Only a knitter knows the value of the knitted. We've all had the experience of being asked to knit for a price. I usually tell those who ask, that if paid for my time even at minimum wage, the price would be astronomical and that I'd be happy to teach them to knit. So I have an appreciation of such things and that's why I bought me a blankie. I don't need a blanket, I could knit a blanket but behold this beautiful piece of work:
I nearly fell over at a nearby small town craft fair when I saw the $23 price tag. The yarn had to cost more than $23. Certainly there must have been a one missing from the number.
There were socks for $12 and this scarf for $7.50:
I needed a scarf even less than I needed a blanket.
C and I felt guilty and received an explanation from the two Hutterite women working the booth. Their elderly mother was the knitter and she was more concerned about being busy than the price. They were pleased to be sharing their mother's talents and for that I am appreciative. So, for $23 I have a beautiful car blanket that will be the solution to our ongoing marital issue of competing internal thermostats while on the road.
And now to the WINNER of the 5000 comments contest. The beautiful angora goes to blogger Maureen of 5 and a Beagle. Coincidentally, I was the winner of one of her contests a couple of years back. Thank you again to all you readers, both the lurking and loquacious. You are appreciated.
Wow! That is an incredible blanket! I've been wanting try and figure out how to do a stamp-stype quilt in knitting, but the thought of knitting all those tiny squares kill me.
Posted by: Erika | December 07, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Yikes, what bargains! And how nice that you got to talk to the knitter. She must be happy knowing they went to an appreciative home.
Posted by: Jane | December 07, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Beautiful blanket! Now I want to start stock-piling a rainbow of yarn.
Posted by: Sarah R | December 07, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Hey Li...beautiful blanket! Would you be so kind as to e-mail me your herringbone scarf pattern? Thanks.
Melody
Posted by: Melody Elzy | December 07, 2008 at 04:00 PM
You are truley a yarn addict! You need to go into recovery by knitting me a vest. hee! hee!
Posted by: Jane | December 07, 2008 at 04:22 PM
That blanket is certainly an eyecatcher! I love it when you get to talk to the crafter/artist too.Would appreciate your herringbone scarf pattern also. Thanks so much for a lovely blog!
Posted by: Debbie W. | December 07, 2008 at 04:30 PM
You were wise to snap up those treasures. I imagine the daughters are glad to see them go to someone who will appreciate and love them. By the way, I tried to respond to the comment you made on my blog, but the mail program kicked it back. My sil got the recipe for that fantastic cake out of a magazine. I can get it for you if you so desire. She offered it to me, but I know I'll never attempt something like that.
Posted by: Dorothy | December 07, 2008 at 04:36 PM
You really lucked out with those lovely knits. And congratulations on your published pattern for a good cause.
Posted by: Kristen | December 07, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Wow Those are beautiful! I actually bought a well knit but ugly sweater from a thrift store because I admired the construction so much.
Posted by: Awesome Mom | December 07, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Twelve dollar socks and you didn't get me any?! I would have paid you back.
Posted by: Marina | December 08, 2008 at 02:37 AM
The blanket is beautiful! I have to wonder at how they arrived at $23, though ;)
Posted by: Jo | December 08, 2008 at 04:28 AM
That blanket is incredible!
Posted by: Carole | December 08, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Wow, you won the lottery there! Too cool. I would love to get a copy of the Herringbone Rib Scarf, when you have the time to send it to me! Thanks! :)
June
Posted by: June | December 08, 2008 at 06:08 AM
Wow, I can't believe the prices you got those things for! That blanket looks like so much work and is so pretty!
Posted by: Karen | December 08, 2008 at 10:51 AM
What a steal. The blanket and scarf are just gorgeous! I want to find a craft fair with such reasonable prices.
Posted by: Chrissy | December 08, 2008 at 01:07 PM
That blanket is amazing! What a score!
Posted by: Chancy | December 08, 2008 at 02:15 PM
I love that blanket- how the heck could there be a price so low for that??
And I love your herringbone rib scarf if you'd be so kind to send a copy my way!
Posted by: Erica | December 08, 2008 at 09:36 PM
That is so sweet that they appreciate Grandma's work and want to share it. She has a lovely sense of colour. And you have a good eye for a good buy.
Posted by: Angie | December 13, 2008 at 12:33 PM
That blanket is gorgeous! Is it wool or acrylic? Even at acrylic, the yarn had to cost multiples of that!
Posted by: Norma | December 24, 2008 at 08:43 AM