The Woman In White

Last night I finished The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. It had been recommended by Dr. Gemma on the CogKnitive Podcast. She compared it to Charles Dickens and I must say that is a true comparison. For the past week I’ve been transported to 1850s English countryside where I was completely absorbed by the gothic romance style of writing. Like Dicken’s the plot is somewhat improbable but I was able to look beyond that and enjoy the story. Very rich character development and several mysteries run through the piece moving along the plot. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I will mention that the first few chapters are a bore but like the introduction to a new world and people there are some clichés that must be undertaken. Once familiar with all the players the story takes off and is an instant classic in my mind. It reminded me of both Dracula and Tale of Two Cities. So if you enjoy either of these works, give it a shot.

Next up, something completely different. The book I would consider the greatest Science Fiction novel of all time. Dune by Frank Herbert. I read this in college at my father’s suggestion and thoroughly enjoyed it. Being some 10 years past it seemed like the right time to revisit it. The Boyfriend has been reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams to the baby. He considers this the best piece of Science Fiction ever written which I find somewhat humorous knowing that he’s never read anything in that genera and only rarely watches Star Trek. I do not give him much in the way of Sci-Fi Geek Cred. He wouldn’t even watch Battlestar Galactica with me. Of course I’m not complaining having never read the book myself but seriously enjoyed the movie.

Summer 2010 Interweave -Samurai's take

What's not to love in the new Summer 2010 Interweave Knits?

Seriously, I'm ready to cast on for all of these!

Jail Cardigan by Pam Powers...love the drape around the collar. If not this sweater, then definitely taking that collar design for something else.

Persephone Shell by Lien Ngo…this is love at first sight. Give me that outfit immediately! Of course I’m much bustier than the model but the two tone sleeveless blows me away. Great way to use up relatively small amounts of yarn. If I knit it, will they send me a cute plaid top for layering?

Empyrean Tunic By Anne Kuo Lukito is another one that gets me with the ensemble. I’m not big on dresses but this looks stunning together. If I only had 2,000 yards of lace weight laying around. Alas, I don’t own any lace weight and don’t intend to. I bet this knits up quick on size 8s.

Gamine Tank by Cathy Carron…yay...umh...pst...between you and me....you’ll be seeing this on the needles by this weekend. Of course the fine print states that she is a 33” bust wearing the 38” which means were talking 5” of positive ease to keep those ribs from pulling in too tight. Oh but it’s lovely. And that big full collar! Mine Mine Mine!!!

Beach House Pullover by Mercedes Tarasovich-Clark…can you say cozy? This sweater exemplifies what I think of as cozy. At first glance I thought it was a mohair blend but it’s alpaca giving it that soft halo. Fairy Godmother, if you’re listening…would you please knit this for me? Someone please show me something shinny to distract me and keep me from launching into five new sweaters, for the love of Pete! It's the only humane thing to do.

I’d give this issue two big thumbs up, and it’s a SUMMER ISSUE! Go Interweave!!!