Kate's blog

It's that time of year! Gardens, fruit trees, and farmers' markets are abundant! We have resources with ideas to help you preserve and share your harvest.

Discarded and repurposed materials can be transformed into some of the most unique art and craft pieces.  We have several books in our collection to inspire, instruct, and celebrate green craftiness.

Two very different knitting memoirs / essays arrived this month. 

Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously by Adrienne Martini

Sweater Quest is a very thoughtful memoir of a woman who decides to knit a sweater by designer Alice Starmore that can only be found in an out-of-print book Tudor Roses.  The author describes this pattern as "a knitter's Mount Everest, our curse, and our compulsion."  Adrienne Martini, mother of two, knits in order to keep a grasp on her sanity.  On this journey she interview other knitters and bloggers in order to truly understand the origin of this pattern.  Martini forms relationships and gains wisdom from several knitters along the way.  She is determined not to let her life, or this sweater unravel (the two are closely intertwined).   The book is not a tutorial, and it does not contain any patterns, just process.  I found this book to be very engaging, and in the back of my mind, wonder if I dare seek out this pattern.

Home is Where the Wine Is by Laurie Perry

This memoir is told by a thirty-something woman navigating solo life in  Los Angeles while trying to better herself before turning the dreaded 40.  The author is a witty blogger who is also known as "Crazy Aunt Purl."  She has hilarious run-ins with the landscaper, travels solo on two vacations, and joins a gym.   Online dating, spray tans, giant zuchinnis, and bikini waxes are just a few of the adventures chronicled in this book.  Did I mention she has 3 cats? This is a hilarious account of trying new things, keeping a good attitude, and charging forward with your adult life.  And how does this relate to knitting?  It is mentioned in one chapter, and the book contains color photographs and patterns.  This is not a "how knitting changed my life," kind of book.  It is honest and humorous.  I finished this in one sitting recommend it to both knitters and non-knitters as a light, feel-good, laugh-out-loud read.

Escape to Ireland through Irish Novels 

We have some great new resources in the general sciences.  These are a few of my favorites.  

Who came up with Velcro?  What does its name mean?  What about the vaccum?  Post-It Notes?  Golf Tees?  Is it true that an angry undertaker led to the push button phone?  Rick Beyer's The Greatest Science Stories Never Told answers these questions and more.  The book contains illustrations from around the world.

100 Most Important Science Ideas by Mark Henderson, Joanne Baker and Tony Crilly, is an overview of essential topics in Genetics, Physics, & Mathematics.  The authors use diagrams and everyday examples to eaplain scientific principles, hypotheses, and laws. 

What On Earth Evolved by Christopher Lloyd explores life on earth before and after man.  It is a compilation of biographies of species that have influenced or changed the Earth in notable ways.  Fossils, plants, sheep, humans, bugs, potatoes, dinosaurs, and many others are discussed as part of the "big picture." 

National Geographic's Concise History of Science & Invention is full of color photography.  It is a chronological account of science and invention.  The following eras of science are examined:  Origins of Science, Classical & Early Medieval Science, Late Medievel & Renaissance Science, Scientific Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Age of Steam, Age of Electricity, Atomic Age, Space Age, Modern World. Did I mention the photography?  It's worth taking a look!  

Drop in and knit or crochet with other local enthusiasts. I’m looking forward to hosting the Brookfield Public Library’s new Knitting Club,  an informal gathering of folks with a common interest. 

Bring a project to work on and see what other people are crafting. If you don’t have a project underway, consider starting a simple pet blanket for charity (a great beginner project!)

All levels of knitters and crocheters are welcome.

Who knew that Physics would turn up at Nascar, or apply to the super powers of superheroes? What's the science behind Krypton's explosion? How tough is Aquaman's skin under the pressure of the deep sea?  Does my dog know that she is defying some laws of physics? What is happening on the track at NASCAR?  How fast can the cars safely take the curves?  What is Kinetic Energy?  What does E=MC2 really mean?  Check out these new Physics titles!

Physics of Nascar by Diandra Leslie-Pelecky                 How to Teach Physics to Your Dog by Chad Orzel

Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios                     Instant Egghead Guide: Physics by Brian Clegg

These are two new books in the knitting collection that deserve mention.

Sock Innovation by Cookie A is a collection of patterns that revolutionize sock design. This unique designer has added lacy patterns and flair paired with painted and solid yarns to create footwear that is a work of art.  I tried out one of her designs.

Hat Heads by Trond Anfinssen features hats that were custom-designed and knit for the author's friends and family in Norway.  The book showcases artistic photography and simple patterned hats for solid yarns.    I liked one of his patterns so much that I knit it in two different colorways.

These three titles were at the top of the critics choice list.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore