Still unpacking, but… If you’re a teacher, ChopBard has a new book out for you (see incentive below). Really, seriously, the man’s a goldmine.  If you’re a spinner, check out Cotton Spinning with the Takli, a DVD by Joan Ruane. She is a member of my old guild in Tucson and a wonderful teacher. Everyone loves her because she’s incredibly loveable. I’ve not seen her DVD myself–I spent my time watching her in person–but the review in Spring 2011’s Spin-Off is glowing. The Quayside sock book I designed for (Knitting Socks from Around the World) is coming out July 1, 2011. I’m now working on a sweater for the same series… we’ll see if this can be pulled off. It’s going to be a doozy.  In moving news (um, physically moving, not necessarily emotionally moving), If you’re in the Northern Virginia area, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m going to need babysitters and the 411 on local yarn stores etc. Already found (and love) Uniquities in Vienna, VA. LOVE that place! Am learning how to live on no income—or more accurately—to seriously live on seriously one income. I’m also loving Farmer’s Markets and local strawberries. And the color green. It’s green here. If you want to see pics and stories of what happened (or didn’t) on our trip, you can click on the “Road Trip” link in the sidebar of the shownotes. And that Punk bar I mention? That’s the Triple Rock Social Club. Must go if you’re in Minneapolis/St Paul. Ask if the knitters are there (ha!). Don’t forget, there are a few seats left for the Road to Rhinebeck. As fun as the relocation road trip was, Rhinebeck will be even more better. And, in fact, it looks like my husband and sons will be meeting us in Rhinebeck–along with Ehren Ziegler and many many friends. Not to be missed! I also have an apology. I realized I’ve been living under a rock. Not having a job meant never buying anything. Avoiding buying things—meant no stores, no shopping, and no magazines (those suckers get expensive). This means no data in. So my data out has been… um… limited. As I left on the trip I got a heartfelt Tweet and Rav message from a listener in Norway who had some—I thought—important criticisms of where the show has been going over the last eight months. I think writing the book, starting a business, teaching while being a temporarily single mom, and moving all really sucked it out of me. But the podcast sincerely is like home to me. I’ve missed podcasting, I miss hearing from y’all, and I miss the way things used to be, too. So, my promise to you is this: I will try to do better. So many new and exciting things are coming, but much of it will have to wait until the boys are back in school (because right now they’re in “Camp Mom” and there’s only so much of me to go around). OH And I learned that anti-perspirant does a pretty decent job of cutting the bitterness of a mosquito bite. Seriously. July Incentive! Donate between now and July 31st and you will be put into the drawing for your own copy of the new Chop Bard book, Devouring Shakespeare; Five Simple Tools, personally autographed for you by Mr. Ehren Ziegler! Don’t forget your copy of WWMDfK? It’s getting great buzz, and I, personally, am knitting my way through it right now. Loving it! A few images of patterns you’ll find in the bookey wook:

Book talk begins at 33:33 Listen to 212 audio