I used to share many links on this blog and then I just stopped. I’m costantly coming across cool links, and great resources that I wish I had the time to use! I’m also really great at procrastination and putting off hard work.

Of course, I’m assuming I have LOADS of readers and I will continue in that fantasy.

Books and reading resources

Japanese knittings books - YIPPEE. Now I don’t have to guess what they are on Amazon. Aimee/Holly can we get these for the store? Like this one:

Want tips on how to start a fair isle project? Need direction on what to read? Well head on over to the Fair Isle & Norwegian Knitting blog.

How about color theory? Fiber Fool can help you out with that!

Need help coming up with a color palette? This tool does it for you by picking out the colors from a photo! Or look through these.

Does that pattern call for a discontinued Rowan yarn? Yes?! Here you go for substitutions.

Crafty fiberists

Flint Knits: check out her Autumn Aran Sock made from adapting an aran sweater pattern.

Pine Cone Lodge: wonderful fair isle work. She’s doing a pattern out of the Poetry in Stitches book.

Honeybee33’s tutorial on bust darts is complete and detailed. Perfect for those that need some extra consideration in their knitting.

Wanna get technical with that spinning? Start here.

Are you up for a mystery sock challenge? Maia Spins has put together a 4 part pattern: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Happy FRIDAY!

Yesterday on my drive home, bored out of my mind, I was thinking about my top 5 singer/songwriters and who would they be. This was sparked by some “Cinnamon Girl” playing on Sirius and my love for Neil Young. And then I started thinking about the two things I would need if I had to get rid of my possessions. Music and books. I could survive with those two in my life but would be sad to not have my beading, knitting, or spinning hobby to keep them company. I digress back to my top 5 singer/songwriters, here’s my list and split by gender:

1. Neil Young - THE MAN. He doesn’t need instruments to make beautiful songs. He knows how to construct memorable lyrics, and sing with a soulful voice.

2. Bob Dylan - Blashphemous that he’s not #1 on my list. He just doesn’t compare to Neil.

3. Elliott Smith - WOW. Why, oh why, did he have to die so soon?

4. Johnny Cash - What can you say about the man in black that hasn’t already been said?

5. Nick Drake - Another one that died too young.

And for the ladies:

1. Bjork - she may have poor fashion sense but this woman is incredible. Her ear for sounds is incredible.

2. Cat Power aka Chan Marshall - whether she’s drunk or not this woman can produce some heart wrenching songs.

3. PJ Harvey - such a strong voice in such a small body.

4. Patti Smith - THE queen of cool.

5. Neko Case - She has several albums out and they just keep getting better.

Do you have any favorites?

Now for the two things to do. I was just reading Erin’s post about what to do if money were no object. For me, I would say travel to Japan for 3 months, and volunteer at an animal shelter. I’m obsessed with the Japanese culture and feel the need to get immersed, live among that society and return with arms full of kimonos. As for animal shelter, there is plenty of animals that need help and assistance.