For you I have
Two reviews.
A review of a book,
and a movie too.
The Movie
The movie first. Friday night the KOARC and I watched the movie “In Bruges,” starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. The main action takes place (not surprisingly) in Bruges, Belgium.
Hitmen Farrell and Gleeson are sent by boss Fiennes to the lovely medieval city of Bruges to cool their heels after a bungled hit. And of course, hijinks ensue.
This film features a lot of graphic violence but a lot of very dark comedy as well, and the story becomes more and more surreal as the plot unfolds. I’m not a fan of blood and gore films, but while this one was, as I said, pretty graphic, it was filmed (dare I say) tastefully, so that while you knew full well what was happening, and in most cases saw it, it was not a sickening gratuitous blood and gore-fest.
Did that make any sense?
If you are a fan of the slightly absurd, are not turned off by hitmen doing what they do best, and want to see Colin Farrell put in an incredible performance, check this one out. It’s available on DVD.
The Book
The other day I received a review copy of Shibori Knits: The Art of Exquisite Felted Knits, by Gina Wilde. This book’s publication date is next week, I believe.
(Apologies for the seriously sucky photo.)
According to Wikipedia, Shibori is a Japanese term for several methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, or compressing it. Some of these methods are known in the West as tie-dye. Western civilization does not have an exact word equivalent that encompasses all the techniques of shibori.
According to the description of the book on Amazon.com, Shibori Knits highlights the intersection between shibori and knitting, offering 20 patterns that utilize this transformative technique. Internationally acclaimed knitwear designer Gina Wilde guides knitters through three dynamic ways to add shibori to knitting. The first method uses physical resists (marbles or corks) that prevent specific areas of knitting from felting; where there are no resists, the garment does felt, creating unique fabric with bobbles and dimensionality. Another method uses nonfelting fibers as resists—for instance, a silk yarn knit with a wool yarn—to create windowpane effects or even mimic woven strips of fabric when felted. The third method creates ruffles and spirals when the fibers are worked in more than one direction; when felted, the work will shrink differently in the alternate directions. The textures created from each method offer a unique way to redefine felting and bring the beautiful and unexpected world of shibori to the knitter.
There are 20 projects in this book: hats, scarves, wraps, bags, a couple of baby things, sweaters, a belt and hand warmers. All the yarns used in this book are from Alchemy Yarns. When I figured out that the author is co-founder of Alchemy Yarns, that made sense. (See how quickly I grasp things like that?) There is, however, a guide to help you sub different yarns.
Here are a couple of my favorite projects. A hat:
And a wrap:
While it is a lovely book, it is not really my “thing.” So I’d rather someone else enjoyed it.
Would you like my review copy? Leave a comment to this blog entry (one comment per person, please) and I’ll randomly pick the recipient Wednesday (August 20) afternoon.
Lucy Sez:
“I can haz new playhouse.”
I’m wondering if this technique will make something I saw once (at the museum shop at the Renwick? at a craft show?) where the felted knitting ended up with permanent “bubble” shapes in it. Sounds like an interesting book.
Oh this book really sounds cool. Please pick me, pick me!
Lisa
Ooo the sneak peak at that book gets my creative juices flowing. I love anything that takes knitting in a new or different direction!
Shibori is so beautiful to look at. Truly for the creative, free-form types. Nice to see it get some attention.
I would like to see this book! Thank you, Wendy.
It looks really interesting! Thanks for the contest!
Love the Lucy caption! Hope you are feeling better!
I love the picture of the hat on the cover… I wonder how hard that would be to make… I’ll definitely have to watch “In Bruges”. My kittens Apollo and Six say hi to Lucy and wish you well!
I never win, but I’ll take a chance, Shibori techniques have always looked intreaguing.
Karens last blog post..Wedding Wednesday
pick me pick me…..I would love the book.
I am knitting and felting a lot, so it’s always fun to see what’s out there.
Lucy looks so cute in her box.
I hope you are back to knitting soon. I miss seeing your progress.
I like to put my name in for the book…it looks pretty interesting with some different ways to think about knitting. Thanks!
I would like to put my name in for the book please.
CatiePs last blog post..Adventure
Lucy is toooooooo darling inspecting her house! Hope U R feeling a little better! luv.m.
The book looks lovely and I’m with all the others who would be happy to give it at home. I may have to go buy it if I’m not the lucky one
The book looks beautiful– I love shibori! I put in my name and cross my fingers.
Bethanys last blog post..Choosing Yarn: Texture and Ply
Love the picture of Lucy in the box. All of my cats just love boxes, no matter what size they are. Hope you are taking care of yourself.
The book looks very interesting—–lucy’s house is also interesting, any nip hidden in the closet?
That sounds like an interesting book. I have experimented with making felted purses lately. I would love to try something in that book!
Thanks for sharing!
frnd4vr
This sounds like a fascinating book. Please put my name in the pot.
Sallies last blog post..Beautiful Box
We rented In Bruges too, and were quite surprised to find how much we enjoyed it. Colin Ferrell was amazing, and I have never seen such expressive eyebrows before!
Thanks for the review, and the chance to win a book!
I am intrigued by the second 2 techniques in the book; I hadn’t heard of those before. So I’m throwing my name in the hat!
That book looks awesome!
It sure would make a wonderful bday present for me ( j/k but seriously, it would)…. I’d love it!
A cardboard playhouse often entertained me when I was a small child (and an older one too), so I can sympatize with Lucy
I love felting and trying out new things, so I’m all in for playing for the book!
Karen Ss last blog post..Random update…
Hi Wendy,
I agree with your comments about the film. Gore and violence are not my usual thing, but I found the film very funny in a dark, Irish sort of way.
Nice book too!
What a lovely book! I’d certainly be happy to offer it a good home here in London.
Gennys last blog post..the other bits of the weekend
I’ll try my luck in your drawing.
(And I’m trying a bribe: I have a cat photo in my last blog post…)
Helenes last blog post..Long time no see…
This book is exactly what I love about knitting. Once you think you know the complete insides and out of something, someone comes along to open your eyes and shows you 400 new possibilities.
I’d love that book!
I like to play in boxes too. Whenever we’re moving, I like to get into a giant cardboard box while my husband is out of the room, and wait for him to come back and look around wondering where I am … cracks him up every time
That’s a neat looking book!! I’d be interested in it.
I certainly hope you get to feeling better and ignore the fearmongerers!!!! I hate when people relate all their scary stories!!
Thanks for sharing your bounty!
Shama Ds last blog post..Friday in Italy with a Little Knitting Content
Hope you are feeling better soon and back to knitting incredible socks!
Hope Lucy doesn’t mind parting with the box
What is it with kittehs and boxes? It seems boxes hold similar charms to kittehs as catnip-irresistible. That’s a darling photo of Lucy!
So glad you liked “In Bruges”. We really enjoyed it. Brendan Gleason was fantastic. In Europe, the Belgians are humorously considered the most boring of the boring, the butt of most French jokes. So being exiled “in Bruges” is part of the comic premise.
Angelunas last blog post..A Breath of Cool Air in God’s Country
Heck yes! That wrap is out of this world!
Thanks for the movie review too. Just up my alley! Dark, surreal, violence without the blood fest. Going to snag that puppy!
I would love this book, it looks so great! Also, your cat is just adorable!
Caryns last blog post..Getting Ready and Winding Down
Please enter me in the drawing for the book.
Shannons last blog post..Jester Shorties
I was ogling that book on Amazon last week; how I got there from my intended search on survey design I do not know (I do know, but need to pretend it was an accident). Looks fabulous and I would love your copy should the random fates be with me!
I can think of a nice
victirecipient of that hat.I can’t keep Pepe out of boxes either.
Hmm, I’ve been waiting for that book’s publication. Put me in the running, please!
choose me!
Love the new playhouse, Lucy! It’s the perfect size…
I recently won one of your book giveaways, so I’ll remain out of this one – hope you’re feeling okay, Wendy?
(((hugs)))
Knitnanas last blog post..More Bags!
That book looks amazing! The way you describe it, I have the feeling I would be blaming the magic knitting gnomes for making my projects work.
Looks interesting and hey a free book!
Thanks Wendy!
Please put my name down for the drawing too.
Clestials last blog post..Harry Potter
I also enjoyed the movie, I like weird comedy!
I’m not really into felting but maybe that book will change my mind.
And in the 12yr olds mind even closed boxes are fair game 
Miss Lucy maybe you can answer a question/comment for me… I have always had cats and have always been fascinated by how much they love boxes in all sizes, can you tell me why? My 2 boys and the 12yr old girl love boxes to the point that no box is safe if left open
Danielle from SW MOs last blog post..Cats and Blinds= 1 Bitten up Hand
What a pretty book! Please enter me in the drawing, that would be lovely!
Angs last blog post..Whipped by WIPs
Thanks for the kind and generous offer, Wendy!
And I hold good thoughts for you and your health, best wishes.
I’d love to get my hands on that book!
What an interesting book! I’d love to try something new. Lucy is like a child at Chirstmas, they enjoy the box more than the toy.
What an interesting book! I’d love to try something new. Lucy is like a child at Chirstmas, they enjoy the box more than the toy. Wendy, I’ve had my share of what sounds like a similar medical problem. Things will get better.
Someone (you? See how observant I am?) has mentioned this book recently, and it sounds intriguing. Can’t guarantee I’d make anything out of it, but it sounds like it could be good inspiration.
Hugs and kisses to Lucy.
Neat-o! I love Alchemy yarns (though I can’t usually afford to buy them.) This will definitely be something to check out, even if I don’t win this copy
This looks like an excellent opportunity, I never win anything…
I would love to know what came in Lucy’s box…
I love trying new things and this book sounds just like something to really get my hands into! Maybe this time I’ll get lucky and actually win something. Hope you’re feeling better soon.
Shibori sounds fun!
I love learning new techniques and seeing how different countries do things so I’m very interested in this book. In Bruges is definitely a movie I wanted to check out, and now with your review I’m definitely going to recommend it for movie night.
Jessies last blog post..My Project
This looks like a fun book!
Cool looking book…I would love to try some new felting projects!
I’d love a copy of book! And the movie? it’s in my netflix queue since I’ve been to Bruges, but now that I know there is a lot of gore, I might remove it from my list. After no country for old men, I’m into Comedies ONLY until I recover from that dark disturbing everyone must die fest…
Thanks for the introduction to shibori. I’d seen the word around but hadn’t looked it up.
(Throwing my hat in the ring for the book, btw.)
I too would be very happy to have your copy of Shibori Knits.
I love Lucy’s house. Particularly as the furry little freaks I live with don’t “do” boxes. I miss having cats that would leap into any available box at a moments notice.
RobynRs last blog post..Quotes from Kids
I am so intrigued by this technique (but scared to death to try it).
this book sounds like it’s seriously up my alley….i would love to win it!! here’s hoping….
Alchemy Yarns in based about 10 minutes from my house.
It’s looks interesting. Love to you and Lucy
Tiny Tyrants last blog post..Double Digit Doggy
I would love to try some of the techniques in this book!
Would love to have this book, since I am a dyer getting back into knitting after a while off. I’m keeping up with you, hope you’re better.
Phyllis
any chance you might be able to post video of lucy, somehow?
I’d be interested to try it!
The book looks like it would be fun to try some new projects. Please put me in the running!
Helene
Love the new yarn for stash! It is lovely. Please add me to the drawing. It looks very interesting, especially the bit about knitting in different directions. Intriguing.
Oh. I would LOVE that book.
Would love the book. Thanks for sharing the love.
FarOutMoms last blog post..Can I get some diving?
Ohh! I would love this book. I made a great gift about 2 years ago using Snapple caps as my resist in a Paton’s wool scarf. It turned out super funky, but in a good way, and was perfect for the recipient.
Thanks again for the opportunity to receive a beautiful book.
Thank you for the chance to own this book!
Kelly Primmers last blog post..
Yet another blog contest. How cool is that.
I’ve been wanting to see In Bruges, thanks for the review.
Hope I get picked as the lucky recipient of Shibori Knits.
Pick me for the book! The hat on the cover looks like it is the coolest.
*please pick #178!*
I like Lucy’s playhouse. Needz moar cat hair tho.
heather ts last blog post..New Project OTN
I am taking a class in felting at the end of next month. The book wouldbe awesome ! Hope this finds you well; you are in my thoughts. Thanks for being my inspiration.
Thanks for the contest! If it’s not quite MY thing either, I’ll donate it to my library!
What a beautiful book! I’m looking forward to owning a copy (whether through this contest or Amazon!)
Awh – Ms. Lucy loves the crinkly bubble wrap I bet!
The book sounds really interesting, please add me to the draw!
I hope you feel better soon. Glad to see lovely Lucy making good use of the box! x
My 2 year old daughter is playing at being Lucy
Please add me to the draw!
Well, I do have a bit of a reputation as a tie-dye master, though there is limited call for that skill now that I’m a grown-up and working in settings not welcoming to t-shirts. But still, my heart remembers… so who knows? Perhaps I’ll get a chance to combine the new knitting skill with the old…
Kates last blog post..Recovering
You say post a comment, I posts a comment.
Sadies last blog post..A day without rain.
Not your thing is really my thing. I need some fresh ideas to make something for a fundraising auction this fall. Thanks again for sharing the wealth.
Please add my name to the drawing for the book, and thank you for the lovely offer. Hugs to Lucy!
Sounds like a pretty good book – I’m in!
Teri Ps last blog post..Irena FatCat Focal Bead Handmade Lampwork by teribeads SRA
Oooohhhhh, I LOVE shibori techniques. Thanks for having a contest to give it away…..I hope I win!!! Hugs to Lucy.
Kims last blog post..The Land
I teach college religion classes, and I loved “In Bruges” for the Christmas theme the filmmakers had going on, not just the timing of the film, but also with the pregnant innkeeper, etc.
me! me! my favorite dyeing method for silk is shibori. shibori knits! woo!
Ohhh…I’m in. Would love to have that book!!
The book looks really interesting. Please enter me in the drawing. or “I can haz buk plz”
My cat loves boxes too.. One day she thought she was a printer!
Why, yes, I would LOVE a new book that isn’t even out yet! And now, let us pray to the Random Number Generator…
I would love a copy. The book looks beautiful.
I’m thinking of picking up In Bruges. The ads for it didn’t particularly excite me but this is the second positive review I’ve read of it, so perhaps I should give it a try.
Shibori sounds really interesting…
I’d love to have the book. I’d also love to be there to watch Lucy play in her new haus.