Hi there!

I don't know if it's hot where you are, but in north central Massachusetts the mercury has blasted through the top of the thermometer and the humidity is residing consistently in the "tropical" zone.  As far as I'm concerned this weather is inappropriate for anything except exotic plants and certain members of the animal kingdom.  Humans (especially this one) not included!

At our house we have one air conditioner.  It's centrally located in the dining/living room and we gather around it in hopes of maintaining some margin of sanity.  So far so good, yet I question how long we (my family and the A/C) can hold out!

The one thing that the heat has not stopped me from doing is starting new projects.  It must be some sort of condition that I suffer from that causes me to thrive on juggling multiple tasks .  It's not just in the crochet world, but in the book world too, as I always have at least two novels and one audio book going as well as the reviews that are in the works.  It used to worry me, now I just go with it!  Eventually things get done, and those that don't must not have been that interesting anyway.

Turns out I never did get to that Yarn Along post.  I will tell you that the book, The Sisters Brothers is a quirky delight.  It's a western set in the 1800's and the main characters are outlaws.  But truly they are the most endearing hired guns you're likely to ever encounter!  Good reading if you like off-beat humor and unconventional sentence structure.

There is one more project that I've been toiling with this week - Hats. Specifically for the My Mountain project (more on that soon!) I'm working on some designs that combine my favorite granny square and doily components with traditional cloche styles.  I finished one that's good, just not perfect - yet... but don't you worry, I'll be sure to show you what I come up with!

So that's what's in my project bag today.  How about you?  What do you like to work on when the temperature hits broil? I'd love to hear how you stay cool.  I was also wondering how many of you work on multiple projects simultaneously.  And if you do, what's your secret for getting them finished?!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Even though it's Thursday, I'll be linking up with some of my favorite Wednesday blogs!  Scroll down the sidebar to see who I'll be visiting with.
Until next time friends,
Stay cool, be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Greetings Friends!

It's snowing in Massachusetts so it seems appropriate that today's post is about things that keep you warm!  Do you remember this picture from back in November?  After ripping the mitten apart several times for various reasons (like: it was too small in the cuff, too wide in the palm, too spacious in the thumb, too pointy at the top, the finger opening was off center, etc, etc, etc...) I finally had a mitten that I was happy with.  Well, after I took off the daisy button and replaced it with one in plain white.  Of course by the time I was done I was so tired of working on the mitten that I set it aside in lieu of something different. 

As the weather became consistently cooler it was time to give my mitten the mate it had patiently been waiting for.  I found my marked up December 2012 issue of Crochet World magazine still open to the Texting Mittens.   This is first time that I actually made multiple changes to a pattern to make it fit better. I've done things like add rows to make something longer, or used a magic ring instead of joining a chain into a loop. But never anything like this.  I've always been afraid that making one change would through things off later in the pattern. This time though I just went for it.  I figured the worst that would happen is I'd rip it out and try again. Which I did many, many times before I got it right! Thankfully I was wise enough to take ample notes of the changes.  One of the most important lessons I've learned  is to ALWAYS write down everything in detail.  No matter how much I like to think that I'll remember what I did, the truth is I have no hope whatsoever of that happening.  I can't even remember what hook I used, let alone how many stitches I deleted or added! I was able to decipher my scribbles and diagrams and in relative short order I had a (matching) pair of mitts!  I was so excited to wear them for the first time along with my coordinating Tassel Hat (from Voie de Vie's Accessories: Autumne 2012 Collection).

Does this sound familiar?  If it does, I really encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and just go for it.  Eventually you're sure to come up with changes that suit your needs.  And even if you don't imagine all that you'll learn about what not to do!!

Did you notice that there is only one purple mitten in the picture?  Are you wondering where the other one is?  It's the same old story.  I spent so much time finishing the red one and then on the pattern mods and making sure it works that by the time I finished testing it out I was tired of making these mittens and moved onto something new!!  Of course now it is in the basket next to the chair taunting me.  Telling me I have no excuse and that I really should be able to whip it out in an evening or two.  Will I listen and finally get it done, I'm sure I will.  I just don't guarantee that there will still be snow on the ground when I do!!

Well my friends, that's all for now.
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

By the way, just in case you're interested here is a downloadable PDF file detailing my modifications.  If you happen to give it a try please let me know.  I'd love to hear how it goes.  I'd also like to hear about how you handle modifications.  Do you stick to the pattern or do you try different things and make it custom?  Were you always brave or were you a fraidy cat like me?

Greetings friends!  Oh, what a busy month it's been!  No matter how early I get up or how late into the wee hours I toil there never seem to be enough hours in the day to get it all done! Honestly I'm not sure how you do it.  I suppose the up side of all of this activity is that I have plenty of projects to share with you!

If you've been visiting for a while you know that recently I've been working with thread.  I absolutely love this medium.  The delicate detail, the feel of the fabric, the sense of accomplishment when I've finished a piece.  Today I want to share a story of crochet,  kindness and social networking with you.

Like so many new bloggers, when I started this adventure I thought all I had to do was publish my posts and readers would flock to my site making me an internet sensation and overnight success (well, not quite...). But the reality is if you want people to visit you have to network.  That means visiting others on a regular basis and sharing thoughtful comments.  Taking part in on-line activities like CALs, a Year of Projects, and Blogtoberfest. Participating in some of the many groups and forums you find on Ravelry.  Creating boards of your favorite things on Pinterest, and following people you find interesting.  Tweeting your activities and posts.  And of course the big one, the one that I avoided like the plague - joining the world of Facebook.

Most of these have proven easy and fun to do.  I've met some of the nicest, most talented people you could ever imagine.  And while I admit that I don't really understand the whole Twitter craze I can say that I have come to enjoy my time on Facebook.  In fact, that's how I met Bonnier Reiner.  Bonnie is a fiber artist from California where she creates this beautiful hand-painted thread.  We don't know each other well at all, but Bonnie sent me a message asking if I would be interested in giving her thread a try.  Naturally  I said yes and about 10 days later a small package arrived.  To my delight there were (2) 50 yard skeins of a bright blue, purple, teal, and green thread, plus one with pastel shades of pink, green and yellow.  She calls them Rainbow Threads and you can reach her at [email protected] if you'd like to know about availability and pricing.  What I can tell you about is appearance and quality.  I tried the #10 thread (but she has others).  The colors are rich and vibrant (please excuse my pictures, it was too sunny and the color washed out).  The thread is mercerized (I think) and has a nice sheen.  It is easy to handle and flows smoothly on the hook.  It doesn't snarl or get knotted while you're using it.  The only thing I had trouble with was winding the skein onto my bobbin.  I think that's more from my inexperience though because I always buy my thread in balls or cones.  Once I had it wound into a useable form I set to work making these coasters.  They are about 4 inches in diameter.  The one on the right is finished.  It's 2 pieces that are joined on the final round.  From the one 50 yard skein there is enough thread to make at least 3 and maybe 4 coasters this size.  It really does go a long way as long as you use a second color for the back piece. In case you're interested the pattern is Safari Coasters and is available online from Leisure Arts.   I found it in the October 2001 issue of Crochet with Heart magazine. I'm always on the lookout for old magazines and I bought a stack of these at the thrift shop a few years ago!

I don't have any experience hand painting fiber, no doubt it takes time and talent.  I'm pleased to have had the chance to give Bonnie's thread a try,  and thankful that she sought me out and offered to send a gift to a stranger across the country.  For a long time Facebook felt like a cross between a high school cafeteria and a seedy bar after last call.  I was really hesitant to create an account.  As it turns out, there's a bounty of great folks looking to share their talents, ideas and knowledge. Who knew?? 

This has been a terrific experience.  I wish that I had more details on Rainbow Threads to share with you.  It's good stuff and if I've peaked your interest at all, please get in touch with Bonnie. 

I can't write a post on a Wednesday without telling you the latest book chat now can I?? Of course not!  Last week I read the new book by Kaya McLaren called How I Came to Sparkle Again.  It's been a long time since a book hit me the way this one did, and I hope that you'll check out my review to find out why!

Earlier today I finished the Bone Bed by Patricia Cornwell.  This is the 20th Scarpetta novel.  I have been a huge fan of these books for years, but the last few just didn't do it for me.  It seemed like the magic was gone.  So I had mixed feelings when I started this one.  If you want to know what I thought, drop by Robin Reads & Writes later in the week for my review.

Allrighty folks,  time to say goodbye for another day.  I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone and that we're on the countdown to Christmas!  I miss having the time to write and I'm looking forward to that quiet time that comes during our New England winters.  A cup of tea and my favorite projects equal lots of stories to share!  And speaking of sharing, today I'll be linking up with a few of my favorite.  Please stop by and add yours to the mix.  The more the merrier!

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

Hello, Hello!
I hope that you find my tips useful.  I think the most important one is to not be intimidated or afraid of working with thread.  I was quite new to crochet when I first gave it a try.  My early attempts felt awkward and looked a wreck, but something about the delicate fabric captivated me and I was determined.  Once I relaxed and allowed the beginning rounds to look a mess my doily started to take shape and I was hooked.  One of my favorite parts of making doilies is the variety of stitches.  Every round offers different combinations of stitches creating amazing patterns right before your eyes!

This week I've been working hard making bookmarks.  I'm having a great time with all the different colors.  In fact it's almost hard to choose!  I've been trying different granny square patterns and combining then with the beautiful borders from Around the Corner to make some very lovely designs (if I do say so myself!)

If you've been hesitant to try it, or think that you could never manage it I really encourage you to give thread crochet a try.  I know it's not for everyone, but you'll never know if don't give it  shot!  And anyway, what's the worst that can happen??  Another project in the WIP pile?  No problem we all have plenty of those!

I'm not sure how it happens, but the holidays are here (again) and I find myself behind on projects (again!).  Instead of getting down on myself, I'm just going to focus my energies a bit more on crocheting and a bit less on blogging. I like to get three posts out per week.  However for the next 6 weeks or so I need to make sure that I'm not stretching myself too thin creating unnecessary pressure. So I'll me paring back to only one or two posts each week.  After all, I do this for fun and the last thing that I want is for it to become a chore!!  I want the posts that I share with you to be exciting and interesting - not just dribble for the sake of publishing something.  I know you understand, and just think of the great projects I'll have to share with you!!

Even though I'm a day late I'll still be linking up with these amazing blogs to share my thread tips.  I hope that you'll pop in for a visit and share what you've been working on!

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

Greetings friends!  Snow is in the forecast on the east coast. Six to twelve inches here in central Mass.  There's something magical about the first snow of the season. Memories of hot chocolate and gathering around the radio waiting for the local station to tell us that school was cancelled.  I suppose that should motivate me to get to work on the second fingerless mitt, but if I'm honest I'll tell you that for the moment I'm out of mitten mojo.  It's not that I don't like it.  In fact, I'm pretty darn happy with the way this one came out. It's just that for the amount of work that went into it I should have finished 3 pairs!  Allow me to explain...

I decided that I needed a pair of fingerless mitts to go along with my Slouchy Tassel Cap.  In this month's issue of Crochet World magazine I found the pattern for their Texting Mittens.  Perfect!  I typically have to go down a hook size or two.  So I started out with my H hook and whipped up the cuff.  It was too small.  I don't want to start over so I just add a few rows. No problem. Now I'm working on the palm/body. It's snug, but I soldier on.  It was time for the thumb.  I followed the pattern adding a few stitches to accommodate the changes to the cuff.  After a few more rounds I tried it on.  Great.  I can't move my thumb.  After a fair amount of grumbling I acknowledged that the only was it was going to fit would be for me to rip it all out and start again with a bigger hook. The hook size the pattern indicates.  The one I would have known to use if I had made a gauge swatch.  This time (of course) the cuff fits. And so does the body.  Imagine that. It seems however that I must have gargantuan thumbs, because I need to add several stitches in order to make it fit. Naturally this means several attempts and ripped stitches.  Moving on.  I was confused by the instructions for making the finger hood (you know that piece that keeps your fingers warm when you're not sending urgent messages or getting the keys out of your purse).  After looking at a pair that my mother-in-law gave me I figured out what to do.  Again this meant several tries before I got it right (rip, stitch, rip, stitch).  I stuck to the pattern and made the hood as indicated.  It looked funny, like I had pointy witch hands.  I'd come so far that giving up was not an option.  Maybe I made a mistake? I ripped back and tried again. Nope, still pointy.  OK.  I can do this. I know what I want it to look like, and I know that I can figure it out. What I didn't know was it would take 12 tries to get it right!  So you can see, while I'm pleased with the way my texting mitt finally looks, I think that I need a bit of a respite before I begin it's mate.  I did try to write down the changes that I made, but when I looked at my notes this morning it appears that I was utilizing a form of hieroglyphics in an attempt to make things more clear. Hmmm...

How about a little book chat?  If you've been to visit before you know how much I love books, and if you haven't had a chance I hope you'll take a look at yesterday's post.  I'm so excited to have a new venue to share my book reviews.  Of course I'll still be talking about them here, I have too they're so much a part of me.  But by creating Robin Reads & Writes I can really delve into my reviews without worrying that I'm turning away those of you who come for the crafting.  If you enjoy my reviews, I hope that you'll subscribe to the new blog, or at least click on the link in the header or on the sidebar once in a while to see what's new.

I have reviews for two books in the works right now, and I'll tell you both of these had a big impact on me. I'll let you know when they're ready.  Now I'm reading Defending Jacob by William Landay which has been on the NY Times best seller list since it came out in January. While that's not my reason for choosing it, I do like to keep current with what the masses are reading.  It's been a while since I've read a crime/court drama so I decided I'd give this one a go.  Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it rates!

Today I'll be sharing the saga of the single mitt with these ladies and their link parties.  There are always so many fun and interesting projects to see, that I hope you'll spend a few minutes visiting them.  I always find inspiration, and it's a great way to meet new people.

That does it for me.  I'm off to work and then to hunker down with my hook and yarn and wait for the snow.  My prayers are with anyone who was effected or knows anyone who was effected by Sandy.  Let's hope that Athena (yep, the latest storm has a name already) follows gently in her wake.

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

Long before I learned how to crochet, I learned how to read, and I haven't stopped either since!  To me books have so much to offer.  They entertain, they teach, they keep me company, they make me think, they allow me to escape, and help me find my way. They are how I earn a living and how I spend my free time.  Books surround me (literally and figuratively).  I can't imagine going through the day without spending at least a part of it reading.

Not long after I started Crochet Nirvana I discovered Ginny's Yarn Along.  A place to where I could share my latest book and my latest project with others.  It had always been my intention to incorporate books into my blog.  So in addition to telling you what I was reading I started writing reviews to tell you what I thought about the book when I was done.  I was skeptical at first.  I didn't know if anyone was really interested.  Most of the craft blogs that I read don't wonder onto other subjects. I reminded myself that this is my space and I can do what I want here - even if no one else is doing it.  So I ventured on.

Occasionally in the comments, a few of you would mention that you'd like to try a book I reviewed.  Or you'd tell me about book that you thought I should try.  And then one of my coworkers suggested that we should publish my reviews on the library's web page.  She said that she enjoyed reading them, and thought our patrons would too.  It was a great boost to my confidence. Our web-mistress approached our director and we got the green light. 

I knew that it would be a lot of work.  I needed a name and a logo, and then I needed a format for making the reviews easily accessible.  After a lot of trial and error I ended up with the a new page (Book Reviews) and a new blog (Robin Reads & Writes).  The page is where at a glance you can see the covers of all the books. Click on the cover to go to the review. The new blog is where I'm publishing the reviews.  They both live here at Crochet Nirvana.  So while I'll still be sharing my latest book each week here and at Ginny's, I'll be publishing the reviews on Robin Reads & Writes.  Already I can feel them expanding and evolving.  I'm including things like audio snippets, what other reviewers think, and author interviews.   I have plans for a guest reviewer and I'm toying with the idea of starting a virtual book club.  There are so many possibilities! I can't wait to see how things grow from here.

The other new feature (page) is Booked for Lunch. I created this page as a supplement for the folks who are in the library's monthly book group.  With a link from the library's website, I provide information about what we're reading each month.  I'm also looking into doing a on-line forum as a companion to the regular meeting.  We'll see if the group has any interest in continuing the discussion past the one hour we're given each month. 

I hope that those of you who like hearing about my latest read will pop-over to RR&W.  I'll be sure to include links here and let you know when there's something new.  With my new connection to the library it's the perfect time to launch these new features.  I'm excited to be able to stretch my reviewing wings while staying true to my original vision of sharing my crochet adventures with you.

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

Greetings Friends and Welcome!  I hope this Halloween finds all of you enjoying more treats than tricks!  Mother Nature is doing her best to keep us on our toes.  We were fortunate here in north central Massachusetts to be spared from the brutality of hurricane Sandy.  It was wet and windy, but nothing like our neighbors to the south had to endure.  Our wishes and prayers for all of you who were affected for a quick and safe recovery.

Do any of you journal?  I've kept a journal of some sort since I was a teenager.  Over the years I've used all kinds: spiral notebooks, composition books (a fave), special books with fancy covers and decorated paper, day planners and even locking diaries.  The content has changed as often as the books.  It's been poetry and short stories, ramblings of the unrequited love every young girl feels, a record of my pregnancy, and often just a catch all for how my day has been. 

Recently my journals are including more crafting and art leading me towards mixed media journaling. I've never been able to get into scrap booking, but the idea of including tactile bits and pieces of my day along with words and drawings (or doodling!) is really appealing.  My new interest is reflected in my reading materials this week. Raw Art Journaling, The Journal Junkies Workshop, Artist's Journal Workshop and the Sketchbook Challenge all have something to offer. Lessons on technique and suggestions for entries are the most helpful as I find new ways to express the creative spirit inside me.

I'm also using my journal to plan and record the progress of my projects.  It's really different from the things I write here or the information on a Rav project page.  It's less formal and gives me the opportunity to be messy and make mistakes!  It can also be very solitary and private.  Quite the opposite of what you'll find should you decide to join a CAL!

There are other reasons too.  They are great for blogging about.  Sometimes there are prizes. If you loose your motivation you can always count on the group to get you going again.  Timelines (if there are any) help keep you focused.  Did I mention all the friends you'll make? If you don't have a crochet or knitting club in your area, joining an a-long is like being a member of a virtual club.

Currently I'm participating in two CALs.  Both are being hosted by talented, creative women who I've come to know through their blogs.  Denise from Voie de Vie has recently published her first ebook of patterns titled Accessories: Autumne 2012.  I was lucky enough to win a copy, so of course when Denise announced a JAL (join-a-long) I had to jump right in!  Her Ravelry group is here, and you'll find all the information to get a copy of her book or to join us making one of the lovely projects she's designed.  I'm making the Slouching Towards Tassels hat in a rich red wool (that's it in the picture with my journal and books).

Marie from Underground Crafter is not only a great writer (she is the queen of interviews and (craft) book reviews), she is also an experienced teacher.  Her talents shine in The Ripple Mania CAL which actually feels more like a (free!) class than a CAL.  Each week Marie is providing us with a detailed lesson. What's great is how much information there is, and how easy it is to use.  So far we've learned about choosing colors and the basics of the ripple.  The flexibility of this CAL is fantastic, because we get to pick what we want to make and what  technique we want to use.  If your interested in this crochet technique you definitely should come over and take a look.  You'll find everything right here at her Ravelry group.

When I decided to join Marie's CAL I didn't know what I was going to make, I only knew that I wanted to use the yarn that I had leftover from the Granny Square Project.  Searching patterns on Ravelry I found this -

Is this totally awesome? I think that this might be the perfect use for all of those squares that I made while I was learning about granny, don't you?  I've been struggling to come up with something to do with them, and the Groovyghan seems to be ideal!  I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way!

Wednesday is a busy day and there's always lots to see.  I'm joining these lovely ladies and all the other talented crafters who share their projects.  Stop by for a dose of inspiration, you won't be disappointed!

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

Today's post is the final for Blogtoberfest 2012. Wow!!
It's not too late to visit other participating bloggers.  Click the graphic and see what you've been missing!
Also, keep watch for my summary of the event - coming soon!!

This picture was taken by our 16 year old son Seth.  Why am I including it?  Because he loves photography, this is the first picture that he's ever had published, and most importantly because I'm a proud momma!  Yes, it's only our local paper, but everyone has to start somewhere!!

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.
Ansel Adams

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!

Greetings my lovelies and welcome! October is whizzing by.  Halloween is on the horizon with Thanksgiving and Christmas ready to rush in.  My hook has been in constant motion and if I'm not working on a project I'm planning for them.  That means lots of pattern searching and yarn/supply shopping! And while I haven't actually completed any gifts I intend to give, I have several in the works.  I'm sure that there will be a frantic push to finish including crocheting after midnight with copious amounts of coffee.  As much as I wish, hope and pray this won't happen I'm relatively certain it will.  No matter how hard I try I am a last minute, in just under the wire kinda gal.  Always have been,  and I imagine I always will be!

Today I'm pleased to report that I'm making fantastic time with the Little Wing Shawlette.  What a difference in terms of time and technique from the recently completed Juliana.  I made a modification right off the bat using a traditional Fsc instead of the method indicated in the pattern. There was a bit of a struggle at Row 2, but a good night's sleep offered a fresh perspective and once I figured it out it seemed so obvious I don't know why it gave me trouble to start with!  Now just 9 days after starting I'm only a few rows from the end which makes this one of my quickest finishes.  Another bonus is it appears that I'll have enough yarn left to make a pair of matching wrist warmers using my favorite Chevron Lace Pattern from Colour in a Simple Life. Yeah!

On the book front just for fun I've been keeping with the Halloween theme enjoying two witchy selections. I just started reading the Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston and in the kitchen I've been listening to Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong.  Happily both of them are entertaining and are keeping me in the otherworldly spirit of the season!  Also for you today I have a review of an eerily relevant story.

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
Blue Sky Press
March 1, 2012; 224 Pages

"Nobody around here reads anymore,  Why bother, when you can just  use a mindprobe needle and shoot all the images and excitement right into your brain?  I've heard of books, but they were long before I was born.  In the backtimes, before the Big Shake, when everything was supposedly perfect and everybody lived rich."  These are the words of Spaz, a teenager living, rather surviving in the Urb.  A desolate wasteland ruled by gangs who control everything. Where you live, what you eat, what you do - everything.  Everything except Eden.  Eden is as close to perfect as  you can get in the post-bigshake world.  But the only people who inhabit Eden are the Proovs - that's short for genetically improved human. Spaz earns his keep working for the leader of his section of the Urb.  When he gets an order to rob a gummy (an old man) named Ryter, Spaz doesn't think twice.  What he doesn't know is that his life - and life for everyone in the Urb is never going to be the same.  A series of events finds Spaz, Ryter, an orphan called little face and a Proov named Lanaya on a mission to first see - then save Spaz's little sister Bean.  As they search for a solution it becomes clear that a much larger task is at hand. What starts as a trip across the Urb becomes a journey that will change their world!

Okay, I'll admit this is way outside of my normal reading box.  It's Young Adult Science Fiction. But after I commented to a patron how much I loved A Wrinkle in Time (which she and her son were reading) she asked if I'd ever read this book. Learning that I hadn't she encouraged me to give it a try.  She seemed to think that as a librarian and book lover I should have this one under my belt. And of course she was right.

While the writing is a bit well, young, the story isn't it.  The world that Philbrick has created is scary and real.  It seems plausible that this could happen.  In his characters we see the best of humanity under the worst conditions.  This unlikely group faces adversity, clings to hope and questions authority.  It's a story that makes you stop and think and at any level in any genre that is what makes a good book. And while I don't know that it'll make my all time favorite list I am glad I read it, and I would suggest that it be included as one of those books we all should read. Who knows when we might one day find ourselves experiencing our own big shake. Because just moments before I sat down to write this review, right here in central Massachusetts we had an earth quake that was strong enough to shake our house and everything in it - even waking my sleeping husband - now tell me that's not a little bit scary?!

Wednesday is a wonderful day for linking up and sharing your work.  Today I'm joining my regular group of blogging buddies.  I hope you'll take a look at some fun projects and add one of your own!

Greetings friends! I'd like to thank all of you who lent a hand helping me select which project to work on by casting a vote.  Are you ready for the funny part - it was a tie! The shawls won hands down, but without a clear high score I had to go ahead and just pick.  I decided to go with the Little Wing Shawlette and make it in the Amazing yarn.  I like the versatility of this shawlette because it has all the lacy drape of a shawl with the functionality of a scarf. Also, it's a worsted weight yarn worked with a generously sized hook (US K) which means it should go quickly.  I've been doing a lot of work with little hooks lately and both my eyes and wrists need a break. It's worked from the long edge - which I typically avoid, because I like the flexibility that working from the tip give you. And I find those long starting chains a bit unmanageable. This one begins with a Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc) which is a little better.  I did run into a bit of confusion on the second row.  My symmetrical, orderly brain did not want to follow the instructions and work off center. But thanks to the Ravelry project page I was able to 1) review other people's notes 2) study the pictures and 3) contact the designer to make sure I'm doing the right thing! I forged ahead and completed the row as written. I feel confident that in a few more rows the balance that I crave will be restored and all will be right in the universe!

That's my Marlo Coat (I'm going to change the name to Marlo Cardigan, because to me that's just what it is!) in the picture too. It's a beautiful fabric that is (unfortunately) mind-numbingly simple to make. I've been working on it during breaks at work - and at the end of the day when I don't dare concentrate on anything tricky.  I know it's going to be lovely - I just have to keep the mojo working and not let the simplicity of the rows deter me!

This week I'm reading a young adult novel called The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick. It's a bit sci-fi/fantasy for my usual taste, but it was highly recommended by a trusted patron as a must read for someone who loves books as much as I do. Even though it's a genre I normally shy away from I can safely say that I am enjoying it way more than the book I've reviewed for you today.  Take a look...

Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill
Atria Books
July 3, 2012; 304 pages

The pretty pink cover, the Victorian inspired art-work and the proclamation of the novel inside being Jane Austin meets Reality TV are the reasons I selected this book.  I can’t for the life of me figure out what forces kept me reading past the first few chapters.

Here’s the storyline: Elizabeth (aka: Bliss) is a recently divorced single mother who is “temporarily” living at home while perusing her PhD.  She is one of 4 sisters.  Her mother is obsessed with British royalty so much that the girls have all been given the first name “Princess” or “Queen” and she wants nothing more than to marry her daughters off to rich men who will improve their station (yes this is a contemporary novel).

Mother’s prayers are answered and Bliss’ nightmares come true when her sister Dianna is selected to be the star of the latest reality offering – The Virgin. Lives are turned upside down as the TV series takes over.

It could be funny.  It could be a witty poke at the horror that is reality TV.  It could be many things. To me, it was a mess.  Bliss had potential, in fact all the characters had potential, but none of them were fully flushed out.  And what I did get to know of them I didn’t care for.  I don’t expect that I will love every character.  But I do expect that at least the main players will be given enough life so that I understand the reasons for their behavior. There was a peek at the ‘back stories’ but that’s all.  Had they been given more attention I might have embraced this dysfunctional family and their bizarre behavior. Instead I was annoyed with most of them and felt sorry for the rest.  

So why then did I keep reading until the end? Hope, maybe? I kept thinking that it would get better. That it should get better. For me, that never happened.  And in the interest of finding out how it ends, I did that sort of ‘skimming’ that I do when I’m not committed enough to read every word.

Too bad.  It’s a good idea for a book.  And even though I gave it ample opportunity to win me over, in the end I was left feeling a misled and disappointed. I say leave this one be and if you want something that’s “like” Jane Austin stick with the original!

Wednesday is a busy day with several great link parties.  This week I'm joining in with these bloggers and the creative crafters who share their work.  Click around and see what's happening.  I guarantee you'll find something that makes you say wow!

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