Monday, June 9, 2008

Which One, which One....

I will be on Jury duty tomorrow. I have never been called upon to serve as a juror, neither in France nor here in the US. I am actually excited about it, as this should be an interesting, and educational experience for me. But before I go, I have a serious problem to solve. Some of you may be wondering whether I am trying to reconcile my experience of the inquisitorial French legal system, with the adversarial American justice system, in order to go to court tomorrow with an open mind, leaving behind this cultural bias. Well, yes I have been thinking about the differences between the 2 legal systems, but there is another pressing question on my mind. What should I bring with me to court? Knitting or Needlepoint, that is the question!




As far as knitting goes, I am one sleeve away from being done with the sweater for R.. Father's day is dangerously close and the sweater though completely inappropriate for the weather would be a really nice present. I could be done by the end of tomorrow, but it is really hot, and I don't know how well air conditioned the courthouse is, the sweater is very bulky and heavy at this point (it does have to cover my 6 foot 3 husband!). Knitting the sleeve is pretty much thoughtless.



As far as needlepoint goes, I am deep in the middle of the Kimono. The project is very portable, and weather friendly. I have even bought a non scissors yarn cutter. I could make quite a lot of progress on it. On the downside, I can't give that to my husband for father's day, though he has been very appreciative of the piece, which means I still have to either knit the sweater or find another present.

I hate having to make these kinds of decisions. I could take both with me, but then again, the courthouse security might find it odd that I am carrying so many bags. And furthermore I would only be postponing the decision. I can just see myself in the waiting room, talking to myself and begging my projects to help me decide! I might have to just use the very old but proven scientific method of "pic et pic et colegram, bour et bour et ratatam, am, stram, gram." (iny, miny,miny, mo)

So here we go, pic et pic et colegram, bour et bour et ratatam, am, stram, gram... Knitt... I'll just do it again to be sure! Pic et pic et colegram, bour et bour et ratatam, am, stram, gram... Needlepoint! It has been SCIENTIFICALLY decided that I will take my needlepoint!!

11 comments:

Becky said...

Bring whatever is the most discrete. Judges don't like it when you have a big project as it can be distracting to other jurors and others involved in the case.

drmimi said...

Okay to knit during waiting time-- not likely to be able to knit during court.

Cannot bring sharp or pointed objects into most courthouses.
Crochet hook (wooden better) may be okay-- needlepoint needles and knitting needles doubtful.

Sue Krekorian said...

I'd take both (But I'm the original bag lady anyway)! Years ago when I did jury service in England, I was doing patchwork and had people begging me to let them stitch fabric onto papers as they were so bored with the waiting.

Joansie said...

Bring both and decide when you get there once you get a feel for things.
Glad you are excited about jury duty. I've never been called upon and would welcome the opportunity.

Colleen said...

I recommend checking what you can bring with you before deciding. In Massachusetts, you cannot bring knitting needles into courthouse _buildings_.

I had to be the "mom" for a friend's daughter while she testified in an assault case, and wait with her while her mother testified, because they were both witnesses. I was not allowed my knitting (circs!)

I WAS allowed my yarn and colored pencils, which were the same size as my needles....so the second day (tired of the tips smearing things) I brought in my "blenders" in my pencil case (sharpened dowels....). They worked well, too, amusing the victim advocate greatly ;-)

Kathleen Dames said...

Definitely the needlepoint. Some courts do not allow knitting needles in. And just in case they confiscate your non-scissor yarn cutter, I recommend throwing a container of dental floss in your bag. The cutter on there works well for everything except bulky yarn, and they can't keep you from good dental hygiene :)

Tracy Batchelder said...

You've probably already left for jury duty, so this comment may not help, but you should check to see if knitting needles are allowed. They aren't at our courthouse. Bring a book, just in case.

Tracy Batchelder said...

I was in such a hurry to leave a comment, I didn't read the last paragraph of your post. Since it's needlepoint you're bringing, it may be allowed.

Unknown said...

I recently had jury duty and took my knitting. Of course it was a much smaller project. Their only concern was type of needles I was using - bamboo Addis! Have fun, I hope they don't confisgate your needlepoint. g

Anonymous said...

My mother went to serve jury duty and they told everyone to leave their knitting at home. i guess they think you wont be paying attention if your "crafting" while deciding somebody's "fate".

Kazen @ Always Doing said...

You definitely want to check with the courthouse--I'm in San Francisco and they won't allow knitting needles of any sort, wood or metal, inside. Not sure about needlepoint. You may want to bring a book for a super duper backup. ^_^