And the Beltane Goes to...

I know, I'm sure you've been checking all day to find out the winners, haven't you?
Well, let me just open the envelope here... and

For Best Blog Participation, the Beltane goes to: Lana! From her first post to this last month, Lana has provided project detail, thoughts on the book, questions and one really lovely drawing. Thank you so much Lana!

For Best Completed Project, the Beltane goes to: Melanie and her tunic! She kept us updated on her progress throughout this gorgeous project, along with providing an excellent explanation on how she felt it related to Mists. Great work Melanie!

And, an unexpected third project category- the technical category. For an incredibly complex project, from the stitch pattern to piecing it together (click here to see this top broken down in pieces- yikes!), the Technical Beltane goes to: Jules for her Elfin Bride sweater!

Congratulations to the winners! Please email me at knitter.natter@yahoo.com with addresses. The prizes are being put together as we speak and will be ready to go out next Monday!

This was such a hard decision and if you could have heard Brooke and I on the phone there was a lot of "can we just give everyone a prize" being bandied about. Thanks so much to all our participants, both in the projects and in the KAL. We've had such a great time hosting.

Also, keep checking back- we'll have both prizes to show and maybe a possible continuation of this KAl...

Happy Beltane and So Long For Now!

Hello everyone! This will probably be my last "official" post before I leave for the Emerald Isle, but I'm sure that I'll leave a few more comments. The Fabulous Miss Em will be announcing the contest winners later today.

I have had such a great time during this KAL and have enjoyed reading everyone's posts, seeing pictures, and gaining different insights and perspectives while reading the book. Thank you for that!

A few people have expressed an interest in continuing the KAL, and we are all for it! Em and I will be stepping down as the hostesses though, so we officially throw down the gauntlet to anyone who would like to assume command, for lack of a better term :) There are a few books in the series, so maybe two people can host the next book, then two more people take over the following book, etc. Please email Em if you are interested and she'll set you up as a moderator. I hope someone does take over, because I know I would love to participate!

Regarding your book, some people loved it, some people hated it, but regardless, there is a great website called bookcrossing.com, that I recommend checking out. It's a very interesting concept. I am going to "set my book free" in Ireland and see where it goes! If you're scratching your head, saying, "What?!" just check out the site.

Well, my dears, it has been a wonderful experience for me and I hope it has been for you as well :)

xo
Brooke

Fashion Show

Hooray! The fashion show! And without much further ado, we'll begin :)

Listed in no particular order.

1)Submitted by Chrissie




"I call it a shawl fit for a fairy queen. It is the leaf lace shawl from Fibertrends, knitted in a deep gorgeous slightly variegated wine colored handspun merino alpaca fingering weight on 4mm needles. The last row is knitted with a toning shade of fingering weight mohair, to give it some fluffiness, and bound off with sparkly mohair/wool blend. It is supposed to connect to the fairy people who wear autumn leaves as wreathes and decorations all year around, the sparkle simulates dew drops or mist drops trembling on the edges of the leaves. The color is just right for Viviane or Morgaine but I think it is a shawl the fairy queen would wear all year around. I feel like a queen in it."

2) Submitted by Jules

"My entry for the KnitAvalon is the Elfin Bride sweater. I picked this project because it was already on my list of things I would like to knit and I just felt it reflected the medieval era. I felt the women in the castle would wear this top with a big, bustly skirt. Just a short description, but mostly, this project just felt like Mists of Avalon."

3) Submitted by Melanie




"Why did I pick this project for our KAL?

Well, admittedly. When I first thought of doing a project, I was thinking of making a shawl...I love me some lace.
But then I saw that many other people had the same idea. (Great minds think alike!)
Then I thought about the Lady E stole...still wrap, but different then a lace shawl...and then I noticed a few others had that idea as well.
I wanted to be different. I wanted something unique. I wanted something that really said Avalon to me.

I had this yarn in my stash, just waiting for the right project to come along. And when I did the "stash dive" hoping for some inspiration, it screamed 'pick me, pick me!" I think it is the perfect color for our Avalon woman.

Gwen says many times throughout the book how blue is "her color". And while I originally picked the color thinking of her, the entire project, including the color, ended up being for Morgaine.

So I had the yarn..now what? Shawls and wraps were out, someone was making socks already (I had done a pair as well...)..and I kept thinking about the blue skirts and leather tunics the priestesses were described wearing in the book..so now I knew I wanted to make a tunic of some sort.

I found an adorable tunic pattern in Interweave Knits, but the gauge and look was all wrong to me. I wanted something a bit more simple, yet striking. And then I happened upon this pattern from Sweaterbabe.com..and I knew it was the one.

The lace panel, the ribbon, the cabled edging..all of it make this tunic feminine..but the reverse stockinette being the right side, the twisted stitches running up the body keep the over all effect simple and elegant. There is nothing "girly" about this top what-so-ever.

I am very pleased with the way it turned out. I could easily see Morgaine wearing something like this. Or any priestess for that matter.

When I wear this tunic, I can't help but feel an inner strength. I can't help but be proud that I am a woman, and I think all the blessings that come from being a female.

I do not feel guilty for my actions, or "less then" because of my gender. I feel empowered. I feel like a modern day priestess, representin" for the Goddess."

4) Submitted by Linda

"I knitted a pattern from the most recent Knit Simple - it's a simple cotton
baby outfit that I could picture baby Arthur or baby Mordred wearing.
Simple and comfortable!!"

5) Submitted by Dawn

"Well, here are the pictures of the un-finished cape, but it is coming along, lol."

6) Submitted by Em




(Em's comments will be added later this afternoon)

7) Submitted by Brooke

"Acckkk!! So close to being finished, yet so far away! I have about one more inch to go on the lace pattern, then a small border and voila! I'm done! I originally started designing this cowl with Viviane in mind, but as I worked my way through the rhythmic stitching, it became apparent to me who this really would have belonged to: Igraine. I could envision her wearing this while standing on the parapets of her castle in Cornwall looking out over the Winter sea, endlessly waiting for Gorlois to return home. (pre-Uther of course). She would have tired from sitting in a small room with her daughters and women, thrown this on and headed out for some fresh air, leaving her spinning behind. I can't wait to finish up this homage to her spirit and wear it when I'm over in Ireland."

8) Submitted by Jo

"One of my clearest memories of the movie is of the ruanas worn throughout. Early on,
Morgaine wears a lavender one, and I loved it and wanted to make one for me the
moment I saw it.

Well, I'd probably never wear one in real life, but I would wear a poncho like this
one, which looks like the ruana the way they wrapped it in the movie.

I cast on late on the 8th of April and finished the following Monday.

The yarn is Red Heart Symphony, which, in spite of being acrylic, is a really
scrumptious yarn. I know from experience that this yarn will just get more and more
fuzzy as time goes on.

If anyone wants a pattern for this, I can write it out for you. The way I wrote the
pattern, you can use any weight yarn and you can put a border on the bottom if you
want.

Thanks! The KAL has been so much fun!"

If you've missed out on the fashion show post, please feel free to post what you've got! We'd all love to take a peek, I'm sure :)

Thanks to everyone for such fantastic participation...now it's time to deliberate on the winners...

finished bar the edging:)

I'm almost done with my Beltaine shawl, here are some pictures for you:) I am part way through the saw tooth edging and hope to finish this evening. Didn't want to not post progress though. Yarn is my most favourite in the world. Mountain colors mohair in Indian paintbrush. I've used 3 skeins total. I love the yarn its so soft, warm and glorious colours

Correction

Oops! I meant to say finished and unfinished project photos. We would all love to see what you've done, even if they're still WIP's.

Thanks!

Photos please, my dears!

Hello! If you haven't had a chance to send me your photos of your finished project, please do so by noon tomorrow so I can put together the "fashion show" post and we can decide upon a winner.
brooke_stewart@comcast.net

Thanks bunches!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

I decided on a Beltaine shawl:)

I'm half way through a Beltaine shawl in mountain colours mohair firey reds of course:) I decided that this festival of the year was an ideal time to make Morgaine a shawl. Fire for energy, passion and emotions and of course for all the blood of this book. A festival of the old times that were fading away into little pockets of remembrance apart from pagans. Beltaine has always been one of my favourite times on the wheel of they ear. We got handfasted at a sacred spot in cumbria a few years ago at this time. And if I were to put the book at one particular spot on the wheel of the year then for me it has always been a beltaine book:)
Photos this week soon as Mr Mog finds the camera, it is buried under a large pile of destash stuff. We are moving back to England in a few weeks due to health stuff of mine so I'm trying to destash a 3 bedroom, 3 living room house down to a 2 bedroom 1 living room bungalow. Not easy hence the yarn and book destash. I finalyl admitted to myself I'd never knit socks in the foreseeable future so why have sock yarns and as for lace yarn, I can only use it mixed with other yarns. Sadly my hands don't feel fine yarn properly.
amber in a very wet Scotland

Siiigh.

I am nowhere near finishing my shawl. During the course of starting it until now, I've finished an argyle sock, a tank top, a scarf, started a top down raglan and a lot of spinning. I just don't think I'm a grand-scale lace knitter at this point in my life. The second socks I ever made were lace, so I'm capable of doing it in small doses. That's what the yarn I dyed is going to end up being anyway, some socks. Just not in time for the end of this KAL. Oh well.

In addition to not finishing the shawl, I haven't finished the book either! Eep. 0 for 2 thus far.

So I've been thinking of putting together a sort of Avalon All Year Long Knit Along (okay, I just LOVE how that sounds when you say it.) for the other people who might be in my predicament, and new people who want to join. Any thoughts?

I am pleased to see beautiful finished objects around here, though! You've all been working very hard.

I finished! And with time to spare!

Hello again everyone.

If you recall last week I showed you an in progress picture of the front of this tunic.

Well, it is an addicting and fast knit..and once I got started I could not stop!

So here it is, my completed tunic for our KAL:

I think I like it. =) I am a hard one to please.

And hey, you can't beat the photography!(LOL, I threw the rolls out after I noticed them in the pics!)

I could totally see a priestess wearing something like this (of course, she would not have jeans on). I think the color is perfect for Gwen (she always loved the blue)..and Morgaine as well.

You can find out all the details, and see more pictures on my blog.

I Guess now I better send off that e-mail for the contest(s)! =)

One Week To Go!

With only one week left of this KAL, I thought I'd put up a poll to see who has finished the book and, generally, how people felt about Mists. Please vote and let us know where you're at!

While I'm not in the contest (what with being a hostess and all ;-), I do think I'll finish my Avalon project before the end of the week. I've got about a third to go of the Arrowhead Stole from Interweave Knits, the Summer '06 issue.





If you have any questions about the contest feel free to email myself (Em) at knitter.knatter@yahoo.com or Brooke at brooke_stewart@comcast.net.

Good luck to you all!

I'm done

I'm done my capelet that I turned into a poncho, it's a little short but like it, I don't have a home comp. right now but i'll post a pic as soon as i can :)

Contest Reminder

Hello everyone! I hope you all are doing great out there in bloggerland :) This is a quick reminder that we have one week until pictures need to be submitted for the KAL project contest. Please email them to Brooke at brooke_stewart@comcast.net no later than the 27th with a short "description" as to why you chose this project. On Sunday the 29th, I'll post a fashion show of everyone's completed projects (even if you don't finish, go ahead and submit what you have, because I'm sure everyone still wants to see :) On May 1st, the winners for both contests will be announced!

Good luck!

xo
Brooke

Third question

Ok, here's one more question that I have been mulling over:

(Brooke, the Igraine/Viviane references are in my comments on my last post)
(Em, the bit where Morgaine realises she has become the fairy queen is near the end, the rest is extrapolation ... but the fairy queen looks very like Morgaine).

Isn't it funny that, in a book which so ostensibly grieves over the passing over of the matriarchal Great goddess/priestess/king stag culture for a patriarchal Christian god culture (where the goddess = the whore of babylon, fertility rites = sinful etc.), all the major male characters are portrayed as being so f***ed up, sorry please excuse my language but you get what I mean, by their relationships or lack of to their mothers/mother figure?

I mean, Lancelot ... would have made a great team with Morgaine, and no tragedy with Gwen (or tragedy for Camelot), but sorry Morgaine looks too like Viviane ... and who looks the opposite of Viviane? Gwen ... with whom Lancelot, read between the lines, doesn't really want to consumate their relationship (and what about the implications of the homosexual contents? Is it the old Kleinein bad devouring mother = impotent/homosexual son here? Does Lancelot finally do it with Elaine (whom he mistakes for Gwen) to prove his manhood?

Arthur: his "real" mother figure is Morgaine, the sister he remembers taking care of him as a baby. Who does Gwen resemble? His mother Igraine. His "respect" for Gwen, (his pathetic craving in yes, but also because Arthur is a gentleman and yes, new age man who totally respects his wife to the extent that he will not put her aside using reason that she's barren and take a new fertile wife, which is something Gwen probbaly wants but is a) too much of a coward b)likes her position as queen too much c) maybe doesn't want to hurt Arthur, anyway, could his respect for Gwen be a holdover from his childhood feelings that his mom never loved him or had time for him, and so he is unconsciously trying to win his mother/Gwen over by pleasing her? Oh yeah, and also because having Gwen is the closest he can "get" to Lancelot.

Arthur's cousins/Lot's son ... is their Christianity a reaction to their mother's (Morgause, queen of air and darkness) obvious pagan powers, matriarchal power still being practised in Lothian? And obviously, Mordred wouldn't be such a problem if a)Morgaine had lived up to her responsibilities, send him to be fostered properly, and brought up with the druids b)Morgause didn't hate Arthur so much as a leftover of her anger at Viviane for not being chosen for Uther (and why not her anyway? I mean, if the souls entwinned was Viviane's + Uther, then Morgause would have been qualified as a substitute in terms of bloodlines anyway. Who's to say she would have been any worse than pious Igraine?)

So, the 3 women of the first generation: Viviane (high preistess/religious power), Igraine (high queen/earthly power), Morgause (socceress/dark powers, also wild card); and their younger counterparts: Morgaine (ditto), Gwen and Elaine (pale shadow of Morgause but she did use soccery via Morgaine to get Lance into bed with her, maybe also her daughter who does become a priestess and uses her powers to ensnare Kevin the Merlin ... but also makes the younger generation more of a dialectic than a triad (maiden/mother/crone) so less balanced) ... so much feminine power and influence when the Arthurian saga traditionally all about men who jousted, fought battles and went on quests to rescued maidens in distress, but more to the point, so much power (both behind the scenes and pyschologically) used wrongly (Morgaine) if not actually abused (Gwen and maybe Viviane?), or not used when needed (Morgaine again). It's like, oh, ok, the book is all about the women behind the men ... the actual influence of events .... but it ends up NOT being empowering BECAUSE ... these women all use their powers wrongly! Is it, thank God it's now a patriarchal culture because then we won't have these poor sods of psychologically abused sons ...

I am wondering, have we, after all, ended up at the same place as more traditional versions of the Arthurian saga where Morgaine (normally confused with Morgause, actually) is portrayed as a witch who deliberately seduces her brother? Has the patriarchal culture won in MOA? Tell me one thing which these powerful women did that was NOT harmful, whether in the name of the Goddess or the Christian God. That peaceful consolatary resolution at the end, where oh the goddess lives on in the Virgin Mary so everything is cool, the power and influence of women has been subtly if not openly acknowleged ... I don't know. Why would I want women to be powerful if all they can do is mess guys up?

ok, that's a rhetorical, I am a woman not a guy in disguise ... just seems to me the book can give the 'wrong" message if you think about it.

Another Update

Hi ladies,
I finished the book last week. What can I say? I loved it.
It was my first time reading and learning the entire Arthurian legend. I had heard bits and pieces of it, and new the "big" parts..but nothing in depth like the book explained.
This was my first time reading Mists of Avalon, and I thought I got a great deal out of it..but the questions and thoughts posted by all of you have really deepened my reading. I realize that I just scratched the surface with this story.
I will read it again someday..and I am now interested in reading the other books in the series.

Also, I started another project..you may recall I made the socks in the Camelot colorway..but I wanted to something a bit more accurate for this KAL.
So I started this adorable little tunic:

It's not purple, it is actually a beautiful dark blue...I picked it because it made me think of the clothes the priestesses wore.
Here is what I hope is a better detail to the top, there is a cool twisted stitch that travels up the body, and the right side is in reverse stockinette..there are also cables running up the side of the chest.

It is a really fun knit, and very fast. I am hoping I will have it done in time for our KAL deadline!

I got the pattern at:

http://sweaterbabe.com/product_kp25.htm

Wish me luck in finishing! And happy knitting and reading!

Book discussion/question

Having read this book more than 3 times now, I am still puzzled by something and wonder whether anyone can clarify it.

Remember the bit just before Uthur dies, when Viviane goes and tries to help him and has a vision of them both as priest and priestess in Atlantis? Is that the same vision that Igraine was given by the old Merlin? Ok, it's pretty confirmed that Uther was a priest in Atlantis, but were Igraine and Viviane two different priestesses, both in love with him? Or are they both separate reincarnations of the same soul/spirit? Or is it a roving vision and any woman who has it thinks they are the "original" one? Sort of mean if that's so.

I finally took a pic of what I was working on! I took a different route with my project. When I went to my LYS, I spotted this yarn and it just screamed "Avalon" to me. In my head I picture the mists and swampy bogs, but also the lush green, fruit bearing trees, and water. The yarn is 100% merino which would have been a fiber the priestesses would have worn. It also looks handspun, which reminds me of the women spinning away in the book. I have decided to knit it into a mini clapotis... and the pattern is capturing the yarn perfectly.

I have been humbled!

I started out this project as a somewhat cocky knitter. Well, I have been humbled as I knit this Elfin Bride sweater. I was warned at the beginning of the pattern that it wasn't for the faint hearted and it isn't!!! The good thing, is that I am knitting it for this KAL and have a goal of when to finish it, so that has kept me somewhat on target! So here is where I am in my project...

Should I post a picture?

I finished Morgaine's shawl, and I think it looks fit for a fairy queen! Should I post a picture now or wait until I have done the other one or two shawls? I am on the 6th tier (out of 12) of Gwenhyfar's shawl, and as it started from the bottom the repeats get progressively longer. I hate this yarn, I have to wrestle with it and even using plastic circulars it tends to slip off.

Book discussion: yeah, Gwenhyfar was also my least favourite character, I didn't like what I saw as her hypocrisy ..., but in knitting this shawl (field of flowers, shiny pink rayon crochet thread) I started thinking about her ... do you remember she has severe, disabling agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). The book doesn't explain why she has it, but many of her actions and decisions seem to be justifications of her reactions which spring from her phobia ... not rational but phobias aren't. Coz nowadays we would sit her down before a psychoanalyst or counsellor, she would get rid of it, and then she would not make those bad judgement calls ... maybe. What I don't get (ok, knowing this is a novel and fiction and the author can make up anything she wants), is why women as sussed and intelligent as Viviane and Morgaine didn't suspect that Morgause has been tampering with Gwenhyfar's fertility through the use of herbs and potions from her subverted waiting woman. After all, if nothing is wrong with Gwen physically, then it must be through unnatural means. And if I were her, when I got pregnant I would just have kept it secret, stayed in the convent (where she felt safe), delivered the baby and then tell Arthur. That wouldn't be a problem for her reputation coz in a convent she is surrounded by nuns ... no men, so no doubts that the baby is Arthur's. But then it wouldn't be a tragedy ... coz by stupid behaviour ... ok we are back ... caused by irrational behaviour.

Finished The Book

I JUST finished reading the last page of the book. I will say that the book is 10 times better than the movie. I sort of stalled out in reading the book in the middle. It was sort of slow and boring. Monday evening I picked the book up again, intending to read a chapter or two. Instead, I could not put the book down. I read 400 plus pages in two days.

I won't say too much about the story, in case there are a few still reading it. I will say that I disliked Gwenhwyfar for most of the novel. Her pious attitude and snivelling over the sins of man, repent and all that hooplah, then to commit a grave sin herself in loving another, as well as her husband and King...blegh! It was so hypocritical. The character I loved and most identified with was Morgaine. I did not like some of the choices she made, but over all she was strong and did what she felt she must. Plus, she was ultimately the last one standing, which was sort of sad. I was all misty eyed when Morgaine visited Viviane's grave side...

And yes, I do believe there is a Goddess within us and all around us. So, Avalon is still there...just hidden. And that is all...I am now off to knit on my "Avalon" vest.

Getting There

Slowly but surely, it's coming along. I think I have about 3-4 inches to go on the white lace portion and maybe two inches for a bottom border and viola! I'm currently in search of the perfect ribbon to lace through the tan section (you can kind of make out the eyelets where the tan meets the white) I'm envisioning an ivory ribbon with pink and gold accents...The race is on to the end of the month! How is everybody else coming along with their projects?

xo
Brooke

arrrgh!!

I'm still here :) I dropped a stitch on my shawl, and I tried all week-end too fix it...I can't, so I started a capelet-type shoulder shawl, i'm making it up as I go, so far it looks OK :) I'll post a pic as soon as I take one, everyone's projects look great :)

OT Shopping Links

Hello everyone! I just wanted to make mention that I have added a link to Cary's farm on the sidebar, for anyone interested in trying her spinning fiber and yarn. This is where my yarn came from that I'm using for my cowl. Yummy stuff! I do believe that Cary is generously donating a skein or two as a contest prize, so stop on over and show her some love!

Also, until May 1st, I'm offering a 15% discount on your total purchase from my Etsy store, to those participating in the KAL. The link is also located on the sidebar.

If anyone else is vending, please feel free to let us know and we'll add your link on the sidebar.

Peace!
Brooke

Triple Moon as promised

Finally! I kept forgetting to get the doily from my bedroom after I got the camera program working! lol
Well, here it is, my triple moon doily. I drew the design on graph paper first, then changed it several times at each of the moons as I was knitting it, and still wasn't that happy with my smaller moons. But I will work on them again some other time.

Still working on my Sacred Waters Shawl too....... even thinking about making it into a cloak now! lol

More Lively Discussion

As we're approaching Easter, I thought I'd put out another question slightly related to that time period (spoiler note: if you've not reached Chapter Three of The King Stag, you might not want to keep reading).

Arthur's Court is preparing to celebrate Pentecost, Morgaine is at his court, and Viviane returns to demand Arthur's open allegiance to Camelot. Within only a few pages, Viviane is struck down by Balin.

My questions are: How do you feel about her death? How do you feel about the manner of her death at the hands of this particular character? What do you think of Arthur's handling the situation? Who, if either, is right, Kevin or Morgaine in what should be done with Viviane's body? I'm curious if your answers to these questions will vary, depending on if you've finished the book or not.

I'll end with a shot of my project (finally cast-on!) for this KAL.



I'm about eight rows into what appears to be a much longer project than I anticipated :-). Luckily, I'm a process knitter. Or so I've already started reminding myself...

Avalon Vest, Back

I am still knitting and reading The Mists...slowly, but surely. I have managed to complete the back piece of my "Avalon Vest." Sorry, the picture isn't the best. The lighting in my living room is not the greatest, at night. I should have waited until morning when the natural light was better. Oh well. I plan to cast on for the front piece of the vest tomorrow morning, after my daughters are in school. Once I get going on it, it should not take me too long to complete. *crossing fingers*

So, it's been really quiet on here for the past week. How is everyone doing? I am good. I am almost halfway through the book. I am at the part where Morgaine goes back to Avalon after being away for many years. She had her baby and spent time at Arthur's court. I am going to sit down and read several chapters tonight, rather than knit. Yup, that's about it...

The Morgaine

Purse1
Originally uploaded by ablossomknits.

In attempting to recreate the photography of the original pattern . . *insert-hysterical-laughter-here* . . . I present to the group my first completed purse for the Knitters of Avalon.


NOTES: Only one Icord used instead of the patterned two. In the future, pattern will be altered by doing only one row of eyelet to accommodate this change. Also, tassle will need to be redone as it is sorely in need of attention due to knitter needing some serious tassle making instruction. Cut her some slack though because this is her first tassle.

KoA Prize

KoA Prize 2
Originally uploaded by ablossomknits.

So I hear a knock, knock, knock on my door and . . . there's a mailman out there telling me the Easter Bunny dropped this off for me . . .

What's inside????

For being chosen as the winner in the essay contest we had about a week ago . . I was honored with the following items:

Chocolate bun bun
Bunny mug with candies
Handmade bar of Mint Julep soap from Cottage Garden Therapies
Set of US2 dpns
One beautiful hank of hand dyed 100% cotton yarn

Once again, I am not worthy. *bow* I am so truly amazed at this . . . I have never won a contest before. This is my first prize . . ever. Thank you, I will not forget this kindness. :)

Purse progress

purse_032707
Originally uploaded by ablossomknits.

While my project isn't nearly as lovely as Ms. Brooke's . . I thought I'd post my progress so far on #1 - the Morgaine. I'm starting on the decrease rows . . so I think I'll be done in a couple of days. Then I will begin on #2 - the Guinevere. (That's a small stitch marker you see along the cord line.)

Hey, Check Out My Gnomes...

...and my cowl :) What do gnomes have to do with anything, you ask? I have no idea, but they're cool! My cowl is coming along, slowly, but surely. I've been working on it less than I'd like, due to a few other deadlines, but I will, will, will have this completed by the end of April...can you believe it's almost April?

I graciously accepted this styrofoam head from my DB for display purposes, because one can never have enough styrofoam heads...





I'm currently in search of THE perfect ribbon to thread through my eyelets placed close to the tan/ivory border. I "strategically" placed them to hold two ribbons. (The ribbon is my plan on holding up the front of the cowl to produce it's drape and keep it off of the floor!!) *grin* I'm proud of myself for at least thinking of this ahead of time :)

xo
Brooke

Book and movie discussions!

I am soooo glad we can talk about them here. I finally got my movie and books back from my friend, immediately watched the movie and also almost immediately remembered that it made me soo flipping angry! So different from the book.

I am now half way through with the book this time. I am at the point where Arthur has forsworn himself, and no longer rules under the Pendragon banner. He sure is a whimp where it concerns his wife! But I think it is because he has no set beliefs himself. Although he did have the one were all men were equal and have the right to worship as their souls tell them too, not as ordered by any man, be he king or not!

lol, I guess this touches too close to home for me.

And, I have been working on my shawl, but guess what??? Hubby was working on my computer, and now I cant upload pictures from my camera!!!!!!! ARGH!!!!! I also knitted a triple moon doily for my bedside table. In black & heather Simply Soft Caron. The heather is really a soft silver color. So the moons are in silver with a black background, and a lace edging.

Blessed Spring everyone!

Morgaine Drawing

I found some of my drawings, from years ago, today. I doodle and paint every now and again, when the mood strikes. I drew Morgaine the first time I tried to read The Mists Of Avalon. It's called Morgaine, the Priestess and it's my interpretation of her, from back in 2000, or so. It's not one of my best drawings, mind you. I just figured I would share, since it pertains to the book and all.

Okay, that's all...

My first FO for the KAL

Yes, I said my first. =)
I have at least 3 other projects that were inspired by the book on my list. Maybe I will get one more done in time for the KAL.
These are the socks I was talking about from an earlier post.
I was needing to buy some Sport weight yarn for another KAL..and when I saw this colorway..I had to have them.
What's the color you ask? Camelot.


I knit these socks in less then two days for a knitting competition I am in...but the colorway was truly inspired by Our KAL. How's that for multi-tasking? We woman are good at that. =)
The leg has a spiral pattern..and while I was knitting it I was thinking about Myst's of Avalon, and about how each of the characters (thus far.. I just started the 2nd part) spiral together , and apart, and together again...
OK, on to my next project. This time something a little bit more "style appropriate. =) )

Progress Has Been Made

I decided to go with a vest for my knitting project, for the group project. It's done in a fisherman color and cable-y textures. I have knitted 9 inches on the back piece so far. I really must get to knittin' on this vest. I've been slacking. Bad me.

The original vest information was written about in one of my blog posts. It also has a photo of the original vest. LOL!

Happy Weekend to everyone!

Just Some Discussion

I just wanted to spark some conversations on the book, today. I hope this is okay? I chose a question from the back of the book, the discussion questions...

How does the book strive to challenge common stereotypes? How does it reinforce them?

Happy Friday!

And We Have a Winner!

I think everyone deserves a prize who participated in this contest, because all of the answers were great, but alas, there can be only one (spoken in my best Sean Connery accent- anyone get that reference?)...

So, we put everyone's name in a hat...




Let the wee one pull a name (a very scientific method)...






And this is our winner!





Please note, that our home really isn't a shrine to Elvis...I just grabbed a piece of fabric off the top of the pile, to use for background...really, it's true... *grin*

I'll be in touch Leslie! Congratulations!

Brooke

Free Iced Coffee...

...at Dunkin' Donuts today! No, this isn't the prize for the contest :) *grin*

This is for real...If you don't believe me, click here...yee of little faith :)

xo

Brooke

Ostara contest

Ok, I'll add my facts that I found out about Ostara and how it is linked to Christianity.
Ostara is sacred to Eostre, the Saxon Lunar Goddess of fertility-- whose symbols are the egg and the rabbit. Christians then adopted these symbols for Easter.

Contest Anyone?

Tomorrow is the First Day of Spring, also known as the Spring Equinox, which is celebrated by some as Ostara. In Europe, this festival is also known as vernal equinox, Lady Day, Jack in the Green Day, Alban Eiber, Bacchanalia, and Eostre's Day. Tomorrow is a day of balance, when the 12 hours of sunlight are balanced by 12 hours of darkness. In many religions, this is a time of rebirth for many different deities. In our book, many elements of duality and balance can be found. There also seems to be a lot of "tension" between Paganism and Christianity, so I thought this would be a fantastic time for a contest! This contest's main focal point will be on celebrating the similarities, not the differences, between the two religion's concepts of Spring celebration. Instead of it being Ostara vs. Easter. let's look at as how very alike they are to each other!)

Here's a little bit of history and an example of what I'm talking about:

"For the past thousand years at least, the celebration of Easter has come to dominate spring ritual activity in the Western world. Placed originally in this season for historical reasons (although it was linked with the Jewish lunar festival of Passover, itself determined in relation to the Spring Equinox), the Christian feast's theme of renewal and triumph over death was certainly in tune with its position in the yearly cycle, and could be easily wedded to the local pagan customs. As in the case of Christmas, however, the importance of the festival of Easter and its linking to international rather than community religious observance have encouraged the migration of Easter customs- even those with pre-Christian origins- and made it harder to trace their individual provenance. The "Easter bunny" that has become the main focus of the Anglo-American commercial packaging of the feast goes back to a Germanic mythology of Spring: he is Osterhase or "Easter hare," the fertility animal who accompanies the Goddess of Spring and Dawn- and old English name of that goddess (Eostre) has remained as the name of the feast even in its purely Christian form."

(excerpt from The Apple Branch by Alexei Kondratiev)

There's one example: The Easter Bunny.

So, what you need to do is come up with two more examples of the similarities between Ostara/any other pagan Spring rites and Christianity. You don't need to go as in depth as above unless you want to, that was just an example, but feel free to run with this theme! If you're having difficulties finding examples of the similarities, go ahead and give two tid-bits of info on Ostara that you find interesting. Most important, have fun with it! You have until Thursday, the 22nd, in the a.m. to post your answers in the Comments section. There's a nice little prize for the winner!

Hello :)

It's a Cinch!
Originally uploaded by ablossomknits.

Just a short post to say hello and introduce myself. I'm Leslie and am just SO happy to be doing this KAL! I first read Mists of Avalon when I was 19 for an English Lit class and had the absolute most amazing experience. One of these days I'll have to post all about that . . it's quite the story. Anyways, this is more to say hi to everyone and just show a pic of what I'll be working on. Hopefully I can figure out Blogger here and how to post with a pic.

I will be working on a purse . . not any purse though, mind you. It is a special purse. Why so . . do I hear you ask? Well, it's special for many reasons. First, because I've had this pattern for a few years . . way before I ever learned how to knit. It's always been there in the back of my mind . . I never really had a reason to knit it. Secondly, when I signed up for this KAL . . this was the only thing that immediately came to mind. I just knew it was perfect for this book. Thirdly and lastly . . I believe this is a special item because it fits every single woman in this book with the only change being -- the color. I will knit this in light lavender for Guinevere and in a deep blood crimson for Morgaine. If I were to continue . . maybe a dark purple for Viviane. Are you with me on this? Do you see any other colors for the ladies . . maybe even different from mine? I'd love to hear your thoughts. My mind just keeps running with this.

I'm so excited about this and looking forward to all of the wonderful knitted items that accompany the reading . . or re-reading, for some of us . . of this book that literally continues in your head for decades. I know it did for me. I've never broken free of it's spell. When I see mist hovering over water . . I never look away . . hoping for someone to rise . . .

Progress Report

Hello everyone! I thought it was about high time I posted a picture of the project I'm working on for the KAL. I'm attempting...key word "attempting," to design a cowl, using the yarn that Cary at Serenity Farms sent me. I am soooo in love with this yarn! The tan is Shetland wool and the white is a combo of Angora and Corriedale, all of which come right from her farm. This stuff is as soft as a cloud, not that I've touched any clouds lately...ummm...anyway, I think you can see the halo of softness in the photo. Dontcha just wish you could touch it?! :P I hope everyone is having a great time with their projects so far! I can't wait to see more pics!

xo
Brooke

St. Patrick's Day Lore- Kidnapped by Pirates!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I just wanted to share a little history behind the day with you. I thought this was pretty interesting! Excerpted from "The Apple Branch" by Alexei Kondratiev:

"There is no arguing that St. Patrick has become the preeminent Irish saint, to the point of eclipsing the achievements of all other Irish saints in history. Yet, this is a fairly recent development. Starting in the late seventh century, the Roman church, eager to reestablish it's hold over Irish Christian communities, began to strongly promote veneration of Patrick, who saw it as one of it's own, a bishop of Roman lineage representing Roman authority. Ironically, the historical Patrick who evangelized Ireland in the 5th century had not been highly thought of by his Roman superiors. A native of Cumbria, kidnapped by pirates and kept as a slave in Ireland, he eventually escaped to the Continent and pursued his ecclesiastical career in Gaul. When the fiery soldier-bishop Germanus of Auxerre was dispatched to Britain to deal with the Pelagian movement there, Patrick accompanied him as part of his entourage. Clearly he was thought to be lukewarm in his opposition to Pelagianism when Christians in Ireland requested that a bishop be sent to them, he was only the Church's second choice, despite his unique Irish experience, and was sent to Ireland only after the departure of his predecessor Palladius. He did not, as modern popular tradition suggests, singlehandedly bring Ireland to Christianity; he found many well-rooted Christian communities already there, and probably did not cover all of Ireland in his missionizing. Once the writers Muirchu and Tirechan had, by conflating the events recounted in Patrick's own "Confessio" with a variety of unrelated saint-legends, established the outline for the saint's official biography, the stage was set for the spectacular growth of his reputation throughout the Middle Ages. Paradoxically, however, despite his having been the chosen vehicle for Roman authority, Patrick developed into an idealized model of native Celtic spirituality- heroic, adventurous, and filled with faith- simply because he had absorbed the stories of so many other saints who had exhibited those traits. And because those saints had absorbed the roles of many local deities, aspects of the older pagan heritage also came to be associated with Patrick's persona- as when, echoing the Lord of the Harvest who subdues the Fomorian Dragon of the Land, he became, in some traditions, a dragon-slayer. This is certainly the origin of the bowdlerized modern story, which has him " driving the snakes out of Ireland" (the version according to which the "snakes" are really druids is, of course, a recent Neo-Pagan development)."

...and there you have it! If anyone wants to add anything or disagrees with any of this, please feel free to comment. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

P.S. Keep your eyes peeled...a contest is a-brewing!

xo
Brooke (posting under Em's user name, because she is just the coolest person ever, and is sharing with me, because Blogger won't let me over!! :)

YEAY!!!

My book arrived yesteday and I am now going on a 20 hour busride where all I will be doing is knitting and reading. Finally going to get to properly take part in conversations!! But I just wanted to celebrate with you all about the book...**do a little dance**

I've started the socks with the saxon braid cable in the back and in the berry colourway. thank you all for your helpful comments and if anyone else wants to knit it with me, please feel free. that way we could exchage notes as we go. i will post pictures shortly.

Have a great week and Happy early Paddy's Day.

Parisa xx

Hi from Sweden

Hi,

Thought I would drop in and say Hi. My name is Hanna and I managed to join this KAL in the last hours before it closed. I am so happy I found it.
I have the book, but was going to do something smart. Find it on audio so I could knit while I listened, but I have only been able to find it as an abriged version, meaning it is only 3 !!! hours long. That seems like cheating so I am going to start reading the book.
So what am I going to knit? After thoughtful consideration I am going to make the Lady Elaeanor shawl that some of you also has knitted. It is stunning and I got the book yesterday. Now I only need to decide what yarn to use.
I have a blog http://hannasdailywalks.blogspot.com/ (set up a couple of days ago).
It is in both Swedish and English.

Have a great day

Hanna in Sweden

Hi from Sweden

Hi,

Thought I would drop in and say Hi. My name is Hanna and I managed to join this KAL in the last hours before it closed. I am so happy I found it.
I have the book, but was going to do something smart. Find it on audio so I could knit while I listened, but I have only been able to find it as an abriged version, meaning it is only 3 !!! hours long. That seems like cheating so I am going to start reading the book.
So what am I going to knit? After thoughtful consideration I am going to make the Lady Elaeanor shawl that some of you also has knitted. It is stunning and I got the book yesterday. Now I only need to decide what yarn to use.
I have a blog http://hannasdailywalks.blogspot.com/ (set up a couple of days ago).
It is in both Swedish and English.

Have a great day

Hanna in Sweden

From Brooke!

I'm posting for your other High Priestess, the fabulous Miz Brooke, who, due to Blogger silliness, will not let her switch to new Blogger. Please stop by and say 'haaallo' to your other Fearless Leader!

Hello everyone! I thought it was about time for an "official" book
discussion, being that we're almost halfway through March! Before I start
though, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has started and
contributed to their own mini discussions- they have been great and your
project ideas are phenomenal!

I have been kicking around a few ideas for discussion, and somewhere
between my recent dreams of unrequited love and wondering where they are
coming from, a curiosity formed in my mind. I think most of us are far
enough along in the book for discussion, possibly finished and if not,
that's OK too, because this may give you something to think about while
reading...In regards to the characters in the novel, is there any
particular one that you relate to most? Is there a character that really
stands out in front of the others? Do you think that there is a little bit
of all of them in each of us? If you break them down, you'll find
certain character traits that are unique to each individual. I am curious as
to what everyone thinks and feels about this. Have you been having
your own personal insights resulting from reading this book? Obviously
there is no right or wrong answer. This book tends to reach everyone in a
different sort of way- it's definitely reaching me through my dreams.


Please leave your comments for all to read.

Thanks ladies!

Brooke

Long time no see...

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted in ages, though I have been reading all the posts and leaving comments. I have been waiting for my copy of Avalon to arrive from Amazon, and now after a few impatient emails, it should be arriving this week. Just in time for Spring Break!! Very excited. I have also have been thinking what I would like make, which is hard without the book, but I have been drawn to socks, as they are practical, functional and can also be decorative without taking away from their use. I wanted to design something with a Saxon braid cable in it.



THEN, I saw the new issue of knitty and a sock pattern in it called Clessidra that looks amazing and was totally what I was think of doing with the Saxon braid, so I might knit it.

Unfortunately the only sock yarns I have at the mo' are burgandy or a berry colourway. I don't know if that would be appropriate or not. Some feedback would be wonderful.

Happy Knitting and reading everyone :)

Introduction from a lurker

Hi everyone - this is my first post to this blog, but I have been lurking since Ann told me I should join. MOA is one of my favorite books (and I'm a librarian - that's saying something.) I went through a faze in high school where I read it 6 or 8 times in a row. I would get to the end, and think, hmmm what exactly happened with Igraine at the beginning? And I was off again. It definitely influenced my feminist tendencies.

Still not sure what I will knit. But I just pulled my copy off the shelf and am ready to be inspired!

Thanks for letting me join, Em!

Cast on

Hi,

I cast on this evening, because I have decided, no doubt too ambitiously, that I am going to try to knit three shawls. This first one is in honour of Viviane/Morgaine, I am using a deep wine colored fingering weight handspun merino/alpaca and the Fiber Trends Estonian Leaf Lace shawl pattern. I only have about 500yds so this should go quickly. The second one is in honour of Helene (from one of the other books) in a cobalt blue tweedy wool. I have not settled on the pattern for that but I am thinking something in simple garter stitch. The last one is for Gwenhyfar, and I plan to use a shiny pink rayon lace. This is a horrible yarn to work with, but the effect is pretty, so yes, rather like Gwen. I will be keeping the first one, the other two are for my sisters-in-law (and yes, we couldn't find any lace weight silk in my LYS, so she chose the pink rayon).

Book discussion: I envy Morgaine's spinning ability. I just soun up the second skein for the Interweave Handspun Swap and I had to concentrate all the time. The result was still thick and thin. But I think Morgaine goes into trances when she's weaving too.

Ready to go

I am getting this project started. I have checked the book out of the library and am ready to reread this book. The last time I read it was when my first daughter was born and I named her Avalon-- 13 years ago!! So I felt I HAD to join this KAL.
Soooo, I am attempting to knit the Elfin Bride sweater that is featured in the Domiknitrix book.

Avalon Vest?

In my search for a suitable replacement, for the knit stockings I was knitting. I found a pattern that I have been wanting to knit for ages. Is it appropriate, though? The vest is from Fall 2005 Vogue Knitting magazine. I have not found a connection with the The Mists book and the vest, other than my want to knit it, while I read the book. I can't say that the vest is inspired by the book. The book inspires me...maybe? They did not wear vests back then, did they? LOL! Give me some time...I will come up with a connection between the book and the vest. I can justify anything. The vest is lovely and has textures and cables. I am planning to knit the vest in the same "fisherman" colored yarn as the stockings would have been.

So, that's the plan. I guess I am glad my needle broke at the beginning of the stockings, not the end. I have enough time to change my mind to another project. I am feeling moody and hormonal this week. So, I can change my mind...

In Search Of Another Project

The Bad News:
I can't make the stockings that I had planned for this knit along. I will have to search for another project. Why? Well, I was knitting along on round 50 of the one stocking and I broke a needle. Yup! It snapped in two. I only have one set of the size needles I need. So, I am searching today, for a replacement project and it's to be continued...

The Good News:
I have been reading The Mists A LOT the past few days. I am on Chapter 13 of Book 1. I just finished the chapter where Lancelet and Morgaine find Gwenhwyfar lost near the Isle, and help her find her way.

I am remembering how I love this book.

Negatory.

So, I've been plugging away at the tunic with my hand-dyed fingering weight, and I've decided on a resounding NO. Not if I want to get it finished in this lifetime, at least. Too tiny, too boring, and I knew I was in trouble when I'd rather knit argyle socks. It's a shame too, because I could see myself swanning around in the lovely finished tunic when I was dyeing the yarn; I just forgot that middle step where I have to knit endless miles of stockinette. I thought for a while it would be sort of soothing and meditative, but it's not. It's just overwhelming and boring, so, a shawl it is! I can still swan around in a lovely bronze-coloured shawl.

Book discussion! I just finished the passage near the beginning of the second part of the book, where Morgaine is spinning and goes into a sort of trance from it, and kind of laughed. For a while, I'd taken to spinning and watching TV, but I had to stop watching things I was terribly interested in, because I found I didn't remember a thing from them. I can knit and watch TV or movies, no problem, but I can't spin and do it! I'm somewhat of a multitasking queen, so I know that's not the issue. Spinning is somewhat hypnotic, I suppose, and I'd never really thought about it that way until I read that particular passage. Knitting isn't always relaxing to me, especially when I have nine bobbins hanging at the back of my work, but spinning? Perfect. Although, I haven't fallen into any traces yet, but I'm sure it's possible in the future!

Now, off to find a shawl pattern!

Ah, I had forgotten

How great this book really is! I'm up to Chapter Nine and I'm totally loving it! I loved the DVD, but I'm definitely more book oriented. So, after we finish "Mists", will we be reading the next books? The whole series was good.

Raw Materials

Here is a picture of the yarn (Berroco Memoirs, a 2-ply mostly wool/mohair) and the amber crystal beads I intend to use on my beaded shawl. (Online pattern, http://notanartist.blogspot.com/2006/06/mohair-tiger-pattern.html) Although the pattern will be more of a starting point than a map, I think.

The colors remind me of early autumn: greens mixed with browns and a strong dark pink/orange running through it. I took the picture by my pond waterfall, and I can "see" nature in the yarn when the sun hits it on that stone. The amber beads are small, light, and of various hues and lusters and hopefully won't weigh the final product down too much.

Real Honest-to-Goodness Cut-Off Date...

...will be Monday, March 5th. It gives anyone who might be interested (lurking out in the world wide shadows) time to sign-up over the weekend.
I'm loving seeing all the started projects! I think I'm going to do this Baltic Sea Shawl in JaggerSpun lace-weight yarn. The only question- Violet or Peacock (a deep green)? I'm limited to these two colors because they are what my LYS carries and I get a discount (oh hooray!). Initially I thought green more woodsy, more Avalonian, but a lace-weight shawl seems such a springy-summery thing, which I associate with a softer color like, say, violet...
If this is my biggest decision to make today I'm not doing too badly, huh? ;-)
Lovely weekend to you all!

Progress pic

I just wanted too post a quick pic of my shawl progress so far, it's a little biggr than this pic, I plan on working on a little more this week-end :)

Intro

Hello Everyone,

I guess it is about time I said Hello! I am still a novice knitter, but I love it! And this KAL has inspired me to create a shawl that is also inspired by the *prayer shawl* ministry.

My shawl is being made from Lion Brand's Homespun colonial, I may add some silver or other colors in the fringe when I am nearly done, as well as shells and beads. I am knitting it in threes. I do the three ks, 3 ps, for 27 stitches, then turn and make sure that I do three rows of repeats.

The shawl is looking great, I will have to take a picture of it in progress to post. It looks like slightly rippled water with moonlight on it. I am calling it my *Sacred Waters Shawl*.

Stay warm!
MaryBeth

Ready To Begin

I finally had the chance to purchase the yarn I needed for my knitting project, for the KAL. Now, I just have to begin. I did begin the book, last night. I read through the first chapter of Book 1 before I went to sleep. I am planning some more reading today when I can squeeze it in.

I am not beginning the knitting part just yet. I am trying to finish a sweater that I have been working on for a month, first. Almost done. What am I knitting out of the "fisherman" Wool Ease? Some warm stockings, based on the Very Tall Socks from the Winter 04 issue of Knitty.com. I am making the stockings all in one color with possible embroidery on them, at the end. This is the plan. I hope to begin the stockings sometime this coming weekend. I am just pleased to have the yarn, the book and the inspiration...to do this.

Sign-Ups Update

Because of the (surprisingly!) good response we've had to this KAL, we'll be extending the sign-up date (date to be announced once Brooke and I have worked it out ;-). If you're interested in participating there's still time!

Oh look, it's the fifth time I've purchased this book!

Yes, I realized today that I have now purchased "The Mists of Avalon" five times. I was thrilled to find it for a mere 5.00 today. I finally got over to our local bookshop (Powells in PDX)after trying for three days now.

I was elated at the price but also dismayed a bit. To find a favorite book selling for such a low price is a bit disheartening in a way. It's such a rich and rewarding story that it should be priced better. On the other hand, the lower price enables more to afford to discover the story. It's a dilemma that ran through my mind at the checkout counter. As you can see, I don't have alot of seriously pressing issues, I have to make up some!

Even though this is a "used" copy, I think this is going to be a "keeper". Clearly, I need to keep a copy of it.

Now, to sort out the yarn and grab a pair of #8 circs and get that shawl started up. I'm too lazy to go get my camera and take a picture of shawl/scarf from the book but there is a blog dedicated to the book "Scarf Style" at here, and here is one person's adapation of the pattern, which will give you an idea of what I'm going to attempt.
.
This one was knitted by Susanne from Germany. I think she did a lovely job and I can only hope mine turns out that well!

Hi Everyone!

Hi I'm new here. I wanted to give a brief intro. I'm 34 and read the Mists of Avalon many years ago as part of a book club I was part of. I loved it. It is one of my "I will never part with them" books. I've also read all the others in the series I believe. I love them all. I just got back from picking up a copy of the movie to watch to refresh my memory.

I wanted to post a picture of a finished project that seems to fit here.

This was knit and then felted for a friend of mine who is expecting thier first child in July. We all love shiny, pointy, things so I decided to make baby's first sword. I need to tweak the pattern a little before I make another one then I will be happy to share the pattern.
Lydia

Two Milestones!

I finished the first part of MoA last night, and found a pattern as well. I'll be doing a variation on Lucie from the Fall 06 Knitty. It's pretty close to what I had in mind, and I didn't really feel like making up my own pattern. It's too much math, and I am not a mathy person. I plan on doing the neckline a bit different, not a split neckline, but a boxy sort of thing. And short sleeves because I don't have enough yarn for long. And a different crochet trim.

I also finished one of these cabled arm-warmers a few days ago. You'll note that says ONE because I'm not terribly good at making things in pairs. I used a tweedy green wool from a farm just north of here. I bought it ages ago and sort of forgot about it until I saw it in my closet.



It turned out really well, and only took a few hours. I wanted something quick and cabled and almost every facet of my life seems to be related to the book right now! I could definitely see a Priestess wearing these to collect herbs in the early morning.

I'll have pictures of the sweater too, as that comes together. IF that comes together!

Another Introduction

Hi everybody!
After lurking this blog for almost a full month I finally decided to join up! I am really excited about this...can't you tell from all the exclamation points?
My name is Melanie, and I have never read Mists, or any of the books for that matter. So I am totally new to all this.
Funny, I have been wanting to read this book for a long time, but never got around to it. And then a week before I saw the KAL ( I kid you not.) I saw it at 1/2 price books and bought it on a whim. It must be fate. =)
As far as projects go, I love knitting lace, so you may see some of that from me. But you will definitely be seeing a pair of socks from me.
Socks? Yes that is right. I found some Lorna's Laces Sport yarn called Camelot. It seemed fitting to me!

New to the blog

Thank you, Em, for inviting me.

I knit and am getting into spinning and dyeing; I don't have the MOA books yet; however, they are on my to-find list...*G*

I'm 42, happily married and have been interested in working with wool and fiber for a long time. We live in Mid-Missouri, near the capital city.

I am also a Solitary Witch, and I follow the old ways...I am always researching and growing in this respect....

I believe that hand crafting/spinning/weaving were such an integral part of life if early witches that a lot of ananlogies that work into practicing the Craft come from that work, so not only will you find me working with fiber, you will also see me working on a good deal of other projects as well.

I have a hand spindle that I use, carding combs, and I also have a saxon style spinning wheel that I built from a kit that I got at a yard sale for $10.00...I am still trying to figure out how to use it, as it does not seem to want to maintain afull wheel revolution for spinning...I am going to have to take it to the local spinnig studio and say "HELP!"

I have three Icelandic sheep fleeces in the raw that I need to process, and I have roving that I would like to spin, wo we will see how that works out. Oh, and the knitting and weaving I do as well....*VBS*...so many projects, so little time...
I look forward to being part of this group and blog.

Once again, thank you, Emily! -- Kim H.

What To Knit For The KAL?

Well, I have dusted off my copy of The Mists and am ready to begin reading, from the beginning. I am hoping to squeeze in a chapter or two, this evening. I have a really busy day ahead of me. I think I have decided what I am knitting for the KAL too. I don't sound very convincing, do I? I had considered knitting a shawl for the occasion, but many of you are already doing that. I have to be different. LOL! Maybe I am a bit crazy, but I have decided to knit a pair of stockings based on these tall socks. I am going to purchase some "Aran" colored yarn to make them out of. I am also thinking of embroidering the tops of the stockings when they are finished. We shall see...

Face it, it was cold and damp in the British Isles. I did do a bit of research on stocking during the time period and most stockings that women wore were woven out of wool. The piece that I read said that knitting did not come into play in Europe until 1050-ish, or so. It also said that knitting originated in Syria of all places. Who knows? I figured womens stockings were appropriate and that is what I am going with.

Oh, in my copy of The Mists of Avalon, in the back, there is a section on "Reading Group Discussion Topics." Do all copies have this, or just the newer ones? If anyone is interested, I can post the 10 discussion questions on the blog here. Just let me know...

Help!

I'm asking for help. A terrible state for an Avalon High Priestess but I cannot figure out how to add buttons/widgets to the sidebar that people can take. We have three beautiful buttons already if only your Fearless Leader could work it out! If anyone out there has the patience to either leave a description in comments or email me at knitter.natter@yahoo.com it would be highly appreciated.
Welcome to the blog! If you don't see your name on the sidebar and think it should be, again, send me an email. Thanks!

Hi Everyone

My name is Lana and I am new here. I stumbled upon this blog quite by accident and I loved the idea. Knitting and reading, what a perfect idea. I love Authurian legend and the Mists story. I have seen the movie twice and read the book only halfway through. The book has been on my nightstand for almost two years collecting dust. I read about halfway through and then my attention was diverted away. My family and I moved to another state. We picked up our lives and belongings and moved to Oregon. I have yet to pick the book back up. I joined this group in the hopes of getting inspired to read the book again, from cover to cover. I have decided to begin the book over again, from the beginning. I have not decided what my knitting project will be, yet. I have a few ideas and will have to peek into my small stash to see what I have to work with.

What else? I am a stay-at-home Mom with two daughters, ages 15 and 10. I have two cats and a husband too. LOL! I live in Portland, OR and love it here. I am Pagan. Also a knitter for the past three years. I also learned to crochet as a teenager, from my mother. I occasionally write my own knit patterns and fiction (short stories, novellas). I blog daily at: Lana Knits. Hmmm...I think that's about it, for now.

I hope to get to know everyone here and have some healthy discussions on the book and/or knitting. Have a lovely day and I am going to go dust off my book.

Oh, I almost forgot...I made a button for my own personal blog use. If anyone else wants to use my button on their blog, to link to here, feel free.

Hi one and all!

I'm so excited, the Mists of Avalon series has been one of my faves for quite awhile. So naturally, combining this book with knitting was almost a custom made order for me. I'm off to purchase yet another copy of it so that I can re-read it with everyone. My copy was "disposed" of when we moved (my books put us overweight with the movers!). Luckily for me, Powell's (bookstore) is just down the road from me and they have a copy put aside. I already have my project picked out and just need to pick up a couple of skiens extra of yarn to work on it.

UPDATE ~ I have resized it so you won't have to if you wish to use it.

Hey, Everyone. Just wanted to drop in and say a quick hi. I also wanted to see where everyone was at. My book came in today, and I actually had time to read a chapter. Yay. I had also decided on a shawl but I don't have enough yarn and my husband won't let me buy any more. (pout) He says a chest full of assorted balls and skeins is more than enough for any sane person. Bleh... most of it's acrylic anyway and that's just not going to work for this. I was given most of the yarn and I've been using it to make things for the kids, such as play food. They're starting to get quite a little pantry stocked up. Or, at least they will if I can actually get it all knitted. The kids already sat down and helped me choose the colors. LOL Orange bread. Leave it to a two year old.

Anyway, I had nothing to do while feeding my youngest daughter. She has gotten old enough now that she no longer ignores pretty yarn so I had to stop knitting while she suckles. And there's not much else one can do except vegg out in front of the tv or computer. So, I had a hand free, and I made this:

I do hope no one minds. I made it for my personal blog, but then I thought it might be nice to share.

Done!

I finished the book tonight. I had to, I was sixty pages from the end and I was not putting it down.

There's so much in it, I need to let my thoughts simmer for a bit, but I will say, to me, reading Mists was like eating an incredibly rich dinner. I kept saying to myself "Just one more page, just to the end of this section, just to the end of this chapter..." all the while getting overly full on the text.

Sometimes, if I'm reading a well crafted book I'll find myself taking on the feeling of the characters (trust me, I know it's weird ;-), and throughout Mists I felt moody. Not Hormones Gone Wild, but a sense of foreboding and concern and the overall dread of, however the story went, it wouldn't end well.

And now I know *sigh*, and I'm not sure what I think yet. I do think MZB gives a highly credible twist to the Lancelet-Gwenhwyfar- Arthur relationship that explains, at least, Lancelot's dilemma, and in some ways makes Arthur a little more culpable (or more of a participant) in the Gwen-Lance relationship. Even that I might have to mull over...

I'm thinking, now I'm through the book, of doing a (wait for it) shawl. I've got nearly seven hundred yards of lovely deep green JaggerSpun Zephyr Lace at my disposable and if anyone has a good lace pattern for a first-time lace knitter I would be forever in your debt (or something equally Avalonian). I'd like to find something that embraces the spirit of Morgaine or- dare I try it?- Viviane, who is, little Fairy hands down, my favorite character (I still can't talk about that banquet scene with Viviane and Balin- I just... I'm going to need some time).

I'd like to add, when Brooke and I first started this KAL, we figured we'd have exactly three members. I can't say how thrilling it's been to see so many women interested in participating and we are so pleased and appreciative of all the posting and pictures and dialogue that's taken place at this early state! I can see- without the Sight y'all- this KAL is going to be far more interesting and worthwhile than we ever expected. Thank you for that!