Greetings my friends and welcome!  As I'm writing on this early October morning the sun has yet to rise, and what the day has in store is yet to be revealed. I'm certain of one thing.  Fall has arrived in New England and with it the splendor of colors so rich and intense they simply take my breath away! The changing leaves are harbingers of the cold weather that will soon embrace us.  What better way to prepare for the winter than by making a new wool hat in a deep rich autumn red?

But how to pick a pattern? Last week I was fortunate to receive a "hot off the press" copy of the new e-Book, Accessories: Autumne 2012 from Denise at Voie de Vie. The Slouching Towards Tassels Cap caught my eye and seems like an excellent choice. An added bonus is a JAL over at Denise's group on Ravelry.  Happiness all around!!

As you can see, I've only just begun.  My observations so far: I like that the ribbing is worked flat and then joined (it makes the fpdc and bpdc much easier!); and I haven't worked with a "rough" wool like this for a while.  I forgot how different it is from the "smooth" finishes I've been spending so much time with. It's not a bad thing, it just takes a different type of action to pull loops through.

The soft peachy piece is the Marlo Cardigan that I started a few weeks (okay a month) ago.  I'm a few inches from finished with the back panel.  It's a beautiful fabric and I think it's going to be a nice sweater.  Fit is my real concern.  My experience is so limited with garments, that I really don't know what to do other than measure and follow the pattern.  We'll see.

John has been putting in some time making stitch markers this week.  That's what the bit of sparkle on the red yarn is.  He's refined his technique and they're coming out very nicely.  Right now we're continuing to build quality stock.  Our hope is to do a bit of the craft fair circuit next year as well as to open an Etsy shop. But that's a story for another day!

Wednesday is book day, and you know how much I love books!  This month I'm celebrating the Halloween season by reading (and listening to) titles of a spooky, supernatural nature!  I just finished the book that's reviewed today and am poised to begin Crewel (Crewel World) by Gennifer Albin.  This is YA title that was suggested to me by my coworker (the other Robin at our small library!) because of it's ties to weaving and fibers being worked together to form something new and different.  It's quite a way outside of my normal reading choices, but seems appropriate and in keeping with my October theme.  Time will tell, and I'll be sure to let you know!

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Thomas Dunne Books
January 18, 2011; 320 Pages

"My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawkesmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years.  Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins...."

In the spring of 1628 young Bess Hawkesmith learns that decisions made in desperation carry consequences that last a life-time, even if that means forever.  The plague has taken the lives of her father, brother and sister.  When Bess falls ill her mother does the only thing she can to save her daughter.  She turns to the warlock Gideon Masters, and makes a deal that will cost her her life. Once known as a talented healer she is accused of witchcraft by townsfolk who refuse to believe that Bess' miraculous recovery was the result of her skills alone.  Unable to deny the accusation she meets her fate on the Hanging Tree, but not before making Bess promise that she will seek protection from the only one with the power to save her - Gideon.  Under his guidance  Bess learns to master the Craft, awakening powers she didn't know she had while also making her immortal.  When the people of town turn their aggressions on Bess she realizes that she must escape - from the Hanging Tree and from Gideon and a his dangerous black magic.  She couldn't know that he will persue her through time, determined to possess her and the power they could produce together.

In present day England Elizabeth finds herself settled into a quite life. Alone she tends her gardens, and sells herbs and oils at the local market. Her solitary life is abruptly disrupted when a teenage girl called Tegan begins hanging around.  Against her instincts Elizabeth takes pleasure in her company and her perceptive nature.   Soon she begins teaching the ways of the hedge witch.  Tegan is an eager pupil, and Elizabeth uses tales of long ago to school her in what it's like to be a witch, and how she came to be who she is today.  But what of Gideon? Has he finally given up or is he just patiently waiting for an opportunity to capture Elizabeth and make her his own??

It seemed fitting to read a book about witches this Halloween.  I was drawn into this story right off the bat, although I did struggle a bit with the prologue.  I filled it away with the hopes that it would make sense by end (it did, mostly...).  There was an easy flow between the past and present as I got to know Elizabeth and Tegan.  The stories from the past were interesting little vignettes that were unique on their own, but fit together to create a picture of who present day Elizabeth really is.  There is a fair amount of "magic speak" that was foreign to me.  Even thought I didn't understand the exact language (or words) I was able to glean enough of their meaning from the context.  I suppose that's to be expected in a book about witches and magic.  There are scenes of pretty graphic violence and the descriptions of some of the evil elements and even Gideon himself are quite vivid, resulting in some intense imagery.   I can imagine the special effects for a movie version would be very frightening indeed!

I moved quickly through the book and in no time found myself nearing the end.  I had in mind how I thought things might turn out, and I saw the potential for a variety of scenarios.  And while I won't tell you how it all ended, I will tell you that I was disappointed.  I felt gypped.  It almost seems like Ms. Brackston just wanted to be done, and went with the most cliche ending while of course leaving plenty of threads that could be picked up in a sequel.

In summary I'd say it was a good book with some interesting bits of history mixed with a few different relationships, dappled with magic and wrapped up with a predictable bow.  Not bad for a seasonal selection, but I won't be going out of my way to read book two should it appear!

Wednesdays are a busy day for sharing projects and making new friends!  I'll be linking up with this lovely group of ladies.  Each one has something uniquely wonderful to offer.  I hope that you'll stop in for a visit, and feel free to join the fun!

This weekend I started a new project.  The Marlo Coat (MC).  And I realized it's a bit like falling in love - or at least like having a crush.  Let me explain.  It started when I got the the Sept/Oct issue of Crochet! Today magazine.  Flipping through I spotted MC.  I was drawn to the neckline and the simplicity of the pattern. But I was already committed to Juliana and Eleanor so I pushed it to the back of my mind. Every once in a while I'd pick up the magazine.  I took my measurements to determine my size and figured out if I would have enough yarn (I did)! I imagined what I would look like wearing my new sweater this winter (wonderful of course!).  Then I finished Juliana!  I was free to start something new!  Eleanor wouldn't mind.  She's my traveling project and get's to go new places all the time. I was so excited.  I rushed to my pattern and grabbed my stash of yarn.  Introductions were made by way of swatching.  I knew that I needed to find the right hook size and make sure I liked working the pattern before I made a real commitment.  After an evening with 3 different hooks I finally found the perfect size.  To my delight the pattern was easy to commit to memory and produced an fantastic looking fabric! I knew that it was meant to be and I set to work on the back panel that very evening.  Now MC is all I can think about!  I spend every free moment working those stitches and watching it grow!  It's only been a few days, and just like the beginning of any new love I'm giddy and talk to everyone about MC.  I plan for when I can get away and we can be together.  I know that things are moving quickly, and I really should be careful - but I can't help myself! So for right now I'm just going to bask in the happy feelings and keep my fingers crossed that it's the real thing and MC doesn't let me down!!

Working at the library I meet a lot of different and interesting people.  I have regulars who I see often and can easily recommend a book to, and occasional visitors whose interest are as varied as the choices of yarn available on line.  The books that we choose to read are personal.  And during the time that you posses a book from the library it becomes a part of you.  For that reason, people have a tendency to use items that are closely related to whatever is going on in their life as bookmarks.  Often, these items are forgotten and returned when the book is finished. That's why we have an special spot for "Things Left in Books" at our library! 

You would think that folks would be more careful, but they're not! Most of the things that we come across are fairly mundane - a receipt from the grocery store, an appointment or business card and of course regular old book marks.  But there are lots of pictures too.  And birthday and anniversary cards.  We've found bills for auto insurance and copies of pay stubs.  But the most interesting are the letters.  People don't write letters often anymore, but over time we've seen some surprising stuff! Recently I came across a letter dated 1982 from friends who hadn't seen each other in some time. There was the usual reminiscing, but the line that caught me off guard was this one, "Have you told your fiance that you are a witch yet?" Wow!

Anyone who deals with books, from librarians to used book sellers, is likely to come across some crazy things. That's what prompted Michael Popek to write Forgotten Bookmarks - A Bookseller's Collection of Odd Things Lost Between the Pages.  In this charming little book, Popek shares his favorites from 30 years in the book business.  There are heartwarming love poems, recipes and advertisements (to name a few). Some are modern, most are antique and they're all fun to look at!  My favorite? A handmade invitation to a sorority Halloween dance from 1910 where they invitees are warned to "be prepared to meet your doom!" They're required to dress precisely according to 7 points including "have your hair curled in 12 curls" and "wear your 'jeweled' dog collar"!! Also they must be prepared to sing "Oh Where Oh Where has my Little Dog Gone?"  A final warning of "woe betide you if even one point is neglected!" and the skull and cross bones atop the page promise an evening of blood curdling terror!

Popek's book is a great peak inside the forgotten private lives of readers, and his blog offers a look at his latest discoveries.  Perhaps because of my own experiences I find it more interesting than others might, but it's charming none the less.  Click over for a look, and don't forget to check your books before you bring them back to the library!

Today I'll be linking up with the wonderful blogs.  There are always so many interesting things to learn about and be inspired by.  I'm sure you'll find something you just have to try!

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Thank you for sharing a smile with us. There's always plenty to see on Friday.  Come on, we'll visit together! Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

A few months ago John and I started making stitch markers.  After seeing some very nifty little ditties a friend was using I thought - We can do that!  So I went in search of supplies, which are very easy to come by, and we set to it. We both have a role - I design and he builds.  We make a good team, and we've been having fun working together. We began just for that reason, to have fun and to make some handy markers to use and to give away.  We've also  made several pairs of earrings since the process is exactly the same! After sharing with several friends and family members, we've been hearing "You should sell those!" a whole lot. I'm not sure though. It's not that I don't think they're not good enough, after only a few sessions we got some neat designs and John's technical skills improve with each item. What I'm worried about is it will stop being fun. 

So before I jump into the deep end, I'm going to do some research, talk it over with John and give myself time to ruminate on the pros and cons of joining the ranks of millions(?) of others peddling their wares on the internet. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.  Should I go for it? What has your experience been? If you have an etsy shop what is one thing that you know now that you wish someone had told you before you started?

In addition to the stitch markers, I took time to work on the cardigan that I just can't seem to finish.  I feel like the end may actually be in sight.  Look at how far I've come!  I have a finished sleeve and a half! I'm still trying to decide it it's long enough.  One more round might be in order, don't you love the zig-zagginess of the edges?! I'll admit that I'm dreading blocking.  I've never blocked a whole sweater.  Pieces yes, but I'm feeling intimidated by the thought of manipulating the whole thing.

Maybe there will be some sort of sweater miracle and it'll be perfect without blocking? I've also been wondering what happens when I wash it?  I know that I'll have to do some sort of shaping.  I sure hope that it retains it shape fairly well.  If it wants more than that from me we may have some trouble!
Alright my friends, time to sit back down in that big burgundy chair and finish off that sleeve!  Enjoy your day!

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

So it goes like this... I stall, I make progress, I stall again, then I make a  little more progress.  Honestly I'm a bit embarrassed that I'm once again talking about this cardigan.  Will I ever get it finished?  I suppose if the weather were cooler and I could wear it when it's done I might move a little quicker, but that's questionable. The progress report goes like this: I have reached what I believe to be the desired body length.  I'm unsure so I've left the ball of yarn I used attached just in case I want to add another row or two.  Last night I began sleeve one.  Like my recent foray into socks, this pattern is more of a guide than a step by step and it leaves a bit to interpretation.  Note to self - this is best done before midnight when you're able to think clearly. The instructions told me to attach on the 7th stitch of the under arm, ch 3 (first dc) and work in pattern across.  (But it's really around) Join with a slip stitch, turn and continue to work in pattern to desired length. I tried.  It didn't work.  I ripped. I have encountered patterns in the past (for mittens) that wanted me to work my round by turning.  I'm sure it can be done and there's a reason for it, I just haven't figured out how.  Being the creative problem solver that I am I did this instead: join in 7th stitch, ch 3 and work in pattern across.  When I got to the beginning ch 3 I joined with a slip stitch and then put another slip stitch in the next dc to bring me to the right place to begin the pattern.  I continued working the pattern in the round joining each this way.  So far I've done 6 rounds and it looks great. (Pat on the back here!) It feels good to have encountered a "problem" and created a "solution".  For me this is testimony that my skills are advancing!  Now if I can only stay motivated long enough to finish this thing!

The book that I'm reading today is The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark.  I'm a mystery fan, and haven't read a MH Clark in a long time.  This story centers on a the murder of a biblical scholar who may have discovered the only know writings of Jesus Christ.  A letter to Joseph of Arimathea thought to have been stolen from the Vatican in 1474 AD.  Who is responsible for his murder? His wife who's suffering from advanced Alzheimers?  His mistress whom he has just broken things off with? Or maybe one of his colleagues who is intent on possessing the  parchment? Face-paced with plenty of  twists I'm enjoying this interesting bit of fiction - when I'm not working on my sweater of course!

Don't forget to to stop by Tami's Amis and Small Wonders to see all the great projects going on today!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings friends!  I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday!  Today, I have three things to share.  Lets start with socks.  I have wanted to make them for so long, but I've been hesitating because -  well I don't know why.  I've had this pattern for Socks that Fit! in my queue for ages and last night the spirit  moved me to give it a whirl.  The toe instructions seemed vague, but I did what felt like the right thing and sure enough it worked - and on the first try! If this works out I might be making socks for the holidays!  Just think of all those great yarns I can use!!

Next up is the Zig Zag Bag that has been sitting in the wip pile for way too long! I'm going to line it with this great skirt fabric.  Don't they look like they were meant to be together?! I bought the skirt ages ago at the thrift store hoping it would fit, but it was too small.  I'm so happy to have found a way to use it!  I've never lined a crocheted bag which is why I've been procrastinating, but how hard can it be right?

And finally there's the Chevron Lace Cardigan.  With the sleeves in the right place I should be finished by now, but of course I choose to work on other things instead.  I'm certain that this will be wonderful when its done.  I suppose if the weather were cooler and I could actually wear it when I'm finished I might get moving.  For today it's sitting patiently by my chair waiting. 

I don't worry too much about having several projects going at once.  It keeps me from getting bored.  As long as I get them finished eventually I feel just fine.  For me crochet is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.  I guess I just  like to make lots of stops along the way!

Be sure to pop on over to Tami's Amis and Small Things to see other great projects!

Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Wow Wednesday already!  This week I’ve been thinking a lot about balance.  About how important it is to have the appropriate balance of everything in life.  Work – Play, Sleep – Activity, Money – Bills, Being with People – Being Alone, you get the idea. If I start to get to heavy toward one thing I can feel my scales tipping and I get a little wobbly.  When that happens I know it’s time to evaluate what’s going on and get things back into perspective. This hasn’t always been easy, but the older that I get the more important it is for me to have the peace and joy that being in balance gives to my life.  I realized that I have been spending way too much time on the computer and not enough time crocheting.  Now mind you I do both of these things for my own pleasure.  I have no deadlines looming or bosses to please, it’s all for me.  I find that the computer has a way of eating up the hours leaving me with a headache and the feeling that I haven’t accomplished anything really worth while!  So for the rest of the week I’m really going pay attention to how I’m spending my time and how it makes me feel.  And then of course make some changes!

Now about those crochet projects!  This week I’m working on the Big and Little Granny Throw and the Chevron Lace Cardigan.  So where am I at?  The B&L is almost done. (Haven’t we heard this before?)  I have one more big square to make, hooray! Then I have to whip stitch the littles into bigs and all of them into 2 rows!  As long as I keep my focus I should have this done by next Friday. It’s a bummer that the weather is warm now and we won’t actually use it, but it will look good on the back of the couch! 

Now the cardigan is another story.  I’m a beginner at sweaters.  With only two under my belt getting the fit right has been a challenge.  And even though this is a top down construction I set the sleeves too low. Twice.  The second time I was almost done with the body and after trying it on again I decided that it just wasn’t right.  It was hard, but ultimately I want this to be perfect. (well, you know!)  I want to wear it and I know if the fit is only so-so it’ll just end up sitting in the wardrobe.  Plus I really love the way the yarn looks and feels! (It’s Caron Naturals Spa is Soft Sunshine)  So even though I’m basically back to the beginning I’ve learned from my mistakes and I should move quickly once I re-set those sleeves. I did have to give myself a break from it for a few weeks.  I just couldn’t take starting over again right away! But now I’m looking forward to having a light-weight little cardi to wear over my summer dresses and I’m ready to roll!  There you have it, another Wip Wednesday. Be sure to check out other great projects at Tami’s Amis!

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

I am having a dilemma. It seems that this beautiful sweater, which  I should be wearing to work tomorrow, has morphed into a garment for an amazonian, body building arm wrestler! I'm not sure what I was thinking when I tried it on (multiple times!)  How could I imagine that arm holes beginning mid rib cage were "a good close to the body fit?" Perhaps they are, just not on my body.  I even got out the tape measure and measured both this sweater and one that fits well.  Somehow I thought I was on the right track and kept on stitching! I even took pictures to document my progress! Thinking back , it was  late when I did this and instead of reviewing my decision in the morning when I was alert, I just picked it up today and kept on going! And now, after trying it on to determine if the length is correct (it is - I think?) I can't imagine that I will ever wear this sweater with the arms in their current location!  So I must decide if I will rip out all those rows I so lovingly stitched or if I'll go ahead and finish it off the way that it is and let it live forever in the wardrobe. 
    I do love the yarn, and I really want to make a sweater that fits out of it.  Is it possible??  Will the third time be the charm? Well, I'm not going to decide tonight!  I'm going to put it aside until morning and then I'll figure it out.  Because clearly I am not good at making decisions after 5pm!

So until next time!
Stitch & Read with Love!