astute insights during a time of troubles, and thanks for reminding us that knitting and animals make even the most stressful days bearable. You’re the best!
That sounds gorgeous!
Hi, Joyce,
Watching Alabama v Texas, with my German shepherd next to me. It’s not cool enough for me to put the finishing touches on a Habitation throw, so socks are on my dpns! My husband thinks I’m a little off when you appear on TV, because I give you a “Joyce!” shoutout!
I am a needlepointer- by default. I could only manage to knit and pearl. I could not catch on to dropping stitches - or really anything else. I guess I could've made a rug for the #1 runway at LaGuardia. (I, too, use needlework to watch television guilt-free.)
My Mother in Law did needlepoint too. It's so beautiful!
My mother was a master needlepointer. She had her own shop with original designs (many were complex, Asian designs as well as other exquisite designs). Beautiful, beautiful things. She passed at the age of 96, and I now own many of the cushions and rugs she painted and then needlepointed. My 20 yr old grandson isn't impressed, but my 17 yr granddaughter totally "gets" it. Guess who's getting their great-grandmother's needlework? 😉
I'm not surprised a 20-yr-old male wasn't bowled over by needlepoint, but happy for your granddaughter. A good design can make one seem very talented!
hahhaha... yeah, not a surprise. He's an elite athlete and I have learned they're highly focused, with not much free time (he's a Soph. at Univ.) . She's more artistic (like my Mom and me.)
And you're right, working a canvas is a lot like paint by numbers... I think what was so great about my Mom's stuff is she designed and then painted the canvasses herself. Then she pulled the wool, and worked the canvas. She did have a professional finisher for the rugs and cushions. Not a cheap hobby. But lovely heirlooms for sure.
I don't know many people who painted their canvases, let alone pulled the wool. She was a real artist.
Knitting a baby blanket for a friend of my daughters, who after a long struggle, is finally pregnant!
That's lovely.
Hi Joyce. First things first: poor Harry. Sigh... It will grow out (but he looks adorable)
Secondly, I only knit and purl and only scarves and blankets. But you've inspired me to make each grandchild a fab cashmere scarf for Christmas! thanks!
I have a legal question about the "master" choice. At one point I thought I heard Neal Katyal say there's a way to dump connor in favor of a DC judge. I had the news on in background and wasn't able to rewind and rewatch.
Did I completely misunderstand? Or is there a way to move the entire thing to DC? Connor should be disbarred, no? Her ruling sounded more like a scofflaw than a qualified judge. I thought Neal said something about DC being more apt a court venue anyway, since the matter is Federal? Ugh, My head hurts.
One other thing I'm hoping you address in a newsletter sometime soon, is this whole "Is this particular SCOTUS legitimate, or as I believe, illegitimate?" thing.
Not because of the court itself, but because of how it was politically (egregiously) assembled. McConnell messed with it and messed everything up. Do you believe Roberts would serve the nation better by acknowledging those problems? Rather than adamantly digging in? Thanks..
I think Neal's point was that if DOJ indicts in the future, it could easily happen in DC. There is also a law regarding review of presidential records that lays venue in DC. But my take is that any effort to move this to a "more favorable" venue will look like judge shopping and DOJ will avoid that like the plague.
As for the Supreme Court, oh my, will we have lots to talk about ahead of the new term. The court doesn't have an army to enforce its rulings, so they have to be very careful about guarding public confidence and they seem to be, let's just say a bit off track, with that.
That’s a bit of an understatement…. 😸
oh good grief - i forgot about impending new term..... i'm recovering from the summer news
That made me laugh, Torre! I am with you!! Its like, uh oh... here we go again.
Thank you very much! 🙏🏼
I'll second those questions regarding the Supreme Court!
I sure do but don’t believe Roberts will say anything. He seems like a fox.
I have always admired those who can knit, but I live in Florida & am just wishing that the weather would turn cool enough that I could turn off the air conditioner for a while, and that the humidity would go away. I am happy that Hurricane Season has been quiet so far, and *fingers crossed* that it stays that way. I really don't have much use for sweaters very often so I will just admire all of your projects, and go water my orchids. I hope everyone has a restful weekend, and chills. I feels like every week is more eventful than the last!
Totally get it...I'm a LYS owner and to take time for my own project is really gratifying. we can all use the extra Zen! Knitting a sweater out of Manchelopis-unspun yarn that needs the knitter to be mindful : )
Are you knitting the Miles Sweater Jacket?
Good call! Indeed I am, with Manchelopis. (shop sample.) So interesting, and the company backstory is really great.
I love it. Bought the pattern but have other things on the needles I need to finish first.
I’m currently hanging out on my deck with the dogs and knitting! The past couple of days is the first time in months it’s been cool enough to knit outside. I have far too many projects on my needles but the 2 I’m making the most progress on is a (No need to) Panic sweater (grinding out another couple of inches of the body) and a Sharon from Security MKAL shawl, both patterns by Casapinka.
Can’t wait to hear more of your take on the FL drama!
Here's to the fall season of castonitis!
Would you please share a simple knitting project (ie the one you mention above, I’d love to be one of your students!) I haven’t knitted in years but so enjoyed watching my grandmother knit when I was young - so much so I asked her to teach me in my 20’s. I’d love to pick it back up again after hearing you talk about it on Cafe Insider and here 🧶
Sure, mine is just a simple garter stitch scarf. You really don't need a pattern! But happy to help figure out the right number of stitches if you've got yarn in mind (or send yarn if you don't)
I’m looking online right now for yarn. Too many choices!! I will write back once I do. I love the pic of your cat & scarf in progress.
Hi again - I chose a light weight DK yarn and I think my needles are 6” 🧶
Working feverishly to get socks, baby blanket, toddler sweater off needles so I can justify casting on some new projects. Beautiful outside knitting here in Illinois.
Knitting a shawl-a very easy lace pattern in a soft pink linen that will be ready for summer of 2023
I am an unfrequent knitter and finish my projects even less frequently, but working on my sewing UFOs at the moment. I like to listen to #SistersInLaw while sewing! In other news, apparently people are making unsolicited pitches to be appointed Special Master for this matter. While I didn't send in mine, I think my pitch deserves a hearing: I believe I would be an excellent #SpecialMaster as I have an MFA, interest and expertise with sharp tools and am highly skilled at working with piles of confusing paper (pattern maker for costume).
I'm a process knitter, which means I really don't care about the finished product, I just like the knitting. I occasionally finish something too.