A QueerJoe Declaration

By his royal blog decree, the "shrug" will from here on in be known as the "schlub."



Who Has Enough Panache?
When it comes to garments like a schlub, it takes a certain confident and attractive look to be able to carry it off. Natalie Portman could get away with wearing one...perhaps. But short of at least that stature and presence, I don't think anyone should consider making themselves one of these abbreviated garments, thinking that they will be able to get away with a funky, trendy look.

Because often the garment and the person wearing it will end up with the same moniker on this blog.

On a lighter note, Liza sent the video link above to me, and I thought you must just see it. First the primary debates are taken over by YouTube, now knitting is?

Current Knitting
I've gotten about 3 more inches of work done on the Aran pullover.


If Nico hadn't been so needy in the last day, I might have gotten a little more done. But it seemed everytime I'd sit down to work on this garment, Nico wanted to play or get brushed/pet or get fed.

Readers' Comments/Questions
Regarding my mention of the colors of flowers, "friend" Carol writes, "P.S. clearly it is your ignorance of the color wheel and color theory that has you punting on the discussion...;)"

"Friend" Kathy follows up with, "Oh, yeah, what about Carol's inference? I seem to recall your ignorance of color theory is quite remarked-upon.
By "experts", even."

First of all, some parts of the World use the spelling, "colour". I will use the standard American spelling...I just didnt want folks thinking I was as U.S.-centric as my two questionning friends. Second, I'm not sure, but if my understanding is correct...on a standard color wheel:



If two hues are opposite each other on a color chart, they are considered to be complementary colors.



When used together in a design they intensify both colors and make the warmer color(s) brighter. This can be a great way to combine unlikely colors in ways that are palatable from an aesthetic perspective. This method of combining colors can be risky when applied to men’s knitwear design, as it can make for a very loud combination of colors. A couple ways of muting the effects of this high-contrast method of color design is to use more smoky shades of the complementary colors. Deep antique golds with rich, dusty plum colors work much better on an overall garment design than bright yellows and bright purples (unless your goal is to have a loud, bold design. The honeysuckle and the clematis (pronounced with the exact same emphasis as the correct pronunciation of clitoris), on the dark green background, make a perfect set of complementary colors.

Moorecat asks about the Aran side panels I will be knitting, "Will you join the straps as you go, Joe?"

I will knit them separately, and then sew them on. Not because I don't like wool in my lap, but because it will just be easier overall for me that way.