Book Stuff

Yeah, I have a review coming, just needs to percolate a bit more. In the meantime, I just wanted to point you here - to Dear Author - to show that I am not the only one who rants a bit about authors getting in fights about online reviews.
Also, Super Librarian pointed out the the magical list of authors for this years RWA Literacy signing has been posted. I almost don't want to show you. Okay, alright, it's here. Isn't it pretty?

Leafy Thing

Oh, the irony. I kept poo-pooing patterns for raglans with a single lace panel because they looked boring. All that stockinette with just one panel to keep you awake. And then after the Parthenope, I could not face anything that looked hard. And I had this Ella Rae Shibu that I wanted to use. I found the Leaf T-Shirt pattern by Melissa Lynn as a freebie on Ravelry. It was a personal pattern that has been shared, so I tossed in an extra inch at the neckline, added a little shaping after the bust and there you go.

And no, I haven't been speed knitting, I've been trying to convince my computer to help me upload pictures.

Elinor Tank

So, I saw the Elinor tank in this summer's Interweave and loved it. As it happened I had picked up some Rowan Summer Tweed at MD Sheep and Wool, so it seemed meant. My original plan had been to shift the mosaic strip up, but I wanted to wait until after the shaping, so it ended up not shifting that much.

(Please ignore the ends, I hadn't quite woven in.)
I had some fun beads that I used.

This was really quick knit and a lot of fun. Amazingly, I think I knit it as written. I also thinks this officially makes Wendy Bernard the person who's design I knit most frequently. Hmmm. And she has a book coming out..

Summer Memories

For the Summer of Yarn Love Swap, we have been challenged to come up with a favorite summer memory. And I hate picking favorites. (Really, just look at the memes I do, I always cheat.) So, I am going to talk about a general feeling. I love the feeling of sitting in a cafe or restaurant - at home, or somewhere new - on a beautiful day when the sun is shining and it's a little hot but you have a shady seat (and it's not so hot that the shade makes no difference). And I have a good book or some knitting (ideally both), and no specific plans for the day, except to have fun.

Starbucks and Yarn Questionnaire

1. Full name - Tara
2. Ravelry ID - RandomRanter
3. Email address - tarachef at gmail dot com
4. Blog address (if you have one) - here - aka talkandrant.blogspot.com
5. Handmade item you desire in the swap (bag, cup cozy, etc.) - bag please!
6. Starbucks item you desire (gift card, mug, beans, etc.) - card please!
7. Favorite Starbucks beverage/bean - Since I don't drink coffee (I know), Chai tea latte. Although their new iced tea bags are great too.
8. Favorite snack food: Right now - sugar cookies.
9. Favorite color(s): Blues and greens.
10. Favorite fragrance: Cucumber.
11. What types of things do you like to knit? Hats, scarves, sweaters, skirts (just not a fan of socks, although sock yarn is lovely.)
12. Do you spin? No.
13. Do you dye your own yarn? I have been known too.
14. Favorite yarns All of them? Okay, I'm a fan of Noro and Malabrigo and Fibre Company.
15. Favorite needles - I love my Denises and also the Harmony Options.
16. Do you have any allergies? Not to food or fiber.
17. Would you be willing to prepare an angel kit if necessary? Sure.
18. Do you have any special requests? Nope.
19. Do you have any pets? Yes. A cat.
20. Is your home smoking or nonsmoking? Non-smoking.