I really like the finished look of the Ada Fenick block. Though the breaks in the two cable columns look a little wonky to me, they are "traditional" to Celtic knot designs. What I like most about this block is the clever use of texture patterns underneath the tree of life. There are, two distinct texture patterns which give you this sense of depth that I find really interesting. Kind of like a horizon line.

This block is knit as one large chart, my favorite kind. Some of the symbols are unusual which made the first 13 rows or so a little difficult to read. But after that it was smooth sailing. I liked how the pattern continued to change throughout the entire block. It kept me interested all the way through.

All in all, the Ada Fenic block was thoroughly enjoyable!

Unfortunately, because of copyright I can't show you a photo. But this Monmouth Cap fascinates me. This is a welsh pattern and the example shown is from the sixteenth century. That's the 1500's!! These hats were so common that people never bothered to describe them, so researchers can only guess that this one is typical.

Doesn't it remind you a modern bucket hat? I especially love the brim. I imagine the loop was for hanging the hat up indoors. It looks like it's a turned under hem, doesn't it? If you look at the closeup you can see that this was some seriously chunky yarn too.

Interweave's list of books coming in fall 2007 look very promising. I'm a conservative buyer and usually must confirm for myself that a book is worth buying, but the following look mighty tempting to me:

"Knit Kimono" by Vicki Square I have two Kimono style sewn shirts and one sweater that I just love and are quite flattering on me. I can't wait to see if these patterns will be wearable for me.

I'm crossing my fingers that "Bag Style" by Pam Allen and Ann Bud" will live up to the standard of the original and inspiring "Scarf Style". I haven't found any of the other books in the "... Syle"series worth my money.

I'll also be interested to look at:
The Best of Interweave Knits
Felt Forward
Knitting Little Luxuries

"Foot" by Nature of art

BellsKnits tipped me off to Cookie's new website where you can buy some absolutely stunning knee-high sock patterns. I'm particularly enamored with the German Stocking Pattern which appears to come in sizes large enough even for my large calves.

The Spring 2007 Issue of Knitty is up. And I can't say enough good things about it. The articles look interesting and engaging. And the patterns! The patterns are a breath of fresh air. All very wearable and classic. Knits that will last a lifetime.

...pssst...hey!...all you print knitting magazines...pssst...if you don't get your act together you're going to loose a lot of business to the web...they're starting to do it all a lot better than you...