secondary considerations
I'm now into the second week of writing my second book. I think I'm finding a new routine, but this book is different to the first and thus requires a slightly different approach. With the result that all other meaningful thought processes have had to go out of the window for the time being.
And this is why I forgot to say that the scarf - perfect for an automaton's brain - is indeed My So Called Scarf. I'm knitting it on 7mm needles (one bamboo, one plastic because I have no idea where their partners are - maybe supporting a dahlia somewhere or skewering a child's paper sculpture - who knows?). I have 40, not 30 stitches, because I like wider scarfs because I get very, very cold in winter, and I am just going to knit until it's long enough to wrap round my neck and keep my front warm.
It's also why I forgot to say that I'm afraid I won't be giving out the recipes for the wonderful gingerbread I made recently or for yesterday's marmalade buns, even though some of you asked very, very nicely. I have my reasons.
It's also why a bottle of champagne and watching Singin' in the Rain were the height of Simon's birthday celebrations yesterday. He is very forgiving and enjoyed the brilliance of the film far more than I'd expected. I now realise that was probably something to do with the champagne.
And in the midst of all these secondary considerations, there are some lovely pieces of publicity coming up for my first book. I promise I won't forget to tell you about them when I can.
Lovely scarf! I actually just started the so-called scarf this week, too. I'd been thinking about it forever and finally found a yarn I like for it.
Posted by: lifexhistory | September 13, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Ohhh publicity ... I am liking the sound of that!
Intrigued to know the theme of the second book to. Hmmm.
Posted by: Gemma | September 13, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Jane, I'm really looking forward to your book and can imagine its making a wonderful Christmas present for a number of nieces and nephews who have recently been married and are starting families. Will it be available in the U.S.? Amazon USA doesn't mention it (yet); I don't know if that means anything. But it looks like a winner, and your American fans need to know!
Posted by: Luise | September 13, 2007 at 03:14 PM
"Craft, style and intellectual pleasures....." What a nice review in AmazonUK. I'm buzzing over to the American Amazon to see if you're listed yet.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport | September 13, 2007 at 03:20 PM
I have been enjoying your blog over the last couple of months - I'm finally catching up! - and I very much look forward to your book. I find your blog and your craft incredibly inspiring and full of hope and wonder.
Please do let us know about any upcoming publicity, and good luck with your second book! I look forward to it!
Posted by: Alisha Irish | September 13, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Hey! Can't wait for your book!
I made a so called scarf too:
http://flickr.com/photos/fairbanksfancygoods/869682381/
Your blog is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Fanny | September 13, 2007 at 03:26 PM
I have been enjoying your blog over the last couple of months - I'm finally catching up! - and I very much look forward to your book. I find your blog and your craft incredibly inspiring and full of hope and wonder.
Please do let us know about any upcoming publicity, and good luck with your second book! I look forward to it!
Posted by: Ali | September 13, 2007 at 03:28 PM
That yarn looks so spectacular with that pattern. Even though I am making mine in Malabrigos 'Violettas' I feel the urge to make another one with that Manos yarn you are using. The blue bits just pop out so nicely.
Posted by: Shelly | September 13, 2007 at 03:28 PM
Those are such beautiful colors - very lovely scarf. Can't wait to see the book on US bookshelves :)
Posted by: mellowbeing | September 13, 2007 at 03:45 PM
Oooh publicity, intriguing. I am so desperately hoping to hear you on Woman's Hour one day, I think you would make a wonderful guest.
Posted by: Rebecca | September 13, 2007 at 05:36 PM
II) Will there be apron moments?
Posted by: wren | September 13, 2007 at 06:04 PM
Looking forward to seeing you on the late night chat shows!
Posted by: Alice C | September 13, 2007 at 07:01 PM
Ooo, I love that Manos colourway, Bramble, izzit? I have a bag of frogged Bramble just waiting for its second chance to become a sweater. But I won't photograph it half as nice as you.
Can't wait for the book!
Posted by: Protagitron | September 13, 2007 at 10:31 PM
It is so interesting that you are knitting this scarf. I saw it a while back, had the exact yarn, which I love. I started knitting but ended up frogging it. I LOVE the way the right side makes little hatch marks, but hated the reverse in garter stitch. My yarn turned into a 3x3 rib with rows of pom-pom attached to each end.
Posted by: Happy Hands | September 13, 2007 at 11:39 PM
That scarf is gorgeous!
Posted by: elissa | September 14, 2007 at 12:37 AM
It's a beautiful scarf Jane. I am a "cold neck person" - can't go anywhere in winter without a scarf (even in Sydney!) - so am always on the look out for new scarf patterns, thank you. The second book sounds VERY promising!!! and the first book looks so gorgeous - can't wait to get my hands on it.
Posted by: catherine | September 14, 2007 at 12:42 AM
What a beautiful scarf! Can't wait to hear what the new book is about. And just to add my voice to the US people, when will your book be available to us? Has the publisher told you yet?
Looking forward to seeing it.
Posted by: Kylie | September 14, 2007 at 01:34 AM
That Scarf looks like the perfect weight~ Keep going! There is nothing worse than a to-short scarf.
Posted by: sandi@ the whistlestop cafe | September 14, 2007 at 02:08 AM
I'm also looking forward to the US version, but if it's not in the works, you can bet I'll be ordering it from Amazon.co.uk! I'm so excited!
By the way, I made the same scarf in Malabrigo, extra wide, and I love it! Such a perfect knit for watching TV. I think I'll make another soon.
Posted by: jiru | September 14, 2007 at 04:38 AM
Your book is listed on both the Chapters.ca & Amazon.ca bookstores for a December release in Canada. I've added it to my Chapters wishlist...
Posted by: Paula | September 14, 2007 at 04:42 AM
Your book is on my basket since February :) I just wish I could have it signed. That publicity won't include a tour passing, let's say, through Portugal? We have good wines here... ;)
Posted by: teresa c. | September 14, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I was most excited to pre order you book from amazon.co.uk many weeks ago. I will look forward to it being posted my way. But like many others, would love to see it published here, and a tour from you with a book signing...
Posted by: Georgia | September 14, 2007 at 11:23 AM
I love reading your blog, you inspire me every day. I do hope your book will be available in the US. I look forward to it!
Posted by: Wendy | September 16, 2007 at 02:42 AM
Great scarf. I am making a scarf too but can only do knit stitch...how do you do the slip stitch and purl bit for us real beginners:-)
Good luck with the book.
Posted by: Alison | September 16, 2007 at 09:34 AM
You've inspired me to pull out my Manos for a So-Called Scarf too.
What colorway are you using?
Posted by: Red | September 19, 2007 at 03:21 PM