I have a knitting crush on Jane Richmond

I have a knitting crush on Jane Richmond. I’m not sure exactly when it started but it was probably around the time her Mustard Scarf started to pop up in my “Friend Activity” on Ravelry. I immediately liked her because she is a Canadian (and beautiful) and I wanted to knit everything she had designed. It all looked so cozy. So warm. Of course, that is when I lived in Ottawa and wanted to be warm.

Once I moved to San Diego, I forgot about my crush on Jane, distracted by my love of Wendy Bernard’s new (at the time) book. But last week I discovered Jane Richmond's Cozy Belaro. Now, I don’t have any desire to be warm but I do have a very strong desire to get rid of the Brown Sheep Burly Spun yarn that has been haunting my stash since I lived in Toronto. You may remember it from such failed projects as the Tuxedo Jacket, the Best Friend Cardigan, and the Magic Shawl. There is even one attempted I never mentioned on the blog. I tried to make a DROPS design jacket/vest, but it was so terrible I balled it up and shoved it in the back of my closet.

I have had this yarn since 2005. I bought it on a very cold winter day, seduced by the colour and the idea that a chunky yarn would knit up quickly. Little did I know, one must be very selective when choosing the right pattern for a chunky yarn lest they look chunky themselves. Every year I drag out this yarn, start a new project, try it on midway, think I look fat, and rip out the piece. Yet, despite B’s attempt to persuade me to give it away, I still have this yarn. She is convinced that it and I were never destined to come together in a successful FO – that the relationship between me and the yarn is cursed. I’m hoping she is wrong. Despite everything we’ve been through together, I still love this yarn – the chunkiness, the chocolate brown colour (I wish I could quit you).

I’m willing to go one more round, Burly Spun. If Jane can’t bring us together with her cute curly hair and freckles, no one can. If you and I were never destined to be, Burly Spun, then I will just have to introduce you, in blanket form, to someone who has already shown their interest in your soft fibers. Don't think I didn't notice her hurriedly kneading your half-finished form(s) when my back was turned or leaping out of the bag where the two of you were nestled if I happen to arrive home unexpectedly. Maybe I am just fooling myself that you and I can be together. Maybe it's cruel to keep you away from the one who truly loves you...

Comments

[Lisa]

I feel THE SAME WAY about Jane Richmond's designs, and about chocolate brown. I really want to see you succeed with this yarn of doom. Because then I will copy you.

[bree]

Minchie's been having an affair with that yarn for a very long time... :D