Saturday Evening Book Review @ Bluestem :)

It's finally feeling like Spring here and what better way to enjoy it than by sitting on the patio of my favorite cafe, Bluestem Bistro, listening to live music and knitting! As always, I really should be in studio or something school related, after all my BFA show is in THREE weeks.... But I bet you guys are sick of me talking about my lack of focus haha.

I wanted to share a couple of books with you tonight as well. :)

No Sheep for You  by Amy R. Singer

Likes:

-The beginning is very comprehensive in explaining all the different non-wool fiber types, how they are harvested and spun.

-Explains well how to work with these yarns and how each yarn reacts to washing, wear and tear and etc.

-Great info on how to substitute among each type. 

-Lovely photos and color choices!

-Nice variation of man and woman patterns.

Dislikes:

-I wish there were less color work patterns, I'm not a color work person...

-I also wish there were more non-sweater types, but then again if you are allergic to wool, you're biggest concern is finding sweater patterns.

-A lot to take in, I'd prob want to really be dedicated to reading it all.

Favorite Patterns:

Eileen

River Rock Scarf

Intoxicating -- in my dreams!

Overall, this is a fun book and there are lots of patterns I'd enjoy or know others would. I like the concept, as many patterns usually call for wool yarns and then if you need a non-wool you have to somehow substitute.

Brave New Knits  by Julie Turjoman

Likes:

-The Concept -- patterns designed by knitting bloggers

-Before each pattern there is an at least 1 page bio about the designer and their blog.

-Too many amazing patterns!

Dislikes:

-That's a hard question...

-Not a lot of variety in gender/age that the patterns are for; only a few for kids and men.

-The bios are a bit long, so I didn't really have time to read them right now.

Favorite Patterns:

Seaweed Vest

Silke Jacket

Woodsmoke Scarf

Sockstravaganza

Lenina Cap

Helix Socks

Overall, I like the concept behind this book and may look up some of these bloggers (if they are still around, the book was published in 2010). I like a lot of the patterns as well.

And now on to my knitting adventures. I realized today that I haven't shared my latest WIP with you guys!  

I caved and got the yarn to knit Salacia a couple weeks ago; Natural Focus by Nashua Handknits in a nice heathered gray and tan.. It ended up being a bit pricey, but I am in love with the way it is knitting up and the drape I am getting. 

If you want proof of how unproductive I have been with school, I started this a little over a week ago and I am already decreasing for the arm holes. I want to get this done in time for a friend's wedding June 1st. I don't see any problems with accomplishing this goal, besides the fact that it will require SEAMING! 

The happiest part? It's a lace pattern and the mistakes I have made you can barely see, so I am trucking away on my lace knitting goal for 2013! 

Now that Spring is here I am really enjoying my time on this patio just watching people walk by and absorbing the fresh air. I may try and start doing this every Saturday night if I can get away without making art. 

I really need to think of more ways to do my drawings. My current works are all about passing time and I have a good amount done, but I feel guilty for not doing anything else, as I am taking drawing for 6 credits. Remember the knitting ink blanket? Yea, that came to a screeching halt when I established it didn't fit in with my concept. Back to the drawing board (no pun intended).

~Lisa