Austentatious!

Yes, I have a thing for Austen. I didn’t realize how extensive it was till I started digging through my collection.

It has even snuck into my knitting. On my to due list Darcy Shawlette,

The Dashwood Sisters Shawl and the Miss Woodhouse Shawlette

I have the famous novels… a few copies of each

The Complete Novels of Jane Austen: Seven Great English Classics (sc)

The Complete Works of Jane Austen (2 ebooks)

• Sense and Sensibility (1811) (1 hc, 1 sc, 3 ebooks)
• Pride and Prejudice (1813) (1 collector ed, 1 hc, 1sc, 3 ebooks)
• Mansfield Park (1814) (2hc, 1sc, 3 ebooks)
• Emma (1815) (2hc, 1 sc, 3 ebooks)
• Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous) (1sc, 3 ebooks)
• Persuasion (1818, posthumous) (1hc, 1sc, 3 ebooks)

Short fiction

• Lady Susan (1794, 1805) (ebook)

Unfinished fiction

• The Watsons (1804) (ebook)
• Sanditon (1817) (1hc)

and ebook copies too, because you can’t go anywhere without Jane!

All of the above on Kobo Glow, Kobo Arc and Sony ereader.

 

Films, Audio tapes, and Ebooks 

Death at Pemberley by PD. James (audio)

Pride and Prejudice (DVD 1995) A&E starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (the best!)

And the more recent Pride and Prejudice (2005)

and an older BBC version.

Bride and Prejudice (2004) Bollywood musical (enjoyed it)

Persuasion (1995) – my fav

Sense and Sensibility (2008 – VHS) Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant (the best)

Emma (1996) Kate Beckinsale (best of the two)

Emma (1996) Gwynth Paltrow (not as good)

I also indulge in continuations of her novels and there are a lot out there.

My favourites are by Linda Berdoll,

*Mr Darcy takes a Wife and *Darcy and Elizabeth

My comment: Miss Austen, being as single lady of her age and time, probably would have been shocked by this more realistic view of married life. This is the Darcy and Lizzie you imagine as a married couple! I am so fond of these books, originally owned them in trade paperback, I also purchased them in ebook!

Some other  delightful series

 Sharon Lathan has also written a rather good series related to Pride and Prejudice. This series sounds more Austen.

1. *Mr & Mrs Fitzwiliam Darcy: Two shall become one
2. *Loving Mr. Darcy
3. My Dearest Mr. Darcy
4. In the Arms of Mr. Darcy (Don’t have)
5. Miss Darcy falls in Love
6. The Trouble with Mr. Darcy
7. The Passions of Mr. Darcy (the story of Darcy’s Uncle George)
8. A Darcy Christmas (Don’t have)

I have also been collecting the Pemberley Chronicals by Rebecca Ann Collins

1. *The Pemberley Chronicles
2. *The Women of Pemberley
3. Netherfield Park Revisited
4. The Ladies of Longbourn
5. Mr Darcy’s Daughter (don’t have)
6. My Cousin Caroline
7. Postscript from Pemberley (don’t have)
8. Recollections of Rosings (don’t have)
9. A Woman of Influence
10. The Legacy of Pemberley (don’t have)

  I like this series but Austen’s voice is missing.

Rebecca Ann Collins has also written Expectations of Happiness a follow-up to Sense and Sensibility

Found these in ebook format

Georgiana’s Diary by Anna Elliott eb. a free ebook

and Colonel Brandon’s Diary by Amanda Grange eb. preview I am seriously thinking about purchasing this one. Has anyone read it?

Some other recent finds:

I also have a collection of short stories *Dancing with Mr. Darcy

How about from Darcy’s point of view

*Darcy’s Passion by Regina Jeffers – Don’t let the title through you it isn’t bad

*Captain Wentworth’s Persuasion by Regina Jeffers  sc.- Rather good till just before the end. Spys and nonsence creeps in. 4/5th of the book is worth reading.

How about letters, and Diaries?

Austen began writing in this form then moved to the more conventional novel format. I enjoy epistolary books (letters) and Diaries.

*Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Maya Slater sc. (rather good)

*Dear Mr Darcy by Amanda Grange tpb (very good)

*Letters from Pemberley by Jane Dawkins tpb (very good)

Looking forward to reading these recent finds :0)

 

Mr. Darcy’s Little Sister by C. Allyn Pierson tpb.

Only Mr. Darcy will do by Kara Louise tpb.

The Truth About Mr. Darcy by Susan Adriani tpb.

and my DH found this in the last copy section of Chapters :0)

*Darcy and Fitzwilliam by Karen V. Wasylowski – delightful and unusual take on Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relationship. Totally recommend this slightly off beat book. :0) sc.

Other recent purchases, as yet unread

The Darcy Cousins by Monica Fairview

The Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Pamela Mingle

The Bad Miss Bennet by Jean Burnett (Lydia)

 There are reference books and biographies as well.

Jane Austen: A life by Claire Tomlin tbp

A Brief Guide to Jane Austen: The Life and Times of the World’s Favourite Author by Charles Jennings sc.

*The Complete World of Jane Austen by Lauren Nixon hc. (total disappointment, wouldn’t bother with this one)

My family and friends keep me well supplied, and DH & DS but up with my Austen observations.

Just for fun go check out The Republic of Pemberley website for everything Austen. DH found it while surfing the net…awesome!

Note: * = have read, sc.= softcover, tpb. = trade paperback, hc. = hardcover, eb. = ebook

WIP Weds: Cast on mania week 4!

I have been beavering away on wk1, wk2  and wk3, finished everything to date.

Cast on Mania Ravelry Forum

(here’s the to do list for the month)

2/21/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!

Box #16, I gave this a light steam press

 2/22/13 Toddler Tootsies #1 

Sock 1 of the 6th pair

 2/23/13 Toddler Tootsies #2 

2/24/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!

2/25/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

58 hexs, lightly pressed

 2/26/13 Toddler Tootsies part#1 

part 1, pair #7

2/27/13 Toddler Tootsies #2 

part 2

2/28/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

(Just a little ahead of schedule)

Hex 60

2/18/13 Easy Peazy Shawl For my Kal group This is a larger project, I am endeavouring to finish this before the end of the month.

Last quarter mile

Audiobook: Tale of Two Cities

Current WIP List (13)

1. Top Down Swing Pullover – One sleeve done
2. Easy Peazy Shawl 2.0 For my Kal group
3. Toddler Tootsies #1 Pair 6
4. Toddler Tootsies #2 Pair 7
5. My Spring Socks – My design
6. Beryl Blanket – Long term project (2 hexs for Cast on Mania)
7. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project (2 Box for Cast on Mania)
8. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost
9. Kelp Forest Shawlette – very close to done
10. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
11. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
12. Cozy Winter Shawl
13. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 = 19

WIPS 2013 =  11 + 2 = 13

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 7 = 27

Stash Used 2013 =  11

Books 2013 = 9

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Insanity, sign me up!

Finished one new Sock! Unfortunately feet come in twos.

New Toe-up sock with spiral toe and after thought heels and fake cuff. Looking for test knitters. Watch for further details ;0)

January Jar!

January Jar inspection.

Yes I have gone totally NUTZ!

I have signed up for 28 WIPS in February.

Joined a new Ravelry group… island yarn company group

The Challenge for February

“The purpose of COM is to combat the general doldrums of February by doing something we knitters all love to do every day….cast on something new. Yes, it is crazy, but lots and lots of fun!”

So here is my list!

2/1/13: A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!

 28 days of WIP’s

 wk1 – Done
2/1/13: A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!
2/2/13: Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard
2/3/13: Wingspan with yarn sweetheart gave me for Christmas :0)
2/4/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/5/13 Toddler Tootsies#2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/6/13 Shawl Collared Cowl by Alana Dakos
wk2
2/7/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!
2/8/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard
2/9/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/10/13 Toddler Tootsies #2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/11/13 Knitted short Row Heart – made for both my fellas for Valentines
2/12/13 Footies For my Kal group
2/13/13 Footies For my Kal group
wk3
2/14/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!
2/15/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard
2/16/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/17/13 Toddler Tootsies #2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/18/13 Easy Peazy Shawl For my Kal group
2/19/13 Yarn Ball Cozy For my Kal group
2/20/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard
wk4
2/21/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!
2/22/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/23/13 Toddler Tootsies #2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/24/13 A Box of Boxes Blanket My stashbusting design!
2/25/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard
2/26/13 Toddler Tootsies #1My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/27/13 Toddler Tootsies #2My stashbusting design, I have to knit 6 pair for charity.
2/28/13 Beryl Blanket by Juliet Bernard

Wish me Luck!

Note I am still working on my WIP’s, Reading and Listening to Audiobooks, Craft group, Knitting Club and Physiotherapy etc. February doldrums, I won’t have time for them :0)

This week seen on Ravelry: Heather’s Cowl by Anna Daku I just love this one!

Audiobook of the week: The Ambassadors by Henry James

Listen here

FO’s 2013 = 6

WIPS 2013 = 10

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 6 = 28

Stash Used 2013 = 4

Books 2013 = 8

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Declaration of War!

Yes War has been declared!

Leftover SockYarn Bunny season is open!

Image courtesy: knittingpatterndepot.blogspot.com Thanks!

 

Beryl Blanket = 42 + 10 = 52 1/2 (Hexes Finished so far)

There is a puff version on ravely, that didn’t appeal to me as much. I don’t think it would survive the boyz and the furry moths! Here is my first experiment with half Hexes to even up the salvage, at the bottom edge.

Box of Boxes Blanket = 9

Just came to me one night as I was drifting off. I have odd balls of sockyarn leftovers I want to use up. The full squares are 5″ and quarters are 2 1/2″.

I have to find a project for DK, Worsted and Bulky yarn Bunnies next! Anyone with suggestions?

I finished the Modjeska Hat for DH late last night

Fits him nicely. He wares a rather large hat and he doesn’t like ribbing, so I modified the pattern with a facing. It will look good with his winter coat which is this green and black.

Found on Ravelry: My Fair Cardi by Julie Farmer

This freebie caught my eye sometime ago.

Music to knit by: Pachelbel’s Canon in D

Audio book for the day: Shakespeare’s Sonnets by William Shakespeare

Current WIP List (10)

1. Modjeska Hat
2. Top Down Swing Pullover
3. Beryl Blanket – Long term project
4. Box of Boxes Blanket – Long term project
5. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost done
6. Kelp Forest Shawlette – very close to done
7. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
8. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
9. Cozy Winter Shawl
10. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

FO’s 2013 = 5 + 1 = 6

WIPS 2013 = 10 – 1 = 9 

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 6 = 28

Stash Used 2013 = 2 + 2 = 4

Books 2013 = 8

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Weds

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

And Jack’s back in Jail again!

He goes to jail every time he bugs Willow. He is spending less time in Jail, but he hides under the chair when he sees me get up, to but him in it :0)

WIP Weds: The Celebration Continues!

The festivities continue! My 2nd Blogaversary was yesterday, 

Last Friday’s gift was Toddler Tootsies pdf  so today I have a 2nd present for you :0)

Micah’s Blanky

Great gift for a Baby Shower, or child’s birthday. At 24”x36” it is the perfect size for a crib, stroller, or a car seat.This comfy little blanket is knit from the bottom-up with Garter stitch borders and a flat edge stitch detail. Knit in worsted, so works up quickly. The lace design is worked over 4 rows with only 2 lace rows to remember.

Micah’s Blankie

So on to my Works in Progress, it is Wednesday after all!

DH has been bugging for a new hat since DS pinched his. Truth is they both need a new one! Well I had been thinking about doing The Modjeska Hat that  texaspurlgurl gifted me last month. So here we go!

I modified the pattern by making a facing rather than ribbed edge. Living in Canada, my fella prefers a double thickness over his ears.

I continue to work on what I have now dubbed my Christmas sweater!

Moved to box as it is getting too large for my bag, and my furry children were getting too interested in it.

It may not be done till next Christmas ;0)

I have been Spring cleaning or fresh starting would be more accurate.

In shuffling through my Ravelry pgs.

I realized I have purchased 34 patterns and have only made 6!

New List! I love lists they make me feel so organized!

Current WIP List (9)

1. Modjeska Hat
2. Top Down Swing Pullover
3. Beryl Blanket – Long term project
4. Easy Peazy Shawl – almost done
5. Kelp Forest Shawlette – very close to done
6. Ruffle Scarf – for the fall Bazaar so no hurry
7. SPROUT – Growing Roots vest
8. Cozy Winter Shawl 
9. Pine Forest Baby Blanket

Audiobook I am reading while knitting:

Walden by Henry David Thoreau Read by Gord Mackenzie. I read this years ago, and found in it a call to simplification of life.

Book this week: The Warden by Anthony Trollope (Ebook)

I am so fond of The Barchester Chronicles Series I bought the Complete works of Anthony Trollope for my Kobo (only $2.88) There are books in this collection that are no longer in print, plus other writings and biography! This book is a particular favourite. The main character is such a nice little man and you really feel for him all the way through. Delightful, a classic worth reading!

Music offering: “Great Big Sea” was such a success last week here is

Old Brown’s Daughter beautiful  acapella.

FO’s 2013 = 5

WIPS 2013 = 9

Used of purchased patterns from Rav = 34 – 6 = 28

Stash Used 2013 = 2

Books 2013 = 8

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

WIP Weds: Top and Toes

Hello all! <wave>

Guess what I’ve been up to! It has been so warm around here, all the snow has melted off the front lawn. So much for living in the Great White North. I’ve decided to Spring clean in January…

I was looking at my Ravelry Queue and was shocked that it had 647 projects in it, so with a little trimming here and there I am down to just the essential 562 :0)

And Knitting!

Pure and Simple Top Down Swing Pullover by Diane Soucy

Working on the left sleeve, still to finish body and right sleeve.

Toddler Tootsies (my design)

Toddler Socks for my 2yr blog anniversary, gift pattern coming up :0)

Did you see this on Ravelry:   This week Modjeska Hat by Tracey Grzegorczyk  this pattern was on my queue wish list. texaspurlgurl generously gifted it to me last month. She noticed my Scrap Jar on Ravelry Radar and sent me this treat.  Hope to make it for DH soon.

Book of the week: Mr Darcy takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll

I have read this many times, a great continuation of “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. This is the first of 2 books about Darcy and Elizabeth. I like how Linda Berdoll, depicted their evolving marrried relationship. I enjoyed this book so much, I purchased it for my new Ereader. Well worth it as I reread favourite books every few years. This is one of a few dozen, especially after reading “Pride and Prejudice”. (read recently)

Audiobook of the week: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Music Link: Fields of Gold Sung by Sting

FO’s 2013 =  3

WIPS 2013 = 9 + 1 = 10

Stash Used 2013 =  1

Books 2013 = 4 + 3 = 7

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: New Knitting & Notions

Good morning all, hope the week has been treating you well, and you are recovering from the holiday festivities. This is not a resolution, but I am planning to lose 20 lbs. this year. My mother has the right idea, ask someone who has lost weight and kept it off. So I am taking advice and reducing my intake of white foods. Think about it, Bread, potato, rice, sugar, cream… kinda makes sense. I’ll let ya know, I’m a carboholic so this might not be so easy!

Meanwhile I have nothing finished yet. Started a sweater Jan 1.

However I did get some after Christmas fibre related treats from DH and that with some Christmas $$$ he got me this. I think he feels a little sorry about my delapidated state. I have physi-ow today, so things should start to improve soon.

I had been looking at this book for most of the year, a great reference for construction of almost every type of top-down sweater.

7 skeins, including the trade-in, I really hope I have enough.

With Sweethearts permission I exchanged one ball of yarn and purchased the six remaining balls for my Pure and Simple Topdown swing pullover.

and exchanged the larger knitting pattern folder for the smaller one, it fits better in my knitting bag.

Oh, and for after Christmas leftovers a recipe.

It was even better the next day for lunch, must make extra food next time, or limit consumption by guests ;0)

Turkey Dinner Casserole by me:0)

Yes totally simple, using leftovers and adding in, if the guests ate some needed ingredients. Tasted as good as the original dinner! I wouldn’t use Turkey gravy, makes it too oily and heavy, hense the soup… Enjoy!

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1/4 cup of milk + 1/8 cup left over coffee cream (wanted to use it up)

1 1/2 cup Diced Cooked Baby Carrots

1 cup Cooked Mashed Turnips

1 can Diced Potatoes (none leftover from dinner)

Mix these ingredients together in large Casserole

1 can of Cranberrry sauce spread over top

and spread the remains of the turkey stuffing over top of that.

If you find yourself short of anything you can substitute eg. stove top stuffing or   whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Bake uncovered at 350F for 45 mins to 1hr.

This was a big hit around here!

The first audiobook for this year: Wuthering Height by Emily Bronte

read here

FO’s 2013 = 0

WIPS 2013 = 7 + 1 = 8

Stash Used 2013 = 0

Books 2013 = 1 + 2 = 3

Thanks again for visiting,

cya Friday

I’m off to visit Tami’s, then on to my blogwalk

come join me in the blogpond :0)

FO Friday: Getting ready for Christmas

 

Hello again! I continue to recover.

Not a very productive week.

Still working on my WIP’s, hope to get them done before the end of the year.

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

 If ya missed your The Hobbit Bombur’s Travelling Socks here it is.

With 11 days till Christmas I thought this would be a good read.

This weeks Audio book: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Story,  Merry Christmas enjoy!

   

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next Friday.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)

List: A pleasure to listen, Audiobooks

One of my true pleasures is to knit and listen. Here are some links I hope you will enjoy too!

• The Ginch that stole Christmas by Dr Seuss (read by Boris Karloff
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
• North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
• The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (all three books)
• Shakespeare’s Sonnets by William Shakespeare
  

The Ginch that stole Christmas part 1 and 2 by Dr Seuss (read by Boris Karloff)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

One of my favourites, written in 1855, along with “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, this would be a must have on a desert island.

Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,

25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,

36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,

46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 (of 52)

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, (of 5)

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkein

This is an old favourite, I started this as a refresher for the upcoming film release. Here is the whole thing!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 (of 3)

The Lord of the Rings (all three books) by JRR Tolkien 

Here are the all the links to the complete audio book,

Part 1 to 6,   Part 7 to 9.2

  Part 10, Part 11, Part 12 and Part 13  (of 13)

 

FO Friday: Finally, the finish line! Almost!

Hello all, yet another busy week.

It began with the a visitors on Saturday, out of town Christening on Sunday, trips to the vet, craft group, physio, Advent study, and knitting lots of knitting.

The Ladies knitting and crocheting, I need to get a picture of the quilters too. This is the only photo I have, sorry girls.

The plans for the Craft sale are well on the way. The signs are up and ads are in the papers. The ladies are making last minute items, and arranging for baked goods. We are still raising funds for a wheelchair ramp into our 157 yr old church hall.

Saturday December 8th, from 10 – 2:00 at St Georges Church, Newcastle Ontario Cda. Please come if you can.

Fabulous Fake Fingerless Mitts

Made from stash with leftover buttons. The little straps don’t show very well.

This pattern was designed by and available at Soper Creek Yarns.

Frill Seeker scarves

 1, 2, 3 I have 3 more to do :0(

“Bombur’s Travelling Socks”.

This weeks Audio book: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4,

Part 5, (1 of 5)

FO’s 2012 =  69 + 4 = 73

Patterns from my own Library = 6

WIP’s 2012 = 4 – 4 + 1 = 1

Stash used 2012 =  77 + 4 = 81

Beryl Blanket Hexes =  48

Books = 40

Thanks again for visiting,

cya next week.

WIP Weds and Friday’s at Tami’s

For links to my blogwalk come join me in the blogpond :0)