Sally's Porch
New pattern and lovely model
Post date: Aug, 20 2010
This week Barb Pavoli, a wonderful reader, sent me photos of the shawlette (the one Cass knit for her mom in Death by Cashmere), that she recently completed. Barb knit one for her granddaughter, Mya. She bought 3 skeins of Caron's Spa yarn and from them knit two shawls and a small purse--all for $7.50. Mya graciously posed for these photos before going off to SeaWorld, wearing her new shawl, of course!
Am wading through a difficult scene in The Wedding Shawl today. But it WILL get done...and will arrive in bookstores next spring.
Have a happy last few days of summer. And a thank you to Mya for being our very lovely model.
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Sweet Potato Soup
Post date: Aug, 09 2010
I've finally put together the recipe for Nell's Sweet Potato soup (here it is, Jill!). It's a very tasty soup and welcomes creativity--less spice or more spice, whatever vegies that are fresh, etc. It also freezes well and tastes even better the day after you make it.moon
In Moon Spinners, Nell brought it to a Thursday night knitting session. Over Birdie's wine and Nell's soup, the knitters energetically (and on full stomachs) sorted through the confusing facts surrounding a mystery unraveling all around them, right there in Sea Harbor.
Perhaps I should make some tonight in hopes it will help me unravel evolving events in The Wedding Shawl as the knitters become involved in a cold case that's become all too warm. It's confusing right now, trying to sort out motives.
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Welcome to August
Post date: Aug, 04 2010
The cicadas have arrived in Kansas CIty--I guess that means the dog days of summer are here, too. As innocent as these insects may be, they are oh-so-noisy. Truly loud. Even my dogs seem to be searching for ear plugs. And I just noticed that the fireflies are gone. Maybe they're trying to escape the noise, too.
Sometimes when I am trying desperately to throw myself body and soul into writing a book, I look for something to read because the magic of someone else's words often inspires me and sends me back to the computer, renewed and ready to go. This week, during my latte breaks, I've been reading Father of the Rain by Lily King and it has done what I'd hoped it would, spun its magic and sent me back to working on The Wedding Shawl. It's a powerful book, but it's the beauty of her writing that has moved me.
I'm on the lookout for a knitting pattern (or photo) of a wedding shawl. If any of you have one or have seen one, I would love a link to it. Thank you!
Happy last month of summer.
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What You're Reading Submitted by Aimee (not verified) on Fri, 08/06/2010 - 05:37.
I always love it when my favorite authors tell me what they're reading. I find such wonderful new stories to read while I'm waiting for books like A Holiday Yarn to be released.
I've already told my husband that it is what I want for my birthday. But since it's out the week before it has to be an early birthday present. I'm not waiting another week. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Submitted by sally on Sat, 08/07/2010 - 10:07.
Aimee--we have birthdays close together...I am thinking you are a Scorpio, too? So glad you like the seaside knitters--and if I am hoping your husband follows your gentle nudge. Sea Harbor is a nice place in the winter, I've discovered. Hope you think so, too.
Sweet Potato Soup Recipe from Moon Spinners Submitted by Jill (not verified) on Thu, 08/05/2010 - 10:00.
In your book "Moon Spinners" you write about a Sweet Potato Soup that Nell has made on page 86 & 87. My question is do you have an actual recipe for this soup as it sounds very interesting -<?xml:namespace prefix = o />
"It's roasted vegetables in a sweet potato soup. A splash of wine, some grilled chickenand - voila - a chill night surprise," Nell said.....
If there is a recipe it would be a wonderful addition to my collection. I look forward to hear from you.
Your reader... Jill
sweet potato soup Submitted by sally on Sat, 08/07/2010 - 10:11.
Hi Jill this is one of my all-time favorite winter stand-bys and I'd be happy to share the recipe with you. I will work it up this weekend and add it to the website Monday. Thanks for the nudge.
Michigan in July
Post date: Jul, 23 2010
Just returned from three wonderful days on the shores of Lake Michigan in a beautiful cabin with wide windows open to the water. The three of us remembered swimming in Lake Michigan as kids and turning blue from the icy cold water. But this week it was warm and clear and refreshing. A wonderful getaway, during which we walked and talked, sat on the beach, and revisited our growing up years. A nice bonding thing for sisters to do.
And now it's back to writing The Wedding Shawl,the next Seaside Knitters mystery. I'm struggling, but I always do at this stage. Hopefully a surge of creativity will find its way through the humid air and into the very cool Starbucks where my computer is waiting.
Stay cool!
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A day late
Post date: Jul, 13 2010
I'm a day late in my resolve to post every Monday (and in between when time allows). But my excuse is the best in the world--a house filled with grandchildren. They left today, headed back to Cape Ann, MA, and the quiet house seems empty without their laughter and cheer and wonderful hugs.
But tomorrow I go back to heavy duty writing of #5 in the Seaside Knitters mystery series...and that will be good, too.
A few days ago I received an email from a reader in VERY hot Nevada (Marylou used to live on Cape Ann...where ocean breezes keep the seaside knitters cool). She told me about a trip to the mountains her group of knitting friends took to keep cool. They read Death by Cashmere (the first in the Seaside Knitters series) and knit wonderful things, including Nell's shawl. Here are a few photos of their fun trip-- Marylou (pink hat), Barbara (tiger shirt), Maddy (peach jacket), Shy Sue (Blue tee-shirt), and Joann (blue top). It looks to me they had a wonderful time. Thanks for the photo, Marylou!
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Monday
Post date: Jul, 05 2010
FIrst a weather report....Sunny and warm on Cape Ann. HUMID and rainy in Kansas City. After a very active fourth of July the kids are worn out and adults trying to catch up on emails, writing, and other things.
I received cover copy for the next Saside Knitters mystery (November, 2010)--A Holiday Yarn--and I think the artist did a lovely job so I wanted to share it with you. Hope you like it, too.
Happy week to all.
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cover Submitted by jane (not verified) on Mon, 08/09/2010 - 10:21.
Sal, hope the cover spurs you on to the next book! It is a lovely cover but who would leave yarn on the front step in winter?????
Thank you Submitted by Deb (not verified) on Mon, 07/26/2010 - 20:36.
Like so many of these comments - I just received my third book and cannot wait to start it....I love the story line, the characters, the description and recipies and the knitting.....I don't know how to knit very well and yet it sounds so wonderful to have a group of friends get together and share meals, stories and adventures.....thank you for the perfect summer read.
I am loving your books and have a few more already on order.....
Thanks for kind comments, Deb. And I've discovered early on it's not how good I am at knitting, it's the nice process that keeps us all together!
Beautiful!! Submitted by Stephy (not verified) on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 09:53.
The new cover looks wonderful!!! This looks like what I imagine Izzy's house to look like all decked out for the Holidays! Sally, I have to say that this series is truly WONDERFUL!!! I love the characters, the plots, the food, & the patterns. I have read all three books of this series in the span of only a month-safe to say....I'm hooked!!! I cannot wait for the next one!!! I think I'll go ahead & preorder just to make sure I get my copy!! Have a great summer & thank you!
A Holiday Yarn Submitted by Karen (not verified) on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 16:08.
Hi, Sally! Looking forward fervently to the holiday title. It looks beautiful! A dear friend and I were talking today and have decided to make hats for the homeless during the fall and winter, partially, because you reminded me about making hats and how important they are! Thanks, as always, for a great read.
I'm hooked! Submitted by Marj (not verified) on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 09:52.
I picked up Moon Spinners and Patterns in the Sand because I loved the covers- boy am I glad I did. I absolutely LOVE the women, people, setting and of course the stories. I'm off to buy Death by Cashmere today and can't wait until Novembers release. Sally you have hit all the right buttons with your Seaside Knitters Series.
New cover Submitted by Sharon (not verified) on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 09:12.
You are a wonderful writer and I always look forward to your next book. Thanks to your suggestion, I've been knitting "chemo caps" and donating them to the local cancer care clinic. Also, your cover artist is so talented! Your covers are always a great compliment to your books. Keep writing, only do it faster as I read faster than you write.
hats and more Submitted by sally on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 17:39.
Sharon--that's great about the chemo hats! (Photos?) and thanks so much for your kind comments. Am so happy you like my knitting friends!
old friends Submitted by bets (not verified) on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 07:04.
I can't wait for the next book to visit with old friends!!! Love the series!!!
Thank you Sally!!
And thank you, 'old friend', Submitted by sally on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 17:40.
And thank you, 'old friend', for being so gracious!
Cannot wait for the next Submitted by E Rogers (not verified) on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 06:59.
Cannot wait for the next one! I better learn to read slower though, the end comes too quickly as I get so involved I don't want to put the book down.
Thank you for such great stories.
Moon Spinners Submitted by sally on Fri, 07/09/2010 - 17:42.
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and I am so happy you like Moon Spinners. I just got a funny email from someone upset at the murderer. (Don't want to be a spoiler here so will keep it cryptic.) She liked this person and wants the person rehabilitated so the person (notice my lack of gender usage) can show up in another book.
cover Submitted by grace (not verified) on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 17:18.
can't wait, I just finished Moon Spinners and I want more!!! Thanks for writing such a captivating series!!
happy fourth!
Post date: Jul, 03 2010
I hope everyone is having a leisurely 4th weekend--maybe some reading, knitting, and brats on the grill? We have excited grandkids pulling out trikes to decorate for tomorrow's parade. I'm not sure they will be awake for the fireworks, but we'll give it a try. Have a great day!
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A beautiful summer day
Post date: Jun, 30 2010
Today was an amazing day in Kansas--low humidity, blue skies, 80s. Amazing. I hope you all fared as well. And it was even more amazing for me because my Cape Ann family is here for a few weeks to liven our days (Ruby is 2 and Luke, 4) and bring great laughter into our lives.
I wanted to share another photo I received of Nell's shawl (Death by Cashmere). This one came to me from a wonderful reader, Jennie Dinneen, whose friend Mary Place knit the shawl. Doesn't she look great?! I have several others I will add as time allows. Thank you Jennie and Mary!
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A new look!
Post date: Jun, 19 2010
Happy day to everyone and welcome to the new look for my Website! I promised I'd pass along books news, along with Nell, Izzy, Cass, and Birdie's patterns and recipes. And now, at last, I have the tools I need to do it, thanks to Danny, my wonderful web guru.
It will take awhile to get all of Nell's recipes up (she cooks a lot!), but be patient, they will come, along with the terrific things our knitters knit and links to where they found some of their patterns. In addition, I'll be able to post some of the beautiful photos of Nell's shawl, the fish hat, and other pieces that readers have worked up and emailed to me. (If you have any such photos, they are welcome!)
I'd love your ideas on other things you'd like to see on the site, questions you might have about the seaside knitting mysteries and Cape Ann, their home. Or anything else that's on your mind. I hope to update this blog regularly.
Thank you for your patience. Hope things are fine in your neck of the woods, as our favorite weatherman would say. Happy summer, and I will talk with you soon.
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Death by Cashmere Submitted by Pat (not verified) on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 12:33.
Hi Sally,
In April I broke my arm and could not knit for over a month. I missed my knitting and my knitting friends, the Knitty Biddies (as we call ourselves). I read your book and loved the Seaside Knitters! My arm has now healed and I am back to knitting with the Knitty Biddies but I am also a fan of your books. Now I am reading Moon Spinners and loving it.
Thanks,
Pat
PS Also sharing your books with my Knitty Biddies---I think Nell would do that!!
Sally, I have just recently Submitted by Lori Huber (not verified) on Sat, 06/26/2010 - 21:46.
Sally,
I have just recently discovered your books, and finished Death By Cashmere in three days. If I could have stayed home from work, that is what I would have done. I can hardly wait to get the rest of your books. I do not knit, but do cross stitch and some needle point, so you have now joined my list of favorite authors...along with Maggie Sefton, Monica Ferris, and Laura Childs. There are more, but these are some of my very favorites.
I wish you much luck and continued success, and look forward to reading more from you.
A new and avid fan
Lori Huber
thank you Submitted by sally on Sun, 06/27/2010 - 18:26.
Lori--
Thanks so much for the lovely note! I am so happy you're enjoying the knitters. I crossed stitched for awhile, too--but my eyes tell me "enough already!" Knitting is much easier on them.
I am most appreciative of your lovely note. Thank you!
Have a great summer.
Sally
Welcome to my Porch!
Welcome to the place where I spend many, many hours writing, often with my porch-writing friend, Nancy Pickard (Nancy has the nice smile in the photo--she must have just finished a wonderful chapter in her next book). Since this porch is an enormous part of my writing life, it seemed a perfect name for a blog. Many book ideas are hashed out here, many a spirit soothed when deadlines approach, and many a laugh shared as Nancy and I toast a successful writing day with a glass of Pinot Grigio.
Join in the conversation—we're happy to have you here!
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Moon Spinners Submitted by Sharon (not verified) on Sun, 08/29/2010 - 13:47.
Hi Sally, I just finished Moon Spinners and was so happy to spend some time with our friends(Nell, Izzy, Birdie & Cass) at the knit shop again. I'm always torn between wanting to get to the end quickly to see "who dun it" and reading slower to savor the moments. I didn't figure this one out until near the end, but couldn't come up with a motive. Wonderful writing! I was also sure you were going to give us a pattern for socks and was so surprised to see the hat pattern! I downloaded the soup recipe today and can't wait to make it. Thank you so much for everything. Sharon
thank you! Submitted by sally goldenbaum (not verified) on Wed, 09/01/2010 - 09:58.
Sharon--thanks so much for the nice note. Have you worked through the motive? Let me know if you haven't...I won't put it here in case someone reads this who hasn't read the book. But I'd love to talk about it with you.
Happy last days of summer (or are they already gone...?) Let me know how the soup turns out. Be sure to add your own favorite touch. It's a 'creative' soup recipe and one we all love around here.