Monday, September 29, 2008

Some commisioned work


Now that FLS is done, I moved on to some commisioned baby projects. One is a secret, so I won't show it here. But I will show you a peak at a Baby Shrug I started this morning. One morning's worth and I am more than a 1/4 through it! This is a Debbie Bliss Pattern. The Yarn is Knit Picks Comfy in a color called Sea Foam. The color is actually a bit litghter than this photo appears.
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Friday, September 26, 2008

Who's that Lady?

My February Lady Sweater is Complete! I managed to sneak a photo shoot in between rain storms today and here she is!
Pattern: February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne (AKA Flint Knits)
Size: Small
Needles: Size 9 and Size 10.5 for the Cast Off
Yarn: Rowan Calmer 6 skeins
Modifications: Not many, but I did try a suspended cast-off for the first time. Very stretchy! Usually my bind off is way too tight, so I was happy to find this method.



I am very happy with how this sweater came out. The Rowan Calmer is so soft to work with and wear, and the sweater is light enough for spring/fall or even a cool summer night. I may redo the buttons, as they pull a little bit. This sweater has turned me onto Elizabeth Zimmerman and I recently picked up Knitting Without Tears and the Knitters Almanac.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory

I couldn't put this book down, although it felt a bit cyclical at points. This is the story of Mary Boleyn, a mistress to Henry VIII and sister to Henry's second wife Anne Boleyn.

Many have lamented that Gregory took many liberties in telling this story, but I think those people are forgetting that this is a book of fiction, albeit based on real events. Gregory did not set out to write a history book, but rather to imagine what might have gone in the bedchambers and court of Henry VIII. She tells an intriguing story of betrayal, love and greed and gives us the thoughts of a character in history about which not much is known.

One of the themes I found most interesting was the exploration of how a woman in these times had no property, land or money of her own, and all her interests were tied to that of her husband or family's success. It almost seems that to be a poor farmers wife held more power than being a rich courtier. As a farmer, you were a partner in a family run business; as a courtier, you were whatever the men in power told you to be. Ultimately Mary successfully breaks free of this, and although Anne tries to exert her power, ultimately men decide her fate for her.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

I never stop buying yarn.....

Here is a peek at a few of my recent yarn purchases. There is more listed in my ravelry stash for those who are interested.


First is some Cascade Ecological Wool I picked up at Saybrook Yarn on a recent trip to CT over Labor Day. I plan on using the two skeins for a blanket. Which one? The Hemlock Ring blanket seen over at brooklyntweed.



Next is some Cascade Heritage Hand Painted Sock Yarn. I could not resist the deep greens when I saw this at Saybrook Yarn.


I also ordered some Knit Picks yarn for some commisioned work I will be doing this fall. This first one is Comfy in Seafoam. This will become the Baby Shrug from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby.


Next is some Shine Sport in Fedora. Fedora is a deep brown that reminds me of dark chocolate. Mmmmm, delicious. This will become the Smock Coat from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby.

In other news, I have one sleeve left on FLS. Going to the Media Knitters Group tonight, so I should make some progress there. Maybe I should stop shopping and start knitting!


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