First off the book review. I've read 'Salems Lot before although it was around 15 years ago (eek) and have to admit I enjoyed it as much this time around. The book follows the story of Ben Mears who returns to a small town in the back of America to find he's not the only 'new' face on the scene. The town is swiftly taken over by vampires and the horror begins. I re-read it as I'm making my way through the Dark Tower series and the next book features heavily Father Callahan from the 'Salems Lot book so I wanted a refresh of that character and what he went through. In saying that my favourite character was, and still is, Mark Petrie. Mark is a young boy who although a bit of a loner and a geek manages to stand up to both bullies and scary vampires. He also accepts the existence of vampires so quickly it means his story develops quickly and is more action packed than the others who as adults need more convincing before things get underway. A great spooky read and I've still got the deleted scenes to read at the back of the book which I'll maybe do in daylight!
To the knitting now. Ok so I never got around to knitting up the baby hat but I decide to move on. I bought Let's Knit magazine number 72 Christmas 2013 which had a great kit for knitting Robbie Robin. Robbie looked quick and easy to knit up and uber cute too so I decided to get to work. It took me two evenings to knit and make up. I hate making up. I hate hand sewing. I hate stuffing. I think this shows as he isn't as cute as the magazine version but is perfectly suitable for sitting at the top, back, of the tree. My colourwork could do with some work too as I wasn't sure about the red breast. I did however get to refresh SSK and learned how to knit an icord which was super easy. Instead of turning the knitting you move it up to the other end of a double pointed needle and knit, repeat and you get a long tube like cord effect...simples. Unfortunately I'm writing this from the iPad and can't figure out how to upload photos direct into the post as soon as I do I'll upload them.
Meanwhile I'm taking a break over Christmas from anything crafty as we're spending Christmas week at Bluestone, Pemrokeshire and I plan on lots of long coastal walks followed by large hot chocolates :). I will however be thinking of a crafty challenge for 2014 focusing on finishing some WIPs and stash busting and possibly even getting that knitted blanket finished!
Until the new year I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and Sanat is good to you :) x
Edit - you can see Robbie Robin in my Ravelry projects here http://ravel.me/thefunkylibrarian/84na7
