Surprise!

I have finished "The Devil's Queen" by Jeanne Kalogridis and boy was it a fast read. Over four hundred pages of history, court intrigue, astrology, I couldn't put it down. For me not to know anything about Catherine De Medici I think I have a pretty good understanding of her after reading the book. What a powerful woman. What a determined woman. Wow! I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction. If you haven't tried historical fiction....well your missing out.

Only a Couple of Months In

Let me explain the headline....I have been reading "Sweater Quest" by Adrienne Martini and it is about her quest to finish "Mary Tudor". For me this is another slow read. I am only in July/August and I feel like its going to take the rest of this year for me to finish. For others this may be a great book...especially if you are into "She Who Must Not Be Named" designs. But, one look at that sweater made me want to vomit. I thought, "why would she want to knit that". The challenge. Cool, I'm all for a challenge. I took on socks and am now addicted after swearing they were too hard. I've knitted lace and made shawls....challenge is a good thing. But not this. It's not for me. I've told people it looked like someone drunk a faygo orange, grape, and red pop an threw up on the thing. Now, "She Who Must Not Be Named" has some other designs that I liked, but will not attempt even if SHE paid me because of her.

Seeing that I am still reading it (yes, I will not just put this down and concede defeat) I will put off actually giving a review. There are some good things in the book, but my picture of "She Who Must Not Be Named" makes it unlikely for me to put her in the class of EZ, Meg Swanson, Sally Melville, and the Yarn Harlot.

Moon Spinners

This is the third book in Sally Goldenbaum's "Seaside Mystery" collection. The crew is back to solve a murder of one of their neighbor's. It's nothing like being back on the Endicott's deck enjoying one of Ben's famous drinks. Or being in Izzy's shop sampling the delicious collection of yarns and Purl's meowing. Okay....I wasn't there, but with the imagery Ms. Goldenbaum provides it sure feels like I was. Like her past books, I have enjoyed reading this and couldn't believe how it ended. When I thought I had the culprit pegged......bang......it was someone I least expected. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. (Whether you knit or not.) Now, on to Maggie Sefton and her eighth book, "Skein of the Crime". Look for that review soon.

Casting Off to Cast On

I just finished reading "Casting Off" by Nicole R. Dickson. At first I could not get into it. It wasn't the book.....I was just in a reading funk. After putting it down and getting back in the groove of things I pick it back up and boy am I happy I did. This is a very heart warming book. The way she describes Ireland and the people is beautiful. The storyline really teaches you about people and yourself. I cried towards the end. I am putting this on my favorites list and probably will re-read it soon. This is a must read f
or knitters who love to read and learn.

After you read the book you may want to make your own "gansey". I found the above "Inishturk" sweater patter at Lionbrand. It will be a challenge because I do not like seed stitch and this is double seed stitch, but I want an Irish gansey so I will bite the bullet and do it. I more than likely will use Vanna's Choice in Sapphire. I so love that color. The sweater would look gorgeous in that color.

Back to Reading

About a week ago Mr. Patterson made the first 26 chapter of "The 9th Judgment" available to download on his website. This was a first I have ever heard of an author doing this. I immediately downloaded it and finally got a chance to read them Monday. After finishing the first 26 chapters I got my fix and decided to pre-order the book. The book finally came yesterday on its release date and I finished it late last night. I only put it down once. I really missed Lindsay, Yuki, Cindy, and Claire. I enjoyed the tv series before it was canceled after 1 season.

This book did not disappoint. It was definitely a page turner. Also a roller coaster ride of emotion. So if you are into the "Woman's Murder Club" or just into James Patterson....go get this book.

New Addition to the Knitting Book Collection

I saw this in a magazine and checked out her website and blog to see some of the projects. I really like how she does everything in the round. Her pants/tights are so cool. My niece is 12 and she will be getting a lot of items out of this book. I may even try to make some for myself. This girl rocks.