Pictures from Refugee Center

I'm posting some of Joanna's photos from the refugee center visit a month ago. Of course no one's faces can be used in the photos for their safety, but you can see some of the knitting going on. All credit for the photos goes to Joanna Stewart, knitter and organizer of great events.

In case you missed the post in April, click here to read about the trip.

Groundhog Day

I'm feeling a little like it's Groundhog Day here. I knit and knit and knit and each day when I wake up I start all over again. I've been knitting the same hat for what feels like weeks. I keep frogging the darn thing. Each time it gets a little better (just like Bill Murray's life), but I don't know if I can go on... Maybe I need another project, but I feel like I have to get this done so I'll just have to keep going until I get it right. It's not even hard.

Started this little hat in the round on dpn and found I didn't like the purling sections. Remedied this on the next try, and spent our knitting group getting a lot of it done, but that night was watching EuroVision with a group of friends and the Latvian back-up singers/knitters must has distracted me too much and I ended up knitting too many rows in one section so the pattern is off (and only halfway around otherwise I might have been able to justify leaving it).

Need to redo or I won't be happy. The story of my life.

Saw Czech President at the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Concert

Totally cool thing happened last night... A friend suggested we go see the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra because they were playing in a beautiful venue--the Spanish Hall in the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad). From what I've heard, this room is normally opened only twice a year to the public, so a concert there is a special event. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra was invited to Prague by Czech President Klaus, who requested that they perform pieces by Thad Jones. However, none of us knew that when we bought tickets. Once there, I knew something big was up because we saw the American Ambassador and his wife and about half the seats were reserved for important people... The "big" was that Klaus showed up. He spoke to the audience and graciously translated for the band members (and the rest of us in the audience who haven't mastered Czech). It was totally cool to be so close to a Head of State (and with what seemed like so little security). Although they had metal detectors close to the entrance, they were in plastic wrap and not used at all. Can you imagine that ever happening in the States?

However, I have to tell you that I'm having a major shoe dilemma at the moment. I don't have the shoes that I really need for this sort of event and I'm not about to buy them before the move so I threw on all that I had. It was really hot that day so I wore a pair of slip-on sandals (leather, but slip-on). I had no idea that the President would be there... all I could think about when he showed up were those college volleyball girls who met President Bush in their flip flops. Eeek!

Anyway, a great experience to have before leaving Prague... now if I can only meet the Queen of England next :)

Ego Boost

I was at this great BBQ on Sunday to celebrate the fact that a friend's husband who has been finishing up work in Africa all year, has finally been able to move to the Czech Republic for good to be with his family. Despite not such great weather, there was great food and great company and a great reason to celebrate. Whenever there's conversation I like to pull out the knitting. I actually think it helps me to be a better listener because I don't feel compelled to talk :) I was knitting these little Christine Baby Booties for a woman at work. They're super soft Alpaca wool (Austermann Inka) and really cute. A teacher friend asked what I was knitting--I told her. One thing led to another and she said she'd pay me to knit an identical pair for her brother's baby due in July. No one has ever asked me to knit anything for money before. Feel a little weird taking money other than for the cost of the wool, but it sure is flattering to have someone actually want something I knit and say they'll pay me. If you remember, not too long ago I wasn't sure I'd give a knitted gift again because I hadn't actually seen anyone wear what I'd given them--now I'm getting requests. Thought I'd get started on my curtains for our summer home after I finished the booties in the picture, but now it looks like that will be put off a little while longer.

Boy or Girl?

I never found out the sex of my two girls before they were born. I wanted a surprise. I wanted the doctor to say, "It's a...!" and I'd be surprised and elated. Funny story about our first daughter... when she was born, my husband (a biology teacher) immediately looked at the genitals and said, "It's a boy!?" The doctor quickly corrected him, reminding him that the genitals are often quite swollen at birth. Anyway, for a brief moment he had a son. We also sort of winged it when it came to preparing for the babies beforehand. A few things in neutral colors... pieced together changing table made out of abandoned school desks (while living in Taiwan). We kept it pretty low key, so it didn't seem important to know the gender.

So what's my point? My point is, now that I knit, I'm torn. I want to encourage people to have the fun of the surprise, but the reality is, I really want to know if it's a boy or girl because it's easier for me.

Here's my solution...

It's a BOY!

It's a GIRL!So does this work... ribbon vs. cord? a little bow on a blue hat? Hmmmm.

Bloggers Unite Tackle Human Rights Abuse

Bloggers Unite is tackling the problem of human rights by bringing awareness to human rights abuses around the world. Bloggers are asked to post information about a human rights topic on May 15th. I decided since this is a knitting/travel bloggy thingy to try to find something that had to do with wool or knitting--so I did a little research.

I was hoping that human rights weren't being violated in the making of wool because I really don't want to be made to feel guilty about my addiction. What I did find was information about the chemicals and pesticides that are used to kill the various vermin that take up residence in a sheep's wool. Farm workers are then exposed to these chemicals. Chemical solvents are used in the production of the wool as well, which can be harmful to humans. Cotton didn't fair much better, maybe even worse. The article from Green Guide said that cotton crops make up for about 25 percent of all insecticides used worldwide and that many of the pesticides used on cotton can cause cancer in humans. So what do we do? Buy organic cotton and wool... or hemp, which is supposed to be some of the strongest fiber out there and not treated with chemicals (too hardy to need them).
Source: Green Guide

But I wanted to unearth something more dramatic. Not to downplay the importance of keeping all farm workers and knitters healthy, but I wanted a news story. The eighth graders in our school just did a big human rights project and their reports on sweatshops and slave labor inspired me. In Herat, fur and wool factory workers, who work six-day weeks for US$6/week, are being put at risk of lung disease due to poor conditions. They are given no protective gear and the fur and wool can be contaminated with microbes that attack the respiratory system. Women are dying in these factories and although the government asks that employers who hire people for hazardous work provide health insurance, that isn't happening.
Source: IRIN

Bottom line: Consumers want cheap prices, companies want big profits and the people who suffer are those who are too poor to argue. Do your homework and try to buy as many FairTrade products as you can. Look for the logo and get information from The FairTrade Foundation.

Prague Stitch 'n Bitch Always Fun

I took my daughter to Stitch 'n Bitch yesterday. She took some knitting and a couple books thinking it was going to be boring and she might need to read to escape the conversation. On the contrary, when we left she said, "That was fun! I see why you want to go to knitting group. They are all so interesting and nice." My sentiments exactly. I don't know what she thought we talked about... and of course we talk some about knitting, but it's mostly about everything else. It was fun to see some new members come as well.

Started the Christine's Baby Booties for another work baby (due July). I was a bit stuck on the pattern, but waited until I saw Danielle from the group. She's knit a gazillion of these (my daughter says that must be an exaggeration, but I don't think so) and I knew she'd help. And sure enough she did, so I got the first booty done and have started on the second. Not sure if it's a boy or girl so will get some ribbon in purple for a girl and will make an I-cord if it's a boy. Will probably also make a matching hat.

I've also posted the matching hat that I made for the Baby's First Tattoo Sweater that I finished. Not sure I posted a picture of it so here it is.

Road Trip to Boleslawiec, Poland

Went on a road trip with my friend Tracy yesterday to buy Polish pottery. Wanted to pick up some gifts and a few items for myself before we move. Without traffic, Boleslawiec is about a three-hour drive from Prague, and with the border now open that cuts time off the trip. Because it was a Czech holiday yesterday and we didn't have to work, we were able to spend the whole day in Poland and didn't have to brave busy weekend shoppers once there. The stores were virtually empty and they also stay open longer during the week so there wasn't the rush we often feel on the weekend.

Tracy's directions from the Internet mentioned the town of Luban, so when we saw that on a sign, we turned. We were off the main highway this way, but it was a beautiful sunny Spring day and all the fruit trees were in bloom--it was the best mistake we could have made. The driving is slower because you're on small country roads, but the scenery was beautiful. There are old farm houses and barns. People still had May poles up from last weekend. It was lovely. Not sure I'd take that route under other circumstances, but we loved it.

When driving into town from Prague, there are several great shops on the right side of the road just after the roundabout (and near the Carrefour), and there are some great shops under the railroad trellis to the left of the roundabout, but you really do miss something if you don't take a quick side trip into the center of town. There aren't pottery shops there so many pottery hunters don't even know it exists. We walked through the town square and ate at my favorite pizza place, Sawanna. It's a bit of a cave in the winter, but we ate outside in the sunshine under umbrellas so it was beautiful. I've been there twice and in my opinion it's the best pizza in Europe.

If you have never been to Boleslawiec and are planning to go, I'll let you know that it took me two trips before I bought anything. The problem for me and many people I know is just how overwhelming it is. There are just too many choices and everything is so pretty that making a decision can be a problem. Then I know people who have waited to buy something, thinking they will get it another time, only to find that it's no longer being made. There are differences in quality from store to store so make sure to look around a little before spending everything in one place (unless you're sure you're getting quality). There are lots of great shops, and I don't remember all the names, but some of my favorites are: Henry's (ul. Maasarska 1), Vena, Ceramika Keramik Cer-Far (ul. Kosciuszki 17), and the strip of stores behind the fence on the right of the roundabout before Carrefour. There are many more that I like, but I usually find something I like in these places.

With six hours in the car, I should have gotten more knitting done. I finished a hat to go with the Baby's First Tattoo Sweater. The gauge is right and the age is right, so I don't know why it looks too big to me. Up against the sweater it looks like the child would need a freakishly large head to wear both at the same time. Looked head circumference up on a chart. Says that a boys' head is 46 cm at 12 months (50th percentile). That means it should fit. Guess I've just forgotten that they're all head at that stage of development.

Finally made it to MarLen

Okay, I've lived here long enough that I should have been to MarLen before, but I haven't. Part of the trouble... their hours... not open on Saturday (only Monday-Friday 9.00 to 18.00). It's just tough for me to get downtown during the week before closing. But if you're looking for a cool experience and some Czech brand yarns, this is the place to go. It is quite different, and probably not everyone's cup of tea, but I thought the stuff was fabulous and I went for yarns that were colorful and different from what I could get elsewhere. The women in the knitting group mentioned that much of the stuff is various strands wound together--often different widths and textures. Some have felt that it can be difficult to knit with, others have loved it. I'll have to give it a try and let you know.

The place is packed floor to ceiling with yarn, fabric, buttons, beads, etc. There are three walls of yarns and they are all packed (see picture). There is also stock on the floor and in a standing cabinet as well. I liked that you could stand and look through the yarn--touch it, smell it... whatever. There are many small yarn places in Prague where you have to ask to see what they have because it's behind the counter. The newer places, like the one in the Palladium, display their stock openly, but this is not the case in some of the older neighborhood stores.

Bought several things to make something for the girls. I'm thinking that it will be a nice way to remember their time in Prague. One has sequins sewn in (for the little one), another has a gold metallic thing going for it (for the older one). You buy the yarn by weight. Seemed like a good deal despite the exchange rate. I also picked up some interesting buttons. Matched the yarns and thought I could use them for the kids. I was going to pass by the buttons, but after a quick glance, I noticed there were some really interesting pieces. Worth a look. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the beautiful fabric. Wish I had come here when we first arrived... I might have had fabulous throw pillows! Instead I'm stuck with Ikea.

My recommendation is that MarLen at Karolíny Světlé 12, Praha 1 is worth a trip.

Very Sad News

If you've been reading my posts for awhile, you will remember that there have been quite a few babies at work recently. I knitted a bib and hat for a baby boy born to our school's computer network manager and his wife. The very sad news today is that Petr and his infant son were killed in a car crash this Saturday evening. His wife was hurt as well, but is out of the hospital and their eldest son was at home with grandparents so was not involved. We all just found out today. It was sad and tragic and beyond words.

The little hat and bib were meant to bring joy... now they are just a grim reminder of loss. Please send your thoughts and prayers to this family.

Reminder: The Czech Republic has a very high death toll on its roads, so if you're planning to visit, consider public transportation or be very careful if renting or driving a car.

Green Line Marathon... and it has nothing to do with running

Participated in my first Green Line Marathon (GLM) yesterday. In case you don't know, this is a long-standing tradition with the teachers at the school and involves taking the green line of the Prague metro (also known as the A line) to various stops throughout the day. At each stop, the group gathers for a pivo. Several of the stops are outdoor beer gardens, which were nice when the sun was out. There are games and everyone has a job... cheerleaders, nurses, an archeologist, a shaman, sweepers, the Tsar of Transportation... the list goes on. It all ends at a Greek restaurant for a wonderful meal.

I guess in years past there were many more stops so you can imagine the state of people by the end, but this year's was fun and friendly and no pressure if you didn't want to drink. I went because some of the people who have been here a very long time will be leaving the school and it seemed like something I should do once before we leave as well.

There are some sort of funny traditions... Twenty-four cans of Spam were used to make sandwiches to nourish people throughout the day, and this year the Spam hat was passed onto the person taking over Spam responsibilities next year. My Spam sandwich, the "vegetarian" (just meant it was on wheat bread instead of white) gave me a bit of a stomach ache, so I passed on any more. There was a Wheel of Entertainment and I had to do a tap dance (really pathetic), but others were quite talented at their tasks.

I was warned that I wouldn't be allowed to knit, but when I got there with my knitting and it was green, I was given permission to proceed by the event organizers. :)

I now realize I'm not really going to have enough yarn to finish this thing and have now found out that the yarn has been discontinued. Looked on eBay, and although they had the same brand, they did not have the same color. I will have to keep looking. I've tried a few places, but I'm not sure what's the best way to go about finding discontinued yarn. I could go with a different color, but not sure how that will look. Hummm...

Juggling Work and a Knitting Obsession

This is nothing new. Many knitters work. It's just sometimes hard to juggle both. As a librarian, much of my free time really needs to be spent reading. Just finished The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick this morning. But I can't seem to hold needles and a book at the same time--while reading and knitting that is. I was fascinated to read today on Ravelry of a knitter who can read and knit at the same time as long as the book is hardback. Oh how I wish. I instead must rely on audio books to allow me to enjoy my two favorite pastimes. Just finished Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian and am currently listening to Amsterdam by Ian McEwan. My trusty iPod Shuffle keeps me in books while knitting.

Here's a picture of my progress on the Hoover blanket.

What to do with those projects you don't know what to do with

Isn't it tragic when you spend hours and hours on a project only to realize that it isn't quite right or not what you expected? So what do you do this these things? Two of my tragedies are in a give-away bag for a local charity. Two others, I'm not sure I'm ready to part with, but I don't know why.

Last summer while I recovered from a little surgery on my foot, I worked on this felted bag. It was the first time I'd used charts to knit patterns with different colors of yarn. I actually did the patterns okay, but when I first started, I was pulling the yarn too tightly, so there was a little puckering. I briefly toyed with the idea of cutting the backside to loosen the stitches since it would be felted anyway, but decided against it. I thought maybe once I felted it, things would lie flat... oh was I wrong. The bottom patterns are bulgy and horrible. I've had people say it looks fine, but they're just being polite. The strap is also too wide, but I think I'll fold it in half and sew it together to make it half the size... that should help, but I'm just not sure I'll ever use it. What do you do with something like this? It wasn't cheap either, so that complicates things... the trash bin is out of the question.

Another lovely flub is this tunic thing that I made for my daughter. She didn't want one of the colorful skirts that I made for the little one, but I had all this purple and green yarn to use up and I liked the colors together. The yarns were slightly different sizes so the edges of the neck and arm openings are a mess. If I could crochet, I could add an edging. As it is, I'm thinking of frogging the top and just making a skirt. But it's a project that's now been sitting around the house for almost six months and I'm not sure when it will ever get done.

What to do with these things... When is something salvageable and when is it not? Am I the only person who ends up with this stuff? Anyone willing to give a big felted bag a home?