Archive for June, 2006
Hope Elizabeth · 06/10/06 at 12:24 pm · Filed under Opinion
My mother gave me a wonderful gift today: Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Gardiner and Ann Meador Shayne. It’s a beautiful book and I couldn’t help but sit down and read through every bit of it.
To begin with, the story of Kay and Ann’s developing friendship is a wonderful addition to the book. It turns what some might consider simply a book of patterns into a book you can happily enjoy with a cup of coffee. While I was reading it I found myself nodding and thinking “I can do that! And that too!” instead of shaking in my shoes and wondering if I was getting myself in way over my head. That’s how comfortable these women make you feel, like you can accomplish anything. It makes you want to grab your needles and make ‘em proud.
If the wonderful stories and casual way of speaking to their audience isn’t enough of a draw, these ladies have come up with some spectacular patterns and ideas to share. Their Nina Shawl is beautiful in each of its many moods and I already have plans to try their Circle-of-Fun Rug. Dishcloths to towels, baby bibs to blankets - I really believe there’s something in this book for everyone to try and enjoy. You can even read about knitting with potholder loops and old t-shirts! Can you imagine?
I could go on-and-on about this book, but I’m afraid all it would do is make you jealous. I think the best thing you could do for yourself is get your own copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting. And once you do, remember to enjoy it with a cold drink, an open mind and a warm heart.
Hope Elizabeth · 06/08/06 at 6:40 pm · Filed under General
I’ve been behaving myself as far as the shopping goes, so that’s a relief.
I’ve been working on my Trek Along With Me socks. It’s going slowly, I don’t have a lot of time to knit, but hopefully I’ll have something to show you soon. Since I’m not actually going to hike with my socks, I need to decide where to take my future footsie friends for their first pictures.
It’s hard to keep my head on straight during this time of year. The kids are almost done with school and I tend to feel a bit discombobulated when I know my schedule is going to go through a drastic change. I think that’s why my knitting has been so slow going. I’m sure it will pick up once we’re all settled-in with summer vacation.
Hope Elizabeth · 06/05/06 at 10:32 am · Filed under General
Please! Please! Please! Stop me from shopping!
I bought a new Vera Bradley bag off of eBay. It’s a Bermuda Pink tote and I can’t wait for it to get here. I have wanted one of Vera’s bags for freaking forever. It was an excellent price, although I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much on a bag, and I just had to have it. It’s definitely a major purchase for someone who usually carries a $5.99 (on clearance) Walmart purse or tucks her money into her bra. Yeah, I do that. Hush.
I ordered a couple of nightgowns and a robe from Lane Bryant Catalog. I really need something to sleep in and I want something comfortable to lounge around in at night. I’m not comfortable sitting around in shortie t-shirts, I feel like I should be covered-up a bit more, so these should allow me to be a bit more modest (just a bit) and a lot more comfortable. Besides, they’re pink. I love pink. Pink makes me feel pretty. So there.
I ordered a copy of One Skein from Amazon for my mom. She checked out my copy the other day and she liked it alot. She oooh’d and awww’d over the Petal Bib (picture) like it was the gosh darn cutest thing she’d ever seen in her life. I thought she should have her own copy. Just cuz.
I almost added copies of Felted Knits and Knitter’s Stash: Favorite Patterns from America’s Yarn Shops to my cart, but somehow held myself back from actually purchasing them. I have no clue how I held back.
I have to be honest, it’s taking everything I have not to go back and buy those two books. I really, really don’t need them though - not now anyhow. I haven’t even finished looking at One Skein yet. What am I thinking?
I have to stop myself from ordering more clothes, too. I bought some summer clothes for Tom, Tim and Hollie, and now I want to shop for myself. I do need some new summer outfits, my wardrobe is disgustingly inadequate, but I need to pay bills first and clothes shop last. Telephone before t-shirts. Car insurance before clamdiggers. Electricity before accessories. Oh why is something that sounds so reasonable so damn hard to actually do?
I need to hide the bank card, forget my Paypal password and stay away from the computer. Maybe I can keep myself occupied with my Trek Along With Me socks. They may be the only things that save me!
Hope Elizabeth · 06/03/06 at 5:19 pm · Filed under General
Hollie takes an afterschool jazz class once a week and today was her dance recital. She looked absolutely adorable and she did a wonderful job. We were all very proud of her and enjoyed watching her dance. As a special treat, her daddy picked her up some flowers for after the recital. I don’t think she was as excited about her after-dance flowers as she was with the flowers that were delivered to her the night before from her Nonnie and Papa - I mean c’mon, delivered flowers are super cool - but we still got a great big smile out of her. She absolutely loves being the center of attention - my little diva.
Just as exciting as the recital was the fact that my mom is down for the recital. As always she arrived with plenty of goodies for us all to enjoy. You should see the sock yarn she brought me. Omigoodness it’s incredible. It’s Lana Grossa Mega Boots Stretch and it’s beautiful. She gave me colors 703, 706, 707, 709 and 710. You can see the colors a bit better here. She also brought me some Jojoland wool, TLC Cotton Plus and Lion Brand Kool Wool. You can get an excellent price on the Kool Wool at Smiley’s Yarns.
I feel so spoiled. Very, very spoiled. And I must admit, I love it.
Hope Elizabeth · 06/01/06 at 10:33 pm · Filed under Opinion
I received Leigh Radford’s book One Skein in the mail today and it’s a beautiful book. There are some wonderful patterns in there, one of my favorites being the Geometric Accessory Bags - especially the bobble bag. Most of the projects look easy enough for those of us who are beginners or advanced beginners. I’ve already picked out a few projects to do over the summer when I’m in need of some instant gratification. I definitely want to make the bobble bag and I love the angora-blend baby hat. The labyrinth rug and cable booties are also very nice.
This book could keep me busy for awhile - a long while. You should definitely check it out. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
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