AI- Top 9 Performance

Ryan…suit…lineup…This… Is… blah blah blah… voice over.. Randy in a vertical striped cardigan… Kara in a black sheath… Paula in a short, strapless, foofy, red Barbie dress and big plastic beads… Simon in a black sweater with the sleeves jacked up to the armpits…any song from I-Tunes top download lists… Ryan in one of his thousand other jobs… kids at the radio studio… don’t expect to recognize a single song…yep… American… Idol…

Anoop has a silly pretend mustache (the kind that fourteen year old boys try very hard to grow, and then color in with an eyebrow pencil when they realize that they can’t manage it). He’s wearing a black jacket with Michael Jacksonian trim over a red-striped knit shirt. He’s singing Usher and he sounds fine to me, given that I don’t know the song. But my husband, who is more familiar with radio music than I am, says it’s nothing more than karaoke, and not very good karaoke at that. The judges agree with The Hub.

Megan interviews in a Heidi blouse and declares an intention to sing Bob Marley, via Lauryn Hill, which I hope is an April Fool’s joke. No such luck. Megan has a teal bustier, Mardi Gras beads, jeans and 8’ long legs. Oh yeah, and her hair is a mess. I suppose she sounds as good as she can sound, but as always, I can’t get past her winky/grinny/swivel-y performance. Caw! Caw!

Danny is wearing a Danny Uniform, and he’s singing What Hurts the Most, by Rascal Flatts. It’s a lovely song and a good showcase for Danny’s huge voice. The Hub says it sounds exactly like the record, so I brace for the “K” word from the judges, but maybe they’re not familiar with Rascal Flatts either.

What the hell? Allison’s hair is indescribable, and her dress is nearly so, though I’ll try: strapless pink lace tiered ruffles with strange lines of intertwining white lace running the entire length of the center front, over leggings and white plastic platform shoes. The hair? Nope. I give up. Her outfit is so over the top it’s distracting. It looks like a costume except that costumes look better. But the girl is a performing savant. She’s so comfortable and natural onstage, and I love listening to her voice. She has become my Season 8 favorite. She’s not going to win (and I don’t want her to win- imagine her being forced to sing the perky Disney crap they would deem suitable for a 16 year old), but I’ll buy her album.

Scott is in a pompadour and black leather jacket. He’s at the piano, singing Just The Way You Are. I’m not so sure that he didn’t miff the lyrics early on, and I think this version is too slow. But there are some soaring moments, and the judges like it. Paula tells Scott that his voice makes her forget that his eyes don’t work.

Ryan says that the next two singers will do The Fray and Celine Dion, and for a moment I fantasize about Matt warbling that Titanic song. No such luck- he’s singing The Fray, and doing a pretty bad job of it, not that I know the song or anything. He’s standing at a keyboard and I don’t need my husband to tell me that he sounds rough.

Though I would rather have had her choose anyone else, if Lil was going to sing Celine, I would have liked her to sing that one Celine song that doesn’t sound like a Celine song, but she’s singing I Surrender. Lil has a pageboy wig and is wearing a slate blue chiffon formal with a complicated bodice construction. She sounds better than she has the last couple of weeks, but I wonder if she wouldn’t be better served by choosing something more contemporary. Or less likely to put us all to sleep. Honestly, it seems like Lil is coasting on her talent (which is considerable), when she should be blowing us away week after week. Her little one likes hearing criticism even less than Lil herself does.

Adam is still dressed like Kurt Russell playing Elvis. He’s singing Play that Funky Music, and you know what? For the second week in a row, I like him. But even when I don’t like him, his talent is more than evident. He takes chances every single week, and when it works, it really works. This really works.

Note to Kara: Studio 57 (the Heinz Studio) is 3 doors down from the disco place.

We’re finishing up the evening with Kris, singing Ain’t No Sunshine- him, a keyboard, a string quartet, and another one of those proto-staches. Wow, I like this a lot. So Kris isn’t just a pretty face. I think this is the best performance of the evening.

Bottom Two: Megan and Matt

Middle Three (in ascending order): Anoop, Scott, Lil

Top Four (mostly in ascending order, though I liked all of the performances, and the Top 3 pretty well tied): Danny, Allison, Adam, Kris

Tomorrow night- David Cook.

You not only can't get there from here...

... you can't get here from here.

It's March and this is South Dakota, and I've lived here for 38 years, so late winter blizzards (doesn't matter what the calendar says- March is Winter in SD) are no surprise. And yet, we're still a little surprised by the power of this storm.

We're right in the middle of this one, which began last night with some Thunder Snow (yes- lightning and snow at the same time). It's hard to measure how much snow we've gotten so far, because even though it's wet and heavy, it's drifting because we're having 40mph+ winds. We could get up to 14", and certainly, we have drifts over 3' now. This is snowman snow, a rarity here (note that it stuck to the sides of the buildings and trees). Visibility is under 1/4 of a mile, and no travel is recommended anywhere in the north eastern portion of the state. This storm is expected to howl well into tonight and very early tomorrow morning (which means that my already-postponed dental appointment, may be postponed again). Then we get to dig out.

Luckily, I ran all of my errands yesterday. And I have plenty to do today. I plied the 2nd bobbin of the Batty roving (no pic because it looks just like the first skein, only a little smaller) last night, and have the final bobbin to ply. I spent about 3 hours yesterday afternoon cutting out fabric panel dolls to sew for the 3 Grands, plus 2 Honoraries for Easter, so I can haul the sewing machine downstairs and get to work. And I have an entire season of Dexter to watch. I'll just stay inside and admire Mother Nature.

Battier

I finished spinning a bobbin full of the Batty roving, and then 3-plied it. It came out 1.5 ozs and 83 yds. I have another smaller bobbin spun, ready for plying, with a hank of roving left to spin. I don't think I'm going to have enough yarn for a pair of socks from this 4 ozs, but I can stripe it with some coordinating yarn. Or I can do toe-up anklets. Or I can knit a pair of gloves. ooooohhhhhh.... gloves.... That would be gorgeous. And it's been awhile since I knit a pair of gloves, which means that I have forgotten what a PITB they can be, and therefore might begin with enthusiasm.

I'm still listening to, and totally enjoying, the Librivox podcast of Miss Mapp. I'm up to Major Benjy's duel, and am still amazed at the brisk and bracing malice of Tilling. This book has a variety of readers, most of them really good, and none of them bad (though two chapters sounded as thought they were read from the bottom of a garbage can). I know that Queen Lucia has been recorded, and I hope the volunteers are working on the other books in the cycle.

We're slated for a major snowstorm today- up to 10". Here's what it looks like this morning. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Happy Hookin'

I can crochet. I just don't do it often, and haven't tackled a complex project in years. But I was asked to contribute a design to a new crochet compilation book (too soon for details to be released), so I thought I'd try something lacy.

Since my Crochet Bookshelf is sadly bare, I ordered a couple of stitch dictionaries from Amazon: The Complete Book of Crochet Borders and Designs (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579909140 ), and The Complete Book of Crochet Designs: 500 Classic and Original Patterns (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Crochet-Stitch-Designs/dp/1579909159/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b ), both by Linda Schapper. They're both reissues of older books, put together with the newer terminology, and charts.

I was pleased and delighted to learn that crochet charts are quite easy to read. It's not as natural for me as Fair Isle charting, because nothing is on a grid, but it's still easy to see where you are in the pattern, and what stitches to work next. The books are chock full of good photos, with hundreds upon hundreds of stitch patterns and motifs, each with both written instructions, and those easily deciphered charts. There are also clear and concise illustrations for creating each stitch used in the books, which is a great help for newbies, and those, like me, who need a refresher course.

I crocheted a test swatch last night, using designs from the books as inspiration (sorry, can't show it) and was very pleased with the design. I think it'll work for the *thing* I have in mind. Lacy crochet is fun to do, and while I'm not as speedy with the hook as I am with the needles, it still works up pretty quickly- owing, I suppose, to the high air-to-yarn ratio, and the fact that I'm going to be using sock-weight yarn and a size F hook (no teensy little hooks and thread for this one).

I already have notions for other projects and designs. This is going to be a grand adventure.

Now with ultra-violent zombie mayhem

OMG!

Have you heard about this book? I don't know whether be amused or outraged. Or intrigued.

Has anyone read it yet? Should I order it? Will I laugh?

http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Zombies-Classic-Ultraviolent/dp/1594743347/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238281857&sr=1-1

Batty Batty Batty

Okay, that header isn't going to make sense to anyone who is not in my immediate family- it's a line from the movie Hollywood Shuffle that somehow became part of the Taylor Phrase Dictionary. It has no bearing on anything, except that the Twisted roving that I am spinning right now is called Batty. I don't know why it's called that (probably nothing to do with Robert Townshend), but it's a totally gorgeous bit of fiber, dyed in shades of plum, sage green, and pale yellow. It's going to make a beautiful yarn (the shot of singles on the bobbin was too fuzzy to upload, but the other picture shows the colors well). I had thought that this blend was strictly Merino (I lost the tag listing the fiber content), but I see a bit of sheen, so now I think it's the Merino/Silk blend. Regardless, it's lovely. I will probably 3-ply it to retain the striping.

When I'm not spinning, I am ripping out socks. I didn't like the eyelet structure of the first version of this pinkish sock, and so I reverted to my easy eyelet texture (K 4 rnds, next rnd : *YO, K 2 Tog* around), which compliments this short-length variegation. These colors are not particularly to my liking, but I'm not an 11 year old girl. I think she will like them just fine.

And when I am not spinning or ripping, I am reading. I read Neil Gaiman's Coraline yesterday. I bought it for me, but also with an eye toward gifting it to the voracious reader in the family. I loved the story, but there is no doubt that it is very dark, and vividly unsettling. On the other hand, said VR reads far above her grade level, loves the supernatural, and is not easily spooked (and will probably see the movie). I'll consult with her parents before making the decision. But for adults, and young readers who are not prone to nightmares, I heartily recommend the book.

And no matter what else I'm doing, I am thinking about the Fargo/Moorhead area. My brother in law lives on The Red River. In '97 (The Awful Year, The Year Where We Had a Blizzard Every Week, The Year of The Floods), their house was spared. They're not going to be so lucky this time around. They (along with most of those two towns) have evacuated, and are waiting to see what the river decides to do. Here in South Dakota, there are flooding issues as well, all along The James River. We, personally, are on what passes for high ground, and Turtle Creek (which runs behind our house, but quite a ways downhill) is high but so far not causing damage anywhere. Please send whatever good energy you can spare toward those who are dealing with these problems.

...you know what they say about cross-stitchers...

http://www.paraabnormalthecomic.com/

AI- Top 10 Elimination

We open with a Smokey voice over, and Ryan prancing down the grand staircase again as he tells us that 36 million votes were logged last night. This news excites him. He also says that Ruben Studdard is in the house, and that Stevie Wonder will sing.

Randy has a screen printed t-shirt, Kara is in macramé, and Paula is wearing some sort of drapey metallic fabric along with a heavy pendant, and her cleavage. Simon explains that he was joking when he said that he stood Mr. Obama up. And then he said that he and Paula got a room last night. Another joke? They’ve been really touchy-feely-horseplay-flirty this year, and I saw a clip that looked like they were holding hands under the table last night. So, maybe. Or maybe not.

They recap last night’s performances, which I did already, so I’ll skip over that part. The group-sing is a medley of Motown hits, beginning with You Keep Me Hanging On, segueing to You’re All I need to Get By, and ending with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. I don’t know if the sound is wonky or if the kids are lip synching, but there is something off about the visual here. They sound good together however. Lil is front and center for most of the medley, and she’s exponentially better than she was last night.

The Fordmercial production values are still cheesy, and the song, Pocketful of Sunshine, does not benefit from close proximity to Motown.

Ruben, ready to visit The Treasure House in his Captain Kangaroo jacket, sings a new song that consists mostly of ooohs and yeahs. I always liked Ruben (his A Whole New World remains my favorite AI performance of all time). This song is nice, but nothing special.

The kids are arranged in two rows, as usual. Ryan asks Adam, from the top row, to stand, and no one in the entire world is worried. Even if he isn’t safe, he’ll be safe via the Deus ex Machina vote. But, of course, he’s safe.

Matt, who has a strangely odd speaking voice, is up next, and we’re all surprised (none more than Matt himself) to find that he’s in The Bottom Three (which designation Ryan uses specifically, so there’s no doubt that he’s there just for the drama).

It’s obvious to me that Kris is safe, since he’s the next one standing, but it’s not obvious to Kris, who is totally faked out by Ryan’s delivery.

Lil and Michael stand up next, and it’s pretty certain that Lil does not worry until Ryan screws with her long enough to frighten (or, more likely, annoy) her. Lil needs to work on her poker face, and Michael joins Matt on the Silver Suction Cups of Doom.

Smokey and Joss Stone sing next. Joss is wearing a flowing and very long (as in it drags on the floor) prom dress. Her hair looks like she and her 8 year old BFF braided it during a sleepover. The song, called You’re The One For Me, is nondescript, with very little in the way of a recognizable melody.

Starting at the other end of the bottom row, Allison stands next, and since she’s the first one, we know she’s safe (which pleases me). She’s having problems with her cute red high heel shoes, and fiddles with them throughout the night.

Anoop, at the other end of the bottom row, is safe as well. (damn straight)

Danny is still a Sure thing, which leaves Scott and Megan. We all know who I want to join Matt and Michael, so of course, it’s Scott, who is led over by Ryan.

And just as quickly, he’s led right back. Matt looks like he’s going to be sick, and Michael looks as jolly as ever.

Stevie Wonder sings many of the songs that have been murdered by hapless contestants over the years. Paula knows all of the words, and the kids look gobsmacked to be 10 feet away from freakin’ Stevie Wonder, as he sings a mini concert. As well they should.

Then the lights are dimmed, and Michael gets the boot, which is okay. He’s going on the tour, and he’ll get a lot of exposure and experience and make some money, and maybe get a recording contract out of the deal. He has the good sense to worry about following Stevie, but as per usual with Bootees, he sounds better than he did the night before. I would certainly rather have gotten rid of Megan, but he wasn’t going to last much longer anyway (and she has no chance whatsoever of winning).

Simon and Randy pretend to consider using their one precious immunity vote, but it’s all for show. Michael, who seems like a genuinely nice guy who truly enjoyed the experience, is gracefully, and maybe happily, on his way home to his adorable wife and little girls. I wish him the best.

Thursday Tab- Dell Jane and Jack

Pause and think a moment, about being dressed just like your fraternal twin.

Next week, little brother and sister, Pete and Peg.

AI- Top 10 Performance

This. Is. My. Top. 10. (well, except for Megan, who isn’t my top anything) (okay, she’s my Top AI annoyance this year).

Randy is wearing a pastel golf sweater and chains. Kara’s in a bibbed blue Junior League sheath. Paula’s sporting a tutu. And Simon is Simon. Ryan makes a stairway entrance, and points out that Smokey Robinson, whose forehead is as smooth as a baby’s butt, and Berry Gordy, are in the audience, which makes sense, since this is Motown Week.

The kids sojourn to Motown to gawp at the pictures and the history (as well they should). Of all of them, Lil is the most moved. This music is right in her wheelhouse, and it should be her night to shine.

We open with Matt, who is continuing the Golf Sweater theme in a v-neck cardigan, blue shirt and tie. He’s singing it Let’s Get On, which is one of my favorite Marvin Gaye songs. He misses a note or two, but for the first time, I really liked Matt’s performance. This was an excellent song selection for him- good piano accompaniment and falsetto.

Kris is wearing a vaguely militaristic shirt with zip codes near the epaulettes, and a binary solo on the bottom. He chose How Sweet it Is, and while I have a hard time forgetting James Taylor, Kris sounds very good up there with his guitar. I notice that Kris’s wife is labeled as Kris’s Family, and I wonder why.

I groan when I hear that Scott is singing You Can’t Hurry Love. He’s wearing a pin striped jacket and a paisley shirt, and is sitting at the piano (which I think is a good idea, no matter what Paula said last week). I like the slow beginning- Scott’s voice is pure and lovely. But when he swings into the uptempo portion, I cringe. It’s a bad arrangement and the whole thing feels awkward and more than a little weird.

I do wish that Simon would shut up during Paula’s critiques. She may not be making much sense (though tonight she’s not doing badly on that front), but it’s her turn to talk. Paula surprises Simon with a box of crayons and a coloring book to occupy him while he’s not actually talking (side note: There’s just something pretty about a new box of crayons- all those colors lined up so neatly).

Megan “Joy” has Joey Heatherton hair, and a Connie Stevens dress (circa 77 Sunset Strip)(damn, now I have Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb in my head). She’s singing For Once in My Life, and it is beyond bad. It’s embarrassing. You know you’re in trouble when Paula begins your critique by telling you how beautiful you are. I think Megan got a pass last week for being sick, but it’s time for her to go home.

I’m not sure about Anoop’s choice of Ooh, Baby Baby, but, WOW! This is absolutely the perfect song for him. Anoop has upped his game for the second week in a row. The judges aren’t gushing nearly enough- that was a beautiful performance.

Michael may not be too proud to beg, but maybe he should. Paula didn’t even bother to compliment his looks before saying how very bad that was.

Lil is wearing a 20’s style fringe dress and wig (in tribute to that famous flapper, Diana Ross). I get a sinking feeling when she tells Smokey that she’s singing Heatwave. I don’t feel any better when she starts her prancey dance, and shrieks this shouty song. Out of the entire Motown catalog, Lil with the wonderful voice, chooses one that effectively masks her talent. It’s not a terrible performance, but for the second week in a row, I’m disappointed. Lil’s face plainly says that she’s not used to hearing real criticism, and once again, I want her to shut up.

Adam is slicked up like a teenage Kurt Russell. He’s singing Tracks of My Tears, and are all y’all sitting down? I love this spare arrangement (no backup singers, just guitars- very Jason Castro), and I love what Adam does with this song. He gets a Standing O from Smokey, and deserves it. If I did iTunes, I would download this one in a flash.

Danny’s jeans are bunched funny at the hems- at first I thought he was wearing big black scrunchies around his ankles. He’s singing Get Ready, and he sounds great as always, but there is nothing special about this song or performance (especially coming right after Adam’s surprising performance).

Allison is decked out like Kelly Osbourne. She’s singing Papa Was a Rolling Stone and she is flat-out killing it. She bypassed the girlie cuteness of the Hannah Montana ilk, and went straight to Bonnie Raitt. AI has wanted a girl rocker from Season 1. Now they finally have one- and she’s 16 years old (going on 59). Paula delivers her glowing critique in a crayon mustache (serves her right for handing them to Simon in the first place). Given that she was in the Bottom Three last week, I threw a few votes in Allison’s direction tonight.

Top 10 Great Performances: Adam, Allison, Anoop (not necessarily in that order, but not necessarily not in that order either).

Tonight’s Good Performances: Matt, Kris, Danny (probably in that order)

Tonight’s Mediocre/Blah Performances: Scott, Lil (order irrelevant)

The Bad Performances: Megan, Michael (definitely in that order).

Please let Megan go home tomorrow night.

Various Finished Things, and a Couple of Beginnings

It's been a wrap-em-up sort of week:

My page proofs are back with my editor (and we're going over the changes on a daily basis).

I finished listening to The Moonstone, via Librivox podcasts. I had only read the book once, and loved it in print, and I loved it as an audio accompaniment to my treadmill work. There were days when I was sorry to finish my miles (I have a strict exercise-only policy when it comes to these audio books. It makes getting sweaty a little more tolerable). All of the readers were marvelous, but one, and the story holds up extremely well. I know this book hasn't sunk into obscurity, but I'm not sure it gets as much reverence as it deserves. It's smart, funny, a cracking good mystery, and surprisingly modern in tone (the prologue drags, a bit but it picks up instantly, once you get to Gabriel's narrative). In fact, in honor of Gabriel Betteridge, I may even listen to Robinson Crusoe.

I finished reading Stephen King's Just After Sunset, and enjoyed all of the short stories except for the last one. I have outgrown poop as entertainment (the same reason I finally gave up on South Park), and did something that I never do- skipped to the end to see if the hero got out of the porta-potty. Otherwise, it's a very good book.

I finished spinning 9.2 ozs of mystery wool/silk noil. I thought there was a full pound, but I was off by about half. I ended up with 336 yards if soft and squooshy, worsted weight, 2-ply yarn. Plenty enough for a pair of heavy socks, or a hat and mittens, or as stripes in a sweater. I'm not sure what this yarn wants to be yet, so I'll let it percolate for a bit.

And I finished the Lion Brand socks (not Loin Brand, as my fingers invariably type). These wildly striping socks (plain vanilla pattern- 56 sts, short row heel) will be a Christmas present. The stripes matched up almost perfectly in the pair, which is a sort of minor miracle, given that I had to change balls in the middle of the second sock, and the other ball was wound backwards. It took awhile to find the proper place in the repeat, in order to continue on.

I'm not sure what will be up on the wheel yet. I like knitting with worsted weight yarn, but I don't particularly enjoy spinning it (something I forget in between times). My Ashford Joy complains (and makes my legs ache) when I have to treadle heavy bobbins. I like a strong draw, and in order to get that with heavier singles, the poor spring is stretched out almost to the max. Whatever I spin next, I'm sure it'll be a finer yarn. And I'm sure I'll find something to spin, in my mess of a Wool Room. This is bunch doesn't even include all of the hand-dyed rovings that I have on hand. Think I should organize a bit?

I cast on another pair of Christmas Gift socks- this time from some girly pastels in a very simple little nubbly eyelet pattern. The future recipient likes pink, and I thought about hitting etsy or eBay for pink sock yarns, and then decided to check the stash first. Lo and behold, there was a 100gr ball of Sox 4 Color Twister. I have no idea where it came from, or how long I've had it, but I'm glad it waited around for me to find the right project.

And I started another book podcast. I thought I was going to listen to My Man Jeeves. Not a lot of P.G. Wodehouse is available on Librivox yet (not Uncle Fred in the Springtime, which I think is the funniest book I've ever read)(it's set in the Blandings universe, which does not cross over into Bertie Wooster's world, except for a couple of minor characters). But a friend mentioned E.F. Benson, and that set me off in search of Mapp and Lucia. I was thrilled to find Miss Mapp and Queen Lucia both available. So I am currently, happily ensconced in the village of Tilling and the War of the Chintz Roses. Miss Mapp has had several readers so far, but all of them have been very good (though none with British accents, which is a little disappointing). I love these books, and hope all of them will be available soon.

And on a weather note- we're having nasty weather (25 degrees this morning, a little new snow over very slick roads), but so far, we've been spared any flooding danger. Both north and south of us are having a much harder time of it.

Tiny Baby Appearance Schedule

My calendar is starting to fill up already, which is pretty cool. Here's a list of the places that I know I'll be in the next 7 months, and one place I desperately hope to be. Some of the details for September appearances are murky still. I'll add the info when I know more. Hope to see some of you at any, or all of these places:

• April 13, 7:00pm, Brookings Public Library, Brookings, SD- talking about the transition from craft writing to mystery writing back to craft writing. And whatever else occurs to me (or the audience)
• August 6-9, Sock Summit 2009, Portland, OR- okay this one isn't official, and I'm not on the teaching roster (though I am on the sub list, should the need arise), but if I can possibly manage it, I'll be there. And my editor has promised to do what she can to make a few advance copies of The Big Book of Socks magically appear in time for The Summit. I want to go so badly, I can taste it.
• Sept 18-21, NCFF (North Country Fiber Fair), Watertown, SD- Not sure what class(es) I'll teach this year, but I'll be there.
• Sept 26, Athena's Fibers, Sioux Falls, SD- not sure of the time, but I'll be there in the afternoon
• October 23-25, SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair), Asheville, NC- I'll be teaching 5 workshops: Graduated Color Band Dyeing (from Yarns to Dye For), Spiral Stripe Dyeing (from The Big Book of Socks), an All-Day Fair Isle Class (we'll be knitting a toddler-sized, worsted weight version of the Snowflake Hat that was my most popular Freebie Friday pattern), a Short Row Heel Class (from The Big Book of Socks), and a workshop on Writing Patterns for Publication. Details about the workshops will be up on the SAFF site very soon (link on the upper right side of this page)

The schedule will likely fill up more, as time goes on (especially once BBoS hits the stands in September). If you're interested in having me come to speak, sign, teach a class, sit and knit, whatever, e-mail me (kathleentaylor1952 at gmail dot com) and we'll see what we can work out.

Spinning Wheel, Got to Go Round

I've been in spinning mode lately (except when I'm in fencing mode on my Facebook farm- fences are now available, and while they don't do anything but look pretty, they sure do look pretty, and it's important for me to protect my pixillated chickens with animated fences purchased with pretend money earned by growing computer generated crops. Amazing how much time that takes...). Anyway, though I have a pair of socks (the Lion Brand self-patterning)(side note: I almost always type Loin Brand...) nearly finished- just the toe left on one sock, I've been drawn to the wheel.

Last night as I watched Kings (I would watch Ian McShane in anything. And I would probably happily allow him to be my King), I 3-plied the last of the Finn roving from Girl on the Rocks. My friend Lorah calls this Happy Yarn, and it is- lovely sherbet colors, in a fingering weight 3-ply (with some bloopies in the plying). At 4 ozs and 269 yds, it's just enough for a pair of socks. It should knit up in yellow/green/pink/orange stripes. During a commercial, I rooted around in the Wool Room (I should take a picture of that sometime- maybe it would shame me into organizing it) for the next project, and a bag of mystery wool and silk noil called my name.

So that's what I'm spinning now. I think I got this from Kelly Knispel at the South Dakota Natural Colored Wool Studio (link in Stash Enhancers)- it's shades of pink, purple, blue, and just a bit of green, with pink silk noil throughout. I must have recarded it, because it's in nice little bumps, and since the noils make a smooth yarn impossible, I'm letting it be a bit lumpy and bumpy. I'm also spinning it heavier than my usual fine-tight-hard single. This is 1.9 ozs and 74 yards of soft worsted weight yarn. It spins up very quickly, I'm half-done with the 2nd bobbin for the next skein. I have nearly a pound of this wool, and have no idea what to make with the yarn. It'll tell me what it wants to be eventually.

I was going to the dentist this morning (needles and fillings and assorted ooky stuff), but the Dr. is sick, so I have another 10 days to stew. I'm a big baby when it comes to needles, but I would rather have gotten it over with today. Oh well, now I can eat my lunch without drooling (or at least without drooling more than usual).

Yarny Surprises

It's been a tough week- my cold was still in full snot-production mode (inelegant description, I know, but apt), and the deadline for going over The Big Book of Socks page proofs was barreling down on me like a racehorse. Checking page proofs is never fun, in fact it may be the most miserable part of being published. Well, no, having strangers stop at my house unannounced, with their handwritten manuscripts in hand, asking me to #1 read their "books", #2 recommend them to my agent, #3 get them published, with the unvoiced #4 that if I don't do it, I am somehow turning my back on the public, is the most miserable part. But checking page proofs ranks right up there with dental appointments that involve needles (which I have on Monday).

Think about it- there are 75 patterns in TBBoS- almost every one has multiple sizes, and a majority are sized from toddler through adult (some through adult Men), which means that each pattern has a minimum of 10 measurements, and many have over 20. Each one of those measurements is a potential typo/error/omission disaster (1/4 is not the same as ¾, anywhere, but especially so in the knitting world). Add to that, the fact that 10 books into the game, I know without a doubt, that I am a wretched proofer. I can look at the same mistake 30 times and still not see it until the ink hits the page (by which time, it's too late).

So this week was tough- mind numbing and exhausting. The upside is seeing those words and pictures together on the printed page for the first time (wow, this is going to be a beautiful book!), and knowing that this thing that I worked harder on than any of my other books, is going into good hands. The proofs are ready to go back to my editor today, and I'm free to think about something else(besides the fact that my cheekbones hurt- damn sinuses).

So what am I thinking about? The surprise in this morning's mail.

Pat and Chris, from Decadent Fibers (link on the right, in Stash Enhancers), are dyers. They've supplied fantastic yarns for designs in I Heart Felt, the cover design of The Prayer Shawl Companion, some of the socks in TBBoS, and roving for a project I have in an upcoming Interweave book project (not sure if I can announce that yet, so I'll hold off) (aha, the listing is up on Amazon: All New Homespun Handknit: 25 Small Projects to Knit With Handspun Yarn- http://www.amazon.com/All-New-Homespun-Handknit-Projects/dp/1596681446/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237559012&sr=1-2 , out Sept 1, which is the debut day of TBBoS- woohoo!)(I designed, spun, and knit a pair of self-striping socks for the book). I love their yarns- beautifully hand-dyed in gorgeous colors (and colorways), high quality, the kind of yarn you want to sleep in. And this morning, I got a box of new yarns and colorways from them. When I was whining about the miserable aspects of this job, I forgot to mention that there are many more perks. This is one of them: Surprise yarn. In the Mail. When I wasn't expecting it. When I was kind of tired and cranky.



So here's the booty: 2 large skeins of Crème Brulee (worsted weight, 50% merino, 30% silk, 20% mohair, 490 yds. 8 oz), one the most beautiful light sagey greens, the other in woodland colors of teal, browns, and dark sage green (so soft, so beautiful), 2 large skeins of Cookie Dough (worsted weight, 80% merino blend, 20% mohair, 490 yds, 8 oz), one in pinky reds with orange, one in darker reds; 2 skeins of Marshmallow (sport/dk weight 80% alpaca, 20% merino, 315 yds, 4 oz- I used this blend in my project for 101 Luxury One-Skein Wonders, which I forgot to mention above), one purples, one burgundy/maroon. And topping the treasures, a 1lb hand dyed Jelly Roll Batt- it's 90% Corriedale, 10% mohair, and it looks like a summer day at the lake- greens and browns along one edge, fading blues throughout the rest. It's a huge batt, and it could be wet felted into a fantastic piece of fabric, but I think I'll spin it a little heavier than my usual single, and make worsted weight yarn from it.

I happen to be free at the moment, so I see some wonderful design-playing in the near future. What a perfect way to end a tough week!

Hamlet on Facebook

This is beyond hilarious, even if the only Hamlet you know is the Mel Gibson version (and the musical version they did on Gilligan's Island).

http://www.new.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=61802456989&h=xitHy&u=LSmEM&ref=nf

Thursday Tab- Whitman Petticoat Junction, #1954

This is a partially cut set, and I don't know if it's complete or not.

Can you believe that the town was called Hooterville, and we didn't get it?

AI-Top 11 Elimination

Ryan warns us of a possible shocking elimination, though he thinks every elimination is shocking. Maybe he should watch the show sometime. Randy is wearing an arty scarf. Kara has her hair pulled up in a severe bun, and is wearing a black and white print top. Paula has straight hair, and is draped in gauzy mourning.

Trouble is the group sing. The guys begin arranged around the piano (so Scott doesn’t have to dance, I presume). Tonight, Fox (or Dish Network) is plagued by sound issues, so I don’t hear much of this song, and when the sound does come through, it’s tinny and thin. Allison looks so comfortable on the stage, and Danny is letting his inner dork out to dance.

We’re treated to another Idol Exclusive Moment during the commercial- we see a girl with long blonde hair and pink bangs. Her audition is okay, and I feel like I should know who she is.

The first ’09 Fordmercial is pretty low-tech: the kids throw water balloons at each other while singing a tune that may or may not be called Here it Goes Again (I’m old and I don’t listen to the radio, so the song is totally unfamiliar).

After last week’s elimination, Lil cried, Jasmine cried more, and Jorge reminded everyone that their time is coming.

I never know if Ryan’s pre-elimination chatter is significant, or if it’s just a time waster. Tonight he talks to Alexis, Michael and Megan (who is feeling better, though everyone wore masks during rehearsal, so she must still be contagious).

We start the elimination process with the easy ones- Danny is safe. Lil, in a weird green top with a flared hem and flared sleeves, is also safe. I wonder if Anoop will continue a tradition of being eliminated after a really good performance, but he’s safe too.

Allison, in a short vest over a print t-shirt, and Michael, wearing whatever style Michael usually wears, stand together. Paula predicts that Allison belongs in the Bottom 3, and she’s right (well, she's not right about Allison belonging there, just that she is). Allison makes her way to the newly repurposed Silver Suction Cups of Despair. Michael is relieved, but not for long, because Ryan informs him that he’s in The Bottom as well.

Brad Paisley takes the stage and sings something called Then, or perhaps Them. It’s a country song, it goes on for quite awhile, and then it ends.

Back to the eliminations, Scott stands and smiles because he’s smart enough to know that the show would never telegraph all of its punches this early in the hour.

Megan Joy (lordy, I wish she’d make up her mind about her name) tucked her chest safely away tonight. I figured she’d get at least another week to practice her awful dance moves. Unfortunately, I was right.

In short order, Matt and Kris are added to the tour roster, which leaves Alexis and Adam fighting it out for the final spot off the stools. As much as I would like to say goodbye to Adam (note to Adam- Simon and I get you just fine, I just don’t like you), I am pretty sure he's not going anywhere. Ryan asks Randy which of the two belongs in the Bottom 3, and he says Allison, which perfectly illustrates Randy’s usefulness.

Alexis joins Allison and Michael, and then Allison is given a reprieve. Allison is happy but a bit graceless in her celebration. On the other hand, Allison is graceless whenever she’s not actually singing, so it’s no real surprise.

We see some early footage of Carrie Underwood. You can feel The Show’s chest swell with pride over her unqualified success. Carrie has grown a great deal as a performer (no more Farmbot), and she’s totally gorgeous in a floaty red dress and stilettos. Even the tarantula affixed to her Big Hair Wig doesn’t detract from her beauty. I was so mesmerized by the hair adornment that I missed the title of the duet she’s singing with Randy Travis (if it isn’t I Told You So, it should be). It’s a pretty ballad, and Carrie’s soaring vocals do it justice. Randy plays guitar and grins, enjoying the performance as much as the rest of us. Their voices blend nicely, and this song will probably be a big hit for them.

Back to the elimination, Simon says that one of the Bottom Two (though of course, no one has said that Michael and Alexis are actually The Bottom Two, just that one of them is The Bottom One), might be worth saving, but I can guarantee that the judges are not going to spend their one and only immunity this early in the season, at least not on anyone not named Gokey, Rounds, or Lambert.

We flip to an amusing commercial with Carrie, and then it’s back to the task at hand. Michael and Alexis stand about three miles apart on the stage, but they hug when Michael is given his good news. Simon cruelly toys with Alexis, telling her that she could earn that immunity if she sings well enough. Alexis takes her passable version of Jolene, and messes it up by trying to add the edge that Kara requested last night. It’s not an improvement, but she never had a chance anyway, which Simon coldly confirms.

We then get some of Alexis’s previously unseen audition footage, in her pre-pink streak days, as Ryan informs us that next week, it’s Wednesday and Thursday, and Motown. Lil should sleep easier this week, at least.

AI- Top 11 Performance

Evidently, the voice-over intro of the judges is a permanent feature. Randy is growing his hair out. Kara is very shiny in dolman sleeves, a tassel necklace, and soft hair. Paula, and the very prominently displayed puppies, are in floral print. Simon is wearing an old t-shirt that probably cost more than my refrigerator.

We’re hitting Country Week early this year. And while every performance is important, the kids left standing tomorrow will go on tour, and that matters a great deal.

Randy Travis is in the audience. Oh- he’s the mentor. With 25 albums and $25million in sales, he exemplifies why AI is perfectly happy to court the Grand Ole Opry crowd. It doesn’t take much psychic ability to predict that the spirits of Brooks, Parton and Underwood will be invoked tonight.

Michael is singing Ain’t Goin’ Home ‘til the Sun Comes Up, which is the CW version of I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major General. This song is not about melody, and I have no idea if he got all of the words right, but the performance is enjoyable, if a little clunky.

Allison reminds me of a 59 year old denizen of the casino slots, but the stylists are helping. Tonight, she’s wearing a ruffled leather jacket over a cute blouse and jeans. Her raspberry hair looks good with the matching rose. She has an amazingly mature voice, and I am liking her more and more. She has a real edge (unlike most of the pink-haired rocker girls on this show), and even more importantly, she owns the stage. She’s singing Blame it on My Heart, and she’s rocking the house. I just might vote for the first time this season.

Kris is singing a ditty that I think is called To Make You Feel My Love. It’s a pretty ballad that is only country because Garth Brooks sang it. It’s okay, but not as good as the judges thought it was. My guess is that Kris can coast on his looks for awhile.

Lil is wearing a short, tight, strapless fuchsia dress festooned with ruffles across the bodice. Her hair and makeup both look fantastic. She's singing Independence Day, which was Carrie’s single. The whole notion of singing CW has Lil shook. She’s overthinking, which is hurting her performance. She finally busts loose on the chorus, and we see a bit of the Lil that we know is in there, but overall, it’s a disappointing performance. Oh Lil, I will say this as gently but as firmly as I can: STFU! You’ve annoyed Simon to the point that he’s calling you Little. And you’re annoying me. I don’t want to be annoyed with you. So hush up. And stay hushed. Please.

I’m with Randy- what in the world do you say about someone in a fussy metallic leather jacket, black glovelettes, black nail polish, prominently displayed zipper on his extremely tight pants, and enough pancake makeup to cover the entire cast of The Mikado? Adam’s Snake Charmer version of Ring of Fire is, perhaps, the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen, or heard, on this show. Tell me, what is the difference between Adam and Sanjaya? I’ll be dipped if I can figure out why the judges fall all over themselves over this kid.

Scott, with his hair looking the best it has so far, sings Wild Angel. It’s pretty, but I think Scott has peaked. Simon decides to pick a fight with Paula during her critique.

The stylists are weaning Alexis from her pink streak- it’s smaller every week. She’s wearing a beaded black dress that would be rather pretty if the bodice wasn’t so oddly saggy. She’s singing Jolene, one of the dumbest songs in the universe. She starts on the stairs, which is generally a sign that what is to follow is unadulterated bad. But I find that I am liking this spare, banjo-accented arrangement, and Alexis’s take on the song. There were some off-notes, especially one long one in the middle, but overall, it was an interesting performance.

We all know that Paula’s ramblings get more and more incoherent as the season progresses, but I am tired of Simon’s eye-rolling rudeness.

Danny has a truly rough rehearsal with Randy Travis, and he’s chosen Jesus Take the Wheel (a song I find annoying in concept). He’s wearing a white safari jacket over a lavender shirt, and his beginning is uncharacteristically tentative. But once Danny hits the chorus, he kills the song (if you can say that about any song with Jesus in the title).

Anoop almost has to sound better than he did last week, even if he’s attempting Willie Nelson’s Always on my Mind. He looks good, in a gray and purple checked hoodie under a dark jacket. Randy is right- this is the best Anoop has sounded in the entire competition, and he wisely eschews the high note at the end. Bravo, Anoop!

So tonight, she’s just Megan Joy (no Corkrey), and I sigh when I hear that’s she’s treading in Cline Territory. Megan Joy is wearing a full-length, green and brown boob-sling, as she warbles about Moooooooonlight and searchin’ for youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, and does her signature hip swivel (a move that makes me want to throw things at the TV). The performance is flat and shrieky and bad from start to finish, but Kara makes sure that we all know that she’s been sick, which will probably get her another pass. Sigh.

Is Paula sniffing Simon’s arm? Or licking it?

Matt is wearing a nice suit, and singing So Small. There must be something in the studio performance that doesn’t translate to my living room, because I am mystified by the love that the judges throw at him. There is simply nothing about this kid that appeals to me.

The best tonight? Anoop and Allison.

The worst performance of the night was undoubtedly Megan Joy’s, but a visit to the hospital (and some coughing, and a general look of unwell being) will likely save her this week. My guess is that either Michael or Scott will hit the road tomorrow night.

I Got Nuthin'

It's one of those brain-dead days. My page proofing deadline is looming. I am a terrible proofer under the most relaxed of circumstances, and this is not a relaxed circumstance.

I haven't done any knitting for a couple of days, nor have I 3-plied the bobbin of Finn sherbet-colored singles that are glowering at me from the corner. I did run outside yesterday and this morning, for the first time since November. It was lovely to be out of the basement (and under the geese migration- the sight of thousands upon thousands of geese flying over is pretty amazing), though I was reminded that running on the treadmill doesn't make my knees achy, and running outside does (why? uneven ground, I suppose, and a very slight incline in my 1/2 mile long driveway). Our snow is melting, but the frost has not gone out of the ground yet, so it's a muddy, mooshy mess until I tip-toe my way out past the railroad tracks, to the township road, where the gravel is firm. I'm nearing the end of the Librivox podcast recording of The Moonstone which I listen to as I exercise- we're about ready for the big reveal(s), and I'm still loving it. I think I might try some Dickens next- I'm embarrassed to say that I have never read A Tale of Two Cities or Bleak House, and I am curious to know what listening to a *new* book is like.

I managed to sneak in one more Twisted Fiber Arts yarn purchase, before they all disappeared: a Valkyrie Kabam (wool/bamboo) sock yarn, with coordinating yellow heel/toe yarn. I'm not sure what pattern I'll use with the yarn, but whatever it is, it'll be gorgeous.

Other than that- I got nuthin'. What's going on with you?

Books, Music, TV, oh yeah, and Yarn

I dipped into Stephen King's short story collection, Just After Sunset (with the headache inducing cover) this weekend. I'm trying to pace myself, and so am only about halfway through the stories, but I've enjoyed all of them, especially Harvey's Dream, where an ageing wife learns just a bit too late, that being bored is infinitely preferable to the alternative, and Stationary Bike, in which moderation in all things, even diets, is explored in typical King fashion.

Yesterday's mail brought a few books from the Children's Book of the Month (grandkid birthday gifts), including Neil Gaiman's Coraline (which I would have mispronounced, if not for the movie trailers).I imagine the book will be passed down to the voracious reader in the family, but I'm going to read it first. I love all things Gaiman, and expect to love this book as well.

The reviews for Taylor Hicks's sophomore album, The Distance, are about as expected. EW! flat out hates Taylor, and the review reflects that. People is mildly dismissive, and I don't even wanna know what Rolling Stone thinks. I like the album, and hope enough die-hard fans buy it to keep him recording (I don't think anything in the world will keep him from performing). The standout tracks, for me, are What's Right is Right (released as a single which is actually getting airplay on the AC station here), the lovely and aching ballad, Maybe You Should, and the Southern Rocking Seven Mile Breakdown, with a nod to the collaboration with Elliott Yamin on Woman's Gota Have It. Keepin it Real is just a tad heavy handed on the social commentary (I don't want to think about Britney, OJ, or Paris. Ever), and even I think that Nineteen is schmaltzy. The rest are fine- not great but not bad, all listenable. The only track on the CD that I don't like is Wedding Day Blues. The tune is fine, the singing is fine, the production is fine, but the character of the narrator is a jerk and I don't want to spend time with him, even if he's using Taylor Hicks's voice.

I watched the debut of Kings last night, and am still thinking about it this morning, which means… something, anyway. I'm not up on my bible stories, so I didn't immediately recognize the anointing of oil, or some of the name adaptations, but I know enough to know that if the producers follow the source material, we're going to have a very interesting story indeed. I am always amazed at Ian McShane's command of every scene he's in, though I missed his mustache, and the swearing (I kept expecting a few choice words from him, network standards notwithstanding). The surrounding cast is also very good- and I am waiting to see what sort of Lady MacBethian shenanigans the Queen will get up to (plenty of Shakespeare to go around in the imaginary world of Gilboa). Young David is very Heath Ledgerly, and the rest of the cast is fascinating (especially not-so-favored son and heir, Jack). I'm looking forward to the next episode.

And while I watched TV, I worked on the Finn roving from Girl on the Rocks. This is my first experience with Finn, and it won't be my last. It's a lovely wool, the yarn is bouncy and it's going to have a nice little halo. I Navajo 3-plied the first bobbin and ended up with 1.1 ozs and 82 yds of fingering weight yarn which is going to knit up into stripes of yellow/green/yellow/pink/orange (there are some major plying boo-boos in that skein, but they don't show in the picture). I have another bobbin ready to ply, and 2 more to spin. I'll probably work on it tonight, during Chuck and Heroes.

But before I do any of that, I have page proofs to tackle, and a deadline bearing down on me. So I'd best get to work.

On the mend, and on the road

Today my knitting group meets in Aberdeen. I missed last month, and so haven't seen any of the ladies for awhile. I have some doll sweaters, the mitered square socks, the new Lion Brand sock, and my book cover to show off. I can't wait to see what everyone else has done. Finally, my cold seems to be getting better- I'm still snurfed but my head doesn't feel like someone blew it up like a balloon (wah wah wah- I don't get sick often, which means I whine even more over something little like a little trifling cold)(from which, as Mrs Bennet says, no one dies).

I lucked out, thanks to Mary (Procrastination Diary and Hugs for the Head- links to the right), and snagged some Twisted yarn in the latest update: Kabam (wool/bamboo) Terrain (lovely blues and browns), Cookie (a Subtle- mottled cream), and a hank of BFL roving in Talon, with a little bonus skein of blue subtle Arial thrown in (it's going in my bag of Arial subtles for a future Fair Isle project). I also managed to order a Kabam Valkyrie (one of my favorite colorways) with a Lightning (golds) coordinating skein. I had planned to work the Terrain with the Cookie in Mitered Squares, but the Cookie would be gorgeous as a lace sock on its own too. I'll have to wait and see what the yarn tells me (and there will be mitered squares in the future no matter what- it's a great leftover yarn project, and I already know how well the colorways blend together, and I love the soft sheen of the Kabam blend).

And I finished one of the Lion Brand yarn socks. I really love the patterning on this one, and am glad that I opted for plain Vanilla this time around- texture would have warred with the stripes.

Next up on the wheel: Girl on the Rocks, 4 ozs Finn wool. Unnamed colorway- but it's bright sherbet colors, blue, orange, pink green. I'll probably try to preserve the striping with Navajo 3-plying.

I'm still enthralled with the Librivox reading of Wilkie Collins's The Moonstone. I finally got past the Miss Clack chapters (I never adjusted to the strong accent of the reader, which not only felt wrong for the character, but was hard to understand. Many words were mispronounced, or pronounced with a very odd inflection. I had a hard time following her, and was quite relieved when the story was handed back to the other readers). We're winding down to the end now, and I still marvel at the wonderful story. If you have not read this book- do. It's amazing.

Thursday Tab- Nostalgic Barbie Swirl- Original Magnetic Doll

This is the last of the original magnetic Nostalgic Barbie sets. I did not have a swirl doll (mine was the #5 Blonde Ponytail), but I did have the Red Flare Coat (which I loved, unreservedly), the Silken Flame Dress (btw- cut straight across the bodice top, there is a tiny little flesh-colored section that might not be very visible), the Orange Blossom Bridesmaid dress, and the Masquerade outfit.

I was working on a Brunette Ponytail set, but it's a work in progress (not so much with the progress part, since I haven't done anything with it in 5 years). Maybe some day...

Except for some of the hats, as long as you print all 3 Nostalgic Barbies with the same page margins, the clothes will fit all of the dolls. Do not cut between the arms and body, or the legs on either the doll or the clothes. Don't get the page wet- most printer inks aren't waterproof.

Brief Comment on AI Top 13 Elimination

I was gone last night (delivering grandkids to their parents- my house is quiet today, and a little sad), and we live in a VCR/DVRless household, so I have not seen the Top 13 Elimination show, nor have I read the Television Without Pity Recap (which may not be posted yet), so this is off the top of my head, after watching a bit on the news: Jorge was no surprise, but Jasmine???? Not Megan????? Not Anoop???? And the judges can invoke immunity, eh? I don't know exactly how it will work (the explanations I've seen are contradictory), but I wonder if that means they will eject someone who got more votes instead (which they can do, of course, at any time anyway- read the teeny little print sometime). But, even more puzzling- what would they have saved Daughtry from? Selling a bazillion CDs? Tons of radio airplay? Critical approval? The general notion that he was robbed? Would they have wanted to preserve Jennifer Hudson from her Oscar, Golden Globe, or Grammy awards? (I'll answer that one myself: what TPTB wants is credit for their successes. It has never thrilled them that non-winners also used the show as a jumping point).

No matter how much they want to do it, they can't retroactively get rid of Taylor (they will never forgive him for winning). And indeed, by the Top 5, fans have graduated from preference to obsession- a manipulation of that sort will turn casual voters into maniacs, and the results will likely not be changed anyway. Besides which, if a strong favorite can be magically saved, will that not convince non-voters to remain so? I don't think this change is going to produce the results they expect.

Speaking of Taylor, I downloaded his new album, The Distance, from Amazon on Tuesday, and it's marvelous!

AI Top 13 Performance

So the real show starts tonight. Ryan is elegant in a suit, and he reminds us that we have 13 kids to wade through. An unseen announcer introduces the judges from the stage, which is an odd-new wrinkle. Randy is wearing a black Member’s Only jacket over a red shirt. Kara is in black pinstriped silk with a high, tight bow at the neck. Paula has a conglomeration of white, gold, spangles, and feathers. There is something wrong with her face- there was no time for a facelift between last week and now, but her eyelids look uncomfortably tight and her cheekbones resemble flesh covered ping-pong balls. There is simply no point in describing Simon’s appearance unless he actually changes something. I doubt that will happen.

Ryan is unaccountably tickled with the opening change-up, and the new set. He explains that the theme this week is Mostly Unfamiliar Michael Jackson Songs, And A Couple of Very Familiar Tunes That Never Should Have Been Attempted.

First up is Lil, in ill-fitting white pants (well they fit in the back just fine, but the front is loose and droopy), a pink strapless top, and a sea cucumber on her shoulder. She’s singing The Way You Make Me Feel, and while it’s an adequate performance, it’s not the blowout we’ve come to expect from her. I am vaguely disappointed. We’ll be plagued throughout the evening by intermittent sound problems, so I don't hear Simon’s fashion advice, but it had to be better than whatever prompted her to select that outfit.

Scott has a matching, adorable sister. He’s wearing an army jacket and ribbons, and singing Keep the Faith. It’s immediately obvious that he is far more comfortable performing while seated at a piano. He starts out beautifully, and then turns ordinary somewhere in the middle.

Danny's tweedy jacket looks professorial, until I catch a glimpse of the screen printed back. His PYT is upbeat, and is possibly his first non-inspirational song choice. It’s a nice change, even with the awkward dancing, and he sounds good.

I’m not sure what the difference is, but Michael looks really, really good, though his jacket also has screen printing on the back (what’s up with that anyway?). You Are Not Alone is maybe a bit too slow to be interesting, but it shows off his voice well.

Did you know that Jasmine is 17? She’s wearing what looks to be a pink satin nightie with a matching robe, and huge earrings. Her I’ll Be There is okay, though her voice doesn’t have a lot of depth. Randy is moved to invoke The Mariah for the first time this season.

It’s eerie- the tighter Paula’s face, the more coherent and on-point her critiques are. She is actually offering valid criticism and advice tonight.

Kris looks like his dad, and informs us that he’s a newlywed. The stylists have straw-ified his hair, and he’s wearing a Good Ol’ Boy shirt. He’s plays guitar as he sings Remember The Time, and he sounds pretty good.

Allison’s parents are Salvadoran. The stylists have softened her hair color a bit, and given her a better haircut. She’s wearing a black leather hoodie over a sparkly top over gray jeans tucked into tall boots. Her voice is very mature (they remind us that she’s just 16, but without the tone of awe reserved for Jasmine), and she does Give it to Me justice. She still needs to work on her non-singing stage presence.

Anoop murders Beat It. (and I can never hear that song without Weird Al running through my head on an alternate loop… oh lard…)

Jorge is wearing a gray jacket with the sleeves shoved up to the armpits. He and his crazy eyebrows do not sound good on Never Can Say Goodbye. He may find that we can say it.

Did Megan “Joy” Corkrey sew bits of old fishing net to her strapless red dress? Her smiley, swively, dippy, winky, weird, and awful Rockin’ Robin will certainly rank among the worst AI performances. Ever. And seriously, did she actually end with caw caw?

Adam is wearing a blue leather jacket, a matching stripe in his hair, and Mardi Gras beads. He informs us that it’s hard to make it out there as an artist. We’ll stop the presses. I have a feeling that Adam is going to be like David Cook- a singer whose appeal mystifies me. Certainly, the judges liked him. I thought his Black and White was indulgent. And precious.

Ryan spends a little time surrounded by squealing girls (with whom he is far more comfortable than bikini clad women).

Matt sings Human Nature at a piano. He’s wearing a brown leather jacket, and no hat. I don’t like his performance at all, and he looks worried as he waits for the evaluation, which is surprisingly positive.

At first, I think Alexis is wearing a corset and shortie bloomer shorts over tights and stilettos. But when she turns, I see a full-length back zipper, and realize that it’s actually a strapless jumpsuit. A really short, strapless jumpsuit. A really ugly, short, strapless jumpsuit. With bloomer legs. It looks like she’s performing in her undies. She’s singing Dirty Diana, and while I don’t like the song, I do like her voice and command of the stage.

Ryan promises some mysterious change tomorrow night, that we may or may not like. Weather permitting road travel tomorrow, I won’t be here to see it, so you’ll all have to make do with the far superior recap at Television Without Pity (link on the right side of the page).

Who should go home tomorrow night? Anoop or Jorge, and Megan. Who will go home? Hard to tell- the voters have been semi-consistent this year, so it could be two of those three. Or it could be Scott, who sang better, but is already a little lost in the crowd, and may simply be forgotten by the speed dialers. Or it could be Alexis, who is definitely good enough to stay, but whose phone number is out of sync with the rest, which might confuse voters. We shall see.

Snowin' and Blowin'

It's nasty out there campers- for about the 8th time this winter, we're in a blizzard. This one could produce up to 8" of snow, but that's not the problem- the problem is the wind, combined with the highly mobile snow. The upside of this little weather interlude is that my grandkids, who have been visiting, and who were to be ferried halfway home tonight, will stay at least one day longer! So, Wahoo for snow!

I've been playing a lot of Sorry and Operation and Clue, and watching movies (Wall-E is a sweet movie, but not quite as wonderful as all the hype, though the short-short Presto is pure genius, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua is slightly better than I expected),but I still managed to finish the Sockotta cotton/wool Aunt Helen Variation Variation socks (the scan shows the colors much better than the picture I took yesterday). I cast on another pair from Red Heart Heart & Sole yarn (not a soft yarn, but no harsher than Opal). I'm doing something I haven't done in months- I'm just knitting these socks. This self-patterning yarn is too busy for any of the textures I've been playing with lately, so Stockinette Stitch it is. And you know what? Stockinette is a whole lot faster to knit. Who knew?

Since I'll be here all day (not even setting foot outside if I can help it), I'll be around for the usual AI recap. But if the weather does clear, we'll be delivering children tomorrow night and I'll miss the Elimination show. I'll keep all y'all posted.

Busy Busy

Sorry I've been quiet the last couple of days. In addition to fighting a cold (no fun being a snot factory), I have 2 wonderful grandchildren visiting, and I've been working on my class descriptions and samples for my SAFF classes in October. AND... the page proofs for The Big Book of Socks arrived and they need my immediate and undivided attention (good luck with that, Proof Pages). So things are just a tad hectic here.

But I'll check in as I can. It looks like I'll be teaching an All Day Fair Isle Class, 2 yarn dyeing classes, a short-row heel class, and a workshop on writing patterns for publication at SAFF. It's going to be an amazing experience for me (and I hope an interesting one for the students). I believe the class roster will be posted soon, and sign-ups start in April.

Oh yeah, and I finished the Aunt Helen Variation Variation cotton socks, but the picture didn't turn out well, so I'll scan them after they dry.

Drum Roll Please....

For the first time on this blog, the cover of my new book:

The Big Book of Socks- The Ultimate Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Knitting Socks

The listing is up on Amazon, without the cover:

http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Socks-Beyond-Basics/dp/1600850855/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236270299&sr=1-1

The book will be released on Sept. 1, and I am so excited!!!!

AI- Wild Card Round

Ryan, artfully rumpled, drones on about the momentous occasion we’re about to witness, but all I notice is that Matt is wearing a stupid hat, and that sparkly Tatiana has adopted an aggressive, wide-legged stance. She is in it to win it.

Randy has epaulets, Kara’s wearing Prom Hair, Paula’s displaying cleavage bordered by pink leopard, and Simon is wearing a very pretty silver-gray ribbed sweater

First performer is Jesse, looking more like Lauren Ambrose than ever. She’s wearing brown boots, and a slinky little black dress that appears to be made of shiny suede, topped by a sparkly beige shrug. This outfit should not work, but it does- she looks fantastic. So good that I didn't write down her song choice. Her singing? Not so fantastic.

I hate Matt’s embossed leather Sinatra hat, but not as much as I hate the huge fringed pocket hankie that he has wound (multiple times) around his neck. He’s singing a Jackson Five song that I don’t recognize, and he sounds exponentially better than the last time we heard him. Simon trots out the second harshest insult in his repertoire- that Matt reminds him of Taylor.

Ooh- lookie- a stage hand.

Megan “Disappearing/Reappearing/Disappearing Joy” Corkrey has straightened hair, and is wearing a tunic over leggings. She’s doing her signature planted-foot-hip-swivel thing as she sings Black Horse And Cherry Tree, a song that is not as good at showing off her singing voice as it is for proving that Megan can talk quickly in rhythm. I don’t think it’s good enough, and I think Paula agrees because her critique centers on Megan’s appearance and doesn’t mention the song at all.

Von is in prison stripes and a black jacket. He starts weakly on Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, and then improves a bit. It’s obvious that he let the judges spook him- he’s overthinking and second-guessing his entire performance, and the result is paralysis. I don’t like him, but I do feel a little sorry for him.

Ricky is about to learn that it’s not a good idea to dip into The Stevie when the judges harp interminably on being contemporary and current.

OMG you guyz, I just realized that Tatiana is Paula’s soulmate. She is singing Saving All My Love For You. Again. Some More. She sparkles, and her dress is way too short. It pains me greatly to say so, but I really like her voice. A lot. More than I dislike everything else about her. And there is so very much to dislike about Tatiana.

I want to knit Anoop’s green striped tie. I have thought all along that one of tonight’s slots was his to lose. Unfortunately, with a dismal performance of My Prerogative, I think he just lost it.

I will never believe that those four made this decision during that commercial break, but the show is going with that myth, and who am I to argue?.

Time is short, so they’re plunging right in:
Jasmine is in. Allison is delighted.
Ricky is out.
Megan and Tatiana stand together, and one of them is moving on- so it’s between hysteria and hip swivels. I am pretty certain that Tatiana is going to join the Top 12. I am wrong, and Tatiana shatters.

The show is running over time, and we’re missing The Office cold open. Dammit.

Jesse is up by herself, so for sure she’s gone.

So is Von.

That just leaves Matt and Anoop, and I think that Anoop will get the nod.

News flash: I am not psychic.

Anoop takes the news fairly well. And then Simon drops an actual bombshell- they’re going with a Top 13, and Anoop is back in.

So the three Wild Card choices are: Jasmine, Megan, Matt, and Anoop. How the hell is that going to work?

Next week, Kelly and Kanye will be in the house, and the real competition begins.

Thursday Tab- Nostalgic Bubble Cut Barbie- Original Magnetic Doll

Here's another of my original Barbie magnetic dolls. As long as you set your margins for this week's the same as last week's page when printing, the clothes will fit both dolls (though not all the hats will fit both). Print on a printable magnetic sheet. Do not get the sheet wet. Do not cut between the arms and body (on the clothes or the doll) or between the legs.

Once again, these are all actual Barbie outfits. I had the Garden Party dress, and it remains one of my favorite Barbie dresses ever. Sorority Meeting was the first outfit that I bought with my own money.

AI- Top 36- Group 3 Elimination

Ryan’s in a shirt and tie tonight. Alex and Felicia look like they’re going to throw up. Paula is draped in a one-shouldered purple ruffle. Kara is leathered up and sleek.

We see a montage of Group 3 auditions, and to my horror, I learn that a headband is not Nathaniel’s worst hair choice.

The Group Sing is Katy Perry’s Hot and Cold (and in the interest of full disclosure, if Ryan had said the song was Blue and Purple by Pink, I would have dutifully reported it, because I’m old and I never listen to the radio, and all I know about Katy Perry is that she kissed a girl). Lil’s hair looks like a lethal weapon, and she’s wearing a short dress with giant gingham squares, over leggings. Kendall is in green satin ruffles and Tammy Wynette hair. Taylor V. is wearing a gray bubble top (what is with all the bubble hems this year? Listen people- those things are not flattering. On anyone). I assume they choreographed literal musical chairs to accommodate Scott.

The Special Idol Moment Previously Unaired Audition is amusing. I wish more contestants would sing TV Theme Songs.

Ryan singles out Nathaniel (who is headbandless), Jorge (who repeats everything he said last night), Felicia (who knows she is doomed), and Ju’Not (previously undiagnosed with Asthma). Was there a reason for talking to that particular group?

Ryan tells Lil to stand, and in the least surprising revelation of the season, immediately moves her to The Silver Suction Cups. I will enjoy watching Lil until she wins the whole thing, but truly, she doesn’t need the oven of AI- she’s ready to go.

Ryan instructs Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall, and Scott to stand. He says only one of them will move on to the Top 12, so once again, we know that it’s not going to be a girl, because that would signal the elimination of all the remaining females. This show is far too fond of its manufactured drama to do that. I’m gonna go out on a limb and predict that Scott is going to get the nod over Alex. Arianna looks like she’s facing an executioner as Ryan dismisses her. Taylor is resigned but determinedly cheerful when Ryan gives her the same news. Alex still looks like he’s going to throw up. I wish him well- he’s a smart and funny kid.

So now, it’s between Scott and Kendall. Wait for it. Wait for it. Wait. And, yep. It’s Scott. Told ya so.

Nathaniel and Kristin are up next. Last night, I thought Kristin had a chance of moving on, but it’s too early in the show for the final slot to be filled, so I know both are going home.

Next up are Von and Felicia (who had no chance whatsoever of making it through). Ryan tells them that it’s no... for now. Hmmmmmm….

So, we’re down to Jorge and Ju’Not. Both have nice enough voices, and neither one excites me. I’d just flip a coin, but Jorge got the votes. This news surprises the English right out of him.

The remainder of the show is devoted to announcing the 8 Wild Card contestants, chosen by the judges from the Top 36 rejectees. They’ll perform tomorrow night, and the judges will select 3 to move into the Top 12, without interference from the fickle voting public. Since this is American Idol, the announcement is drawn out as long as possible, milking what little drama there is to be had from the naming of names.

Randy’s first choice is Von, and I groan. Kara chooses Jasmine Murray (of course). Paula selects Ricky Braddy, whose existence I had forgotten entirely. Simon chooses Megan Corkrey. Back to Randy, who selects….. are you ready for it….. Tatiana, who is wearing a deeply unflattering, long, tight, knit dress that is a smorgasbord of diagonal stripes. Tatiana gives us a preview of tomorrow, and possibly the next few weeks, by falling apart. (Side Note: did I not tell you? Huh? Huh?). Kara chooses Matt Giraud. In the first surprise of the evening, Paula announces Jesse Langseth. And to the surprise of no one in the world, except possibly the young man himself, Simon calls down Anoop.

As Jorge ends the show with his singout, I notice that of the 9 voted finalists, only 3 are girls. This show loves a Gender Balance (they learned a hard lesson from Season 3), so I expect 2 of tomorrow night’s choices to be girls. In fact, I’ll make my Wild Card prediction right now: Anoop, Tatiana, and Jasmine.

Mark your Calendars- Oct 23-25, 2009, SAFF

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I'll be teaching workshops at this year's SAFF (Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair), October 23-25 in Asheville, NC! I have never been to SAFF (or, indeed, to North Carolina), so I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful fiber gathering.

The class schedule hasn't been set firmly yet, but tentatively, I'll be teaching an all-day Fair Isle class, a no-wrap short-row heel class, and at least one yarn dyeing-workshop. I believe that registration opens around April 1, so we'll know by then, exactly which classes I'll head, and when. I hope to squeeze in a class or two myself, and some sightseeing.

I am so excited- not just for the trip to a gorgeous area that I have never visited, but for three full days surrounded by fiber folk. Do you think they'll let me stuff a raw fleece in my carry on?

Here's the website: http://www.saffsite.org/dnn/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx . It will be updated regularly.

I hope to see some of you there!

AI- Top 36, Group 3 Performance

We open with a pan of Group 3. Unfortunately, Nathaniel hasn’t ditched the headband. Or the facial hardware. Lil and Kendall are color coordinated in yellow and black. Ryan is still nattily casual. Kara is sparkly, and Paula looks very pretty (and bright eyed- though what she says still makes no sense, she's been remarkably lucid in her nonsense so far). Ryan introduces the First 6, and Kris looks like there are other places he’d rather be.

First up tonight is Von Smith, 22, from Missouri. Von annoyed the bejabbers out of me during the auditions and Hollywood rounds. Sporting a red vest, matching shoes, and TinTin hair, he continues the tradition. He announces an intention to tone down the excess on Marvin Gaye’s You’re All I need to Get By, but The Purposeful Dialback is every bit as annoying (and unnatural) as his usual overkill, and twice as uncomfortable to watch. Note to Simon: Clay’s voice is much better.

Cher look alike, Taylor Vaifanua, 17 of Utah, is exotically beautiful and weirdly dressed. Is that an unholy marriage of leggings and rubber boots? Bleggings? Loots? She’s singing If I Got You, by someone whose name I do not recognize and cannot pronounce. She started out well, and then lost steam in the middle, and finally recovered a bit. I like the tone of her voice, but the judges think she sounds old. I suspect she’s outta here.

Alex Wagner-Trugman, 19, CA, is a hoot- smart and funny and self-deprecating in a way that does not also signal self-hatred. Oh Alex honey, don’t Google yourself- down that road lies madness. I like Alex a lot. It’s too bad that his singing is truly horrible. He growls and howls and dances dorkily (and drops the mike stand) on I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues. He has a good voice in there somewhere, and he embodies the Aiken Spirit much better than Von. But I fear that this is the last time we’re going to hear Alex sing.

Whether Arianna Asfar, 17, likes it or not, she truly is as cute as a button, with lovely hair, a great smile, and an adorable blue dress. She begins singing an abysmal song that I don’t recognize, and which does not resemble music in any way that is familiar to me. About halfway through, I finally realize she’s taken Abba’s The Winner Takes it All, and turned it onto a funeral dirge. Even her parents know how awful that was.

Ju’Not Joyner, 26, Baltimore, unspecified business owner and father of a sweet little boy, is resplendent in leather. He sings that Delilah song, and puts the suddenly popular funeral spin on it. Though he has a good voice, I think this performance is dull and pitchy. But the judges like him.

The show was not about to resist re-pairing Nathaniel (19, NY) and Kristen, of the Hollywood Round Group Drama. They obviously loathe each other, no matter how much they deny it.

Kristin MacNamara, a 23 year old Joy Hickey, sings Tracy Chapman’s Give Me One Reason. She’s wearing a confusing red and pink chiffon dress with rosettes on the shoulders. Kristen has a nice bluesy voice, and is the best girl so far tonight.

I cannot begin to express how much I hate Nathaniel Marshall’s headband. But that hatred pales in comparison to my feeling about his nose stud (which successfully impersonates nasal drip). Which doesn’t come close to how I feel about Nathaniel himself. Everything about him, from his tight pants, very pointy boots, and wrinkly jacket, to his chest tattoo (which I keep trying to read), rubs me the wrong way. I’m not the only one who feels like that- Simon would rather set his fingers on fire than touch the headband (much less put it on. I suspect Ryan risked a serious beat down for even suggesting it). Given the opportunity, Meat Loaf will probably whomp on him for murdering I Would Do anything For Love. So why did he get so much air time? Does The Show want him to move on?

Felicia Barton, 26, Virginia Beach, is the replacement for outsted Joanna Pacitti. She’s wearing all black- a leather jacket with 80’s shoulder pads, a sparkly tank top, leggings and boots. She reminds me of Rashida Jones as she sings Alicia Keys’ No One, adequately. Last week, she would have been a standout, but this week, it’s not going to be good enough.

I’ve been waiting to hear Scott MacIntyre, 23, AZ, visually impaired (just in case we forgot). He sings Bruce Hornsby’s Mandolin Rain, and sounds good, but not great. It’s a little odd watching him move on stage, knowing that the cameras have to follow him, rather than the other way around. His brother, in the audience, looks just like him. I was sure he was a shoe-in even before Simon’s ringing endorsement. It was kind of Scott to redeem Ryan’s biggest gaffe this season with a carefully choreographed high five.

Kendall Beard, 24, TX, is this year’s Kellie Pickler, without, I presume, the felon father. She’s wearing a strangely constructed yellow, strapless bubble dress that looks like it’s molting. Adding to an already inexplicable busy-ness, the dress is cinched at the waist with a musty purple shawl and a dried nosegay. She’s singing Martina McBride’s This One’s For the Girls. She’s a bit wobbly and shrill, but okay.

Jorge Nunez, 21, Puerto Rico, followed the judges' advice, and did everything he could to wipe out his native accent. Silly boy. He should have known that they would recant. He sings Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me (which I thought, for years, had a line that read: no more Augie Doggies), as though he’s reciting syllables, not words. He does have a nice voice though, and may be the best male singer of the night.

Finally, we get Lil Rounds, 24, Memphis, mother of three. She sings Mary J. Blige’s Be Without You, wearing a classy yellow and black strapless dress. Lil is not just good, she’s great. More than great. She’s fantastic! Simon is gobsmacked by her awesome performance. So is everyone in the audience. So am I.

I think Lil and Scott are definite Top 10’ers, and that Ju’not and Kristen will fight it out for the 3rd slot from tonight’s group.

Thursday night, we get the Judge’s Wild Card pics- I think Anoop is a definite, with the other 2 spots some combo of Jorge Nunez, whichever one of Ju’Not or Kristen doesn’t make it through on Wednesday. And let us not discount Tatiana. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of her.

Socks and Spinning and Unusual Blog Traffic

Wow, last week was interesting. I didn't know until Sunday, that a writer had linked to this blog in an article, first published on Monday, which was then picked up by the Associated Press, and reprinted in a bunch of newspapers (including the Chicago Tribune), and online (MSNBC, ABC.com, and lots of other places). The article was about sewing clothes for American Girl dolls, with which I have been obsessed lately (no kidding), and though I am not mentioned specifically (it's about some other Taylors entirely), the blog was linked in the article. The writer didn't come out and say that I had patterns here, but I can see how readers might have thought that was the case. So thousands upon thousands of them showed up (I knew that traffic had jumped, but not the reason), and a percentage of those people wrote e-mails to me, asking where the patterns were. I finally asked one kind e-mailer where she'd gotten the notion that I had patterns, and the mystery began to unravel.

So, my belated thanks to all the people who stopped by. I am so sorry that I didn't have more than my hat pattern to offer (though I may have some more patterns, not of my own devising) to post next week. Stay tuned. And I hope at least some of you newcomers (traffic is still easily double what it was before all the excitement) stick around for the festivities.

Which includes finishing a sock and getting past the heel of another (Sockotta cotton/wool, Aunt Helen Variation Variation), and spinning and plying the last of the Twisted Fiber Arts Braider BFL roving. Isn't it lovely? An even 300 yds of gorgeousness- so soft and lofty (yes, a fingering weight yarn can be lofty). Easily enough for a pair of socks or gloves. I'm not sure what will go on the wheel next- I have a bunch of lovely rovings to choose from.

But there will be no spinning tonight- I can't spin and take notes on AI at the same time (and AI is on 3 nights this week). And I am expecting the page proofs for The Big Book of Socks to arrive any day, which means I have to go back to work. Soon, I hope to be able to show you all the cover- it's fantastic!!!

And I am still working my way through the Librivox reading of The Moonstone, and loving the story, but not loving the new reader for the Miss Clack section. It's churlish of me to complain about a free download, read by volunteers, but really, this new lady's accent is hard to understand (Eastern Eurpoean, I think), and there are odd noises in the background of the recording, and her em-PHA-sis is often on the wrong sy-LLA-ble (I missed an entire paragraph, trying to figure out what a fo-RIG-on-er was)(hint: foreigner). I'm into the 3rd chapter with her as a reader, and I'm getting used to her, but wish her voice suited the character better. (as I said, wah wah wah. If I want James Earl Jones, I will have to pay for him).

Blatant Son Promotion

My oldest son Curtis, in addition to being married to the wonderful Genevieve (of Genevieve's Graduation sweater), and father to a couple of genius children, is a kindergarten teacher, an award-winning home brewer (we do wines, he does beer), and an artist.

He works in various media: block printing, lithographs, embossing (I'm sure there's a proper Art Word for that process), and digital prints. His art work has been accepted and shown (and sold!) at several Stillwell Exhibitions at USD, where he's getting his Masters degree in art.

And, he has opened an etsy shop. Of particular interest to the knitters out there, are his wonderful embossed knitting cards. He designed them specifically for me (neener neener), and is now producing them for sale (for the amazingly low price of 10 for $10, plus shipping). He also has a hammer and nail notecard design (his father is a contractor), and a cool embossed Thank You motif. He's also offerring some of his limited edition prints for sale. The schoolyard one was his Christmas present to me last year, and I love love love it. I also love the humor of the beer prints. (well, I'm a proud mama, I love them all).

Anyway, here's his store: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6061980

I think etsy only allows single listings, so if the notecards (or other prints) sell before you get there, he'll relist as soon as he can. He'll be listing more prints as time goes on, so check back in periodically, to see what's new.

For the Folks Looking for American Girl Patterns

Evidently, this blog was mentioned in a syndicated newspaper column (2 Iowa papers, so far) and a magazine article. That probably explains why the blog hits were through the roof this week. That's nice. What's going to be disappointing to all those new visitors is that the columnist, as far as I can tell (I haven't seen the article and had no idea it was going to appear, or who wrote it), said that I have American Girl doll patterns here.

I do have one freebie knitting pattern for 4 American Girl-size hats. That pattern is available here:
http://kathleen-dakotadreams.blogspot.com/2009/02/freebie-friday-4-simple-hats-for-18.html

And there is one link for commercial American Girl sewing patterns that are no longer available, for download:

http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html

Otherwise, all of the American Girl Size things I've featured, have been sewn from other people's patterns (links to most of them in individual posts- you can buy all of the patterns from stores, eBay, or the designers).

Thanks everyone for stopping by- I hope you find enough of interest, even without the promised free patterns, to come back.

And if someone could provide me with a link to the article, I would be very grateful.