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Jane
SustaYning Member
USA
4290 Posts |
 Posted - 08/18/2010 : 6:16:42 PM
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I've been looking through the KR Archives this evening, finding some of the gems of knitting wisdom that our dear friend Fran gave us. Here are just a couple that made me smile:
In a topic titled How Confident Are You?:quote:
I will tackle anything.......why?
Because I know that I can learn anything if I put my mind to it.
Because I have a well worn path to the frog pond.
Because I am stubborn enough to try and try again.
Because my skills have increased at a steady pace.
Because I expect them to continue to do so.
Because I don't know how to give up.
Because if I am not brave enough to start, I'll never get anywhere.
Because I need that feeling of accomplishment when the job is over.
Because if I don't succeed, I just change my expectations.....LOL
Fran (3/24/02)
In reply to Anita's (achrisvet) question about the fascination with knitting socks:quote:
ROFL--I too am not so fascinated with knitting socks even though I do it. I think it is because I am allergic to wool and most sockknitters rave about how comfortable a pair of wool socks are. It is also possible to knit the sock to fit the exact dimensions of your foot, but this is not such an advantage if you have a regular foot and fitting is not a problem. Let me take advantage of this opportunity to teach you rule #1 about knitting and that is:
There are no rules in knitting--do it your own way and if you are satisfied with the results, then that is the right way. Don't be influenced or intimidated by what others say, it is only their opinion and not a rule. Now decide for yourself if you want to listen to me or not.
Fran (6/28/02)
We're so fortunate to have known Fran, and to have been the recipients of her wise humor and humorous wisdom. And I know that many of us might not have become the rule-bending knitters we are, without her. I know I wouldn't be a sock knitter if not for her encouragement.
What did Fran teach you?
Jane
Betty needs a warm hat: Support KR
Blog: Not Plain Jane
Photos: My Flickr Album
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minh
Permanent Resident and Destasher Extraordinnaire
USA
3415 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2010 : 6:45:06 PM
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Fran's ten minute rule helps me and will help me in my knitting and other areas of life. Something simple but very powerful: work on something little by little and it will get done!
Fran was always an advocate for inexpensive and good non-wool yarns. These are great yarns not to be dismissed, whether they're used for children's clothes and other projects. |
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Cheerleader9
Permanent Resident
USA
1563 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2010 : 8:08:11 PM
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What a lovely tribute dear Jane. I've been so sad since Carol wrote that first note. Our dear Fran taught us so very much. I always knew that any knitting problem would be solved by Fran. She taught me to laugh about mistakes. When I made my first patterned socks I was into the second sock when I realized that the first/finished one was really wrong. With that discovery I just made the second one wrong as well:-) Fitted beautifully and it made me happy.
So, in regard to one of many things Fran taught me is the posted one you mentioned:
There are no rules in knitting--do it your own way and if you are satisfied with the results, then that is the right way. Don't be influenced or intimidated by what others say, it is only their opinion and not a rule. Now decide for yourself if you want to listen to me or not.
I always listened. R.I.P dear Fran.
Barb in AZ
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheerleader9
http://www.ravelry.com/people/Cheerleader9
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eldergirl
Permanent Resident
USA
1673 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2010 : 8:15:20 PM
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Jane, thank yu for this topic. We have been blessed.
Anna |
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SandySG
New Pal
USA
42 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 02:31:59 AM
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Fran always had a good answer, posted with humor and good common sense. I enjoyed her blog and visited regularly; there I found a
Lady who knit a family with love - what an awesome heritage! Fran
will not be forgotten, she will be sorely missed.
Sandy |
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Lanea
Permanent Resident
USA
5158 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 05:13:48 AM
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Jane, that first post was one of the first things I read on the KR forums, and I think it changed me forever as a knitter. I'd been knitting for a few years when I came across this site, but it wasn't grabbing be because I hadn't done anything challenging or interesting yet. Reading those words of Fran's reminded me that that philosophy is how I've always lived my everyday life, and that it was silly not to apply the same determination and adventurousness to something as safe and simple as knitting. Thank you for finding it and reposting it, Jane.
I also gained a great deal of insight into shaping from Fran. In post after post, she talked knitters through using short-rows to make a sweater fit just so over shoulders, breasts, hips, or wherever else a knitter might not exactly match the shape designated by a written knitting pattern. I loved her matter of fact declarations that we all deserved fully-fashioned knitted garments that fit well no matter how we're shaped, and that we could give ourselves and our loved ones such items as gifts as often as we wanted. I grew up sewing my own clothes and had never hesitated to alter sewn items to fit, but having that little push to look into fitting knitwear really opened my eyes and helped me see beyond written patterns.
See proof of insanity: http://crazylanea.com/
Read my audiobook reviews: http://booksforears.com/
Buy handmade sock knitting bags: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5031570
Join the KR Webring: http://www.crazylanea.com/fiberarts/2006/07/the_knitters_re.html
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dothead
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
492 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 05:45:17 AM
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Fran's 10 minute rule has helped me finish so many projects. I think of her every time I apply that rule to either knitting or non-knitting projects.
Vicki, the Constant Lurker(who sometimes stops lurking and actually posts) |
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HRH the Knitting Queen
Chatty Knitter
USA
344 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 05:53:29 AM
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I, too, am a member of the 10 minute rule club. It has helped me with all areas of my life.
www.merrykarma.blogspot.com |
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norameg
Warming Up
USA
52 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 06:34:42 AM
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| Fran always answered my question with kindness. She was kind and answered simply. I could not grasp 2 socks on 1 circular and she just would keep on helping. I will miss her |
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chris
Permanent Resident
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 06:52:23 AM
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I've not been in the KR forums much the last couple years, but reading of Fran's death in the newsletter hit me like a ton of bricks. Fran was one of the people who gave me great advice when I was a new knitter. She showed me that mistakes were correctable, especially in yarn. She encouraged me to try new things and not to listen to those who said such-and-such was beyond my skill set - do it anyway. Whenever I've gotten stuck on a project, I've centered my mind on Fran and pushed through, often with great success.
God rest you, Fran. May you spend eternity happily knitting with the best fibers on the best needles. You will be greatly missed!
Keep on knittin', mama, knittin' those blues away! |
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Jane
SustaYning Member
USA
4290 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 06:55:17 AM
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Here's another one that applies to knitting and life:
quote:
If you have never made a mistake, you haven't been knitting long enough. (7/6/02)
Fran always got right to the point, didn't she?
Jane
Betty needs a warm hat: Support KR
Blog: Not Plain Jane
Photos: My Flickr Album
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technikat
Gabber Extraordinaire
592 Posts |
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carolbeech
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
444 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 07:30:21 AM
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I remember posting about not being able to get things done, either because I was working a lot or because my hands hurt and Fran saying - "even if you only do a few rows a day, you will finish it". This also applies to writing dissertations!
www.carolbeech.blogspot.com |
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Frans Niece
New Pal
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 07:40:46 AM
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My Aunt Fran was a beautiful person and has more overflowing love then you could ever imagine. I wanted to share this email that she sent me regarding my first knitting assignment from her, pay close attention to the end of the email.
Chandra,
As an Aunt, it is your job to knit something for the little one. Here is your assignment. I designed these patterns for the knitter who only knew one stitch.
--Get some worsted weight yarn and knitting needles any size from 6 to 8.
--Go to www.knittinghelp.com and learn how to do a long tailed cast on. If that seems too hard to you, try the knitted on or cable cast on.
--Cast on 5 to 8 inches of stitches. This will be between 20 and 32 on the average.
--Now knit every row until unstretched length of bootie is 2 inches, measure from the top of your needle with the stitches on it to the cast on row.
--Measure off the center 4 inches of stitches and see how many you have left over on each end.
--Bind off these extra stitches, one half at the beginning of next row and one half when you start the row after that. Bind off means to knit one stitch, move it back to your left hand needle, and then knit two stitches together.
--Continue knitting until total unstretched length is 3 1/2 inches
--Now shape a toe this way. knit 2 together, then 2 more , then 2 more all the way across the next row.
--Knit 1 row
--Now knit 2 together across next row just like you did on the row above.
--Cut yarn leaving a 12 to 18 inch tail for sewing.
--Thread yarn through stitches and tie off tightly, sew seam up to edge of cuff and finish off. Gather center back 1/3 of stitches and tie off. Sew cast on edges together using your favorite seam.
--Pass yarn or narrow ribbon under garter "bumps" at level of cuff and use to tie on booties. Turn cuff up or down as desired.
Now do it all again as the kid will probably have 2 feet.
There are directions and photos on my blog of how to sew them up.
When you are finished, let me knot and I will send you directions for little hand mitts so the newborn can't scratch the little newborn face.
I also have directions for a hat using only one stitch and even a little baby sweater.
You can't escape. You are going to be a knitter. We share the same blood, the women of our family ARE knitters. If you don't believe me, ask your Mother.
Love,
Aunt Fran
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JannyW
New Pal
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 08:03:31 AM
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I don't visit this forum often as I used to, but I always loved Fran's comments and input. She will definitely be missed.
~~ Jan in SC ~~
~~Jan~~
Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
-- John Lennon |
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Lanea
Permanent Resident
USA
5158 Posts |
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queen of the east
Seriously Hooked
Canada
877 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 12:40:47 PM
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Fran offered so much wisdom and wit here at KR. The 10 minute rule is one of the best bits of advice I have ever been offered, it can be applied to any facet of life not only knitting. The beauty of the 10 minute rule is that when ever I apply it I always think of Fran.
I wonder if our guardian angel has handknit lace wings?
Ann in Montreal |
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abt1950
Permanent Resident
3019 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 5:18:10 PM
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In addition to her vast knowledge of knitting and her willingness to give so much of herself on line, what I will remember about Fran is the way she lived her life.
Anne in NJ
Knit long and prosper |
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sparkleplenty
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
484 Posts |
Posted - 08/19/2010 : 10:19:11 PM
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Fran was amazing. She not only offered sound knitting advice, but advice on personal matters too. I will miss her kind spirit.
sparkleplenty
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/people/sparkleplenty
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sparkle-plenty/
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If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.
~Mahatma Gandhi |
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Ditzy Girl
Permanent Resident
USA
4711 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2010 : 07:23:31 AM
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The ten minute rules sure works for me. This is a finishing yr and I am applying it faithfully, but I loved hearing about her kids and grands.
Zola, Seattle, Wash.
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Jeanine
Chatty Knitter
248 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2010 : 07:26:28 AM
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| Almost seven years ago I wrote to Fran about her baby sweater and she sent me the pattern, explaining how to make more or less the same thing for any age. I've made it for every niece and nephew since then. Thank you, Fran. |
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Knitting Gifts from Fran
