Oh, the Cleverness of HER

(This is mostly a knitting post and I'm sorry for those of you who aren't knitters. Just employ your delete button and go merrily about your day.)

Y'all might have already picked up on this but I love knitting socks. I love that they are so portable that I can always have one in progress in my purse. I love that it's a relatively inexpensive project (knitting is a really expensive hobby) and I love all the beautiful sock yarn. But by far the best part of sock-knitting is the point in every sock where I turn the heel. (For those of you non-knitters who are reading along, in every sock (except for tube socks) there is a point where the sock changes direction and takes a 90 degree turn. It follows the way your leg is just going along in one direction and then takes a 90 degree turn and becomes a foot. For a sock to fit properly, the knitter has to hold her mouth just right and say a bunch of curse magic words and do some fussing with her needles and then VOILA, a heel is born.) Every time I turn the heel, I think it is MAGIC. I can't believe it has worked AGAIN. And every single time, I think, "OH, THE CLEVERNESS of ME!"

In fact, um, well, I usually say this out loud.

It's gotten to where I don't even HAVE to say it out loud, though, because as soon as I mention that I have turned the heel, my girls will say, "Oh, THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!"

(Are they terrific or what? They're very enthusiastic about those kinds of rituals.)

Yesterday, I got to help a friend with her first sock. She actually asked ME for help, even though she has knitted whole sweaters and other things and I have...not so much. But I know my way around socks and I was as excited as a MIDWIFE to be a part of the birth of her first sock!

I sat with her while she knitted the heel flap and then we turned her heel together and I stood up and said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF YOU!" and she beamed and I left her knitting away at the foot.

And my whole day was just... happy. It was a happy day. Even though my ancient dog Sydney had another two accidents in the house and even though I had to go to the doctor and have blood drawn and even though Coop worked late and even though Jane (7) kind of bottomed out blood-sugar-wise before I was able to feed her dinner... it was still such a happy day.

When I told Ana (10 and a knitter) that my friend had turned her first heel, Ana said, "OH THE CLEVERNESS OF HER!" with great admiration.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It is indeed a moment worth admiration. It turns out that my family and friends are extremely eager to be on the list of people gifted with handmade socks this year. Who would have known that the ultimate gift is socks?
Karen said…
Will you come hang out at my house and say the magic words every time I knit a sock? Or perhaps you can record yourself saying it and I can just hit "PLAY" each time I do it.

I guess I have to train my sons better.
Barb Matijevich said…
The funny thing is that I apparently say a few other things with some regularity while knitting. Because Jane told me recently, "You know what, Mom? When I finish knitting this scarf, I am going to feel like the smartest woman on the planet!" Apple/tree--not so far apart.
Me, too - amazes me every single time.
hokgardner said…
I've now turned 16 heels, and I am amazed each time that it works. It's my favorite part of the process. I'm going to have to start repeating your line now.
Miri said…
Turning ON heel is not the same as turning A heel? Learning something new today.

I am so amazed by you. Truly clever, you. And truly clever, your friend.
Ann in NJ said…
Oh, I love this. I am still too chicken to attempt a sock (let alone a pair!). But I am on my third big chunky yarn hat, and all the soccer moms and dads were impressed with the speed with which the hat progressed at soccer the other night. Big yarn + big needles = instant hat. And I'm still slightly shocked that the ribbing works. Socks are a goal to strive towards...
DK said…
He he he. Your girls rock.

Much like your socks.

And also, you.
Katie said…
Who knew that one could rock the heels right off the socks!

I am so loving the cleverness of you! Barb, you are a truly gifted writer. Every time I come over to visit you make me laugh. Even when you are having a crappy day you say something funny. You have blessed me. Thanks girlfriend. And keep on rocking those socks!

Umm, just had the feeling that this might seem like a shameless ploy to get a pair of fabulous socks off'a ya. Umm...awkward.. must shut up now.
LaDonna said…
Oh, Barb! Knitting post or not, I just love reading whatever you post. Even your knitting posts always contain something fun! And you almost make me want to take up knitting....almost, but not quite! ;)
Mrs.Q said…
Umm...that is actually exactly what I say, too. Really and for true. So next time I'm having a rough time with my knitting, can I borrow your girls?
Bryan Wilde said…
As a guy, I don't knit. But I have a big sports dude friend who loves to knit. He and his dad will watch football games together and work on their knitting. What I did get from your post was something I've heard before: "If we're not going to be kind and bolstering of ourselves, who is." Oh the cleverness of you. And the cleverness in all of us who have taken the courage to put ourselves out there and write. It's working!

P.S. Not sure why, but I always have a hard time finding your "comment" link at the bottom. My eyes must be going on me. You might want to make it bigger or highlight it for those of us over 40.
MadMad said…
It is very clever, isn't it? And so are you!
Anonymous said…
So I'm coming out of lurker-land to send you some love. I am still your biggest, freakin' fan ever. When is the next Mermaid's Purse coming out?!??! Love and hugs from A-town.
I love your knitting posts! And your knitting. Thanks forever for introducing me to the pleasure of knitting socks. I've finished my second pair and plan to knit more for Christmas.
Carolyn K. said…
Do you do house calls? I need some company for my first socks. Well, first I need some needles. I've tried 3-4 stores for sock-small circular needles (I need all the help I can get, and circular's prevent my clumsiness from pushing things off the needles). I've got gorgeous yarn from a wonderful friend. Oh, and I could use some time, but I like the "carry in my purse" plan (except for the purse, but I'll use a zip-lock bag instead).

All I need is the cleverness (and some kick-start-ness).