BOOKS!

In a vain attempt to stop the sock madness, I have put a temporary moritorium on yarn purchases. As a direct result, a growing trend of book purchases has taken hold. Two weeks ago I bought Folk Socks, by Nancy Bush...(hmmm..... do we notice some repressed sock energy?). The first chapter of the book is an awesome history lesson in sock knitting, running along the same lines at Richard Rutt's History of Handknitting (another huge recommendation!). I believe that the turning point for why I had to buy this book was a picture of a little old lady, carring on her back a huuuuge basket laden with what looks like peat. It probably dates from the late 19th century, and she is obviously wearing a heavy woolen bodice and skirts. Down by her waist, one can see her hands clenched, but if you take a very careful look, you can see she is actually working on some delicate knitting. I love her. When I get an opportunity I will scan her picture and post it here (copyright theft? whats that?).

Now, one book is obviously not enough for a repressed knitter such as myself. So last Tuesday, in a wild fit of folly, I bought Handknit Holidays. Now, I am normally against these books, because I tend to think the patterns are sub-par and average and they usually waaay overpriced. I also think that most of the 'home decorating' patterns are crap. I thought for sure I would feel that way upon picking this book up. Damn, was I ever wrong. The book costs a whopping $27.50 and has some of your typical hoaky crap (like the picture on the cover.... bleck). I judged it this way though, I counted how many patterns I thought I would actually and practically knit, multiplied by 5 (assuming $5 per pattern) and came to $55 before I quit counting. While there is the typical fun fur type BS, there are also patterns that will blow your mind. My personal favorite are the knee high stockings, which I would looooove to do in silk. I technically think that since they are knee-high stockings, they don't really count on the sock tally.

There is no end to the madness however, since the knitting guru just recommended the latest book from Sally Melville to help get me started on color work. She has also promised to be here in December to give me some serious fair isle sessions!