December 14, 2007Hmmm...What could that be?
Well, it used to be mommy's hat. Now, not so much. I have quickly learned that Ash loves my knitting. If I so much as leave for even a moment to go to the bathroom without securing it in a place too high for him to "counter surf," I can depend on finding it in his mouth. I am not so sure that he would ventilate it on his own, but with Zosia the destroyer at his side, he can do quite a bit of damage for the purpose of encouraging play. Surprisingly, I am not that upset. I made this hat in 2003, and it was kind of a silly knit, complete with two pompoms on the top at the end of long I-cord strings. It was definitely fun while it lasted, and I got good use out of it in DC, but in LA it very rarely sees the outdoors. It just isn't practical for this climate, so it ends up neglected in the winter clothing chest, with all the down jackets and snow boots that we used to wear. It's not really my style anymore, either. What I did realize is that it would look great as a thick headband. I love the twisted stitch cables, and with just the slightest bit of re-working (including tightening up that flaring ribbing at the bottom), it will make a beautiful accessory that will get tons of use. In a round about way, Ash actually did me, and the neglected hat, a favor. Most importantly, he gave me a very concise heads up concerning his knitwear-eating activity by chewing on a hat and one swatch that I had made, rather than the absolutely delicious cashmere sweater that I am working on. And I am eternally grateful for that.  Was that the hat of the mommy who loves us, feeds us, hikes with us? Why yes, I believe it was. Plus, I kind of feel honored. I know that this will be knitting blasphemy to those among you who are not animal lovers, but I know that Ash chose to play with my knitting precisely because it was mine. He loves me, and he wants to play with my toys, just like he plays with Zosia's. She doesn't care when he tears her plush toys to shreds. She likes it. I think it's Asher's way of saying that he cares, and that he is so, so happy to be here, rather than in a cold cage at the rescue. I just hope that his intestines get through this intact. I'm not sure how digestible wool is, but I fear someone (maybe two someones?) may be pooping pompoms in the near future.  We are so happy, so pretty. How could anyone be mad at us? Posted by Julia at December 14, 2007 07:58 AM In ash | bavarian headband | main | zosia
Comments
Pooping pom poms! Too cute, just like your doggies! Great pics! Made me smile real big! Posted by: lindar at December 19, 2007 10:21 PMSorry for the double-post. My laptop spazzed. Posted by: Celine at December 19, 2007 03:19 PMI understand! Our oldest Aussie, Danny, occasionally gets caught with a pair of my knit socks in his mouth, especially in the evenings right before I get home from work. He doesn't chew them, per se...but the other two think it's an invitation to tug-of-war. I know he loves them because they're mine, though. I think it's sweet. Posted by: Celine at December 19, 2007 03:18 PMi'm amazed at your ability to look at this from the perspective of your dog and your willingness to consider what else you might do with the hat. headband seems to be a perfect answer. all that cable stuff looks great by the way. Posted by: michele at December 19, 2007 01:49 PMYou are such an understanding Mom! It's good to see that Ash is adjusting well with the family, and that Zosia is graceful with her toys. M takes rilly good pictures, I must say. And with 3 great models, it must be easy! Posted by: MJ at December 17, 2007 11:11 PMFirst of all, that pic of you with the two pups- I love it! Second, clearly Ash is smart enough to eat a knit during the 'honeymoon' phase. ;) (They really do look so happy together- it makes me happy, too!) Posted by: Nonnahs at December 17, 2007 09:23 AMYou're so good natured about it all, Julia! :) But you're right, with their adorable faces, how could anyone be mad? Those cables are beautiful! I'm glad you'll be re-purposing that knit into something else! Posted by: connie at December 16, 2007 11:32 AMAwww....that's how I should look at it when my cat attacks my knitting. I'm afraid i get a little upset. ;p Posted by: Julia at December 16, 2007 10:11 AMHi Charlotte, The pattern for Harvey is in Rowan's "Little Treasures" book, which you can order here for $11.50. The book is for Rowan's Baby Soft, but I substituted Rowan Wool Cotton and was able to get gauge without difficulty. Harvey is both a sweater and vest pattern, and the original has a pocket that I omitted. The photo on the site is not the best. It is absolutely adorable and fun to knit. I keep meaning to write up pattern notes, but just haven't gotten around to it. Enjoy! Julia Posted by: Julia at December 16, 2007 06:42 AMIt must be puppy love! Posted by: LaurieM at December 16, 2007 04:20 AMI looked everywhere I could on your site for the pattern for the Harvey vest or where you got it from. I LOVE it and would love to get the pattern. Your work is gorgeous,,,,,,,, Posted by: Charlotte at December 15, 2007 09:14 PMoh boy, what a stinker! but you're right who could be mad at a face like that? good luck with the pompoms! ;-) Posted by: Disentangled at December 15, 2007 09:08 AMI was very attracted to the designs in the hat - they reminded me of smocking. What a great idea to turn it into a headband and start using it again. Posted by: mom at December 15, 2007 05:50 AMyeah i gotta say "pooping pom poms" is killer Posted by: kat at December 14, 2007 08:53 PMLOL, the pom-pom pooping bit got me. Ash is a lucky boy to have his new family. Kisses to him. Posted by: Marnie at December 14, 2007 05:02 PMyup- had your scent and so he liked it. and they are beautiful dogs.
I am also thankful for you that it was not your cashmere sweater. I have a feeling you wouldn't be near as calm. Posted by: Cathy at December 14, 2007 01:24 PMIf my 7 year old ever figures out that there is such a phrase as "pooping pompoms", we will never hear the end of it. Literally. Posted by: Ruth at December 14, 2007 01:11 PMJulia, you just wrote the phrase "pooping pompoms." Thank you for that. ;) Posted by: Mary-Heather at December 14, 2007 12:41 PM |
