*a* snow day would be nice

While I’m very VERY sick of winter, I suddenly have a childish desire for a snow day*. In NYC while the temperature and winds have reminded us it is winter, we have not had very much snow this year. As I’m drafting this post (to be published at 3am), the weather forecast looks like this:

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forecast march lion 2009

Right. I’ll keep dreaming (especially since a few hours later the forecast wasn’t so snow-optomistic and the few flurries we had seen stopped) If a snow day happens, I doubt I’ll be able to fulfill all my childish desires and read all day, but a girl can dream, can’t she?

[ETA @ 5:45a: NYC schools are closed, but I’m not so lucky. Off to the office.]

The following books were read this past week. More details about them may be found after the jump.

Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch
by Betsy Greer

This line spoke the most to me, though I wish that it didn’t need to be written:

Textiles gave these women a voice; when they weren’t allowed to speak, they could communicate their emotions through color, expressing their hopes and fears and anger stitch by stitch.
p 118 note: this refers to a Advanced Reader’s Copy so you page number may vary.

Greer has done a very nice job in intermingling her experiences, the experiences and personal words of others, and how we ourselves can embrace craftivism. She doesn’t preach but offers a view and leaves the reader to learn more and make their own choices.

The included knitting patterns are varied in topic and geared toward the beginner. I didn’t take note of the recommended yarns, but as I logged in to write this review on goodreads, I noticed a few others said they are on the pricey side. I’ll try to append this review with some substitutions in the near future. If you need assistance /now/ look at the recommended gauge, fibre type, and how the yarn is constructed (2ply, etc) and go from there.

It’s a nice easy and quick read, I do recommend it.

?????????????handmade ZAKKA
by ????????

I own many books in this series, thanks to sales at the local used book store. The designs and layout are similar but varied and provide inspiration.

??????????
by ?? ??

It’s nice to see landmarks I recognize in a Japanese craft book. This book of simple patterns is photographed in NY and there is a small reference section of four NYC stores. I will check if they are still around. It is the photographs of the projects and the layout that excites and inspires me in this book.

??????????????simple chic
by ?? ???

Simple classic design. I hope to find the time to sew my wardrobe like this. This sort of style is what I’ve been looking to have in my closet for years. Time will tell.

Cooking From the Hip: Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals by
Cat Cora

I saved the best for last, to see if you made it this far. ;P

The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook
by Susan Briscoe

To say that I’m fascinated by Sashiko would be an understatement. I am in love with it. I’ve not posted many pictures yet of my work in this medium because I’m still learning and this book has definitely lowered the learning curve! Why? It’s in English! My Japanese is very limited and while I’ve picked up more and more over the years, it’s nice to see such a well researched work. Sure, many of my Japanese language Sashiko books have the same patterns, it is nice to see them in English. Ms Briscoe has written a wonderful book incorporating techniques, tips, history, culture, and varied design. I’m very happy I stumbled upon this book in the bookstore and am not upset to have paid full price for it. It is a valuable resource on my shelf.

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* the adult in me cannot have a snow day. My work is such that if I do not work cannot receive payment. But I’d still like a snow day.

• Category: books