This is where I sit when I'm writing my new book.
People who've been rafting, do you know that feeling, when you hit the rapids? For me it's a serene expectancy right before, a bit of strangely quiet water, and then I hit the whiteness and my stomach hits my feet and every other thought is blissfully obliterated. Sudden and dangerous, but deliciously good. A focus. (Mental note: I should raft more.)
So, I've suddenly hit the water with this new book. For more than a year I've known I would write this book, but in the past couple of weeks I've suddenly and dramatically started writing it.
Like Knitalong, it's more about people foremost, rather than a straight pattern book. Once again, it's going to involve stories and pictures from every kind of knitter I can get a hold of, all over the place.
I've alluded to the palette for the book. I'm a visual person, and I need to see the book as it develops, as I interview designers and broker patterns and collect stories and a hundred photos. The palette is softer and cooler than Knitalong's, for which my metaphor and mood were a busy farmer's market. This one is a 1960s swimming pool behind a summer house, a porch swing with roses growing up around it, a pile of crisp sheets, a dark green house with white trim, pot roast in the oven. There are crickets chirping while you read this book.
(Even now I'm thinking, Expand Larissa, expand beyond your own experience. I just spoke with a knitting author yesterday, ran into her here at the coffee shop, and her family is from Norway. What are the analogous memories from there, I wonder?)
My seat up there is a serene place, but sitting there my mind races. I call people. I picture things. I write in my new notebook. I should go out and run more in the cold. Let go of thinking once in a while. Remember to meditate on cold water rushing, rushing, rushing through my head.
So exciting to see this project shape, Larissa.
Posted by: Heather | January 28, 2009 at 15:05
I can't wait to see your new book....
Posted by: karen | January 28, 2009 at 15:51
I look forward to your new book. Best of luck to you!
Posted by: Knittripps | January 28, 2009 at 16:01
Another little voice here, chiming in to say that I am awaiting your book with great eagerness.
Posted by: Sarah R | January 28, 2009 at 16:42
I enjoyed reading this post so much. I love how creative processes (whatever art or craft or words) can be so different for everyone, but some things are entirely recognizable. (And I love reading about them!)
Posted by: mel | January 29, 2009 at 05:31
What a great post! Best of luck navigating the rapids! I look forward to the new book!
Posted by: Elinor | January 30, 2009 at 09:55
I can't wait to see this new book, and I love the idea of getting a sneak peek into the creative process now and then. I sometimes feel guilty when I spend time daydreaming about color schemes and combinations, but who knows where it will lead!
Posted by: KimW | January 31, 2009 at 09:23
I am new to your blog and just wanted to say how much I love this post. Each word you write is so descriptive and evocative of a mood - and the photo pulls it all together. I will have to check out your Knitalong book and I look forward to your new creation.
Posted by: mary anne | February 03, 2009 at 13:37
I'm so happy to read that you are writing another book. I so love Knitalong. I just made my version of the pillow with text for a Valentine. Awesome, awesome idea/pattern. I can't wait for what's next!
Posted by: emily | February 06, 2009 at 06:00
Can't wait to hold your new book...Knitalong is one of my very favories...and The Farmers Market feel is definitely in that book...
Posted by: journeyseeds | February 10, 2009 at 06:53
I too am eagerly awaiting this book! If you need a test knitter or anything, I'd be happy to volunteer my services. I love the personal touches in Knitalong. Prior to seeing it in the store I had held off buying knitting books for a long time. I was captivated by the stories as well as the drool-worthy patterns.
Posted by: Cassy | February 16, 2009 at 08:01