Curve of Pursuit Afghan

Here it is. See all those right triangles? In honor of Anne, her dislike of geometry, and the fact that I teach it (so did she). I don't know if it'll ever be done ....

Cheater Pants & A Little Confused

Confession: I totally whipped through Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside - the January books - last week. Guess I had some time on my hands.

That said, those two books have TONS of knitting and crochet references; much more than the previous 4 or 5 books. Lots of socks. Lots and lots of socks. Especiallly in Rilla, which is set during WWI.

So I cast on a new sock last night and those will be my AOGG project for January. But I'm not knitting a plain grey Army sock. I'm using the purple/blue yarn I got from Celena during the last Hand-Dyed Yarn Swap, and I'm thinking something lacy.

I have a cultural question, but I'll go home and check the books again first.

And when did Marilla die? Timewise, it should have been during Anne of Ingleside, but I don't remember reading about it this time, although I think I read it before when I read these books??? I don't think I have been reading abridged editions.

How is everyone doing on the KAL?

Just to get some discussion going here I would like to know where others are in the reading/knitting process for our KAL. I got a little bogged down in Anne of Windy Poplars so I took it back to the library for a bit and will resume later. I know what I will make for the KAL project but I took time out to knit for Christmas presents. How is everyone else doing on the reading? Did others find Anne of Windy Poplars a bit slow going? I just checked the movies out from the library and plan to watch them over the weekend.

dear fellow Kindred Spirits,

I just posted one of those "they did WHAT?" news flashes.

Check it out here, if you wish...

You've been warned!

Thank You!

What a special prize! I was thrilled to receive a nostepinne in the mail last week for the drawing. Caitlin designed this and her husband made it. It is so beautiful! They have a link to their Etsy store at Crescent Knits. (I hope it is all right to list this!) Thanks so much for the wonderful prize!

I am still reading Anne of Windy Poplars, which is not an audiobook, so it is taking longer. I also don't like it quite as much as the others I've read. I have the next book downloaded from Librivox and am looking forward to reading it soon.

A good time to give...

I have made progress into "Anne of Ingleside", though my knitting has slowed down due to other commitments (read- work :-P)


I've recently learned of a charity knitting project that may well fit into the "Anne" theme; a sweet lady at Junie Moon is heading up a group knitting bandages for leprosy patients in Africa & Vietnam, which will be sent off in late January.


My first thought was about the later books, when the Great War was looming large in the lives of everyone, the women would have banded together to make bandages & socks, weaving prayers & protection into every stitch.


Whether for the knitalong or just to give back, drop by & consider joining in.

I'm really keeping up!

In honor of Anne's hatred of geometry and our shared teaching of the subject, I've been working on the Curve of Pursuit afghan... but I am finding it very slow going. I've enjoyed it, and like the colors (mostly blues and purples) but it's slow going and I fear there will be a zillion ends to weave in at the end. When I get a little farther along I'll post a picture. As for the reading, I have, as I mentioned in an earlier post, very much enjoyed finding new scenes in the complete editions I've been reading. They've made Anne of Ingleside in particular much less of a throwaway, & a far richer book, in my view.

My favorite

I've finally caught up with the reading schedule. I'm now reading Anne of Ingleside. Anyway, so far my favorite book has been Anne of the Island. To tell you the truth that's always been my favorite. I remember reading this book when I was younger and thinking how much fun Anne had at the university and how I wanted to have fun when I went away to school. My original project, though, has gone to the wayside. I haven't worked on it for awhile. A friend's daughter is having a baby so I've been making the Mason-Dixon bibs for the wee one. They are so easy and so practical. Such a good combination. Well anyway, let me wish you all a happy knitting.

And The Winners Are......

of the November Anne of Green Gables Give Away......I was going to just pull out one name but I ended up pulling out four!

Kaytm

Heather T

Becky

Berit

Congrats everyone!
Please let me know when you receive your prize. Oh and don't forget - everyone that sent me their address is automatically in the drawing for December!

I am a slacker...

I have not been keeping up with this KAL. Oh, the shame! However, I rented the Anne movie the other day (the first part) and remembered how utterly charming it was. When my daughter was small we read the book and watched the movie over and over again. When my girl got a bit older, she would read to me as I knitted. I suppose that knitting and reading have always gone together. Right now I am working on charity mittens and some (sewn) aprons for the granddaughters. It is a busy time. Happy holidays, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it.

The Newfoundland Mitten

Well here is my latest finished project, The Newfie Mitt. This is a very popular mitten here in Atlantic Canada. The pattern is free online .

To prevent the contrast color purl bumps from showing, I added one knit row before the two purl rows, using the main coloured yarn. It worked out well. This is a fast knit and not as complicated as it looks. It makes a great Christmas gift too!

As for my reading well I'm still waiting for the library to find me a copy, who would have thought that here on PEI there would be such a demand for this book!

Prizes!

Sticky Post Please scroll down....
O.k. Its just about that time. At the end of November I will be randomly picking a name from those of you who email me your name and address. (I need your address so if you win I can send you your prize!) Those who don't win for the month of November I will be giving out one more random prize at the end of December leading up to the grand prize in January!

You have until November 23rd
(That's the day after Thanksgiving) to send me your names and addresses. This is for everyone ~ even those who live out of the U.S.A. Your more than welcome to send in your info. I will of course not be using your addresses for any thing but sending you your prize if you win. Scout's honour!

You can email me at anne.knits@yahoo.com

You could knit this and listen to Anne -- seriously

Good morning everyone!

If you are looking for an easy way to use up sock yarn, check this site out. It is at Mason Dixon Knitting. Just pay attention to the 4" square. Being that I have no sense of what 4" is (my first square ended up 6"), I hacked off the end off a 6"x4" index card and stuck it in my bag. Your gauge can be whatever in order to get a 4" square and then send them off . . . spread the word!

Have a good one.

Mary Lynn

"Complete text"

I've just had a really weird experience. I read all the Anne books (at least twice) as a child and remembered them pretty well, I thought. So in reading Anne of Ingleside (while knitting socks, I do promise I'm knitting too) this weekend I was really thrown when I came across several passages I swear I'd never seen before. I looked in the front (I have a New Canadian Library paperback) and it says "contains the complete text of the original hardback edition" ... so does that mean that the hardback edition I scrounged from a used bookstore in the late 1970s was abridged? And why on earth would any publisher have done such a thing to this book of all books? I need to know, as Davy might say.

Walking in this area gives me an Anne flash in my head. We often go for hikes here, and sometimes stay over the night in a tent, go fishing in the lakes. These photos were taken some 19 days ago, and i just had to show them to you...to give you the same Anne feeling. I almost waits for her to come running down the hill from that gate....

A green scarf

I`ve knitted a green scarf as I was reading the last book. I really can`t give any answers to whay this kind of scarf..but it just came to me. Maby green because that`s an Anne of Green Gables coulor ? Maby a scarf looking like boa-scarf, you know those featherd things people used to weare..and I red that Anne visited a consert with that famous singer. The yarn is a combination of two different yarns. One is a greenish fury kind and the other is wool yarn I`ve coloured myself this summer, using plants. The photo below shows the scarf in progress some 20 days ago. Me reading, knitting and having tea at the portch, and my cat shhowing interest at something else that the yarn for a second;) Now there is no green grass left...but a lot of white snow;)) I`ll have to wait until dezember to start my next book....

Enjoying revisiting

I have to say i am just loving re-reading my favorite books. The other day i was sitting and I realized I would have never have even picked up Anne if my aunt had not given it to me when I was sick one summer and could not spend the time outside playing. In the tradition of passing it on. When hubby and I go to a concert this weekend, where they are requesting toys for the kids at a local childrens hospital for christmas I am going to give a new copy of Anne. Maybe we can turn another little girl onto a wonderful story. I hope that some of you may join me in this little pet project. Pay the Anne forward! :)

----------------
Now playing: Matchbox 20 - Bent
via FoxyTunes

Progress Report

I'm all caught up on the books, wonder of wonders. I think the original is my favorite so far, although I remember enjoying Anne's House of Dreams quite a bit when I read it before.

As for projects, I finished up a whole bunch of stuff during UFOctober, plus two pair of mittens for my son. I also started a hat to match one of the pairs of mittens.

And I've been quilting. Do you think Mrs. Rachel Lynde got to me?

Details on my blog (link).

My progress

A previous poster said she was reading along but not knitting, I'm knitting along but not reading. I'm in one of my last quarters in graduate school and I'm afraid my coursework precludes any recreational reading right now. I intend to catch up in December when everything's handed in. I read quickly and will be able to catch up without too much difficulty. I've also promised to read my daughter Anne of Avonlea in December. So I'll read with you then!

In the mean time, I'm working hard on a shawl. I feel like shawls are very period-appropriate pieces. This one is for my mother, who also loves Anne and LM Montgomery, and shared her love of books with me. This is the candle flame shawl from Knitpicks. The yarn is also from Knitpicks, and it's a deliciously springy merino lace weight.

Soooooooo Far Behind

I was doing so well in October, listening to Anne of Green Gables in the evening while I knit. THEN the Red Sox started the playoffs, and, well, there went October. I finally picked up Anne of Avonlea at the beginning of November and I'm almost through with it. (For some reason I haven't downloaded anymore of the books yet.)

As for the knitting...I frogged my husband's scarf because I didn't like how it was pooling. I haven't started it again because there are so many other things to knit! Mittens for my kids, hats for my nieces for Christmas, a sweater to cut down on the stash (so I can build it back up again, of course), socks, socks, and more socks. So I am reading but maybe not knitting along, since none of those are strictly Anne-inspired.

I like seeing everyone's progress, though!

My project

Here's what I've done so far on my KAL. When it's finished it's supposed to be "table" runner for the top of my piano. I picked the lace pattern because of the time period (1890s) and the light green color because of Anne. It's been slow knitting not because of the pattern but because life gets in the way sometimes. My older child is home from school for 4 weeks for fall break and I'm also trying to potty train my almost 3 year old. I do try to sit down and knit a couple times a day for at least 5 minutes so the runner is getting longer. Also as a result of everything I'm a little behind in my reading. I'm only halfway through Anne of Avonlea. It's been awhile since I've read the series but I'm enjoying them as much as ever. Hopefully soon I'll catch up with the rest of you.

Balaclava

Here is the finished balaclava I'll try to take a photo of Nate wearing it! hopefully he'll wear it, this was a lot faster knit than I remembered it being, I knitted in a couple of nights . Funny my eyes must be playing tricks on me 'cause I could have swore this was black yarn ?!?! but looking at it here it looks blue?

And I am almost done of Anne of the Island and I'm waiting for the library to find me a copy of Anne of Windy Poplars

progress update

Clapotis scarf
Originally uploaded by my_weezy

I finished Anne of the Island last night at 1am. I couldn;t put it down until she realized that she loved Gilbert. *sigh* There were a couple things that kept bothering me throughout the book. I really don't know why. One was Davy constantly asking questions and saying "I need to know." Reminded me a bit Tom Riddle when he was asking Dumbledore questions in Harry Potter. ( sorry, I am a bit pf a Potterhead.)
Also, the way Paul always calls his mom, his "little mother". This was more so in Anne of Avonlea, but had to mention.

Anyway, on to the next book.

The Clapotis is coming along nicely. I frogged the first attempt and started over to make it a little less wide. It is now the perfect scarf width. It is a bit camo, but I like it.

Two down ...

I finished the first two books in September, and loved them! This is my first time reading them, and I really hated for them to end. If you are interested, I blathered more about them on my blog.

At the moment, I'm not able to knit, as I am recovering from hand surgery. But I have been looking at patterns, and trying to decide what to knit for this knit- and read-along ... every time I think I've found something, I change my mind a few hours later! I think that once I can actually start knitting, I'll commit to something at least long enough to see how it looks, and if I think it will work.

But in the meantime, still looking ...

I guess I am "Sense"

Thanks, Julie. I love these silly quizzes. (Heather)

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Elinor Dashwood As Marianne's older sister, Elinor lives at the other end of the emotional spectrum. She rarely reveals her intense feelings and is more concerned with being honest and loyal than having what she deserves. Even though her intentions are pure, she sets herself up for loss by constantly placing other people before her own needs. Overall, Elinor is gentle and rational but is just as capable of radical emotions (despite her withholding them) as her sister. Elinor Dashwood 81% Emma Woodhouse 63% Elizabeth Bennet 59% Marianne Dashwood 56% Jane Bennet 50% Charlotte Lucas 47% Lady Catherine 16%

Which Jane Austen Character Are You?

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Elizabeth Bennet As one of Austen's most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet represents what most women would like to become: strong, independent, and loyal. Of course, she has her faults including a stubborn will of iron and a clinging to first impressions. Overall, Lizzie is bright and lovable...something to admire and aspire to. Elizabeth Bennet 84% Emma Woodhouse 75% Marianne Dashwood 72% Elinor Dashwood 63% Charlotte Lucas 47% Lady Catherine 44% Jane Bennet 34%

Picked a project, I think

I'm already knitting one shawl and a capelet, but they are both out of fancy, fuzzy yarn (Ok, for the curious - Classic Elite Phoenix for the shawl and Knitpicks Suri Dreams and Rowan Harris Tweed DK knit held together for the capelet) so I didn't think that they captured the spirit of Anne of Green Gables' time period - and then I found this pattern

http://www.knittingdaily.com/freepatterns/shawls_stoles/Summer_Shawlette_Faroese_Islands36-1.html

Which just screams Anne! Anne! Anne!! So, I'm going to go off to the yarn store tomorrow to see what I can find...

I've just started the third book (I've been doing more knitting than reading!) and I'm enjoying them very much. I too, like the parts that they have left out of the movies, like Miss Lavendar. She'd be a fun person to knit for. I especially liked Ginger the parrot because I have one just like him!

Reading....

Reading and knitting... I picked up the books at the library, and read straight through them, and THEN I slowed down and started reading out loud to my daughters. I love the books! In Norwegian they are called "Anne fra Bjørkely". The books are:
Anne fra Bjørkely (Anne of Green Gables),
Anne som frøken (Anne of Avonlea),
Anne drar fra Bjørkely( Anne of the Island),
Annes drømmehjem (Anne's House of Dreams),
Anne og Regnbuedalen (Rainbow Valley),
Anne og Marilla (Rilla of Ingleside).

The towel, on the other hand, is not finished...

ETA: I haven't seen the books "Anne of Windy Poplar" or "Anne of Ingleside" in Norwegian.

Project Done, Dreaming of Another

I finished my table runner and mailed it out to the recipients. Here's a shot of it:

As for my next project, it will be something small, but lacy again. In an earlier post someone quoted the part in AoGG when someone offers to teach Anne a new lace pattern for aprons. I've been working on making myself handkerchiefs lately to get away from using paper tissues, and I thought this would be a fun way for me to edge a couple of them.

*Sigh*

Well, my first project for the KAL was a dismal failure! And, no, it was not operator error :-)
I followed the directions to the letter (I always do the first time I try a pattern), with one small substitution, because the fun fur called for isn't available any longer; the muff came out way too long, very narrow around (that can be stretched), the wool yarn felted unevenly, & the novelty yarn started to unravel :-(
I'm chalking this one up as a loss & starting a new project; I'm going to make some narrow lace trim. My inspiration was from the first book, when Sophie Sloane offered "to teach her (Anne) a perfectly elegant new pattern of knit lace, so nice for trimming aprons" I make & collect aprons, so I'm going to make a few lengths of red trim to add to my new ones.
I'm nearly half way through "Anne of the Island" (having started a tad early- I was home sick a couple of days & just had to read something); hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Just Knitting Along

Still hanging in there, reading when I can and knitting for charity. Now I am knitting mittens. Or at least giving it my all (first attempt). Best to everyone. I really like looking at all the lovely creations!

Hooked on Anne

Alright you guys. You now have me hooked on Anne again. I listened to Annie Coleman read me Anne of Green Gables and I got so hooked on her voice that I went to Librivox, and then her website to see what else she had recorded. I also downloaded Anne of Avonlea. Then I was at the library Sunday and found the two VHS set of Anne of Green Gables with Colleen Dewhurst and brought that home and watched with only one interruption. Of course, now I will be looking for the other videos as well. What I loved about listening to Annie Coleman was that I could at least knit along at the same time, and not get any further behind on my knitting schedule. I have 4 girls and besides Christmas, two of them have birthdays coming up before Christmas. I worked on my pale green Ribbed Lace Bolero which is a gift. I love this pattern by Kelly Maher. I finished a purple one and now I am doing this one in Tesoro 100% wool. It is so soft and I thought the green was appropriate for my Anne knitting.

Half update

I am on Chapter 6 of Anne of Avonlea still, and enjoying the Librivox version very much.

And I completed Seraphim, which is my first almost-Anne project. I technically started it before the Anne knitalong began, but I think a pretty and simple lace shawl is a propos to our purpose. I should cast on for my next project (more strictly Anne related) shortly. Here's a teaser pic, there are more in my Flickr:

What a find!

While browing the book sale tables on a recent visit to my local library I happened upon "Days of Dreams and Laughter" by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The hardback book includes The Story Girl, The Golden Road and Kilmeny of the Orchard. The price of my find was just $1.50. I quickly snapped it up and was very pleased with my good fortune.

I've had a good time listening to Anne of Green Gables on CD while working on various knitting projects this month. Still haven't settled on my Anne project, but really enjoy seeing your works in progress.

Project update

I just realized today that it's almost the end of October and the first two books! I finished the first two last weekend, so I'm a bit ahead of schedule on that, but I think I may be falling behind next month--I have so much stuff due for my classes! But I'm excited to be rereading them again--I think I have read these books so many times I might know parts of them by heart.

I've been plugging away on my Anne top, the front is probably 2/3 done right now. I posted a (bad) photo this morning over on my blog--I've decided I need to put together a lightbox this weekend so hopefully soon I will be wowing you all with nice looking photos of my Anne WIP:) I'm still trying to figure out how much puffing I want in the sleeves, those photos a post or two down are probably a little more puff than I could pull off, but I do want a little puff, so I think I'll be playing around with that soon.

we went away for the weekend and stopped in a lil tiny town of a 150 people and went to their museum. i think it was taylorsville ca.

i loved these anne era pictures and thought i would share

puffed sleeves of course

most are from the "deliniator" magazine

how to dress your hair

this one is a little later 1907ish i think

Reader's Wrap

Here is the picture of the wrap. It's quite plain. It is supposed to measure 20" wide by 60" long when done. The color is called Barn Red and I'm using TLC Essentials yarn from Joann's. I'll try to get a better picture when I am finished. Right now I have 40" done.

Anita

My project

I am finished with the first book and half way through the second one. I have been working on a pattern I purchased through Annie Attic from Lisa Knits it is called a Reader's Wrap. It is a shawl with pockets and I am making it as a Christmas gift for my sister. I'll take a picture and post it soon. Since Anne liked to read and so do my sister and I thought this would be a good project to do for the kal. How is everyone else coming along? I've also ordered the dvd's of Anne of Green Gables and I am also looking forward to watching them again.

Anita

I just read this

Miss. Lavendar

Well I will admit this is my first time reading all the books and that includes Anne of Avonlea. I've always watched the movies, but now that I'm reading it, I'm realizing all the wonderful things that the movies left out.
I'm so impressed with the story of Miss.Lavendar. It was just lovely but I won't go on because I don't want to spoil it for the rest of you. But it was just beautiful!
Its one of my most favorite parts......so far :)

so bad at keeping up been sick

I got sick near the end of summer and it's been a roller coaster I haven't even begun a book yet But I am knitting a scarf from what I can remember about the Ann books I'm basing it on that Prince Ed Island was cold in Winter and this scarf is a basketweave but I'm using an acrylic Vanna's choice in a blue color that sort of makes it look like a homespun scarf.

Dottie

so bad at keeping up been sick

I got sick near the end of summer and it's been a roller coaster I haven't even begun a book yet But I am knitting a scarf from what I can remember about the Ann books I'm basing it on that Prince Ed Island was cold in Winter and this scarf is a basketweave but I'm using an acrylic Vanna's choice in a blue color that sort of makes it look like a homespun scarf.

Dottie

WWAD **

I just ripped the scarf I started, and I'm starting it again in a "little leaf" lace stitch. The vine lace was pretty, but chaotic in a variegated yarn. Variegated needs to have some areas that aren't being slipped or knitted together, I think. So far, the new stitch is more satisfactory - I'll photograph it if I continue to like it.

My struggle with finding a pattern is very un-Anne-like, isn't it? She'd have picked something and just plunged ahead with great joy. (But Marilla would have been there to advise.)


**What Would Anne Do?

Starting on the second book..

The first book, (to the right), was ever as fantastic as I remember it. I`ve smiled, laughed and cryed..and I love it. In some strange way this little girl gives away sutch spirit and joyfull feeling about everyday life. It`s contagious! I`ve at several occasions during the last 1,5 week felt happy for "no reason". Kind of like I often did as a young girl, happy just because i enjoyed life;) Has anyone else felt like this...or understand what I am trying to say? (sometimes hard to find the correct words and sentences for feelings and thoughts..translated from norwegian to english)
In english the books are called; "Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea". In norwegian they are called; "Anne fra Bjørkely og Anne som frøken".( Anne from Green Gables and Anne as a teacher". I wonder if they contain the same stories. In this second book Anne starts working as a teacher almost at the first pages.

I would like to knit a purse/bag...like the travelling bag Anne had all her belongings in when she arrived at Green Gables. I remember from the book she said that she had (norwegian=)"alt sitt jordiske gods" in it. What are the words in english...for what she carried along inside her bag?

I had to borrow the first two books at the library. (Later I found my own at my parents house).

Inside the second book some young girl have made this note; "This book must be red by everyone!" And she`s made a drawing over the words GOD BOk, which means "good book".

Quick Intro

Hello All!
I signed up for this KAL because I have never, ever read Anne of Green Gables.
I'll pause for a moment while everyone gasps.
It's true.
I found out about this KAL from my friend Karoline and thought, well now's my chance to read the books! So here I am!
I downloaded the free recordings from LibriVox and even after listening to random people reading the book the magic of the story came through! And because I have to have books too - I am a true bibliophile - I got mine in the mail yesterday from Amazon, so I am quickly trying to catch up with everyone.
But I have to say there is something about which I am extremely disappointed: I feel completely cheated that I didn't read Anne years ago!
Has anyone else ever felt that way?
I still have to decide what to knit - and I've been ruminating on that for a bit, but I'll figure it out eventually, so no pictures to share just yet.
It's great to be a part of this KAL and meet people who love this story of Anne (with an "E" - there's no other way to spell it!).

Green Gables Clapotis

Clapotis
Originally uploaded by my_weezy

It is coming along slowly. I have a couple other WIPs so this one is not knitting up that fast. I have a Log Cabin Afghan in progress for a Christmas gift. That will be taking awhile.

I am likeing the green of this, even if it looks a bit like camo. :)

Book 1 Completed

First, I just wanted to say that I've so enjoyed seeing pictures of everyone's projects! They all look great. I'm hoping to start mine (a hat) this weekend as I'm currently finishing up a baby blanket for a friend.

I just completed Anne of Green Gables and I have to admit that I had not picked up that book since I was 12. While I've seen the movies more times that I can count, I've never gone back and read the book again until now. Strange that the whole time I was actually thinking "that's not the order of things as they happened in the movie." HA! Isn't it suppose to be the other way around?! I feel so embarrassed to admit that but I just have to say it was WONDERFUL reconnecting with Anne's world.

Happy reading and knitting everyone!

And so it starts for real

I can't believe how quickly October is soaring ahead. My shawl is slowly, slowly growing and this is what it looks like now.

My husband finally got around to downloading the first book onto my iPod, so i'm really looking forward to later tonight when I can sit and listen and knit at the same time. I also mentioned to a friend of mine that I had been unable to get hold of the books (physical books), and she lit up and told me that they were her favourite books as a child, and if I didn't mind that they are in tatters I could borrow her cherished books. What a great friend! I'll go and pick them up tomorrow.

I am also very excited to see all the different projects and our different approaches to the books. It seems like there will be a lot of very nice things produced over the next few months!

knitting and reading...

I really enjoy these books. As for the knitting...I decided to start with something that I think Marilla would appreciate...a towel ( and there will probably be a dishcloth too). A very simple pattern, and a nice cottonyarn. Later, I hope to knit either a shawl or some kneehigh socks. I'm reading out loud to my kids, and they love it! Two -three- four chapters a day (but then my voice is gone...) We're still on the first book.
Have a nice week.

Lace for Anne

Although I still plan to knit mittens, I have decided that this scarf will also be a project for Anne.

• "Listen to the trees talking in their sleep," she whispered. "What nice dreams they must have." The scarf will the her night sky, and wouldn't she love some lace.....

Details are on my blog -

Finally begun

I have really been looking forward to this KAL! It's been a long time since I've read these books, and I've actually only read the first two. I can't wait to first reacquaint myself and then spend more time with some old friends from childhood.

For reading: At this point I have finished Book 1 and begun Book 2. I brought Book 1 with me to proctor a practice SAT and I just blasted through the whole thing that night. Book 2 will probably be read at a more leisurely pace.

For knitting: It took me forever to think of an Anne-themed project, especially since I'm pretty bogged down in Christmas knitting already, but I think I've got it. It's a little unorthodox, though. See, my best friend is a knitter as well, and is very interested in the knitblogging community, but doesn't have a computer (I know, can you believe it?). So she and her husband, DM, are getting one for Christmas, as kind of a gift to each other. This means they're not really buying much for each other, but DM still wanted to do something nice, and preferably sentimental. So . . . he asked me to teach him to knit so he can knit her a scarf! So sweet, right? So that's my KAL project: teaching DM to knit. I figure it's appropriate, since Anne was a teacher, and in Book 1 the girls are always teaching each other lace knitting and crochet patterns.

So far he's had one lesson, and knit a couple of rows. Here they are:

I'll keep you posted!

Book 1 finished

I forgot how addictive these books could be. I finished Anne of Green Gables last night after reading for four hours straight.
I was laughing out loud in places and then crying my eyes out. Soo good! I am trying to decide whether or not to read another book before starting Anne of Avonlea so I don't get too far ahead.

The Clapotis is in no danger of getting finished early. Too many Christmas gifts are being knit at the moment as well, including a Log Cabin afghan.

An Unexpected Development, and what I am knitting.

I have lost control of my reading. My daughter's enthusiasm for Anne is so great that she wants to read endlessly, while the limit on my voice is about two chapters a day.

Enter Dad. "Oh, I'll read a little to you since Mommy's getting hoarse."

The next thing I know they are on chapter ten, and showing no signs of stopping. dasHusband has fallen in love with Anne!

So he seems to have taken over the reading , and I am wondering if I should make him knit as well!

I am currently knitting the sweater sampler from Jacqueline Fee's book The Sweater Workshop. I plan to make Garden Patch (link) for my Anne project (budget allowing! cross your fingers for me), and the sweater sampler will help me learn a broad range of sweater techniques and shaping before embarking on my project.

Here's how it looks so far:



AnnaEA (link)

Scarf in Progress

After much swatching and several false starts, this is my progress on the scarf for my husband. I'm knitting it in the round with slip stitch fold lines (you can see one column of them to the far left), using the Mock Aran Marriage Lines stitch in The Complete Book of Traditional Aran Knitting by Shelagh Hollingworth. (I bought that book at a local used book store--what a find!!) The yarn is Malabrigo, sooooooo soft. I'm aiming to have it done in time for Christmas, which shouldn't be a problem, even as I work on this around other projects.

I've been listening to the first book while I knit in the evenings (around various sporting events, namely the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs and the New England Patriots). I'm really enjoying knitting and listening, in my own little cocoon. This morning the cats woke us up around 4 and I couldn't get back to sleep. I'm not normally a morning person, but I finally gave up, went to my knitting chair, listened to Anne and knit. What a nice way to start my day before the children woke up clamoring.

Another Shawl!

I've been meaning to post an introduction of me and what I plan on making, but I kept putting it off and then life got nuts which put it off more. My goal was to post tonight and I'm finding out that others are doing a shawl as well!! I've been working on this shawl for a couple of months now, but I think this KAL/RAL will give me incentive to keep at it. I'm using a feather and fan pattern with Euroflax yarn.


I came late to all things Anne, a friend of mine told me abt her and made me watch the last tape in the series. I'm not big on period pieces so I wasnt expecting to enjoy it, but OMG it was great!!! When Gilbert lay in bed dying, I made her pause the tape and tell me if he lived or not. She said she didnt want to tell me, but since I hate sad endings, I made her. At the end I'm crying my eyes out and everybody is looking at me, surprised at how emotional I was. They were afraid I was still crying abt Gil, but I told them no, this was the most beautiful movie I'd ever seen. I went right out and got all 4 tapes and then went out and bought the first 3 books. Its amazing how much more is in the book. I've been mostly knitting than reading, but I plan to start the book on Monday after I get the kids in school.

Lynn

An Historic Mitten

I wanted to pass along a mitten pattern that would fit into the Anne KAL. I made this pair a few years ago. The pattern is quite simple. I prefer mittens like this that have the thumb coming out of the side (either hand) The kit is from Blackberry Woolen Mills. I just love the lace cuff. I'm sure Anne would like them! They are inspired by a pair of mittens in a historic Victorian home in Kansas. There is a little bit of silk in the yarn which gives it a very nice hand. They would be beautiful in a handspun as well. Enjoy!

Nevermind, lol

Just found the link to the right there with info about cotton warp quilts. Looks like a forum where just about anyone can answer questions, so no clue how accurate this is. But this person seemed to be familiar with the Anne books and knew a bit of history. Here's what they said:

"Knitting a counterpane in cotton warp would be the equivalent of knitting a bedspread in heavy crochet cotton today. A considerable investment in time and money. A comfortable middle class sort of thing to be doing."

Did anyone else keep track?

Hi all - Just finished the first book (I read fast once I get going), and I kept track of how many knitting references I found. I found 8 references to knitting and 1 to crochet.

Most of the references are to Mrs. Rachel Lynde's knitted "quilts" - would that be like an afghan or what? Does anyone know?

Marilla also knits a lot in the first book, but they never say what she is making. I expect she is making socks or something similarly practical like dishcloths. :)

If anyone wants a listing of the references, I still have them marked.

Marisol's Amethyst Shawl

Hello there everyone,

I have been scratching my head for a couple of weeks thinking about what I should knit for this KAL... Finally, it came to me:) As I was reading the back and forth drama about Marilla's best shawl and her (missing) Amethyst Brooch... It hit me! I had the perfect shade of Purple Sundara yarn in Aran Silky Merino. I can't recall the color at the moment but it is one of her semi solid non repeatable colorways. Anyhow, I decided to knit a Shetland Triangle Shawl in this beutiful shade:

I am about 3 1/2 repeats into my Shetland Triangle shawl from Wrap Style.

So there you have it... Instead of Marilla's best Shawl and Amethyst pin... I am going for "An Amethyst Shawl and my best Heirloom Pin"

TaTa for now.... Back later with further progress. Now if I could only keep up with the reading! Thats a lot of books:)

Reading along, but not knitting along ...

Hi there everyone,

I hope that you are all enjoying this R-KAL so far - I am, though I'm only reading at this point. Yesterday I had surgery on my right thumb, and my hand and part of my arm is bandaged and immobilized. OK for reading, but knitting - not so much ...

Anne is good company, though, so I don't mind!

I'm enjoying reading/seeing your ideas for projects - this is such a creative group!

A pleasant surprise

While getting ready for work this morning, I browsed my bedroom bookshelf. To my great suprise, I found every single Anne of Green Gables book except the first one. I really thought they were down at my dad's house two hours away! Since I've not been able to find the time to go to the city library, I hadn't started reading for this Read & KAL. I grabbed the one copy here at my work and started reading it during lunch. I didn't remember all the knitting, except Anne's messed up sock (how could anyone forget that scene?). Here I am barely into the beginning and already two people knitting!
I've discarded the 1895 leg o' mutton blouse in favor of the Aran sweater concept. But boy is it beating me. I've started swatches three times now. All of them were no good. I've looked through Mary Thomas's Knitting Patterns book, two of Barbara G. Walker's knitting patterns books, and all of my magazines for ideas. Nothing is just right and most of the directions are beyond my novice knitter's grasp.

Project photos!

I thought I would post some photos of the knitting I'm doing for this KAL:


This is going to be a lacy short-sleeved pullover. The yarn is some rowanspun 4-ply I purchased on ebay last year. Anne-esque features I'm incorporating or planning to incorporate:

1. The slightly gable-y lace pattern
2. Some puff action in the sleeves
3. Small pearl beads around the neckline
4. Generally prettiness and girliness

There are some more pictures, etc., over on my blog. I actually started this back in July for another Anne craft-along, but didn't finish in time (thanks to the first attempt at the project being stolen). But I've been putting it on pause for the past month so I could work on it for this KAL, as I'm always up for another reason to read these books!

First Project!

My first project for this KAL is going to be one that is already in progress, a lace table runner that I am making as a wedding gift for a family member. It seemed appropriate to me, thinking of the characters discussing the things they have/will make to "set up house" when they get married. It is the "Pom-Pom Awning" from Greetings from the Knit Cafe, sans poms. I'm a little over halfway through with it at this point, and promise to post pictures when it is done, hopefully by the beginning of November (I have a deadline to meet!).

If you're interested, I ramble on about about L.M. Montgomery here, on my blog.

Happy knitting and reading, everyone!

Need to be removed please

Hi All,
I started reading the first book. I have never read this books but have always loved the movies of her..well I think I haven't even finished the first chapter and already I did not realize what a talker Ann was...I put the book down and haven't picked up. I just remember how my oldest son was, always talking never shutting up..so when it came bed time, it surely was a break for us..lol..and he is still that way..takes after his grandmother, my mother..lol
When you are watching a movie it is quiet different.. I will not continue on with this challenge and knit along. One reason is my mom just had a bunch of test done all day yesterday and now waiting for results..she is very weak and do not have time for this challenge right now.
How do get this off my blog. I need help here..I did try on my own but couldn't find any where I can. Thank you for having me here. Have fun everyone, hugs, Lorraine

Kindred Spirits

Do you have a kindred spirit . . . you know that person that Anne just lovely describes as the person you always go to? The one who will always be part and parcel of your life.

How would you describe your kindred spirit? Is it just one person or do you have more than one kindred spirit?

I've always loved the idea of having a kindred spirit and the way that Anne always looked at everyone she meets as a potential kindred spirit.

Hello!

Hi! I thought it was high time I introduce myself. :-) I'm Sarah, and I first read the Anne of Green Gables books when I was, oh, maybe in fourth or fifth grade? I remember I was home from school on a snow day and my mom MADE me start to read the first one. I loved to read but for some reason Anne just didn't appeal to me. But I started it just to humor Mom,
and, well, Mom was right -- I DID love the books. :-) I re-read them at least once a year until I got to college, and so now it's been probably ten years since I last read them. I've been thinking it was high time I get them down off the shelf and read them again, and this knitalong will be the perfect opportunity!

I'm not sure yet what I will knit, though I'm sure there must be something in my gigantic "to knit someday" queue that will fit the bill....

Posting

I for one would love to see everyone’s progress! Please feel free to log in and let us know what your thinking about and please please please do share your photos of knitting projects in progress. I think that’s the fun of it.
Then we can fully appreciate everyone’s work :)

I'm so happy to have been invited!

Hello!

I am so happy to have found this lovely blog and KAL. This will be my first read and knit along, and my first KAL.
I first read the Anne of Green Gables books as a teen. They were sort of a natural succession to the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, which I devoured as a young girl, too! My niece is now reading the AGG series, and I am so happy she is. I absolutely love Lucy Maud Montgomery's works.
Because Anne Shirley is an orphan, I am going to knit something in honor of that, for orphans. I'm going to use the "Orphans for Orphans" sweater pattern in Knitting for Peace. (I am actually starting a Charity Knitting organization, to benefit orphans and children in war-torn countries, but thats a whole other topic!) This will be my 3rd large scale garment, as I jsut rediscovered knitting last year (although I've been crocheting since age 12 after I taught myself).
The yarn I am using is from Peace Fleece and it hasnt come yet, hopefully it will get here soon!
Looking forward to seeing what other fAnnes are knitting!

Hello!

Hi, and sorry I'm late checking in. I decided October would be UFOctober for my knitting - time to finish all those UnFinished Objects - but wasn't sure how that would fit with the AGG KAL. Well, I decided that "finish what you start" would be a value that Marilla & Matthew instilled in Anne, so finishing what I have started works with the Anne theme!

If you're still looking for a project, White Lies Designs (link) has some beautiful romantic clothing to knit, and lots of the patterns are free. (I'm not sure Mrs. Rachel Lynde would approve of the company name, but what can you do?)

Hello

I just wanted to say hello. This is my first KAL. I've been knitting for years but I have only recently discovered all the neat knitting information found on the internet. I'm not sure what to make but I'm thinking something lacey for the house, maybe a table runner or something. When I picture a house during Anne's time period I think of lots of lace. Anyway, I've just started the first book. Even after many times of reading it, I still love the book. Happy reading!

Project

For a while I had been thinking about and looking around for a project for this KAL. Then I thought I should just continue on with my knitting I am doing for a charity. I can just do this while reading Green Gables, because I feel that Anne is tenderhearted and that she would do what she could for others. I am knitting warshcloths from this book to go into Christmas boxes for children that then go to other countries. The cloths are quick and easy. I am about halfway done. I'm making a dozen. Pictures of the finished product soon, I hope!

Finally!

Finally October first- and I've startedreading. I have to admit that I've cheated, and already read the first three books that I picked up from the library two weeks ago- but I started all over tonight and read out loud to my children (boy 14, girls 12 and 10. My 15yearold was not interested...)They loved it! So I really hope we will be able to read them all. As Tussilago said in a previous post, I don't think we have more than 5 of the books translated into Norwegian.
I have also started a project- but a very simple one, it is only a towel. No pictures today.
I'm looking forward to this read-and knitalong, it will be nice to see what everyone is knitting.
Have a nice day.
Marit in Western Norway.

Ohhhhh....I do enjoy reading this book again. Thank you once again for starting this KAL, and giving me an oppurtunity to have this pleasure again;) I`ve only just started, but I`ve already smiled, laughed and felt a drop of sadness! These books have it all. I could not find my own book of "Anne fra Bjørkely" (Anne of Green Gables) and had to visit the library. This edition is from 1985. Ithink they`ve been editioned at least 6 times in Norway. For the first time in 1918. I am only able to find 5 books about Anne in Norwegian. I hope the complete the story, or else I`ll have to get books in english from somewhere. I do like reading english too;) So far I only have a few ideas for knitting projects, but I haven`t decided yet. I have to read some more.

Greetings from Tussilago in Northern Norway

Who else...

...plans on watching the Anne movies too?

I've been digging around for audio copies of the Anne books so I can "read" and knit at the same time, but I'm very picky about how books are read and most of them aren't up to snuff (except for this copy of the first book read by MEGHAN FOLLOWS!!! Unfortunately, the sound quality sucks because it's from 1987, and so I'm still debating whether to purchase it or not).

The Anne movies, though, are the perfect thing to curl up and knit with. =D Anyone else planning the same?

Hello, and a Project

Hello! I'm Amy in Rhode Island. Like many other people, I met Anne as a child, when I read and re-read the books, always feeling old and sad at the end of them, like I'd watched a good friend grow up and move on. Luckily, I could start over at book one as many times as I liked. I haven't read the books in quite a while, so I'm looking forward to reading them again now. Since I received a digital listen-y thingy for my birthday, I downloaded the first book so I can listen while I knit. (Not tonight, though. For I am also a devoted NE Patriots fan, and they are on Monday Night Football...)

This is a picture of some Malabrigo I purchased (on sale, even!) with the idea of making my husband a scarf for Christmas. I think this is a fitting Anne KAL project. The color works, for one thing (it's darker than it seems in this picture), but mainly, because it's for my husband. Let's say he's my Gilbert, although the parallel doesn't fit completely. But we were friends for four years before we became a couple, and he is still my best friend, and I feel so lucky and grateful to have married him. And you know what? I didn't want a diamond engagement ring. I preferred a sapphire. While sapphire is my birthstone, I know also that I was influenced by Anne's opinion of diamonds, too.

I also plan to make some socks as part of this KAL...but I'm starting swatching for this scarf first. Off to look at stitch dictionaries to find some patterns to try... and I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else is working on.

Well, here we go!

I have this image in my head of a cluster of 100 bicyclists all pedaling with the Anne books either shoved in a pocket or in their hand. Critical Mass meets Anne of Green Gables! :) We'll have a good time! I wish everyone speed reading and speedy knitting!
I feel as though I'm going backwards from many of you, I haven't read the books in years (and have yet to find where they're packed) but I have two knit patterns circling in my mind. One is a ladies' blouse pattern from 1895 the other is an invention based on a favorite character.
I've started both and discovered that early knit patterns are not like the kind I'm used to. No needle size, no tension...just the yarn brand and a finished bust measurement.

So, will we be keeping our works a secret till the end or showing our progress on this blog as we go?

24 HOURS

O.k. We're down to the last 24 hours before the long awaited Anne of Green Gables Knit and Read Along begins. If you've been thinking about signing up but haven't - now is the time to do so. I'm going to close down join ups at Monday morning at 12 a.m.So please log in if you haven't already or email if you've been putting it off.

Go too it! :)