a new year dawns

*grrrrr. . .our online bookshop isn't being nice lately. most of the links to the books don't work. trying to figure it out and get them working again. sorry everyone*

2012 is put to bed and 2013 has dawned sunny, bright and oh so chilly. Funny how the years do that, come and go so quickly. While Santa couldn’t read my handwriting ( I said “white” Christmas…not “wet” Christmas) we had a lovely holiday season. Now it’s time to think fresh new year. Set some goals. Tackle projects left lying around. Catch up reading the towering stack of books on the nightstand. But first off. . .

building blocks class

Back by popular request, our Building Blocks class. If you long to take your knitting to the next level this is a perfect class. Even experienced knitters benefit from a slew of techniques, tips-n-tricks and working your way through the blocks along with the class.

Each block builds your knowledge and confidence to really cement your skills. The textbook has companion videos(http://knitpurlhunter.com) and tons of useful tips throughout the book. In class we'll work on a block each session (two sessions a month). Class starts Jan 19 (Sat) or Jan 21 (Mon) 1-3pm with future dates to be determined after the first meet-up. You can sign up block by block or for the whole 6-12 block series. See the website for details or pop into shop for a flyer, sample blocks and inspiration.

Future classes are percolating. Watch for details in upcoming weeks:

Baby Steps Sock: Knit a baby sock in one session from start to finish. You’ll get a clear understanding of the various parts and techniques to then next tackle an adult sized sock. For those who can knit, purl, work in the round on circulars and understand basic increases and decreases. We’ll use a sock yarn so power through, on our way to sock-success.

Thrumming: Cathy will teach an intro into thrumming, a technique of adding tufts of unspun roving as you knit. It creates a dense, soft very very warm end product. Great for mittens and slippers. This class shows you the basic technique. If enough interest we’ll set up a multi-class series to make these boot/ugg/slippers.

Got Gauge? Yes…it is important even though it can be a pain. Learn why and when it’s imperative. How to make a gauge swatch and why you can skimp on blocking that swatch. For most unsuccessful projects, gauge is usually a culprit.

If you’re interested in a class give us call to set aside a spot.

book group picks

 

Jan 21st: White Truffles in Winter. A tale of food and love with this novel about the legendary French chef Auguste Escofiier, the father of modern cuisine, who was torn between his poet wife, Delphine Daffis, and the reckless actress Sarah Bernhardt. Set in the late 1800s Paris. I’ve had trouble keeping in stock but more copies due this week. Dang those great year end reviews! Caught publishers unaware so stock dipped but more coming soon to the shop.

Feb 25th: Girl on the Cliff by Lucinda Riley. Based on how we enjoyed her other book, Orchid House we decided to give this one a go. “Grania Ryan returns to her family home on the rugged, wind-swept coast of Ireland. Here, on the cliff edge in the middle of a storm, she meets a young girl, Aurora Lisle, who will profoundly change her life.” Spans from 1914s Edwardian England to modern day New York. Has a hidden treasure trove of family letters, mysterious foundling child, ballerinas, heartbreak and triumph. How could we not read it! Plus it dovetails nicely with what is next up . . . .

Last few titles we read in 2012

 

a return to downton!

But what January really means is a whole new season of Masterpiece Theater. You know what that means: a return to Downton Abbey Season 3! So pardon me as I indulge myself in a little escapist detour. . .



I’ll be glued to the telly come Sunday night at 9pm for the next 7 weeks. Sadly little knitting gets done since with a new season I dare not look away for fear of missing something. I save the knitting for watching it in reruns in upcoming months.

In preparation for the new season I’ve knitted and re-watched Season 1, Season 2. Then re-watched Gosford Park. To feed my addictions I found another charming little film, From Time To Time. Note the Julian Fellowes and Maggie Smith theme here…Netflix is great for tracking down more movies and then ending up wandering down unexplored avenues to even more new discoveries! Case in point. Said charming little film led me to this previously unknown to me beloved children’s books series: The Adventures of Green Knowe. I adore finding little known children’s books with the Kids and customers. Looking forward to reading aloud with Jordi in the future.



Oops . . . I digress yet again . . . Back to all things Downton. . .

I for one am ready to catch up with the Crawley family as they enter the Roaring Twenties Jazz Age. Here’s a wonderful link: Downton Abbey Etiquette Primer. Tells us the ins and outs of how to talk to an earl and such. Who knew it was so complex to just say hello to the gentry?

Of course publishers are churning out books to help feed our addiction to all things Downton. There’s loads of book lists on the internet now too. When the final curtain falls upon the last episode of season 3, we’ll have plenty to keep us busy while we wait for season 4 in 2014. Yes…there is a fourth and hints that a fifth season is not out of the question. Yeah! But don’t go poking around the internet too much because you’ll find spoilers lurking about future scandals, tragedies and heartbreaks.

You’ll see some of these titles in the shop in upcoming weeks. Something tells me we’ll have a little Downtown shelf soon with all these great books to choose from.

Plenty of books about life below stairs. . .



Cookery books for those wanting Edwardian feasts. . .



History and biographies . . .



Many fictional forays into the era. . .

    

And then to ease ourselves back into the 21st century we’ll have this new book out in April!



Links to follow for even more:

Goodreads Downton Abbey-esque Book List

Mad For Downton Abbey Reading List

If you Like Downton Abbey Book List

one final note. . . eye candy

Some current favorite things in the shop



new mystery series discovered; quasar yarn-yummy; elements yarns-elegant; new baby & toddlers pattern book-knit and crochet 50ish patterns; one pot a day cook book-a recipe for every day of the year; my favorite cookbook of the season: home made winter; fantastic literary-themed knitting book; great new middle reader series; my second favorite cookbook of 2012 and first favorite from 2011: scandilicious and scandilicious baking!

Oh. . . and don’t ask me about Les Mis! I’m still recovering from the emotional onslaught and have the puffy eyes to prove it.  But at least my son didn’t film me sobbing and post it up on youtube!

Enjoy!

check us out on pinterest! some of us love, love, love pining and creating boards. and we get lost for hours! isn’t that fun. ;)