Ring the Bells
Pa Lia, Howie, Calliope, Mrs. Fennessey, and all the kids in Room 201 at Jackson Magnet join the
nation in extending their deepest sympathies to families of Sandy Hook Elementary and Newtown,
Connecticut.
Let the bells ring out !
Room for the Baby
First Review!
Everyone is thrilled that there’s going to be a new baby, but where will the child sleep?
Mom’s sewing room would be perfect, but it is full to the brim with worn-out clothes, leftover yarn and boxes of odds and ends donated by neighbors who know Mom is a master at recycling and repurposing. As months pass, filled with weekly Sabbath celebrations and Jewish holiday traditions, Mom and all the neighbors are busy, happily sewing, knitting and crafting, making diapers, baby clothes and mittens for anyone who expresses a need. The whole family gets into the act; Dad makes a crib from a steamer trunk, and the young narrator organizes a giveaway of free stuff. The sewing room is gradually transformed into a beautiful room for the baby, who receives a joyous welcome. Edwards moves the events through the year, introducing a warm, loving, traditional Jewish family and a close-knit multicultural city community. Information about Jewish holidays, especially the food, is neatly and deliciously incorporated. Underlying themes focus on the processes and satisfaction of creative arts and crafts as well the green concept of reusing found items for new purposes. Christy’s bright illustrations, as well as the endpapers, are filled with amusing details, patterns and textures, along with a sense of movement and busy endeavor.
Warmth and comfort abound. (Picture book. 3-8) Kirkus, July 2012
Available soon!
On Sale: September 25, 2012
Pages: 32 | ISBN: 978-0-375-87090-3
Pages: 32 | ISBN: 978-0-375-87090-3
Summertime Knitting
Summer is a great season to knit. Elizabeth Zimmerman, the matriarch of American knitting, suggests shawls are a perfect July project. Others would vote for stitching a satisfying simple cotton wash cloth. Or an airy lacy scarf. Instead of wool, you might cast on a lace-weight cotton, or bamboo.
Summer vacations and relaxing allows us to catch up on our knitterly reading. To help you enjoy this hot weather opportunity, I’m happy to announce that through July 1oth, Open Road Media is offering the ebook version of my book, A Knitter’s Home Companion, and other popular STC titles for a mere 4.99. In celebration of summer knitting, Open Road is blogging and tweeting patterns for knitting projects, playlists to enjoy while knitting, and even cool recipes for drinks to sip while you knit and read.
Summertime knitting. Are you ready?
Selected Open Road Media Blog Posts
Go to Gimbels
In the classic movie Miracle on 34th Street, Macy's Santa Claus sends a customer to the store's competitor. Macy's didn't stock the toy she wanted, but Gimbels did.
"Go to Gimbels," he tells her. "They have it."
This week, instead of my usual post, I offer one of my favorite Youtubes. I also encourage you to visit other blogs and websites.
Here are a few you might enjoy.
Free Cabin Porn -- this is not pornography