The Sheep called. They said they would make more.
Your response, Gentle Readers, to the news of my sweater loss has been truly astounding. Gobsmacking, actually. I knew I had many great knitting friends, but the outpouring of love that has washed over me from you all has completely blown my mind.
Everyone who contacted me said they felt my loss as their own, and unbelievably, offered over and over to help. Help to search E-bay and Craig's List for me. Help to re-knit all the sweaters. Help to come over and paper my neighborhood with signs. And most importantly, help keeping my spirits up. Friends have called to check in on me. Made sure I wasn't hiding under a pile of acrylic yarn. Offered to bring over snacks. Even sent replacement birthday presents for Lindsay.
Knitters can do anything, and when they close ranks around one of their own, there is no safer or more loved place in the world.
So I have spent the last week licking my wounds, thanking God for my loving and talented supporters, and reminding myself that my problems are blessedly those of the First World.
Worst Things I Did Last Week:
1. Cry in the police station. Really hard. With snot bubbles.
2. Visit pawn shops, where I was informed that no information could be given to me because they have to "protect the privacy" of their clients (I wondered who was protecting my privacy).
3. Tell my little girl her birthday presents were stolen and she would have to wait till I could replace them.
4. Wake up in the middle of every night remembering that the sweaters are gone and try to imagine ways of finding them.
5. Kick myself for thinking the locked trunk of my car, in my own driveway would be a safe place to store my life's work.
Best Things I Did Last Week:
1. Read a note of encouragement from a law enforcement veteran who has become a knitter.
2. Visit pawn shops, where I saw things people have parted with, either willingly or not, under duress. Belongings are just things. It's people we can never replace.
3. Drive my 76-year-old mom to the shoe store, where she insisted on replacing Lindsay's stolen birthday Danskos.
4. Remind myself in the middle of the night that there is a reason for my loss. Maybe God decided it was time to remind me how loved I am.
5. Laugh my ass off when Tina asked me to imagine all the hobos in Portland dressed in Mary Scott Huff sweaters. Style points at the Rescue Mission would be off the charts.
6. Be hugged by Phillip, Lindsay and Campbell. All at the same time.
Gentle Readers, your selflessly kind offers to undertake a massive reknitting project have completely floored me. If, after a couple more weeks, the samples haven't found their way home. I will be contacting everyone who volunteered to help in that way. The yarn companies will have to be contacted first, and then there will need to be some sort of organization, of which I still can't quite conceive. But I will.
And in the meantime, there are still (thankfully) deadlines for me to meet, and knitting to knit, and ideas to have. And Blessings to Count. Thank you, thank you, both old friends and new. You lot are more than I ever dreamed of, and more than I deserve.
And thanks especially to whomever called the sheep.
Gotta love those sheep! Perfect renewable resource. So glad you're getting through this with love and hope.
Reply to this
Oh Mary, aren't the sheep wonderful?? We do love you a lot. I hope something turns up, but if they don't, I'd love to help out with the knitting too. I remember your talk and display at the Tigard Knitting Guild meeting last year and it was so inspiring to me!
Reply to this
Bless you Mary, as sad and desperate as you now feel. God will show you a bright sign when you lest expect it.
Our prayers are with you be brave.
Reply to this
Dear Mary,
I just saw information on the Oregonian Live web site regarding your lost sweaters. I am so sorry, what a terrible terrible thing. And to think I was in tears a few months ago over totally messing up a project; it seems small in comparison.
I have never purchased your books or designs. Though I may have looked at pictures of them on Ravelry, perhaps. So it's not like I am even a particular fan. But I am a knitter and this is the most terrible thing. I hope the sweaters are some how returned to you.
---Amy
Reply to this
Oh,the pain I feel is physical. What a devastating shock. Being the optimist I am I will hold onto the good thought that they will be recovered unscathed.
Yes they are things but they are an extension of your talent...My husband's lap top was stolen out of my car in my brother's drive way. It is a sign of the times in which we live. Painful indeed. Bless the beasties they will provide more wool indeed.
Hugs to your daughter too, it is hard to be generous in the face of disappointment, you are a wonderful example to her. Take care.
Reply to this
Dear Mary, I know down to my toes that I (non knitting guru that I am) could never knit those sweaters as beautifully as you did, however if there is anything that I can do please do not hesitate. Just let me know. Hugs
Reply to this
Mary, you have been in my thoughts nonstop ever since I heard, even though I have not written to you in person. Please allow me to add my voice to the chorus.. I am so sorry for this trouble, and I am so with you in looking toward the Good that is flooding in to you.. All my love, Sivia
Reply to this
I would be HONORED to be added to the list of knitters (re-knitters), should you wish. I will shut down my Bakery and substitute-staff the Island's Post Office to make time available to accomplish the task. While I hope and pray the knits turn up, I am stretching my fingers and wrists in anticipation of the knitting marathon that may be ahead!
Reply to this
I still can't wrap my head around this, after reading your posting, the newspaper article, I was hoping they would abandon the sweaters in a place they would be found. It makes me angry and sad every time I have thought of it this week. I am glad you are feeling better though!
Reply to this
If you would like a legion of (re)knitters, I am first in line. I know many who would be next in line. Mary, oh Mary, I ache for your loss. Please know how much you are loved.
Reply to this
Glad to see you out from under the acrylic yarn and can begin to see the positive side of this disaster.
I am reiterating my offer to knit whatever you choose to send me.
If you want to see some fair isle or other knitting samples please let me know and I will post them to you.
Namaste,
Reply to this
Oh Mary, what a graceful person you are.
Add me too to the list of replacement sweater knitters, I'd be honored. Or I'll call the yarn companies for you, whatever you need. I'm dyeing for Madrona right now, but I'll stop and put my energy into helping replace your life's work. Just let all of us know what to do.
Also, I propose a firing squad of sorts where we all line up and on the count of three throw a knitting needle at the thief when they catch him. AND he doesn't even get a last cigarette cuz that's how we roll.
I have a Bates aluminum #10 straight right here that would be lethal with enough velocity.
Reply to this
I love you more than to offer my knitting skills to you! However, know that I am praying for you and the sweaters and I still hold out hope that they will be returned unharmed. xoxox
Reply to this
Please add me to the list of people who would be happy (well, not happy, but you know what I mean) to help knit new items. Sending sincere hope that the knitting will find its way back to you.
Reply to this
After reading your reaction to this situation, I'm a solid fan now. God Bless you and your family and may you never question His perfect peace and safety. Add me to the list of knitters willing to help.
Reply to this
If you need any more volunteers, I will knit too! Knitters really are the best kind of people!
Reply to this
Definitely. Count me in on the re-knitting front. More than happy to help.
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.
Reply to this
I would be more than glad to knit a sample or two for you. Just let me know!
Reply to this
Aloha Mary,
I've read of your plight via the Knitty blog, and love the circle of love we of the fiber can weave. Living in Hawaii I miss the need for knitted sweaters, and so was thrilled when my son moved to Wisconsin for a year. Please add my name to the list of extraordinary knitters who would love to knit replacements for you. My pleasure!
Daien
Reply to this
Ms. Huff, I am totally new to you and know about this trouble only from the Knittyblog. I knew of you only by name, not by your work; but I just bought a book of yours which I eagerly await (New Stranded Colorwork)--and didn't make the connection that it was you until just now. I wanted to say that your response to this tragedy is amazing. Your headline and picture is so touching and sweet, your sense of perspective so true and sure, while at the same time feeling your very real pain and angst.... I am beyond impressed. I have "found" you through this tragedy, no small gift for me.
Reply to this
I may have forgotten to mention in my earlier note that I would be proud to help knit replacements . . .
Reply to this
Hi Mary,
I just found out about this, and I am so saddened. It's just horrible. I actually have the Knit Picks sample of Kiss the Frog. I don't know if it's useful to you in Knit Picks yarn, but if it is, I would be happy to give it to you for use in your trunk shows. We're trying to track down the other KP samples as well. Please let me know. I really want to help if I can.
Reply to this
Mary, I am just reading your blog from the Jan.,2011 for the first time tonight. I am so touched by your response to the thief - you live the life of Christ in that response, and that makes me your admiring sister in Him. I will knit whatever you need me to, send you samples of my knitting to let you decide if you want me to knit replacements for your work, and I will buy the yarn needed for whatever you want me to do. You have my email address, just let me know. My heart goes out to you. My first hand-quilted quilt is treasured by the grown son for whom I made it, and I can feel the beginning of that gut-wrenching pain at the thought of it being stolen - or ruined. I don't know the name of your book yet, but I will find it and buy it. Love, Rhonda
Reply to this