NEWISH BOOK

My family has been using Amazon wishlists. It is a great way to select a gift that is truly wanted (can put more than just books on the list). When I had a birthday a while back I was fortunate to receive a pile of books.

I am currently inspired by this one from Lorna Miser of Lorna's Laces fame. While this has projects that are not all that exciting, it has a lot of great tips for analysing yarn--or even in my mind roving if you take it a step further--and matching stitch patterns to the type of repeat. Many of the patterns and how they change the look of your yarn are intriguing and as soon as the Polwarth sweater is done, I will be swatching.

NEW BOOKS

Three new titles arrived in Saturday's mail. I always have loved the kimono shape and there are several interesting variations in the Knit Kimono book that might be fun to try. Twisted sisters has some good ideas for making handspun yarn translate to a commercial pattern that specifies a certain yarn. Last the feltmaking--just wanted it for the library. I did not own one of hers and this one sounded like a good one and it is. Now all I need is enough time to sit and browse.

I am taking a class with Judith Mackenzie this weekend on spinning for knitters and hope to get lots of good pointers. I really enjoyed the class that I had with her this past spring at the ASCH conference.

The Spindlicity cruise is coming up fast, just a little over a week and I need to spend sometime getting ready for that as well.

BOOK REVIEW

This just came from Amazon last week and as it was purchased under the influence of allergy meds, I was dubious about it. Happily it is wonderful. These books are a real inspiration and just wonderful works of art on their own. I am trying to get back into a more of a thinking approach to my work and hope that this will help. When I was working as a designer it was always necessary to show sketches and justify the process. I always hated to do that but think that I finally get it. So many times I have been happy initially with a project but at second glance realize that it would have been improved with certain adjustments. Thumbnails do just that. Great book!