Wild Bikini Knitting

I know the title of the post scared you. you thought this woman is always grousing about her neck, how totally scary will it be if she is knitting bikinis! C'mon! Happily I tell you that I am not knitting or wearing scanty swimwear. Frankly, I don't wear bathing suits if I can help it and certainly not in public. I was totally honored to have been asked to read and review a "knitter" book, "How to Knit a Wild Bikini" from Penguin Books. Very cool.

So I read it.

And I have to tell you I struggled, I have to say that it was not my favorite book and I feel kind of bad telling you that. More importantly though, I think I have to keep my integrity and be honest about it. Having said that YOU might like it a lot, really. As normal with books, it all boils down to genre. We can (and are) all different in many respects, and that is fine!


So, let's dish! I did love the knitter community in the book, "Malibu and Ewe"----- it was warm and happy and, well, knitterly. The female lead character, Nikki Carmichael, was engaging, funny, and real in a lot of ways. And she found knitting as a way to relax, unwind and be happy---- nothing wrong with that!

The things I did not like about the book are pretty simple--- and may in fact be the things you absolutely love when it comes to pleasure reading. I do not have a man in my life and do not want one....... reading about romantic and sometimes se*y stuff........... well, it just didn't do it for me. If you love romance books this might be something you just love! I'm going to pass it on to avid reader and knitter RMS----- she will give me the truth from her angle as well!

Author Christie Ridgeway does write a very cute blog---- and again, if I were more of a fan of the romance novel genre I think I'd be much more of a fan of the book. Based on pure 'style', Ms. Ridgeway is a very good writer and based on the number of books she has published a very successful one.

All in all, I'd give the book 3 out of 5 and the book is scheduled to be released early June, 2008. Again--- my personal opinion.

I'm just about finished with "Comfort Food", the soon to be released novel from Kate Jacobs---- Kate, Kate, Kate----- don't be nervous please, I really like "Comfort Food" a lot!

Now----- (smile) a lawn update!!!

A total stranger stopped me yesterday to tell me how gorgeous my lawn was. Why yes, it is! I mowed that baby 3 times last week and I think it will take 2-3 times this week as well. Good thing that pushing the little rotary mower gives me plenty of exercise! I was out front pruning back the ivy in the pots by the front stairs and pulling a few weeds that had the utter audacity to try and make an appearance in the flower bed.

From the knitting bride front------ here in the studio, we had one of the bridesmaids come in to hire us to shoot her wedding, always a nice compliment. The funny thing is that this future bride leaned over to me and said, "I would love to do a knitting picture with you!" That made me smile, and almost (almost!!!!) took away my shock and horror at the vacuum cleaner story of last weekend.

Lambe is still waiting for the lining to be stitched in. I just LOVE that bag! I've finished the top and the handles and can't wait to show it to you. Super cute! I am actually thinking that I'd like to knit it again as a gift. (Whispering quietly---- the holidays will be here before we know it, isn't that just sad???)

Is anyone out there really cranking out gifts yet? Do tell.............