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.

R.I.P MS. LENA HORNE

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.

Yarn Harlot Weekend

Yeah....I spent Saturday with the "Yarn Harlot" Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Well, sort of...I attended her book signing at the Detroit Main Library. It was very fun and soothing. You heard me right....soothing. I say that because this was the first event I ever went to where everyone in the audience was knitting. There is something to be said about a bunch of people gathered together to listen to an author talk about knitting while you knit.

At one point I looked over at the guard who escorted her into the auditorium and I thought, "gee, he must be bored". Then I thought, "he must think we're all nuts". What did they think we all were going to do....attack her when she made her appearance. Is that why they gave her protection? LOL! She even joked about it. Like she was some "real" celebrity. Well, in the knitting world she is. Its funny how non-crocheters and non-knitters don't get it when you talk about "our celebrities". Also, how we can't go past a yarn shop or a yarn isle without entering. Then we get in there and molest the yarn. With no intention to buy, but must touch the yarny goodness. The addiction is bad and we all refuse to go to rehab!

A plus of the signing was her showing off her sweater she finished during the Ravelympics. It was beautiful. It was amazing. She got it done in 2 wks. That's insane considering that it's some fair isle involved. She so rocks!

People came from all over. I sat with two ladies from NY, Kathy and Sandi. They both were working on socks. There was even a marketplace before the signing. I bought two skeins of sock yarn and one clipboard with legal pad. No regrets. Boy did I have fun.

Olympics Withdrawal!!!!

After anxiously waiting for the Olympics to start and feverishly trolling Ravelry for projects to finish and start....the withdrawal has begun. I only finished 3 out of 4 planned projects. I decided late that it would be better for me to rip down the top of Justina and redo it to fit a bigger bust size. Also, I made a simpler pair of socks for mom than "Mermaid's Lagoon". It just wasn't possible for me to finish it in time. I rather play safe than be sorry. (She's gonna get them this Friday for her b-day!)

Below are the"Ragg Hiker's" I did for mom. They're from the 2 socks at a time book. I hope she likes them. I like mine. They were finished on the 28th of Feb. before the closing ceremonies started. I was so happy to be done with them.

Below is Mara....not a real good pic, but hey I had to get it posted on the Finish line thread. The ribbing is at least 2 inches short, but it works for me because I am short. I am very pleased with how it turned out though. Making another would involve a great deal of thought.

Victory Is Mine

Here is my simple socks I did for the Ravelympics. I am so happy they are done. A little big in the instep, but thats okay. I am very happy with the striping of the yarn. I got the little boogers done in about 5 days. Next time I do these I will just cast on 52 stitches and that way they will fit perfectly.

And for my effort I received my recognition.......a badge of completion. Yay!