Friday, August 10, 2012

Memory knitting

I am a big fan of the sock yarn blankie because I can look at it as a scrap book. This block is the yarn from my Camp Kip knitalong shawl. And this is from my first Socks that Rock kit. Oh, and remember this one, the sock that ended up in the garbage disposal? ( I wish I was kidding about that one) This type of craft that weaves in memories really floats my boat. So I am very pleased to tell you about a new one I just found, the Sky scarf. The more I read about Conceptual knitting the more I love it. I guess I really am a process knitter. I also love how open to interpretation this pattern is. A quick trip through Ravelry showed me myriad interpretations, and now I am really hooked. I love the idea of adding a ripple pattern, but the thing that has me fascinated is the swing knitting. My mind reals at the possibilities. How else can I document my life in knitting? What kind of special piece can I make to document the munchkin growing up? I bet you can guess how I will spending my day.... with my sketch book in hand.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Literary Slumming

I admit to being a bit of a literary snob. I was an English major, I can't help it. If I read a romance there needs to be some meat to it, like Diana Gabaldon's Outlander Series, or Deborah Harkness's All Soul's Trilogy. So you wouldn't be surprised that I said I would not read The Fifty Shades books. I was duped into reading Twilight and still haven't forgiven myself. (To be fair I read half of it under serious sedation)

However after a rather painful discussion, I ended up with the first book Fifty Shades of Grey. sigh I groaned and rolled my eyes through the first few chapters. The heroine is ridiculous and completely unbelievable. But about halfway, you get to know Mr. Grey. And minus the tremendous wealth, I've dated a few versions of him.... So I kept with it. By the end I still hated the heroine, maybe even more than before, but I had to know what happened to Mr. Grey. It was a cliffhanger.

And now that I've finished the second book, I am ashamed of myself. How did these make the NYT bestseller list? If it's the Mommy-Porn angle I need to pop that bubble. It's not that spicy. In fact the second one is a real disappointment in that department. And it's swiftly coming around to full on fairy tale nonsense. Ugh! I know I only have myself to blame. And of course I'll have to read the last one, because I'm like that. But really? This is what the American public can't get enough of? It's like reading bad wine. Cloyingly sweet and not quite alcoholic enough...... but you keep drinking it hoping for at least a buzz, as the flavor gets worse. Then you're looking for another bottle because it leaves you thirsty, no because you particularly like it.

So moral of this post..... if the salacious reputation is keeping you from the Fifty Shades trilogy, go buy it. But don't' say I didn't warn you when you get a tooth ache and feel empty at the end. Pardon me as I return to a really good book..... American Dervish.

Thursday, August 02, 2012

Fashionistas

I have a weak spot for fashion. I'm not a fashionista, but I love Project Runway, Vogue magazine, and sewing my own knock offs. So is it any wonder that I got sucked into Jane by Design last night? I set up the laptop on my sewing table for Netflix to run in the background, planning on Dr. Who, but got sucked into "Jane" instead.
This is the perfect combination of Prety in Pink and The Devil Wears Prada. You have all the social nonsense of high school cliches and the back stabbing fervor of the fashion industry, not to mention awesome cameos of real designers. I may have actually squeeled when Patrica Field showed up. And I have to say it was the perfect level of entertainment to sew along with. I could look up and keep in step with it, but not have to be glued to screen. I wouldn't say it's earth shattering television, but it sure is fun. So if you have that teenage-fashion intereseted part of you looking for a little attention, give it a shot!

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

A Fresh Start, For Real This Time

So much has happened since my last post. And I'm not a little ashamed of how long it's been. We've had a good deal of medical issues within my family. These have led to a very different lifestyle than I had expected. I spend at least half of my weekends up in the woods at my Parent's place. And this has taken a toll. I've also changed jobs which is a glorious thing! I am now at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, only ten minutes away from the Munchkin's school. I can't tell you how excited I am to be able to take her to Gymnastics after school. Previously, working in another city (and later hours)meant missing out on a lot of the "Mom" duties and I felt like a crappy Mommy. Not to mention the hubby was getting a little burned out. But I am back on top of things now, even got the iphone app so I have no excuse not to post. And after a little photo shoot tonight I will have some FO pics to share. I've also been sailing through books so I plan to post a few books reviews of my faves this week as well. I hope you like the background changes, and come back for more changes and posts to come!