The Last Thing I Need...

Some time ago... so long ago that I don't even remember when... I pre-ordered Soctupus by Alice Yu.  I love a good surprise, but I really haven't been knitting socks lately so my first thought when it arrived this morning was that it was going straight back.  Because seriously, the last thing I need is another sock pattern book.  I almost had the willpower to not even look inside.  Almost.  But I did... and, well, it's a keeper.  Big time.

Following a few interesting chapters on fiber, yarn, sock construction and such, are 17 great patterns with a focus on texture and a variety of heel, toe, and cuff constructions.  There's even a pattern or two with beads! 

It's the most excited I've been about a sock book in a while so I had to share...

Might be time to put scarves aside for a while.

Oh Anna...

That's what's going through my mind these days as I read Anna Karenina.  Expelled with a sigh, this thought goes through my mind in regards to Anna herself as well as in general regards to Tolstoy's love of verbosity and farming.

Don't get me wrong, for the most part I am enjoying the book... but it is clearly a book that is meant to be enjoyed, savored, lingered over.  I am mainly disappointed in my own 21st century desire for action, adventure and speedy reconciliation or closure.  (Reading the book on my Kindle*, however, has allowed me a to lend a certain touch of 21st century to the experience and also informs me that I am currently 59% of the way through the book.  This is excellent news because I was seemingly at 42% forever.)

That said, I am fascinated by 19th century Russia.  High society, politics, religion, and even the agricultural concerns all interest me.  My first exposure to pre-Communist Russia came in the form of The Brother's Karamazov a few years ago.  Since the extent of my knowledge of Russia could be summed up with the word "communism", I was very disoriented at first to be introduced to a complex society full of ideas and religion.  And unlike the typical historical fiction, these authors were recording the very complexities and ideas that were circulating, and eventually culminating in (or being defeated by), communism.  History in the making!

One of my favorite quotes so far has come from the (obsessive) studious farmer who is determined, through great amounts of (tedious) research, to revolutionize agriculture and peasant relations.  At one point he concludes,

"It was the same with the socialistic books: they were either beautiful but inapplicable fancies which had carried him away when he was still at the university, or they were improvements and patchings-up of the order existing in Europe, with which agricultural affairs in Russia have nothing common."

A couple of word substitutions and, as they say, there is truly nothing new under the sun. This alone was enough to endear me to Tolstoy and keep me reading.

*Several translations of Anna Karenina are available as free downloads, but I spent the $2.99 to get a Kindle-friendly version of the Maude translation linked above.  The Maude translation seems to be the number one choice of those who are willing to sacrifice the original Russian proper name forms in order to actually grasp who's who.

Kickin' It...

One of the greatest stresses before I left for my BIG trip to St. Louis was deciding on a sock pattern to start. I bet you think I'm kidding... but I seriously couldn't pack until a pattern was decided. I had two knew sock books to choose from (plus at least a dozen others on my shelf), but it had to be just the right pattern. I wanted something interesting but with a chart that would be fairly easy to memorize or at least follow.

Since, I had just finished a sock from Cookie's new book, I really wanted to try a sock from Wendy Johnson's new book Socks from the Toe Up. I finally decided on the Ribbed Ribbons Socks which turned out to be an excellent choice. I've even managed to finish one in spite of the amount of time I spent sleeping with my mouth hanging open on the airplane.



This sock is extra special because Wendy herself approached us while I was visiting with my friends in the lobby of the hotel hosting the Spring Fling. With impressive class and grace, I casually requested a photo shoot of the two of us and my sock. Unfortunately, I must've failed to upload the world's goofiest picture of me from my friend's camera to my flickr account so I am unable to share it with you all now. Awwww. But I can tell you she was very friendly and not at all put off when I lurched at approached her for a picture.

Anyway, here are a few other patterns I look forward to knitting from the same book:







In other news, my son's school has just been closed for a week due to a suspected case of swine flu. Extra quality time with a restless, house-bound teen. Oh boy.

ETA: World's goofiest photo of me with Wendy Johnson generously provided by Julie.



Tune in next time when I stalk Sheri from The Loopy Ewe. Sigh.

Two of My Favorite Things

First of all, I must thank all of you who reassured me that I'm not alone in my spellcheck joy. I feel much better now. So on to my 2 things...

New books...


*A thick book of patterns from Classic Elite (that I haven't had time to look through yet)
*A new Agatha Raisin book (the latest in a mystery series featuring the abrasive middle aged Agatha set in the English Cotswolds)
*The House of Lanyon (recommended by Laura on her blog)

And finished socks!




Firestarter socks
Wollmeise Campari Orange
Size 0 & 1 circular needles



These more accurately represent the color.



I had to relax my knitting a bit to work the cables on such small needles, but once I got the hang of it, it was fun. The Wollmeise yarn is wonderful. The colors are deep and vibrant, and the yarn is very smooth and pleasant to work with.

And I could eat Cheetos while I knit them!

It's All a Matter of Perspective

Look at these beautiful sweaters...



Can you believe these are both crocheted? I couldn't!



Now some people may consider it foolish to acquire a collection of crochet magazines if you don't actually know how to crochet...



but I like to think of it as being optimistic. And as soon as I figure out what "ch2, dc in 3rd ch from hook, dc in next ch, *ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next ch; rep from *" means, I think I'll be off and running. Actually, I already understand the "rep from *" so the rest shouldn't be too hard.


And while it's probably true that I don't really need more sock yarn...


(New K1C2 Tye-Dye Socks.)


(Beautiful hand-dyed by Castle Fibers on Etsy)

It is getting more expensive, which means it's increasing in "value". I'm thinking it's a much better investment than the stock market right now.


There's a possibility that I might finish a pair of socks over the next couple of days... so that would be exciting. But it's also possible I'll simply remain non-productive couch decor. I seem to be quite good at that lately.

I think it's good for my self-esteem to stay positive and focus on my strengths.

PS... Does anybody else feel a sense of pride when they click on spellcheck and it says "no misspellings found"? No? Just me? Well then... never mind.

Knitting Mason-Dixon Style

So I teased with a book review yesterday. Have you been so waiting anxiously for my next post? Here goes...

Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines

I haven't finished reading it yet (yes, it's a knitting book you'll want to read) but Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne provide many creative and funny perspectives throughout. While it is reminiscent of their previous book, it is more colorful and much broader in variety. Since I'm not the most eloquent book reviewer, I'll use more pictures than words here.

The book is divided into 5 chapters:

1. Decorating Yourself (a variety of patterns from jackets to socks for you)




Besides loving the color of both of these, the second sweater is knit top-down in... Rowan Calmer! A soft, comfy cotton sweater that will be perfect for my So Cal climate. I am in love... and I have the right amount of Calmer in my stash! But it's not green. It's off-white. Which would be good too. Almost as good as green I suppose. Maybe. Hmmm...




2. The Fairest Isle of All (technique, steeks, and more great patterns)





All fair isle worked in the round with steeks. I'm feeling tempted...


3. Covering the Small Human


I think I could actually get away with knitting this for one of my younger boys!


I know... say it with me... "Awwww" (or is it "Ahhhhh"?)

4. Occasional Knitting (Christmas stockings, totes, etc.)


I really like this... but somehow I don't think it will look the same with school papers and spilt coffee all over it. But it would be a great gift I suppose. If I were to knit gifts.

5. The Sophisticated Kitchen

I'm gonna admit right up front that this is where they lost me. I'm quite realistic in my limitations and anything beyond a hopefully clean kitchen is far beyond my reality. So, keeping in mind that I'm certainly not the best person to evaluate this chapter, I will silently present you with these unique ideas.




Okay, who am I kidding. I'm not gonna be silent. I love this picture... right down to the purple Crocs. And I pass no judgement on anyone who chooses to spend their time knitting a versatile mop cover/doggy coat. But... If I personally ever embark on such an endeavor... I fully expect to be committed.

But that's just me. Not you. You knit, you mop, and I will praise your efforts. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Anyway, it's a fun book. And you should get one too.

Custom Knits

So... I'm going to attempt to redeem myself here for the slithery photos in my last post with some dazzling... glamorous... finished knits.

Okay... to be honest, they're not my photos. Actually, they aren't even my finished knits. But I hope to start working my way through at least a few of them soon!

I'm talking about Wendy's new book, Custom Knits.



It is fabulous! The designs are, of course, stunning... gorgeous... versatile... and more. But beyond the great knits, she provides a wealth of information on customizing the patterns, taking measurements, and unique tips. She includes the basic raglan, perfect Malabrigo turtleneck, and simple cardigan as well as... well, here... I'll show you a few.


(I have the yarn in my stash for this!)




(Hmmm.... I should knit one of these right away while it's still summer.)

And this one is extra special to me...

because it is one of my finished knits. It's a variation on one of her patterns that Wendy asked me to knit for the book. I am bother honored and thrilled that I was able to help out.

I had the chance to see several of these knits when she was working on them so I knew the patterns were going to be fantastic, but I'm just blown away at the overall quality of the book. You need this on your bookshelf. Really!

On a More Positive Note...

I also love Amazon... and these 2 books that came in the mail today. Actually, I've only had a chance to look through one, so today I'll show you a bit from The Eclectic Sole.



For starters, I love the blue and gold sock on the cover! (Although as a Buckeye fan, I would most definitely have to choose different colors.)

Here's a peek at some of the wonderful designs inside.



I must start knitting faster!

Thanks for allowing me to vent yesterday. I'm going to take Yarnhog's advice and keep my participation in Ravelry limited to knitting related interests, lest my pesky brain get all in a dither when it could be used for knitting instead.

BTW - My root canal is scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow morning... and a good friend has kindly offered her couch (and childcare assistance) for my wimpy rear to rest on following the procedure. I have really been blessed with some wonderful friends... and I would be remiss if I didn't thank Julie again for her (hastily accepted) invitation to spend yesterday afternoon watching House DVDs on her couch. Blessed I tell you... blessed!

Books

I've been trying to figure out if I've been too busy to blog or if life is too boring to blog about. I'm thinking it's both... in addition to the fact that I'm trying to limit my knitting projects so there's just not much to show you. I might add that this fact alone makes me an extraordinarily boring and antsy person who is losing enthusiasm for knitting and life in general. Clearly I need to start a new project... and I think I'll buy some yarn to liven up the blog for you... because that's the kind of gal I am.

Anyway, I was searching my overstuffed bookshelves last night for a book that my dad loaned my several years ago. I never, ever read books twice but this is such an insightful look at the life of Oswald Chambers that I thought it was worth a second read. Searching for a book in my house is no easy task as it involves many shelves in several rooms as well as my nightstand and under my bed. (Note to self... vacuum under bed.) My husband couldn't understand my determination and since it was getting pretty late asked, "Why do you need it now? Are you going to start it tonight?"

His question kinda baffled me and I replied, "I don't know. But I've decided I want to read it so I need to find it."

Is there a distinction? It's like deciding you want to knit a certain something so you buy the yarn when the decision is made regardless of when you're actually going to knit it. I know some people practice such things as "self-control" and "patience" but let's just say, for better or worse, these aren't my strengths.

But back to the bookshelves... considering that I think most of the answers to life can be found in books, one can get a pretty good idea of everything that has ever interested, concerned, or puzzled me by browsing my bookshelves.

Of course, parenting is a big one. Here's a couple from the early years...


Moving on from hope to desperation we find...


BTW - I love the third one. Unfortunately though, just reading these type of books is never enough. They usually require some sort of effort or follow through on my part in the way of discipline, diet, or attitude, none of which are likely to happen thereby only leaving me with some interesting conversation topics and a greater understanding of my lazy nature and undisciplined children.

My dad sends me a lot of books and he obviously has an amusing perspective of my life...


I LOVE the title of the first one!

Here are a couple of my favorites.


Both of these books really had an impact on my role as a mother. Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit is a wonderful book for any homeschooling mom... especially if the title alone makes you chuckle. As if! Actually, I should probably read this one at least once a year!

This is just a glimpse, as their are dozens more on topics ranging from homeschooling to theological controversies and I wouldn't dare show you photos of these shelves because it would expose every thought that has ever crossed my mind.

At any rate, I never did find my dad's Oswald Chambers book. I'm going to assume I gave it back to him so I ordered another copy from Amazon... along with a couple other items so I could get that free shipping.

Now, for the highlight of my day, I get to help my son with his Algebra. I love Algebra!! Oddly, he does not share my enthusiasm. Go figure.

Ummmm....

Oink??

Edited to add: I tried to leave this alone as I felt that the book really spoke for itself, but then I was laying in bed this morning thinking (this is when I do all my best thinking, solve all the world problems and unlock the mysteries of LOST) and it occurred to me that my flippant attitude may offend another knitter. Yikes! I love the craft of knitting because of the variety of moods and appetites it can appease. I was only speaking from within the limits of my own personal situation in which I am fairly certain that if my husband saw a knitted piggy (or any other knitted item) covering toilet paper in my bathroom, he would either take away all my yarn (gasp), tie me up with it, or have me committed. There. I feel much better now.