July post is a little late

I spent most of July having, what my surgeon referred to, as my first vacation in twenty years. But I can't kick because, in spite of the fact that I am still walking around still like an old lady, I found that I don't have cancer and that's a great thing.

So, I am back at work finishing up the Poodle book which will go on pre-sale in a couple of weeks. I have had fun making friends with Poodle owners around the world. These are very smart and versatile dogs that inspire design. The fact that they come in three sizes and a variety of both color and coat cut, made it fun.

Last week, I received in the mail, a video of a lecture I gave to the Soundview Knitting Guild in Trumbull, Connecticut. I spoke to them last January about how Kanine Knits got started, how the books began, how to read the patterns and about intarsia knitting. This is a wonderful group that is very large and active.

Since the video was 37 minutes long, I chopped it up into bite sized You Tube segments and put it on my webpage. So if you want to learn more about working these designs, my approach to intarsia and some finishing techniques, just click here and go to the page.

I love speaking to groups (it's the teacher in me) and when I meet one that is so interested and enthusiastic, it is a real treat. I hope you enjoy the talk.

New Book for Newfoundlands coming out
June 1

Well again I'm launching a new book. They are coming fast and furious with all the help I'm getting from the dog fanciers world wide. This time it is The Crafty Newfoundland Knits and it has 25 patterns for sweaters, hats mittens, afghans, etc. plus stories about all the things the breed does and 25 charted graphic designs of these activities to be worked into the patterns.

I had tons of fun with this book since my dear friend Kathy has had Newfs for years and these dogs are friends with my Samoyeds. I had some help from talented photographers, Ruby Silver here in Connecticut, Carole Bernard in France and Donna Overman in Canada. The book is truly an international effort.

Newf fanciers who want to check out the book or order the book at a pre-publication discount, just go to http://www.kanineknits.com/kanine_knits_Crafty_Newfoundland_Knits_Book.htm

This week I'm off to Rhode Island to teach knitting at Berner University as part of the Bernese Mt. Dog Club of America National Specialty. I look forward to spending the day surrounded by hundreds of these beautiful dogs and sharing my designs with knitters at the show.

Then the following week I'm back to Rhode Island for the Newfoundland Club of America National Specialty, visiting friends and telling people about the new book that will be coming out.

On May 10, I get to change hats a little since I will be presenting a workshop at Connecticut Authors and Publishers University writers conference in Hartford, CT. This will be fun sharing how I create my books with others who are interested in writing and publishing non-fiction.
Also the end of the month I'll be off to LA to attend PMA-U on publishing and marketing and Book Expo America.

So it is busy all the time here, but the dogs keep me grounded. Harry Potter does his editing with his chin in the keyboard. I get so wrapped up in my work that I'm always astounded when suddenly there are a row of z's running through my sentence. The other two haven't developed a writing bent yet, but they lend moral support and keep my feet warm.

Lots of new books in the works for Corgis, Poodles, Boxers, Bichon, German Shepherds, Sheties and more to come. I'm having a ball creating these designs and writing the books. Anyone who'd like to see their dog's photo in one of these books just contact me.

At last spring is here and my garden is coming to life. It's so good to work with the windows open. I hope everyone enjoys the lovely weather.