And it grows...

Last Thursday, Kathy came through big time and got me a copy of "Knitting from the Top" to take a look at. After reading Lauren's success/excitement about the book and set-in sleeves from the top, I knew I had to take a look at this book. I've been reading the chapters at night and decided that in the perfect knitting world, on the day of your first needle and yarn purchase you should receive this book. Her directions and discussion of how garments are constructed is great. Barbara Walker describes how to knit a sweater without numbers and a pattern. I'm really excited to finish reading the book and then attempt for a second time to knit Kevin a sweater. (I'm thinking Top Secret will be recycled). If I can master a sweater for Kevin, then I'll be able to knit one for Dad as well.

It is great having a Kathy in our knitting group. You should find a Kathy for your group, you won't be sorry! Kathy is a librarian and so her library has the largest knitting book collection on earth (ok, probably an exaggeration, but she's got a lot). Kathy is also great because if the library doesn't have it, she can order it. This is a good thing when you want to look at the patterns in a book that you would never buy, such as "Sexy Little Knits." I don't remember how I found out about this book, but I saw the cover on Amazon and new I had to see the ridiculousness inside. And boy, this book didn't disappoint. The book should be retitled "You Knit What!" I won't be surprised to see many of these patterns on You Knit What.com. At the end of the book is a discussion of knitted bathing suits, and why she wrote the book. And fundamentally, I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with a knitted bathing suit because there is history there. However, I must strongly disagree with her assertion that knit bathing suits/bikinis look good an ANY BODY because of the stretch and forgiveness of knitting. Just a quick flip through the book illustrates how knitted bikinis can make attractive women look bad. There are several very... uhm, busty... women who are wearing a bikini top that is appropriate for a 6 year old girl. It basically is a glorified nipple cover. By far, however, you must seek out this book just to take a look at the angora teddy. No, not a teddy bear. A teddy. You know, the sexy little one piece you wear to impress your man/partner. Yeah, so let me repeat... angora... right next to your skin... right next to places angora should not be next to. Angora is soft, but all those little hairs! Itchy itchy itchy!

So find yourself a Kathy or a really, really good bookstore that stocks all the latest knitting books and flip through this one. (Although if you are in the bookstore, be prepared to laugh so loud and say "WHAT?!?!" that they ask you to leave the store).

My class had their final today! Yay!! By Friday, grades should be turned in and I'll have a bit of a teaching break. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean more knitting time for a variety of reasons, but I hope to finish sewing the blanket over the weekend!