Monday, June 1, 2009

Blue Monday Knitting

Today's Blue Monday post starts as a continuation of yesterday's story.

I posted yesterday about my woes with poorly written directions for a knitting project (here). This made me remember a story from Greek mythology, but I could not remember the exact details. All that I could recall from high school (more than a few decades ago) was that a woman delayed an unwanted marriage by telling her suitor(s) that she had to finish stitching a garment before she married. This is an odd thing to google, especially when I mistakenly thought it was a wedding garment she was working on. On my umpteenth search, I found my answer.

"Penelope is a person in Greek mythology. She is the wife of Odysseus of Ithaca, and mother of Telemachos. She became a symbol for the faithful wife. When her husband Odysseus was on his long journey home, many people thought he was dead. Because of this, many suitors came who wanted to marry Penelope because they would own her land and wealth and become king of Ithaca. Penelope thinks of several tricks so that she does not have to marry one of the suitors. One trick is that she tells the suitors that she will first weave a cloth for the funeral of Odysseus' father (Laertes), and when she was finished she would marry one of the suitors. Every night, out of view of the suitors, she undoes her weaving so that she never finishes it. When Odysseus finally returns after twenty years, he and his son Telemachos kill the suitors."

Here is John Williams Waterhouse's depiction of Penelope and the suitors.


Fortunately, no take-overs of land and wealth, no long from home husband, and no murders are involved in my tale. I do have dark hair and my hobby does seem to take over my living space as does Penelope's, but the comparison ends there.

Here is my top so far. It doesn't look like much yet, but it is blue. Hopefully I am done undoing my stitches and unlike Penelope, I will get this project finished!

Happy Blue Monday everyone! For more information about this event and to see who else is participating, please visit host Smiling Sally by clicking on the blue jay logo.


27 comments:

pam said...

I got a good giggle over your knitting problems post...I'm a fairly new knitter and reading everybody's different directions leaves my head spinning sometimes. Your project looks great. I LOVE Baby Bamboo.. Happy Monday

Carrie said...

The design of the knitting pattern is delightful...so sorry for the troubles you've had with it.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Knitty, at least you can laugh about it the problems, but I tell you what... that is one beautiful piece! Oh, it's pretty and the pattern is wonderful. Please be sure and show it to us when you're done. I'd love to see the end result!

Happy Blue Monday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Mary Bergfeld said...

I'm not a knitter, let's be clear about that because I'm about to make a judgment. That is gorgeous, the color magnificent and I'll wager it's warm, right ;-). Have a wonderful day.

Gie's Tidbits said...

pretty design,

happy blue monday.

SmilingSally said...

What a pretty shade of blue, and the pattern is quite interesting. I can't wait to see the finished project. Thank you for sharing it. Happy Blue Monday.

Joyce said...

Interesting story and interesting pattern.
Joyce

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Looks good to me! I am new to knitting! Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

ellen b said...

Well to a non-knitter that looks like a whole lot of wonderful blue knitting to me :0)
Happy Blue Monday and June to you!

Candy said...

Funny story but looks like things are on the right road. I don't knit so looks pretty nice to me.

Happy Day,
Candy

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Cute post. It's a lovely shade of blue.

Hope you're having a good Blue Monday☺

Barbara Jean said...

That is a really pretty blue.
Can't wait to see it done.

Thanks fro coming by.
Blessings,
Barbara Jean

Boo-Bah AKA Iris said...

I am not a knitter, it looks beautiful to me and the pattern is really pretty. Lovely shade of blue too.

Iris

Barb said...

Knitty, such a beautiful color. Happy Blue Monday.

Barb

Sharing with Sherri said...

Thank you for stopping by to visit!

I enjoyed your little story! Good luck with your knitting project!!

Have a wonderful day!!
Sherri:)

xinex said...

That is going to be really pretty, I can tell already. Beautiful color!...Christine

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Very pretty blue project. I love the pattern.

The Urban Chic said...

Knit, I am not a knitter, but your stories are always a delight to read. Now as for the wedding trip, I can only imagine what that must be like---heck, I do know what that is like. The wedding favors are gorgeous and I love the Sundae favor the best. Miss you, but going back tonight. Love and Hugs, Pat

Marty Mason said...

Sorry you have had to backtrack so much, but it looks very pretty. Just keep on knitting. Love that blue on this Blue Monday.

Terry said...

Hi Knitty
Happy Blue Monday to you .
Great story .
Thank you for sharing .
I was so glad you found it .
Have a blessed week.
Hugs

Delightfully Wed said...

If I was knitting, all I would be doing is tearing out stiches or maybe my hair! lol I like the color and the pattern of your new top. Can't wait to see the finished project.

Happy Blue Monday! Wishing you many hours of knitting without tearing out stitches! :)

Fifi Flowers said...

Happy Blue Monday... beautiful work!

Ashley ~ said...

You do beautiful work, and that is a beautiful shade of blue*!

_Ashley ~

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, is that beautiful. Take your time and don't worry about how long it takes because it is coming out lovely. My daughter used to read Greek Myth is second grade. Has always loved it. She loved your post also! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I like the different textured effects! I think your project looks wonderful! :)

RobinfromCA said...

Your knitting project looks beautiful to me! I can't knit at all (although I did knit a scarf in Jr. High a million years ago) but this is so pretty and advanced. Impressive!

Thanks for stopping by today and Happy Blue Monday!
Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

ItaJeff said...

i love the knitting pattern..its so beautiful..

Have a nice day
Lots of luv,
Ita