My Knitting Life

The other day I was in our local bookshop and I came upon this book.  I decided to treat myself, because, well, just because.  That evening, I got into bed and read the book cover to cover, like a novel.  I have always admired Barbara Albright, and have always been curious about her because she lived in Wilton, CT, one town over from where I live.

Beyond the beautiful projects and photos, there are pages and pages of information about all natural fibers from llamas, sheep, goats, bunnies and more, plus a wide range of plant fibers.  It's fun to read about the entrepreneurs who are producing fiber, some were new to me, some like old friends, Peace Fleece, Morehouse Merino and on and on.

This book combines patterns, with useful information about fiber and fiber people, making it a nice addition to my knitting library. 

It's so sad to think about the passing of Barbara Albright.  She died in 2006 at age 51, from a brain tumor, leaving behind her husband and two children.  There is a lovely page in the back of the book that lists her many publishing accomplishments in the knitting and food industries, her books leaving a lasting legacy to her loves of fiber and food. 

One thing I did not find in the book...a project idea for the yarn pictured above, a 50/50 wool/possum blend that my husband recently brought back from New Zealand.

Have you been to the knitting book section at Barnes and Noble or Borders lately?  Honestly, it's quite shocking to see the number of knitting books on the shelves these days.  I remember the days when I would go in and leaf through books that I had already checked out numerous times because that's all there was. 

Today, besides Handknit Holidays, I saw another holiday book, Holiday Knits.  I was also surprised to see a book by Barbara Albright titled Oddball Knitting.  As much as I find the color photos seductive, I try to restrain myself because one could really do serious damage to the family resources by scooping up every new book.  Most of the patterns in these books are really simple, yet look stunning in new yarns of the season.  This creative component, making everything look so stylish and beautiful, is somewhat of a mystery to me.  It's outside of the realm of the actual knitting - it's the...merchandising, for lack of a better word. 

I did make a purchase, though.  Louisa Harding's Hats, Gloves, Scarves.  I really bought this because my LYS stocks the yarns, Rowan, and I want to show it to the owner.  I like to show her books that have simple projects that match her inventory because it makes it easy for me to help students pick projects for their level.  She wins because they buy the stuff, and I win because the projects are at the right level.

I am still teaching at my LYS this summer, mostly just private lessons.  I just can't go into the shop without checking out the new arrivals, and this handy little book became the newest addition to my shelf last week.  Last night I had the pleasure of reading it, and I must say I give it high marks!  It is from XrX Books, and if you happen to own any of Sally Melville's books (The Knit Stitch, The Purl Stitch) you will find similarities in the format.

The book has all the basics, but goes beyond with bonus lessons.  For example, on the first pages it not only shows how to knit and purl, but then how to knit and purl backwards (or in reverse), a skill I have tried, but not mastered.

There are many cast-ons, and many bind-off's, too.  It's just so nice to have them all in one place.  There's a great page on sewing on buttons and zippers.  I think this will be a perfect companion for Nancy Wiseman's Finishing Techniques, which is always in my bag.

Oh, and I also picked up that pearl-y shade of DB Cotton Cashmere in a 2-for-1 bin - I think the Tivoli Tank might be my take along knitting when we leave for vacation on THURSDAY!!

The Dreaded Boyfriend Curse

From Men In Knits, Tara Jon Manning, "I made him a sweater and he broke up with me!"

Anyone fall for this? How about twice. I made the guy a sweater for Christmas. It was over by February. Then, when we got back together two years later, I made him a quilt, for godssake! Over in a month - that time for good.

But - I remember the sweater - a Lopi, in greys and blacks, my second circular multi-color project. And dare I admit that was 20 years ago! I wonder if he still has it?

Back to Basics

"...every doorway in the old town held a knitter, in a black or coloured sunbonnet, with her needles flicking in and out so quickly that it was impossible to follow their movement. One 'pin' would be tucked into a 'shear' under her arm. These knitting sheaths were made of print, small cases a few inches long, and filled tightly with quills - they held one needle, leaving a hand free for quicker movement with the wool."
Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys & Arans, Gladys Thomson

Wow! And I thought I was hot doing my Must Have Cardi cables without a cable needle. I just went the library today. As I have exhausted every book on the local shelf, I am now into the inter-library loan process, which opens me up to all the libraries in my region of Southwestern Connecticut. Two gems I carted home today were the above, and Staremore's The Children's Collection (more on that one at another time).

I had a realization while reading the Thomson book over a burger and fries with my 5 year old! No wonder they came up with all these incredible stitch patterns! All they had to work with were 5 18" steel dp needles in the equivalent of a US 0, 1, or 2, and "5 ply" which is our sport-weight, in navy or black! Imagine if you wipe the slate clean - no novelty yarns, no circulars, no silk, no cotton, no handpainted whatever! I would look at those stitches on the needle in a completely different way - what can I make them do? How can I make a family statement with this design? And, oh, I better go stir the gruel for dinner!

As you can see on my wish list, I have wanted to make a Channel Island Gansey for my husband forever! After reading this book, note the charming intro by Elizabeth Zimmerman, I am left with the dilemma of trying to translate the old into the new, or just take the easy route - a pre-existing pattern such as those by Yankee Knitter Designs, in a worsted weight.

Well, better go strap on my sheath and get knitting...