The second Portofino poncho is done. Same pattern as the blue one (the lightweight poncho from The Yarn Girls' book), but knit on 17s rather than 13s, so it's quite a bit looser and more drapey.
In the pose popularly known as 'The Rachael'. That's my happy face, by the way.
I'm more than a little pleased with myself for the job I did seaming the sides - I was a little anxious because the fabric is so loose, so I knew it wouldn't be very forgiving. But the seams look OK to me.
Though you might notice that the neck is a little, uh, wonky. I don't know what happened, I was trying to do a simple round of single crochet, and somehow ended up with this weird little hump. I might go back and fix it, though more likely I'll leave it is, as a reminder to myself not to be so bloody careless with my finishing.
On a more serious note (my, I've had a lot of those lately, haven't I?), I'd like to direct your attention to the aforementioned Rachael once again, as she is gearing up to run the AIDS Marathon; her first, bless her heart. Now, I don't know about you, but over the last few days I've had a bellyful of news agencies, talk radio, and even PBS going on and on and on about how Ronald Reagan was the greatest president since Lincoln. No, Jefferson. No, Washington. Sorry, but something must be wrong with my memory - - how exactly was he personally responsible for the end of the Cold War, the death of Communism, and the fall of the Soviet Union? Everyone is so eager to spread the Ronnie-love that no one and I mean NO ONE has mentioned the horrific AIDS death toll that, to me, represents his true legacy. His administration denied the epidemic, allowing ignorance to spiral out of control while the infected were denied basic healthcare and subjected to the cruelest isolation and social stigma. No rousing soundbytes from Mr. Reagan on tearing down the walls of silence and discrimination in our own fucking country, now, are there? People are still living with AIDS. And dying from it. If we can say we've learned anything since his years in office, it's that effort and money and committment CAN make a goddamn difference. Too late for him to make it up to anyone - - I surely hope it's not too late for us.
I love the Portofino - especially the color! nicely done! btw. to all Gidget readers out there: I have seen her smile with my own two eyes - she can, she has the facial muscles, it is possible!
Posted by: ann | June 09, 2004 at 07:48 AM
amen sister! Um and don't forget the massive national deficeit that Reagan left is either
Posted by: leya | June 09, 2004 at 09:39 AM
Let me tell you in the Bronx we have not doubt as to what a horrible president he was. The poverty that existed in my neighborhood was horrific. I've been having lots of issues all week with the Ronnie lovefest that's been going on.
Love the poncho by the way! Does the color match you bucket hat, because it looks the same in the pictures. Kind of a season of red for you...
Posted by: Nancy | June 09, 2004 at 10:15 AM
Here, here - on the Reagan issues! Way to go!
Posted by: bethanie | June 09, 2004 at 01:27 PM
Oh yeah. Let's cut taxes to the ultra rich corporations, build our military to insane proportions, leave a staggering deficit for our heirs, and cut social services till the poor and underserved scream. Sound like anybody else we know?? Oh, and don't forget the "ketchup as vegetable" escapade. And the disaster in El Salvador.
Posted by: Lorette | June 09, 2004 at 01:32 PM
The poncho looks great! And don't even get me started on the Reagan stuff. You can probably imagine how hideous it's been here in California! Today in our stupid local newspaper they had a story about some family that named their daughter Reagan after, you guessed it. And someone let these people breed?!?
Posted by: Mariko | June 09, 2004 at 06:41 PM
YES! That's it. That's another reason to run. To say the words he NEVER did: AIDS. HIV. Prevention. Protection. Treatment. Thanks for this, doll.
And the Rachael pose! It's sweeping the nation! You look awesome -- I adore that red.
Posted by: Rachael | June 09, 2004 at 09:34 PM
Can I get an Amen?! You go chickie! Isn't it disgusting how quickly people forget about the amount of damage that he has done to our country just because he died?
LOVE THE PONCHO! Looks great on you! I have that book, but didn't think it looked *that* good until now... Hmmmm...
Posted by: jessica~ | June 10, 2004 at 10:26 AM
Way to go! I love it when people speak out and enrich public discourse. Reagan thwarted us in life and now he has thwarted us in death. National Day of Mourning my foot! It's costing the taxpayers millions of dollars to have the government take the day off tomorrow. I think I'll spend my Friday donating my time to Mama's Kitchen here in San Diego. They drive hot meals out to impoverished Aids sufferers 7 days a week. I know the folks there could use a happy face tomorrow - they aren't getting a day off with pay.
Posted by: icbleu | June 10, 2004 at 09:19 PM