When the August Bank Holiday is almost upon us, I know that it's the beginning of the end of summer (a summer that never really began this year). Now that Tom & Alice will definitely be leaving in a few weeks, I'm starting to tidy up after the unravelling of quite a few months with teenagers at home. I can feel the first stirrings of organisation coming from Tom & Alice : buying text books, making lists of stuff for halls of residence, applying for student cards, and this is making me take stock and sort out the loose ends of summer.
There are also a few blogging loose ends that need to be wound up into neat balls, like the skeins of tapestry wools I use to knit colourful edges.
:: There is a review of The Gentle Art of Knitting on Knitty which is a huge honour, as this was the first knitting website I discovered a long time ago, and it's still brilliant.
:: Amy Singer who is the brains behind Knitty is running what sounds like an excellent workshop in Wales in October with Brenda Dayne, the voice behind Cast On, the Podcast. Amy is one of the most yarn-committed people I have ever met - she is passionate about knitting and knows a thing or two about it.
:: Another friend with a textile passion, this time French linens, is Victoria who also knows a thing or two about her subject (she has taught me plenty). She'd like help with what will be a fascinating project; I can't say any more about it, but I know it's something that a huge number of this blog's readers would find interesting.
:: Yesterday, I put up then took down a post about discovering that someone who had been leaving long, long comments which have caused a kerfuffle (as they say on Little Britain) had done so under three different anonymous/pseudonymous names. The penny dropped when I looked up an IP number and I decided that I was going to play host no longer. I have deleted all his/her comments, and will now be less willing to leave suspect contributions where they can be read. Multiple-identity commenters make a mockery of blog discussions and keeping on top of the incoming comments could turn into a game of Splat the Rat - not something I want to play.
:: Here's a review of the second book in the 'Clever Concepts' series for children which is published on 1 September. The subject is colour ('color' in the book) and it was a delight to write and photograph. I'm very pleased it's called Ruby, Violet, Lime and not something like Red, Yellow, Blue because one of the most enjoyable things I did with Tom, Alice, and Phoebe when they were little was teach them lots and lots of colours, and I loved it when we found books that went beyond the predictable shades. Never for one moment thinking I would one day do it myself.
You are a brilliant writer and blogger and your pieces always liven up my day. Why people think it necessary to place comments under assumed names amazes me - they are sad and need to get a life. Ignore them if you can and continue to inspire - you excel at what you do...
Posted by: Susan | August 24, 2011 at 16:38
Am loving the colour combinations you've shown here!! All fresh and zingy.
Posted by: Lois | August 24, 2011 at 17:51
Dear Ms. Brocket -- I absolutely loved The Gentle Art of Knitting and thought of you immediately when I saw the Elise sweater in the new issue of Knitcircus magazine online. "String of Pearls" I thought to myself; and, sure enough, it was.
Posted by: Mary G. | August 24, 2011 at 18:27
Amazing that folks can't just leave a comment - just one, with their real opinion - and leave it at that.
Anyway, your tablecloth reminds me of the embroidered ladies quilt - I'm waiting for that one quite eagerly!
Posted by: Lisa G. | August 24, 2011 at 18:36
Thank you for the perfect timing! I'm a librarian and someone just asked the other day for a color book that wasn't just red, yellow, blue. I've just placed an order for 4 copies for all our branches, now all I have to do is remember who was asking for it so I tell them about it.
Posted by: Julie | August 24, 2011 at 18:46
Jane, you are someone who has provided a huge amount of inspiration and enlightenment to so many people. It is a sad day when there are others who see your blog and all that you have made it into as a ticket to air their own personal yarns, keep them in the bin where they belong.
Just as they would say in L.B. - 'The computer says no'
Posted by: aneela | August 24, 2011 at 19:06
Lovely colours.
Looking forward to the new book - a book I am definitely goint to look out for for my grandchildren.
Julie xxxxxx
Posted by: Julie | August 24, 2011 at 20:11
As Julie above says, looking forward to your next book for my grandson. I was wondering what to get him for a 'just because' pressie!
Posted by: Harriet | August 24, 2011 at 20:17
We'll be getting the new book, my little girl just loves Spiky, Slimy, Smooth!
Posted by: A Trifle Rushed | August 24, 2011 at 20:38
love the zingy colours...how and why do people have the time and energy to post under different pseudonyms? bizarre. I have to say I'm a little sad that another summer holiday is nearly over.
Posted by: janice | August 24, 2011 at 22:49
The little "cakes" look good enough to eat! What a sweet way to display left over yarn - if only I had the space to show mine like that! I just look at them in my basket from time to time....
Incidentally, in Oxford today, and the Ashmolean has a scrummy selection of cakes and teas if you ever have the time for a visit.... Much improved and extended in the last few years.
Posted by: geraldine | August 25, 2011 at 00:38
I have been listening to Cast On these last few weeks and am very very wanty about leaping on a plane and going to Wales for a knitting retreat.
Did I tell you Gentle Art of Knitting landed in my letterbox a few weeks ago? I'm loving it. Well done you. (Again).
Posted by: suse | August 25, 2011 at 07:13
Jane, we read your blog for pleasure and I found it rather astounding that anyone would be leaving horrible comments. If they don't like it they should just not read on. To go to multiple identity just seems rather pathetic. Well done you for putting your foot down and not accepting this. Your many followers show the popularity of what you are doing here.
Posted by: Karen | August 25, 2011 at 07:15
Good luck with the new book, Jane. Hope it does well. And being a lover of words too, am glad the title is so different from the norm. They could almost be characters!
Dawn x
Posted by: D A Nelson | August 25, 2011 at 08:25
I am new to making comments but I have followed your blog for quite some time now. I first discovered 'The gentle art of domesticity' then the blog. I must say how you have re-inspired me I work full time in an office, paper pushing, long hours! But since finding you I have made time for baking etc again. I also look at the blog every morning before starting work and it makes my day better. I khow this sounds a bit pathetic but I want to thank you because I read about the bad comments and I thought you should know that you make some people happy and more chearful.
Posted by: Toni | August 25, 2011 at 08:33
Jane, as a very keen follower of your blog would also like to add my voice in support of your decision the block the comments of the negative(and probably jealous) person who has been mischief making. As always in life, intergity and honesty will always rise to the top, and your blog is nothing if not full of honesty, integrity, humour and charm. Keep on going with it, and be assured that the vast majority of your readers comment for all the right reasons. Thank you Jane, for being a small, bright spot in our days!
Posted by: Penny | August 25, 2011 at 09:21
Thank you for bringing me so much inspiration and joy from your blog and your books. I have created several wonderful projects inspired by your delicious quilt book. Plus I LOVE the cover. We can't forget the flowers and baking - divine!
Posted by: Poppy Black | August 25, 2011 at 09:31
For a second I thought they were very clever cupcakes! Doh.
Posted by: Jessica | August 25, 2011 at 11:18
How did I ever miss playing Splat the Rat? The worst name for a game my brother and I came up with was "Throw it up and Catch it". :)
Just had our first grandchild two days ago. Looking forward to checking out your "Clever Concepts" series for him. I love the "Gentle Art" books for myself.
Posted by: Susan M. | August 25, 2011 at 14:09
Jane, I love your lemon and lime combos, showing us variations on a colorway theme in a very charming way. I bet that photo will inspire many folks to pick up their needles or hooks!
Best wishes.
Posted by: Frances | August 25, 2011 at 14:31
Thank you for all the enjoyment and enlightenment I've gained from your blog. I love reading about the places you go, the crafty things you get up to and I enjoy the tidbits about your growing kids. I've learned about new blogs that brought much joy and sadness. And today I listened to Cast On for the first time. It's been out there but I just never got there. Now I have 99 episodes to catch up on. I rarely comment on blogs, so that means you have a huge audience of people who, like me, do not drop by to say they appreciate and enjoy what you are doing. Thank you and I hope that you enjoy continuing it for a long time to come.
Posted by: Barbara | August 25, 2011 at 19:05
I do agree that really nasty, cruel comments are distressing and unnecessary and I'm sorry that you suffered them, Jane. But some people seem to be implying that nobody should be allowed to disagree with a blogger's opinions and so open up a discussion. The "if they don't like it they shouldn't read on" idea is only partially a good one- if people aren't allowed to start a debate, what's the point? I really enjoy your blog but rarely read the comments to be honest because they tend toward the sychophantic on occasion. I know that you, Jane, would never shy away from intelligent debate. And I agree that nastiness should be snuffed out. But debate is a good thing, isn't it?
Posted by: Jayne | August 25, 2011 at 19:33
I love your blog and your books. You give so much of yourself, we should be equally honest. I just decided that it was easier to have toddlers than teenagers.
We, too, love naming colours (is there a career in that?) I am interested in how people from different parts of our world call the same colour by different names.
Posted by: LoriAngela | August 25, 2011 at 22:13
Wow! Congratulations on the review in knitty!! You are quite right to feel honored. I hope it helps with sales - everyone should have your book.
I agree with geradine; the little balls of yarn in the cupcake papers look good enough to eat.
Posted by: Linda, Knitting on Circular Needles | August 26, 2011 at 07:20
I really, really enjoy looking at your blog! I am a teenager who was fascinated by her mum's copy of 'The Gentle Art of Domesticity' and has since read your blog faithfully. You are a real inspiration and I generally love your whole outlook on things. Your colour combinations and photos are just great!
Posted by: Nathalie | August 26, 2011 at 14:15
Briefly read the blog post that isn't any longer, and thought, oh heaven's "WHY are people so unpleasant?"
Your blog is my visual eye candy and restful, thought-provoking read. I joyfully own your books because everything you write strikes me in such a positive way.
You go, girl. Take those silly comments down. Those of us who love you will be right here.
Am off to the store for your Knitting book...and Pin-ing your photo of the yarn-cakes above.
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | August 26, 2011 at 18:24
I laughed when I reached the part where you said you didn't want to play "splat the rat" - it so summed up what you would have had to have done had you continued to accept this individual's comments.
I also adored the way you have approached colour with your children. My own learn't to count by counting the Ipomea each morning in our tiny porch. "Heavenly Blue" kind of summed it up. I love the colour violet too and once heard an elderly gentleman in "Boots the Chemist" ask for his wife's prescription. When asked her name, he replied: "Violet Fudge". The stuff of story books.....
Posted by: Cathy Fordham | August 26, 2011 at 19:46
Just received The Gentle Art of Knitting this morning from Amazon and just wanted to let you know I love it. Not a very good knitter and muddling along as best I can I appreciated your attitude of "just have fun" and particularly liked your mother's comment when you asked her how to pick up stitches. Sounds like a woman after my own heart. I am now just going to enjoy myself and not bother if it doesn't turn out quite like the photo.
Thanks again for an inspiring book.
Posted by: margaret davies | August 26, 2011 at 20:44