Patterns and Books

This afternoon I went to an LYS to order the yarn for Breton Girl. I also found these!

(sorry for the dark photos)

That's the Dauphine book by Louisa Harding from my previous post. I seem to be having a Louisa Harding moment -- I've seen other patterns by her in the past, and even own one of her books, but suddenly I love most everything I see by her. Strange. The pattern is Yvette from French Girl, but I have always loved most everything I see by her. This pattern will be another attempt to knit something strictly for keeping warm, but keeping the hands free to type or do things around the house, since the Gossamer Wrap didn't turn out like I had hoped. This will be for the A-t-mn.

When I arrived home, the postman had brought the new Persephone newsletter and catalog. If you're not familiar with them, I highly recommend putting your address on their mailing list, to see what they offer. They're a small shop and publisher in London that reprints women's fiction (some male authors are here too), mostly from the early to mid 20th century. They've brought back novels and other books that were out of print, and otherwise lost to us. Dorothy Whipple, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Katherine Mansfield, Viginia and Leonard Woolf, Marghanita Laski, and many others are here. Some authors are decidedly feminist, others less so. There are some charming housekeeping books and other books describing life on the homefront through several wars. A few of the books are available on cassette or CD for those that prefer to listen while they knit.

My favorite is Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson, which was recently made into a film. The film was wonderful (add to Netflix queue if you've not seen it), but the book is even so much better!! Next I hope to read Greenery Street by Denis Mackail. "Greenery Street can be read on two levels -- it is a touching description of a young couple's first year together in London, but it is also a homage -- something rare in fiction -- to happy married life." So true -- most fiction and films end their story with a wedding, the happily ever after. But post-wedding is when the story really begins, and I'd love to see more books and films with positive examples of married life. Maybe Patrick Dempsey, in a sort of sequel to his current film, could star in one too. :)

Comments

[Sydney]

Bloglines seems to be having one of its moments. Yvette is cute. Hopefully it will work out better for you around the house.

[Chris]

Although I'm not a big fan of the early 20th century stuff, it's cool that they're reprinting it!

[Rebecca]

Thanks for reminding me that I wanted to read Miss Pettigrew!

It is a little weird to think about not having my own bike--but I don't ever ride by myself, so I don't think I'd miss it.

I've decided not to sign up for anything longer than a half marathon for a while after my next marathon (at the end of May), and am really looking forward to not feeling guilty when I "only" run 15 miles, or "only" run 4 days a week!

[suitcaseofcourage]

You're going to LOVE Greenery Street! It'll be a great read at the beach!

[robin]

That's a great thought about wanting to see more positive examples of married life - there really are not that many positive portrayals of that sort in the media. Yet, if we think about real couples among our friends and family, I'm sure we can come up with many inspiring examples!

[Kristen]

Those are pretty patterns; I could have used a wrap like that on a cool evening like tonight.
I like the idea behind Persephone, so that books of the past won't be lost. I'll definitely be adding Miss Pettigrew to the Netflix queue when it comes out on DVD. Hmmm, or should I read it first?

[sarah]

It's fun to have new patterns! I do like a lot of Hardings patterns too, the photographs are always nice to look at.

[Sheepish Annie]

Persephone sounds wonderful! Of course I might be just a bit biased since that is The Big, Fluffy Kitty's real name...

[2paw]

We are in A-t-mn right now and just 19 days away from W*nt*r!!! I like your planing ahead!!