I have the exact same book, it’s practically in mint condition, the cover is perfect. and it is signed by alice. ‘to jean, best wishes, alice starmore’

what is so special about this book, i was going to put it on ebay for 50p!

I actually looked up your blog because I just finished reading your Knitty article on stash. I’ve never taken the time to do this sort of thing before, but I guess you touched on something for me. I started thinking about my “guilty” pleasure in my stash, and it occurred to me that, for me, at least, it is the one and only thing I buy just for me. As a wife and mother, I shop a lot, but always for clothes for the family, or plants for the garden, or food for the table, or stuff for the kids. I have ambivalent feelings about my stash because it contributes nothing to the well-being of my family. This is compounded by my general, constant ambivalence about my position in the family and in society. Before I had kids, I had a well-paid, high-powered career. I stopped working when I had kids, and I’ve had a hard time valuing my contribution to my family and society ever since–ten years now. I am actually a lawyer, and do work, but I work in the practice I share with my husband, and serve primarily in a support role–doing research, drafting documents, etc. I rarely bring in clients myself and don’t see any of the money that comes in, since my husband handles the books. Although I spend most of my waking hours working (what mother doesn’t?), I suppose I feel that, since I have no “commercial value,” I’m not entitled to any commercial benefits, such as beautiful yarn and fiber. This doesn’t stop me from buying it; it just makes me feel guilty about buying it. If I actually made money from my spinning, knitting, or designing, I would undoubtedly feel more comfortable about my “stash closet of shame.”

This is probably far more information than you wanted, but as I said, you must have touched on something. And I love feedback when I write, so perhaps you won’t mind such a lengthy comment.

Anyway, in a bit of shameless self-promotion I thought I’d introduce you to my new novel, BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, which I think you’d enjoy.

It’s a murder-mystery. But not just any rock superstar is knocking on heaven’s door. The murdered rock legend is none other than Bob Dorian, an enigmatic, obtuse, inscrutable, well, you get the picture…

Suspects? Tons of them. The only problem is they’re all characters in Bob’s songs.

You can get a copy on Amazon.com or go “behind the tracks” at http://www.bloodonthetracksnovel.com to learn more about the book.

Anyway, here is my little confession: I knit a Kata “Felicity” Scarf last summer, and donated it to be included in a raffle basket to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My niece has leukemia, and this is a cause very near and dear to my heart.

They say that forgiveness is easier to get than permission. I hope you will forgive my failing to get your permission to use your pattern for a donated item. And should I choose to make an item from one of your patterns and donate it for a charitable purpose where it will be used to raise money, I hope you will let me know the proper way to ask for permission in advance. Thank you.