Meme: Which Jane Austen gentleman is for you?

What Jane Austen gentleman is for you?

Mr. Darcy. Pride and Prejudice’s FitzWilliam Darcy is aloof, but he feels deeply. If he loves you, he’s made up his mind for good, though you may not have noticed that that’s how he feels. He is, of course, rather too convinced of his own worth and tends towards snobbery, but he has a good heart and will marry you despite what his relations might think.
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New Favorite Book & Memory Lane

MaryJane’s Stitching Room

I discovered this book at the library today and was immediately enamored by it. I hadn’t ever heard of MaryJane Butters before, but evidently she’s been around for a little while. There’s another book of hers out there that I haven’t stumbled upon just yet. This one kinda leaped off the shelf at me as I was looking through the newly acquired books section.

What I really like most about this book is its country charm. I wasn’t particularly raised on a farm, but I did grow up in the country outside a town that was, at that time, small. We always had animals around, and some of them were the farm kind. I showed a sow once for a livestock show when I was in 4-H, and after she thought it would be fun to get in a fight in the ring, I decided it was time to switch to something I thought would be a little more docile, so I opted for a lamb. Her name was Liberty because she was born on the fourth of July. (And she wasn’t docile at all, but she was cute.) When she sold at auction, I cried, so the buyer gave me the lamb back and I gave the money back. (Little did I know back then what was done to animals that sold for auction after a livestock show. It never occurred to me that I was raising an animal for food.) We always had a garden, and I remember summer nights shelling peas & husking corn and warm summer days picking itchy okra. Oh, and I remember homemade ice cream! And watermelon on the patio! Ah, those were the days, but that’s a whole other post.

Now back to the current time: This book has little bits here and there of things I love, one of those things being crochet. There’s several patterns ranging from a crocheted pinkeeper to a multipurpose crocheted shawl to a crocheted rag rug. There’s a little bit of embroidery, a recipe for cracklejack popcorn, and creative ideas for fabric yo-yos. Something else I like are the other ideas for pinkeepers, which are really just artful pincushions, and the Fancy Work Apron. There’s a section on tatting and a couple of quilt-scraps patterns. There’s also a very cool story about Boys who Crochet who stay at Northwest Children’s Home in Idaho and are at risk for various reasons. Crochet is part of their therapy, giving them something to do with their hands, as well as their minds. Too, according to this book, if you have any leftover yarn you don’t know what to do with or don’t have a place for, “the boys would appreciate receiving it”. You can find the address under the Support The Kids link on the front page.

If you’d like to find out more about this book and the woman behind writing it, you can go to her web site, MaryJane’s Farm Stitching Room. There’s a couple of free crochet patterns there, as well as an apron pattern. Explore her site even more by going in through the front door at MaryJane’s Farm: Simple Solutions for Everyday Organic. You might find there’s a bit of a farm girl (or guy) in you that you never knew existed. Enjoy.

New Books to Love

I love our local library. Where else can a person go to literally check out the latest books for free, flip through them, then decide whether or not they are worth buying and adding to a personal home library? The library in our city seems to be getting better and better. Lately, each time I’ve gone in, I’ve found a new gem waiting for me to pick it up and bring it home. These are three of those latest finds:

Vintage Crochet: 30 Gorgeous Designs for Home * Garden * Fashion * Gifts

I adore this book. I love the patterns, and I love the vintage feel. There’s 30 different designs to choose from in four different categories: Home, Garden, Fashion, and Gifts. My favorite pattern is the “Nico” Dress, even though it doesn’t come in my size. But that’s okay; there’s other patterns I really like that do. There’s a “Joni” Flower Tunic that is “crocheted in natural hand-spun organic cotton yarn”–what’s not to love?! There’s also a nice cardigan, as well as a shrug that is made of crochet rosettes. Two other patterns I really like are a headband that claims to be “the perfect accessory for all hippie chicks” (I’m not a hippie chick but I love headbands), and a really cute Rickrack Kerchief. And that’s just a glimpse of what this book offers. It’s one of those must haves, in my opinion, but then every person is different. You won’t find any complaints from me on this one, though.

Crochet for Beaders: 18 Stunning Jewelry Projects

My favorite part about this book is its simplicity. Ruth Herring, the author, shows how to make some really pretty pieces of jewelry without breaking the bank. Most of the patterns look really easy, but there’s a few that are more elaborate for those who want the challenge. My favorites are the Ball Button Bracelets and the Beaded bands for neck, wrist, and ankles. Some of the projects are created with wire, and some are created with thread. All are adorned with beads or sequins. When talking about the portability of crocheting with beads, Ruth states, “Furthermore, fellow passengers won’t be subjected to bruised arms or annoying clicking if you choose to make good use of your commuting time.” I love that line. Heh. Another book to love, especially if you’ve ever thought about crocheting with beads to make jewelry but wasn’t sure where to start.

Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew

Yes, I know: This is not a crochet book. It’s a book on sewing, and it’s a great book at that! I’ve dabbled with my sewing machine ever since I got it several years ago, but I’ve never just taken off with it. I’ve never gotten brave enough to just make something without a store-bought pattern. Well, not with much success anyway. This book can remedy that. There’s some really cute and simple patterns and ideas to explore, as well as lots of information about sewing “with abandon”. Of the thirty designs, there’s a nifty little Zip Pouch and a Simple Tote–two projects that look simple enough for even me. There’s also a handbag I’d like to try, as well as an apron. It’s another one of those books that have made my “must have” list. It doesn’t hurt that I’ve had the author’s blog in my Google Reader for awhile now, either. If you’ve not ever visited Angry Chicken, you should do so when you get a chance.

Well? What are you waiting for? There’s books to check out, projects to make, and even a blog to check out. Enjoy & Happy Creating!

Loom Knitting Book & Poll

I’m so excited! For my birthday (which was right after Thanksgiving), my sister gave me a gift card and I ordered various craft books with it. One of the books I ordered was Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects by Isela Phelps, which I found out about on Ravelry. And I got it in the mail today…woot!

There’s a group of loom knitters there on Rav that Isela is a part of, and this book seems to be highly recommended by several loomers there, as well as some in various other looming groups on the internet. After receiving the book, I can see why. It looks like it has a lot of good information as well as some cute projects. Now I just want to play with my looms and practice, but it’ll have to wait until after I get some other have-to-finish projects completed first.

If you want to loom knit but haven’t, check this book out. From the looks of it, it’ll be a great teaching tool and learning reference.

Out of curiosity, I was wondering:

my Bargain of the Day

While checking out the library’s booktique, hoping to find some crochet books, I ran across a little Christmas craft book called Crafts for an Old-Fashioned Christmas. I thumbed through it, sat it back down, then picked it up again. It was only a quarter, so I figured “why not?” I didn’t find any crochet books, but when I brought my little gem home, I found several easy Christmas crochet patterns in it. I don’t know how they’ll turn out, but I was pleased to see them (and to see only ONE knitting pattern…heh…). My favorite is a crocheted Mary Jane Stocking, which I just may make for myself instead of the traditional stockings I’ve been making. There’s also other Christmas ideas, and although the book was published in ‘84, some of the ideas are timeless, so it was definitely my bargain of the day.

Kooky & Loopy

Our library is awesome. It has an art gallery, a book store/gift shop, a café, lots of neat programs, and loads of books. I really wish their selection of crochet books was a bit more vast, however. Luckily, as I recently learned, a person can request books from other libraries through an intra-library book loan system. I tried this out and was really pleased how easy it was (if you don’t count the not-very-user-friendly interface on the site) to check out the books I wanted even though my library didn’t carry them.

Kooky Crochet by Linda Kopp is one of those books I borrowed. It has a lot of fun, interesting, and very kitschy projects in it from admirable designers like The Crochet Dude & Monster Crochet, but honestly, for me, I’d never make any of them, unless I had someone specific who would appreciate them. (Sorry guys!) That’s not to say others won’t find this book right up their alley. It just isn’t for me. I guess I’m just not “kooky” enough. Age will do that to you sometimes, which brings me to the thought: This book, like so many others, seems to really be geared for the younger set of crocheters. Of the patterns inside, I do like the Zen rocks, the little bird amigurumi, and the fortune kookies.

On the other end of the spectrum is Loop-d-Loop Crochet by Teva Durham. It’s full of gorgeous patterns that should appeal to crocheters of different levels. My personal favorites are the Knotwork Socks, Sidesaddle Cluster Pullover, and Clover Fan Jacket. There’s a couple of other patterns I wish came in larger sizes, but for the most part, I really don’t think I’d have much trouble finding things I’d like to make from this book. I’m having a hard time giving this book back, but I did put in a request that our library get a copy. Guess we’ll see.

One of the most wonderful things about crochet is that it’s as unique and versatile as the person doing the looping. Both these books, although on totally different levels in what they present, are exciting examples of what crochet is. It can be wacky & fun or stunning & practical, but it’s never ever boring.

Kinda makes you want to pick up one of these books, some yarn, and start crocheting, doesn’t it?

Book Review: 201 Motifs, Blocks, Projects, & Ideas

I went to Joann’s today in search of some beads to finish up a project. I had a 50% off coupon for their Columbus Day sale, so I decided it would be wasted if used on a $1.29 bag of beads; I bought this book instead: 201 Motifs, Blocks, Projects, & Ideas by Melody Griffiths.

It has a lot of really neat ideas for motifs and blocks, some with animals (including a sweet lil’ sheep) and pictures on them, some are flowers and leaves, some are beyond-basic squares, and there’s also the alphabet. Geometric shapes are also included. A few patterns and other ideas for using the motifs, which would really actually work for any other motif not in the book, are also included.

I like the book. It’s cheery, colorful, fun, and has a lot of great ideas in it. I don’t know how well the patterns are written since I haven’t crocheted from it yet, but some look simple, while others look a bit more intricate. However, none look intimidating.

For me, I can see some inspiration coming from my own crochet just by skimming through the pages, even before I attempt the patterns. I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest it as a good book to have in the crochet section of your book shelf. Even if I don’t crochet from it–which I know I will!–I still like the inspiration-effect.

BTT: Friendship

Buy a Friend a Book Week is October 1-7 (as well as the first weeks of January, April, and July). During this week, you’re encouraged to buy a friend a book for no good reason. Not for their birthday, not because it’s a holiday, not to cheer them up–just because it’s a book.

What book would you choose to give to a friend and why?

This isn’t a “one book will work for everyone” question to me because I buy books for others based on their interests and what I think each person would like. If my friend was a crocheter, I’d buy her a crochet book; a lover of romance would get a sexy novel from her favorite author; my husband would get something pertaining to philosophy or bonsais; my friend who reads more than any one I know would get a book she might have overlooked that I really liked. The list goes on. No one book to mention since everyone is different.

BTT: Sunshine & Roses

The reverse of last week’s question:

Imagine that everything is going just swimmingly. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all’s right with the world. You’re practically bouncing from health and have money in your pocket. The kids are playing and laughing, the puppy is chewing in the cutest possible manner on an officially-sanctioned chew toy, and in between moments of laughter for pure joy, you pick up a book to read . . .

What is it?

Sounds like the perfect day to curl up on the porch swing and re-read Jude Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armor. A trip back in time with a bit of romance would complete the day.

Busy Weekend

Last evening, while my daughter was at the school talent show with a friend of hers, and my DH was watching television, I decided to work on my socks that I am was so close to completing. I was nearly to the toe of one of the socks when I decided to try it on. It was so slouchy and huge! Made me sick to my stomach to think I miscalculated my measurements that much. So now, I get to frog both and start completely over. At least I’ll have a pair of socks that actually fit once I get them both finished–hopefully!

Then this morning, my daughter and I both got up by 7:30 so we could make it to the library’s annual book sale. They collect books all year long, then mark them way down and have a sale. Most books are less than a dollar, so you can actually buy alot and get alot.

Last year was our first year to go and little did we know how popular the sale was. We ended up parking probably about half a mile or so from the main entrance because there were so many people already there. Once inside it was super-crowded.

So this year we got smart, which led to us getting up so early. We were there at 8:30 waiting for the doors to open–and we weren’t the only ones. By 8:40, people were already lining up at the door in the rain, so we decided to go on and wait, too. By 9:00 there was a mad scramble to the table of craft books. Talk about snobbish crafters! Boy, just a couple of them kept other people from looking, but I finally weasled my way in and grabbed what books I could find that had crocheting in them. There weren’t many, and most of what I did get had other fiber arts in them, too, like knitting, embroidering, and cross-stitch. I know how to cross-stitch, so that will come in handy. Maybe the rest will eventually as well. I picked up a sewing book and a stitch (hand-sewing) encyclopedia, too. Then I found my daughter, who was looking over the teen books. We grabbed a few of those before going to the Zen books for Dan. Then it was the German books, the cookbooks, and finally the novels for me.

(Just a note: My daughter is taking German this year & loves it! She picked up a kids’ book of songs written in German, as well as a dictionary, and a textbook. I’m so amazed–and thankful–she’s enjoying it as much as she is.)

I know we got about 30 books or so and only spent $35, so lots of good bargains there. Then we came home, left again to get groceries, got home in the early afternoon, and I finally sat down for a minute. I didn’t sleep well last night (or the last three nights for that matter), so I’ve been a bit sluggish ever since we got home. Supper consisted of jalepano cornbread & vegetarian “chicken” corn chowder, which was a perfect meal considering the long cold & dreary day. (Fall is right around the corner. We didn’t even make it to the 60s today.)

Now, I’m headed to my crocheting chair to work on a couple of 6″ squares for the YWCA’s Stitches of Strength. I bought purple yarn today just for that purpose. Once I get those finished, I imagine tomorrow my time will be spent frogging those socks and working on them once again. At least I don’t have to go anywhere tomorrow. I can sleep in, watch the Cheifs play, and crochet.