Thursday, April 12, 2007

The Harmsworth

Knitting suit from Harmsworth's Household Encyclopedia vol. 6

I recently scored this book for a ridiculously low price; I found it on a sale cart at a used book store, and the first article it fell open to was an article on taxidermy for amateurs. Too wonderful, I thought, and immediate a list of at least half a dozen people came to mind who had to see this (yes, I know people who are almost as, er, unique as I am). $2 and 2 hours later, I discovered what an amazing book this is! If civilisation ever collaspses, this is the book you want to have, absolutely. I found too many articles to mention, tons of recipes, instructions for furniture, fences, and wireless receivers, among other things. It's so wonderful I'm almost afraid to track down the other five volumes - I might never leave home again, my consciousness possessed by such volumes of wisdom from the turn of the 20th cent. I really do love old books.


Anyway, I found these lovely knitting patterns contained within, and thought I'd share them with you. I hope to post other fascinating tidbits from this book from time to time, and if there's anything you'd like me to look up in there, lemme know and I'll see what I can find and send you a scan. You'd be amazed what you find between the letters STR-Z in this book (like knitted suits!). Click to enlarge, folks, click to enlarge!



PS - I haven't knitted these up, but I thought some would find them interesting. Also notice, on the first page, the article on suicide - ha!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Kiki


My orchid is in the process of having a baby (a kiki apparently is what these offspring are called). This flower is growing out of the little three-leafed two-inch-long kiki (which is still growing out of the mother). This flower is huge (four inches from top to bottom, about the same across) - you can't even see the kiki behind it. And kiki is producing a second flower just like this one. I know nothing about orchids - but I'm really impressed with the huge, beautiful bloom my little kiki has produced! (Click on the photo to see a larger version of it - the better to appreciate her intricate beauty!)