Thoughts and Observances

The new Vogue Knitting is out. The one sweater I absolutely loved isn't sized big enough for me, and it seems like it might be tricky to do (hence, it wasn't already done.) I do love the fair-isle vest, though.

This issue also has a very informative and interesting article about copyright. I have utmost respect for artists and designers, and I have no bad feelings about needing to buy a pattern or a book or a magazine. It's difficult when it's out of print, but whatever. It's the right thing to do. The only thing mentioned in the article of which I am guilty is using pictures from magazines and books in my blog. I'm not sure I fully understand this. I do understand why you would need permission to use these pictures as a permanent part of your blog, as a design element, and certainly as a part of a "regular" website. What I've done is post pictures of the things I like in an individual entry. Since I'm not "letting the cat out of the bag" and I'm encouraging the purchase of the magazine or book, I'm not sure what's wrong with it. I'm not going to worry about it.

Speaking of Vogue Knitting, have you seen the Stitchionary, Vol. 1? It includes some very interesting stitch patterns, and the pictures are very nice. Gwen and I both love it, and since we both have birthdays in January, and it's not the cheapest book on the shelf, we decided to give it to each other as birthday gifts. It's turned into one of the best ideas I've ever had. I get this fantastic book, and no guilt about spending the money, since I would happily spend it on Gwen for a gift anyway.

Gwen is moving to Kansas City. I am losing my best single-over-thirty-and-we-don't-care girlfriend. She insists that she will move back someday. In the meantime, I will have to learn how to call her more often.

I think I will be abstaining from The Knitting Olympics. I do so love the Olympics, and I will watch as much of it as is broadcasted over the local airwaves, and I will probably knit throughout. However, I can't think of anything that would be an acheivable goal yet a challenge greater than "knitting quickly and frequently". I have a lot of challenges under my bed in the stash, none of which could be finished in 16 days, even though I do have a few days off during that time (i.e. no school on President's Day). Besides, it seems like everyone and their cat is entering. (Poor Stephanie, she's too popular for her own good.) Instead, perhaps I would make a good judge. (Anyone who knows me knows that I would make a good judge. Well, at least I would enjoy it.)

Does anyone else think it's funny that the Executive Director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board is named Shelly Nutt?