ABCs of Imitation
When we say ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,’ is that what we really mean to say?
a) Imitation: noun, the action of using something or someone as a model (okay…good)
b) Sincere: adjective, proceeding from genuine feelings (again, good…)
c) Flattery: noun, excessive and insincere praise, especially that given to further one’s own interests (hmm….not sure about that)
So, I was chatting with a friend the other day. Ironically, it turns out that our families are each going to the US for the summer holidays. The conversation then turned to knitting plans.
‘What are you going to knit over the summer?’ asked she.
‘Oh, I think I ought to finish that aran cabled jumper,’ replied I, ‘and what about you?’
‘I’m going to do my Christmas knitting so I can leave it there and save on postage.’
Wowser, what a great idea!
And so:
a) wishing I’d had such forethought and
b) having experienced the painful postage costs of shipping Christmas cheer and
c) remembering November panic attacks of late night knitting to get all the projects done…
…I immediately abandoned my jumper idea and instead jumped on that good-idea-bandwagon. I couldn’t wait to get home to start rummaging through the yarn stash and books to see what holiday delights I could begin. Yes, I realise it’s not yet May but still, I’m not going to be caught short this year, barring any unforeseen calamity, that is.
Right, so here’s what I found…
It seems much of my stash is:
a) partial balls and leftover bits of
b) new wool, which means
c) felted (or more correctly said ‘fulled’) projects
Well, that’s easy enough. Having a look through the books, I’ve chosen these as offering the best projects for the yarn I have and the intended recipients. They are:
a) ‘Felted Knits’ by Beverly Galeskas
b) ‘One Skein’ by Leigh Radford
c) ‘Handknit Holidays’ by Melanie Falick
So, I think I’d rather say that:
a) imitation is the
b) sincerest form of
c) praising a friend’s good idea!
Wow! It’s incredibly well-organised to be thinking of Christmas gifts now, but also fun to plan. I might do the same and imitate you….
29 Apr 2007 at 7:04 pm
Interesting that the definition of flattery is in conflict with the old adage. I’d never considered that.
What parts of the US will you be visiting?
29 Apr 2007 at 7:34 pm
i’m way ahead of the game…i’ll be finishing off Christmas 2006 knitting gifts this summer : )
29 Apr 2007 at 7:47 pm
I agree, what a great idea. Love the colors you’ll be working with. Hmm, maybe I need a long trip so I can get my Christmas knitting done.
29 Apr 2007 at 9:57 pm
Exactly why I joined the Holiday Headstart group over here in the States. I’ve been doing very well - one project for each month so far, but I fear I will not get much else done the rest of the year. I don’t know where the daily allottment of hours goes!
30 Apr 2007 at 12:29 am
very impressed about starting the christmas gifts early. what great foresight! from the both of you! the yarn stash looks healthy and supplementing it would be in the spirit of giving! have fun knitting with knitting christmas!
30 Apr 2007 at 1:58 am
the idea is great - in principle…. only, if I do all the christmas presents now (and yes, postage is hefty, that’s why I only do things that weigh below 2 kg:)) - when would I be doing the birthday presents that I need in between now and christmas? something doesn’t quite work out there - or don’t you do handmade birthday presents maybe????
but don’t let that interfere with your plans - e.g. you could maybe do a bag like KayBee has on her blog right now?
30 Apr 2007 at 12:11 pm