robin love
shadow loves ben weatherstaff’s friend too.
The digital copy of What (else) Will Madame Defarge Knit? will be available at 3pm EST today, print copies as soon as they come off the printer.
books! let there be books!
I tried to read through my eyelids over pesach. I slept more than I read, but that was a good thing.
First: The Book, What (else) Would Madame Defarge Knit? will be released tomorrow!
Please pre-order and join the mailing list to receive release day goodies (many for free).
This book includes my design, Ben Weatherstaff’s Friend and 28 additional beautiful patterns, including one for weaving. This book really is special and I hope you enjoy it!
One book I managed to finish reading was Red Thread Thinking by Debra Kayne.
Kayne has written a deeply researched book on how to change one’s thinking habits to increase creativity. She shows how the innovative thoughts we all desire to take our businesses and work to the next level are actually not-so-elusive. By drawing on experience with her clients, research into traditional literature, exploring what other innovators are doing, and looking into many other sources (including Strunk & White, pinterest, and other modern technologies) Kayne proves that it is possible to methodically produce innovative thought.
What is innovation? It is the braiding or weaving together of core areas (developing new ideas, engaging in challenging tasks, broadening knowledge, and interacting with stimulating people and places), areas which when specifically worked on, enhance people’s ability to innovate.
I also appreciated two aspects of her book. First, reminding us to sleep on it. When I’m trying to solve a sticky issue, I try to do one (or all!) of the following: go for a trail run, knit something, take a nap… this time taken for mediation, me time, or sleep has been shown to help boost creativity. Second, and this should come as no surprise, the inclusion in the appendix of “Discussion and Question Guide for Cat Research” found me head over heels in love. First that it is for cat research, second because of how detailed it is and how by not being just a bland and irreverant focus group but an in-depth interview that includes a request to allow the interviewer to see the owner interact with their cat reminded me that this is a well thought out book.
This book is not for the faint-of-heart. It is not one of those super quick light reading business books that crowd the shelves. It is a valuable resource if you wish you thought a little more differently or you wanted to more systematically refine your approach. I highly recommend it.
I received my ARC of this title through Net Galley.
five reasons why W(e)WMDfK? is special
I’m excited to be able to finally announce that I have a design in the soon-to-be-released* What (else) Would Madame Defarge Knit?, the second volume of the What Would Madame Defarge Knit? book series.
I love this series as the books and designs draw on the spirit of Heather Ordover’s successful Craftlit Podcast by combining classic literature with crafting fun. Further, Heather paired with Shannon Okey‘s Cooperative Press to create a unique and fair compensation model for designers. I will receive royalties instead of just an upfront fee for my design. This is fascinating as it encourages me to be active in promoting the book. I promise to try not to be icky, but I do encourage you to check this book out, I would be recommending even if I wasn’t in it.
Five key reasons why I believe W(e)WMDfK? is special, and not just because I have a pattern in it.
- W(e)WMDfK? is special because of its designer compensation structure.
- W(e)WMDfK? is special because the essays and designs are drawn from characters in classic literature.
- W(e)WMDfK? is special because this title continues the tradition of the first volume with beautiful illustrations that accompany the essays and patterns.
- W(e)WMDfK? is special because it will continue to be printed in the US.
- W(e)WMDfK? is special because this time there are photographs! And they’re in colour!
* When will it be released? Very soon. We’re weaving in the loose ends and double checking everything now.
Do you want to stay in the loop? Please sign up for the mailing list to learn of special pre-release goodies and when the book is released.
Can’t wait? You can pre-order a copy of your very own through Cooperative Press.
You can learn more about my designs at Little Acorn Creations.
Can you guess the book my design is based upon?
Disclaimer: I now count both Crafting A Life, Inc. and Cooperative Press as clients. They were not when I submitted my design proposal.