Knitting in the Big City

Book 4- Knit Two by Kate Jacobs

Knit Two is the sequel to the Friday Night Knitting Club which is supposed to be made into a movie by Julia Roberts. Well, for me, this is the first clinker of 2009. I’m disappointed to say that the sequel pales in comparison to the first book. Now the first book wasn't thought provoking but the story kept moving and the characters made it interesting. The real disappoint for Knit Two is the temptation to create a happy ending out of thin air, to truly ensure that everyone only has six degrees of separation.

Book 3 - The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

Quick moving account of Queen Elizabeth I early life and how each stage of her life (King’s daughter, the King’s Sister, the Queen’s sister) shaped her ascent to Queen. There’s plenty of discussion of women’s roles in life and politics. The writing is smooth and the dialogue is easy to follow.

I like Jean Plaidy’s historical romance books and Alison Weir seems to be following in Plaidy’s footsteps with a slightly more modern take on these historical figures. Lady Elizabeth ends with England hailing its new queen. I'm looking forward to reading about Queen Elizabeth and her reign.

Book 2 – Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

The setting for this novel is a Chicago advertising agency towards the end of the dotcom era. My enjoyment of this book was hindered by the fact that I was able to identify almost all the characters as people I've worked with at some point in my career. Rather than absorbing the character I spent time thinking "well the real XYZ wouldn't do that". It's an interesting read maybe more so to someone who hasn't spent time in a traditional office environment. Some of the scenarios seemed strained but I have no doubt that every one could have happened for real during that time.

Book 1 – Knitting for Good by Betsy Greer

I slacked off my reading in 2008 so when I saw there was a Ravelry group starting up for 2009 entitled "52 books in 52 weeks" well I had to join and at least attempt to accomplish the goal.

My kickoff choice was : Knitting for Good by Betsy Greer. I thought it would be good karma to start the 2009 reading season with a book that espouses knitting with a purpose (charitable or otherwise). Greer does effectively connect knitting as a way to connect, reach, and support communities and enrich cultures. I’ve read many socially conscious materials in the past 18 months that the book may have been too much for me, an article may have been better for my current attention span for this type of topic.

Greer provides simple, interesting patterns at the end of each chapter. I know my takeaway from Knitting for Good is the thought to knit something for a stranger, as a way to enjoy my craft and to benefit my community.

Kate and Conan

This morning my sleepy-eyed husband let me know that Kate Hudson was on Conan last night and that he managed to record her segment for me.

"Why?"

"She was talking about how she knitted Christmas presents and they were half done by the 25th"

!?!?!?

Yes, Kate is one of us. She said she wrapped up one of the unfinished scarves, including the needles, and gifted the recipient. She also spoke of giving yarn to her dad, the old "I'm using this to make your present" trick that we knitters love.

My husband would have recorded this for me anyway but he must have remembered me telling him about my frantic Saturday. I was running errands and showed up late to my knitting circle. I apparently missed Kate and her handlers showed up at the Point with the paparazzi in tow!

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Sent from my Blackberry

Knitty City's Birthday

Don't miss Knitty City's birthday party today. Nice canvas tote is their thank you for making a purchase today. I think it's 10 percent off purchases today.

I picked up some Sweet Sheep Feet and some Mad Tosh sock yarn.

Susie --------------------- Sent from my Blackberry

Hello 2009!

Hi everyone - long time no post. Didn't have time to blog, barely had time to knit. Why not?

Went to every Yankees game at the "old" Yankee Stadium (yep, 81 games takes up time), was accepted into a nine month long leadership program (more time again) and, in general, took stock of what I liked about my life and what I didn't like (more about those things later).

I did make breakthrough with my knitting. Every project started in 2008 was finished - no UFOs! Joy of completion is so much better than the angst of UFO. One major milestone - I made my first top down sweater (The Patsy Swing Jacket, a house pattern from The Point).

So I'm back, with my NY baseball rants, my streaky leisure reading, and my tv critic commentaries. Among the things that do not change: I'm a fast stasher and a slow knitter. I'm pretty sure the stash I have is going to see me into and through retirement.

Time won't allow for posting everyday but once a week sounds doable. Thanks for reading!