Hubby and I are doing the CN Tower Stair Climb for the United Way this month. Get your pledges ready! It's this month! We have lots of training to do!  What? It's only 1,776 steps. What's the problem?

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Last night, I did 408 stairs at work! Tonight I hope to do an additional 136. (That's how many stairs it is from bottom to top at work.)

I love how babies of the 70's and early 80's think. My DH found this last night while power-surfing in front of the TV. Although I'm not a quilter yet (I'd love to be), I'm thinking those can be easily done up in knit or crochet! And guess who wants one? lol

MagKnits is up! I tell you, I'm enjoying the new MagKnits. I love more publications! I like Collar Me and I think these veggies are cute. The celery is so cool!

Last  night, I also bought a copy of Crochet Fantasy Fall 2005. (It's not the one viewed there.) I just love this issue.

There is an interesting article on Sericulture - the science of raising silkworms and making silk. Really, I can't believe that I'm seriously considering ordering some worm eggs! EWWW! But how amazing to have your own hand-made silk! 

Next, the article on Tunisian Crochet. The instructions for learning Tunisian Crochet (or the Afghan stitch) are well detailed with pictures for every step. They even show how to incorporate changes in colour, how to add beads or bobbles. There are patterns for  a backpack purse and a child's jacket using tunisian crochet. (read a past article "the Afghan Stitch".)

Lots of great stuff in this issue. If you love to crochet and are looking for a new project, I recommend this issue. The "Ponchette" has got me hooked. Once I complete all these other projects on the go, I want to make myself one. The "Quick & Easy Baby Cardigan" is divine! I will definitely make that with the hat for our new niece or nephew (coming March 2006). The "Mohair Cape" is kind of cute too. You could make a nice, dressy version or a more relaxed casual version. The "Antique Rose Runner" is a filet table runner that screams out "Grandma!" to me. She would be so impressed if I could whip that up! The "Vashti Cabled Vest" is more like a tank top. It's made up using Berroco Suede. This was the pattern that was the real kicker for me. Sugarplum, the purple elephant will also make a lovely baby gift! This one issue is super-packed full of good stuff. Go buy it!!

My only concern with this issue is some of the yarns. I don't like to use super expensive yarns. I'm not a yarn snob at all. I love the cheaper yarns, the easy-wash stuff. I already have enough handwashables. I don't need to add more to it! Who has time to stand around in the basement rolling out sweaters all morning and night? Give me a break. Spending hours on handwashing delicate fibres is not my idea of a great way to spend an afternoon when I could be out riding my bike or paddling or training at the gym... The moral of my rant.... I WILL substitute!  See? I am Acrylic Yarn! lol

Links:

History of Sericulture

NC State University: Sericulture

Visual Sourcebook for Chinese Civilization: Sericulture

Dept. of Sericulture

Silkworm Rearing

Sericulum