Reading Material
Two goodies in the mail today. Well, something to look at anyway.
First, my newsletter from the Boykin Spaniel Society. I love the cover–it reminds me of me and Chappy. The fact that I was almost 35 when I got him and that he’s 5 years old now is irrelevant. Together, we still feel like a little girl and her puppy.
Second, a copy of Cables Untangled which I pre-ordered months and months ago. My review from my one, quick perusal? Really excellent explanation of how cables work, which is bound to be extremely helpful to beginners–nice illustrations, good explanation. The patterns? They’re perfectly nice, but not exciting or awe-some. None that took my breath away, but nothing that induced cringes, either. A little more beginner-level than I’d expected. And then, the back of the book, is a collection of over 100 cable stitch patterns–nothing I don’t think I’ve seen elsewhere, but it’s a good collection, and handy enough to have in one place. Again, the book is a little more geared-to-beginners than I expected, but what it is seems useful and good.
The book that I’m reading and enjoying quite a lot? Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson. I’d heard good things about it, and have only just begun but am already feeling enlightened. Temple Grandin herself has autism, and she’s made a career out of looking at things and situations like animals do, and addresses here the similarities between the way autistic people and animals appear to view the world. Like, the fact that they’re very visual thinkers, more than abstract/word thinkers like most of us. She literally views the world differently than we “normal” people, and uses this to try to see things from the animals’ point of view–with remarkable results. So far, absolutely fascinating–both for the insight into animals and into autism.
Now–other than reading?
Well, it’s entirely possible I may have bought myself a birthday present last night. Now I just have to cross my fingers that it will be here in time for my birthday. I figure that, even though I haven’t actually sold my Kiwi yet, somebody’s bound to want it eventually, right? So, I’m putting that $300 toward the cost and trying to ignore the rest . . . Next step? Figure out what accessories/extras I’d like so I can get a “birthday list” for Mom. Time’s running short!
I also joined Amanda’s latest inspiration: Knit & Dish, a recipe exchange which sounds like a lot of fun. (Although I have to figure out how to get card stock to go through my tempermental laser printer, so it could be challenging (grin).)
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That is a bummer that the new book isn’t as exciting as you had hoped. I’ll have to check it out on the shelves sometime though since I’m not an advanced cabler.
The knit and dish sounds like a blast!
I’m so glad you are liking the Temple Grandin book…I think it is fabulous, but I am totally biased because she is so much like my daughter bird!
I wish I lived closer…I’d scoop up the kiwi and give it a good home…
sigh.
thanks for the cable book review. and i saw a piece on tv on temple grandin. she’s a fascinating person.
ooooohhh what a lovely birthday present – I am so. jealous. ;o)
Temple Grandin is a huge icon here at the UofI vet school. I love how she’s revolutionized how livestock are treated and even slaughtered–humanely. She’s an incredible woman. Her book is amazing, isn’t it?
And wow! I love your birthday present to you!
Cool birthday present! And funny, but I’ve been eyeing the Majacraft Alpaca Wheel all of a sudden! We do run on a similar wavelength! (Glad to hear about the cable book..maybe I’ll pass on it. I REALLY want the AS fisherman book, like that’s ever going to happen!)
Great post. I actually might like to get the cable book, just to demystify them. I can make them, but I can’t understand them (like if I have to rip back to fix a missed crossing).
I should get that Temple Grandin book. I’ve heard her on the radio numerous times and now, as we are preparing to start raising animals for meat, I am constantly struggling with the most humane way to slaughter them.
Congratulations on your birthday present! I have a Majacraft Rose that I love more than is really appropriate. Enjoy the Gem!
My book (also preordered) is on the way. Not sure I’m looking forward to it after your comments.
I’m curious to hear how you like the Gem.
Well, congratulations! Ok, I would highly recommend getting the E-System orofice and hook for your new Majacraft. It will make all the difference when you are spinning finer yarns.
While the plying head and bobbin are a nice thing to have, I have gotten away from using it a bit. I’ve put a 9oz skein of yarn on that bobbin, but it is a bit much for me to work with. And you can get 5oz of yarn on a standard Majacraft bobbin, which is a plenty in and of itself, so the plying set is something you may want to consider at a later date if you are craving really big skeins. Or you could use your Lendrum to ply on which would be equally efficient especially with the wooly winder.
The brand new LYS in the town where I work has little bitty Majacraft wheels that the owner let me play with. They are so cute! My library has five of Temple Grandin’s books.
excellent choice of birthday present. wheels make great self gifts for 40th birthdays if I do say so myself. Now, you’ll want a Woolee Winder for that baby, and maybe that skein winder that majacraft offers up for their wheels.
Yeehaw! A new toy. Good girl. We have to take care of ourselves, don’t we? It’s so exciting. Do you think I might find the Cables Untangled helpful? I read Jessie’s post and she thinks it might help to “understand” them. Do you think so? I do find them mystifying.
What a great birthday present to yourself! I can’t wait to see it.
I joined Knit and Dish too, I think it is going to be fun. I think I’m just going to take them to Kinkos to be printed on their cardstock. Maybe they will even chop them up for me.
I’ve got Animals In Translation in my TBR pile. It looks fascinating.
I call all dogs puppies. They are. You can totally see the puppy they were.
I took a class from Melissa last year and she was full of great info. Maybe the tips inside have more to offer than the projects.
It was great to meet you at Rhinebeck. What a great gift for a birthday present! Enjoy it and I hope it’s here in time.