The yarn is Admiral Flake (2014) by Schoppel-Wolle. It is 75% Virgin wool 25% Nylon. 420m per 100g. I used 2mm needles. The gauge I got was 9.5 spi and 14 rpi, thus showing that indeed colour of yarn DOES alter gauge. I knew this but some people seemed to think I was nuts to think so. These socks are, like the Harvey Milk socks, shorter than I would have liked due to the increase in rows per inch. The needle used was KnitPicks 2mm circular, 60cm length, each sock on it's own needle, knitted simultaneously. I used my Andersson Toe Up Method and Andersson heel Mach II(revised). The pattern is simple. 4 by 1 garter rib, with the 4 cabled every 8 rounds.
I am most disappointed, initially angry, to receive an email from one of the List Moms (what a ridiculous moniker that is) of a group I belong to complaining that my posts were considered by many to be corrupting to children who may read the list! These were not the words used but it is what was meant. I was told that my posts were about drug use and sexual innuendo were not welcome. The whole tone was unpleasant and written in such a way as to suggest that I was advocating and promoting illicit drug use and that my writing was salacious. They had many private complaints about my posts and how they would be be corrupting to children. I bet they did! From homophobes and those jealous of me for other reasons. The complaints were not seen for the thinly disguised prejudice that they were and I received an email that cannot be taken back and am left feeling quite unwelcome on that list. The really daft thing is: sexual innuendo is entirely interpreted by the READER. I hardly think innocent children would make such interpretations. I also found it really offensive that my needing medication to deal with the truly awful affects of a disease, without which my knitting would not be possible, is classed as 'drug use' and therefore corrupting to children, and must not be mentioned even in relation to sock knitting.I know many Americans and those I know are not like this but people, you need to know that this type of thing is a very good example of why the USA has the reputation it has for being full of right wing bigots full of hatred and wacky ideas with little or no education.
I don't often seriously get miffed by email nonsense. I am more than miffed by this. My feelings are hurt. And they are hurt because I know what lies behind this so called 'protecting children from me' missive. Oh and I am not saying the person who wrote the email to me is the instigator, just that they were given the ammo to use against me. Also, don't misunderstand, I know all about non topic posts and I rarely do, and many others do, yet I was singled out and not for the off topic but for the danger to children my posts posed. Had the email just been a friendly reminder about non topic posts, I'd have not been at all offended and taken care to remember. It wasn't though and the rest of the email betrays what it was really about.
I will continue to post when I have completed a pair of socks cos I know people like to see them and I shall answer any questions privately.
Such a shame that something so enjoyable had to be ruined by people's spite and ignorance and intolerance and ultimately allowed to be by those with the power to stop it.
33 comments:
Hi Colin,
I'm so sorry you've had to go through such bigotry. It's infuriating because it's so obvious, yet the person(s) behind it will hide behind their fake claims of concern for children.
I've been through the same thing in terms of taking drugs for illness and pain. It's just stunning how such a thing gets used against you. So many people will see you as weak because you're ill, and rather than treating you with kindness, will use it against you.
Ooh, Colin, you bad boy, CORRUPTING the minds of small children with your drug-fuelled craziness ... for God's sake!
What are children doing reading it anyway?
That's awful, Colin! I really enjoy your comments. And I remain astonished at your ability to get through life with as little pain medication as you take -- I take it on a regular daily schedule, morphine and hydrocodone, and frankly, if someone thinks taking pain medications for pain is drug abuse, they're an idiot!
Please don't let these bigots chase you off the list. Especially since what they complain about is frequently a typo on your part. I'd rather have you posting and including your double entendres and assorted other word play, and let the offenderati leave -- why should YOU have to leave off posting for all but completed socks just because THEY are ignorant morons?
Please say it ain't so! I suspect the folks who love your posts FAR outweigh the few offenderati! As the old saying goes, don't let the turkeys get you down!
Laura H. in Maryland
Well you know my spiel on drugs these days... all those lessons at school telling me to just say no to drugs.. and now I say yes yes yes..
And my kids think this is hilarious...
So how far off the route to Hemsby are you? I think my kids would love to meet your dogs... Although we will have my big dog in the car...
And remember kids.. say yes to drugs if the Doc says to,
Hi Colin - Wow, what a terrible thing to happen to you. As an American, I apologize.
I've noticed that these kind of people are the same people who tend to become "list moms." I've been called untrue things by a list mom in the past, which is why I no longer participate in those kind of lists.
I am new to the group but have come to your site quite a few times. I find you humor refreshing and always look for your emails and open them first!
I apologize on behalf of such stupid, biased, prejudice people ...........and sadly from the states. We are not all like that.
Prescription drug use is needed by many for many reasons.
God bless and protect these ignorant people that they may never have to be *druggies*.
I have been on medications since I was 15 (39 years!!!)for severe arthritis.
God bless you, Colin!!
Colin,
People who have to bring others down, must be very unhappy people and the only why they can feel better about themselves is to write hateful things about others. I for one look forward to your post and read you blog, I also think you should sell your sock patterns, I for one would buy them. Furthermore children shouldn't be reading post on whatever groups adults are on.
Keep up the good work you are doing in your knitting and personal life, I for one an very proud of every step you take to overcome the things that have been done to you.
Love always.
Sorry to hear your posts are interpreted that way. Unless your style on that list is vastly different from what we get here, I can't see where the sexual innuendo would come from (and I like your style as it is, so please don't change!). Drugs? If you can't talk about prescription drugs anymore...
Oh, and I do remember one forum where threads that got out of order would usually have a sarcastic "Oh, think of the children!" posted at some point. It was seriously tongue in cheek, never failed to take the edge off, and I wish it could be like that on the list you write about.
Colin, I just don't know what to say to make you feel better. There are narrow minded people in the world who seem incapable of empathy or sympathy.
While my health issues are not at the level of yours I can't help but think negative emails such as that would have an affect on your health and I am truly sorry for you and that you had to receive that type of missive.
Please just move on from it and know there are many, many, many of us out here that love you.
Just "keep on keepin' on". Big hugs!
I'm with you and the other comments so far - it isn't drug "abuse" if it is drug use under doctor care.
As for the children - making them aware of all lifestyles will be the only way to combat this type of discriminatory crap for the future. Education is the best type of reform!! You just keep on posting, and just keep on being you. Don't change yourself to appease the narrow-minded.
There are many who love you just the way you are, myself included.
*sigh* - not again.....I get SOOOOO tired of people like that doing crap like that. I'm sorry Colin! There are lots of us in the northern regions of the U.S. secretly studying Canadian history and learning the Canadian National Anthem, just in case. (We're still hopeful Obama will make a difference in promoting a different world perception....but change is slow.)
Kim
Colin, I appreciate your attitude toward life and many days you have "smartened" me up. My mind reels with the stupidity of some people. Presumably these children don't watch the television. Has anyone seen prime time TV lately? snort...What the hell is a "list mom?"
Rise above them my friend.
bw
Susan
I appreciate that you acknowledge that we aren't all like that. I often say that the crazy bigots are jut a lot louder than the rest of us, so they seem to be on every corner.
And you are 100% correct. The dye actually bonds to the fibers and very often thickens the yarn. i'm not an expert, but I have heard that blue thickens it the most (interesting in this context!
I hope you keep knitting and ignoring those crazy people!
i second what Kate said-- why are kids reading this anyway? shouldnt they be out playing in traffic, or better yet in (summer) school?
keep writing, keep reading and keep knitting!
Why is it that the bigots and the small minded people always feel that they can say whatever they want and at full voice? I guess the rest of us need to shout them down more.
There's not a lot of need to discuss them because most of them are incurable. Our country seems to be about to split in half between those who think that all people should be treated equally and those who think that their particular interpretation of the Bible must be forced on all.
And the weasel like what they circumnavigate their verbage to make it look like their bigotry isn't bigotry. If it weren't bigotry they wouldn't have to disguise it as something else.
Sheesh.
I'm so glad that you know many of us are SO not like that.
Good gracious! Even for a stuck up prude like me, I see nothing at all even remotely offending when you post to the list. (And I do not have a duck's back, I'm easily thrown off my groove).
I enjoy your posts on the list, and when I remember to check your blog, I enjoy it here too. I get a belly laugh though, at the "sock/cock" mistypes haha! I guess when the sock crows some people will wake up??
What the hell is a "list mom?" I don't know about you, but I am old enough not to need a surrogate mother. It is possibly quite realistic to say that no child would want to read your blog, so these people are just removing themselves from their own discomfort, and their may be many reasons for that discomfort that they have not addressed. It is a shame you have to be punished for it. Post about you knitting and leave it at that.
Oh Colin...please keep posting! Your comments and insights are part of the reason why I stay on that list.
I don't get why these same complainers aren't reminded that they have a "delete" key. If they find you offensive, they can delete your posts and never read them, it's that simple.
Unfortunately, it's usually those who feel they have so little control over their own lives who seek to exert what control they can over others, especially online, where one can remian anonymous.
BAH! to them.
Sandi
Colin, as everyone else says,
"What utter bullpuckey!" (ok, my interpretation is rated for my kids ages 8 & 12 from habit, but I KNOW you know what I mean!)
Your typos are just that, typos, not some outrageous plot to corrupt young innocent minds (or old curmudgeonly ones for that matter). I'm actually embarrassed for the shallow-mindedness of some of my fellow list-members.
Some days prescription medications affect the way you communicate information on a SOCK KNITTING LIST, for cryin' out loud! So freakin' what? You make some of us laugh, some of us think & some of us spew coffee at the computer monitor. All the rest can pack up their toys & go home. Too bad for them. They'll miss some great insights, fantastic-looking socks & beautiful championship dogs, not to mention some smashing great outfits you wear! Don't let the jerks get you down, Colin. You're better than they are. We all know it.
I wonder if this is the same crazed US woman that has been viciously attacking the Harlot. Just shows how bad the medical system is over there, that they can't afford to look after mentally disturbed people, and just let them run loose in that country. THEY are the ones that need drugs! LOL
We've all enjoyed your posts, we are all adults here, and it's a shame that bigots are allowed on lists. They need something to do, and need to get a life.
Congrats on all your wins! All that work does pay off.
Colin, I was going to make a witty comment, witless as I am, but after having read the others, I thinks they've said it all.
Don't let those idiots get you down and continue to entertain us with your witty comments and beautiful socks.
Joanne in Bondi
I stumbled on your blog about a month ago and read the entire thing in one day. (when I should have been cleaning) I'm hooked. I love your knitting, your dogs, your suits, your shoes and most of all your courage.
Colin, i am so infuriated at that list Mom for her comments and narrow mindedness.
As you know, not all of us in the US are bigots.
I admire you for overcoming the multiple life challenges you have been dealt. Stay positive and keep on doing all you do.
Hello Colin!
I am so sorry that you have been put into a position that makes you feel this way. I always look forward to your posts on the list.. insightful, thought provoking and always makes me smile.
Please don't stay quiet, more of us would be upset if you did then those who are bothered.
Well, you know I'm on your side! I love you more than my luggage!!!! XXXOOO
Hi Colin,
Don't let those small minded people get to you. Not everyone here in the US are like that. Like you , I am disabled and understand the need for medication. Some of mine are for pain some for my gastrointestinal tract and others to keep my brain working as close to normal as possible. I have family members who put me down at every chance but I figure they are the ones with the problem so ignore them. It so easily could have been them and still could be. I will never treat them in the manner they treat me, it has just never been in my nature to be like them. ( Hmmm, wonder where I came from )I do not remember a time in my life when I did not have compassion and empathy for others.
Keep on being the person that you are. Most of us love you that way. You certainly lighten my day and give me some much needed laughter.
In Love and Light
JaniceB
There are weirdos everywhere, not just in the US. But there sure are some loud and irritating ones here (especially some television news networks). There is so much ignorance and intolerance in the world--makes you sad. I try to be an example and model kindness and understanding--hoping it rubs off on the other folks.
You are fun and funny, and yes, sometimes cranky, but who isn't?
I guess one way to look at it is that if you were dull and uninteresting, no one would take the time to single you out. You must at least be stimulating to others!
Phooey on them!
Anyone who regards the necessary prescribed medications required to get through a day as somehow glorifying drug use is completely outside of reality.
Thanks for saying something, if I hadn't seen your post I would have worried you stopped posting because your health was troubling you so you couldn't write.
Now I know to stop by your blog for a dose of adorable puppies, inspiring knitting, and the occasional observation on life, where your insight and tart humor are greatly enjoyed.
If a responsible parent is worried about what their kid does on the internet, they should be monitoring their kid - monitoring the entire internet is not only impossible, it's not fair to the rest of the world who wants to use it, too!
You're totally right about the dye affecting gauge. It's not just in your head. That's not known by everyone, but serious yarnies should all be aware of it.
Oh Colin, why do some people have such a horrible life that they have to spend it deep in the dregs of their own twisted and false impressions of others?
My Mom taught me the popular "if you can't say something good, say nothing at all" - and I've tried mightily to do so all my life. (Sometimes more successfully than others, as now.)
My dog Rose (a Papillon) often looks askance at me when I'm reading your blog as I am laughing huge belly laughs at your words! As a person who lives alone, there are few such occasions. Since I've discovered you, my life has become somewhat richer, more tolerant, and definitely inspired.
All I can say is "Thanks Colin", and *phooey* (replaces what I'd really like to say, thinking of the children) on the so-called "list Mom" who obviously is not intelligent enough to see all this for herself. More's the pity, she's missing the whole point.
Stay with us, you have become a part of our lives!
Respectfully
Marlene
Wow I can't think of anything that I have read that would corrupt my children! What I have read seems tame compared to the evening news, and hey given the state of the educations system here in the states, they should be proud the kids can read to begin with!!!
As an American, Colin, I also apologize. The sad part is that the "Crazy Religious People" have set themselves up as the moral compass of this country. (Soon, I guess, it will become mandatory for clerics and other religious leaders to have sex in public restrooms too, since this seems to be the trend in their world.)
Personally, I think that shielding children from all sexual references and information is stupid. It wasn't that long ago that children were in the same room with their parents (the only room in the house) when babies were being made.
My parents did not hide their opinions that good sex was an important part of marriage, beyond the reproductive aspect. Of course, I got sent home from nursery school for correcting a friend of mine, who thought that "Angels bring babies", because I explained to her exactly what happened. (I was 4 years old.)
None of us kids wound up pregnant or fathering unplanned children. We knew about birth control as an integral part of sex, unless we were trying to have a child. No mysteries, no mistakes!
As to the drugs, I certainly don't find your remarks such that would encourage ME to use them! In fact, I find it interesting, because some drugs help and some don't. My daughter's partner/fiancee (they've set a date!) has fibromyalgia and it is relevant information!
Again, I am sorry you were subjected to the nut cases that are trying to run this country!
Not particularly relevant to the posting, but I tried some myia faschia work on my soon-to-be daughter-in-law and it really helped her pain! It is totally noninvasive and painless in itself. Many massage therapists or cranial-sacral therapists use it. You might want to give it a try, if you haven't already
Not particularly relevant to the posting, but I tried some myia faschia work on my soon-to-be daughter-in-law and it really helped her pain! It is totally noninvasive and painless in itself. Many massage therapists or cranial-sacral therapists use it. You might want to give it a try, if you haven't already
Post a Comment