Baby I'm Not A Monster

The title pretty much says it all here; Monster Knits for Little Monsters offers up 20 knitting projects for your little one in various animal themes.  Each pattern includes instructions for creating hats, mittens, and in some cases, booties and scarves.  There's even a pattern for "Alien Elf," -- come on, we all know that's supposed to be Yoda!  HM

Make Your Own Furry Pal

Have allergies? Maybe your landlord doesn't allow pets? If you're handy with the knitting needles (or know someone who is), pick up Knit Your Own Cat: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. From Persians to Torties, and everything in between, this book provides simple instructions for creating your very own new best friend. Litter box not necessary. HM

mystery lovers everywhere

The mystery genre is one of the most widely read type of fiction today. This genre while usually involving some puzzle to solve can also feature history or historical figures, a strong sense of place or some theme, like cooking or horse racing. Some series you might not be familiar with such as the one by Louise Penny, featuring Inspector Gamache, and taking place in a northern Canadian town. The inspector is a fine and honorable man, a likable fellow and although mild mannered, he is also a great detective. The first book in the series is Still Life.
Kerry Greenwood writes a series taking place in Melbourne about Corinna Chapman,baker extraordinaire, who live and works with a series of unconventional characters. You will be hungry after this one! The first book in the series is Earthly Delights.
England post-WWI is the setting for Jacqueline Winspear to write the series featuring Maisie Dobbs. Maisie was servant girl but was mentored by several powerful figures because of her intelligence. The losses suffered by a generation involved in the war is explored as well as the role of intuition in solving cases. The first book in the series is titled by her name Maisie Dobbs.
One of the most popular of these offbeat series is written by Laurie King about Mary Russell, who we meet as a teenager as she come across a retired Sherlock Holmes and becomes his pupil. The first and one of the finest in the series is The Beekeepers Apprentice. This series well written,explores exotic locals and features a strong woman lead.
All you mystery lovers out there; what mystery series do you read?

Warm Hands

It's getting nearer to that time of year when you'll need mittens to keep your hands warm. Mittens & Gloves has a huge variety of patterns for you to knit up some new ones for yourself or to give as gifts. The items range from mittens and gloves to wristlets and sleeves. Some of the patterns are quite advanced--be prepared to be challenged by them!