Caught in the act

I have no problem knitting in public. But, though I've maintained this blog for just over 6 months, I'm still not quite accustomed to photographing my knitting in public. My cave-like apartment is not ideal for taking attractive pictures, and, because of this, I'm often driven into the streets in search of adequate lighting.


There is a certain polite, vaguely confused smile I see when strangers notice what I'm doing. If you photograph yarn, I'm sure you're also familiar with that particular look in a person's eye when you catch them watching you. It says: "Maybe if I smile this weirdo nut won't be threatened."


Anyway, my life is very busy right now (end of the quarter = avalanche of grading), and my work yesterday demanded multitasking. Thus, as I walked out of the bank, I realized that the light was good and the cement had a nice pebbly texture that would probably make a nice backdrop for photographing my new yarn. After furtively glancing around, I decided the sidewalk near my car was sufficiently distanced from the bank, and I could probably get away with snapping some pictures without drawing too much attention to myself. Pulling yarn and camera out of my car, I quickly set about my business.


There I was, squatting to take a few fast shots, when a woman walked directly up to me. I tried to look small.

"Did you just buy that yarn?" she asked.

"Oh, recently," I answered.

"It's very pretty. Nice colors."

"Yah, I like it."

She then proceeded to ask me where I got it, fondle it a little, note the fiber content, and wish me a nice afternoon.

I was left thinking: wow, we really are everywhere.

By the way, I decided to make my new acquisition into this popular pattern. Clap if you think it's a good plan.