The Miss.Marple Read Along and Scarf Exchange

Hello Everyone

2008-10-27T11:37:00.001-07:00

I'm so glad to read the post about starting up again. Will get down to the library today. On another note, Melissa, please know that I wear the scarf you sent all the time and receive compliments constantly. Again, thanks so much

Fall/winther reading and knitting .

2008-10-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

Are we starting up soon?
I red the writing on the right side here...what books to read from the 1.st of october till the end of december. I plan to start my readig this week, going to the library today. And then plan my knitting as I read along. I would like to know more about the plans. Last week i saw a Miss marple film on tv, the scenes from Bertrams Hotel(can`t remember what title) and the actress wore a fantastic cardigan. Anyone seen that?

Caitlin, you are amazing

2008-05-10T10:11:00.001-07:00

Caitlin made such a lovely, lacy cobweb scarf! - Take a moment and admire it.

Now come and visit me at Tea Leaves to see some of the other treats.

Thank you, Caitlin, for organizing this readalong, and for treating me like a queen!

Hey where my Scarves at?!?

2008-05-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Okay I've been getting a lot of emails....pretty sad ones wondering where their scarves are at. So I know that all of us knitters out here wouldn't leave another knitter hanging.....so if you know that you sent your scarf late or you know that you haven't sent it at all yet. Please let your Pal know. Write them....email them.....something. Throw them a freaken bone. (I say that in a Dr.Evil voice : )
If you need their email address...please email me and I'll get it for you. I know none of you would intentionally not make a scarf.
If those of you who have not yet recieved a scarf have not heard from your pal by next friday - May 16th...please email me even if you've already done so....I'm making a list.

It's Here!!!!

2008-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

My package arrived from Melissa (aka Pumpkinknits) this weekend. Sadly this parcel has had a tragic past (see her post from earlier this month), but HONESTLY I simply can not imagine a scarf I would like better or that would suit me more than the one I received! Also in the box were coffee (which I take intravenously every a.m.) and hand lotion, which is always needed in this high desert climate. Melissa included a skein of "Taos." This is a great yarn that works up beautifully--in fact it's what I used to make my pal's scarf--and I'm already thinking about what I could make with this!! And, finally, there was one of those yarn scope things (can't remember what it's really called) that I have coveted forever.

Many thanks, Melissa--you rock!

p.s. My apologies for the photo--a photographer I am not. The scarf has a lovely lace pattern in it and wonderful hues of blues and greens that you can't really see.

p.s. 2. I look forward to Round 2 with Miss Marple in the fall.

So What's Next?

2008-04-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well I know a lot of you have been asking and I've been meaning to tell. First I'll make my public announcement....My family and I have been awaiting a new edition....a little girlie one......due this summer. So I've been planning on taking the next few months off while I ready myself for labor. I plan on doing plenty of knitting while I wait!
As for Miss.Marple I was planning on a second Kal this Autumn. Lets say we'll begin September 1st. Of course I want to know what you would like to knit......please feel free to leave some ideas in the comments and I'll get a poll going.
Well I'll let you all know how it goes and I hope you gals can stand waiting that long for more Marple. I was going to try to read the books in the order in which they were written, so our next three books will be, A Murder is Announced, They Do It with Mirrors, and A Pocket Full of Rye .

the danish mystery

2008-04-24T01:03:00.001-07:00

yesterday i got my package with this oh so lovely shawl: it has a triangular shape and one corner with these cute knitted flowers on it. i love the colors and admire totally the work of my pal. but i got no clue who the mysterious knitter was. the stamps are danish and the name of the sender may be irene (?)....but when i checked the participants here i couldn´t find a matching blog or something else. so please - dear unknown pal - let me know who you are. and thank you so much for this shawl - i already got a compliment wearing it at work!

EDIT 04/25/08:
and it was irene from denmark! THANK YOU AGAIN!!
AND
also a thank you from my heart to caitlin, who had a wonderful idea and organized this great knit- and read-along. i really enjoyed it!

What's Next?

2008-04-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Well, half the month is over, and I have finished reading this month's book "The Moving Finger". I had a copy of "Sleeping Murder" on the shelf (for years) and decided to re-read that. Was wondering what's next? Will there be any more books to read, or projects to knit? I really hope that we continue on with this. It has been fun.

Totally Spoiled by Bassett Knitter!

2008-04-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

In my mailbox today was an ENORMOUS BOX from Bassett Knitter! She totally spoiled me...

We have a Clapotis (now I don't have to knit one myself - woo!), Vogue Knitting Ponchos book, a *little bit* of chocolate, a cute card with a picture from The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits (one of the first knitting books I ever bought), leftover project yarn, TWO SKEINS OF LOUET EUROFLAX OH MY GOODNESS I CAN NOW DIE HAPPY, a selection of teas, a packet of Cosmos seeds and some dried pansy "real flower confetti."

The chocolate fumes alone were enough to induce a coma. (Servings: 1.)

It amazes me how someone I have never met knows me so well. Knitters rule.

Pictures to Follow....

2008-04-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

I got my package in the mail! Hurrah! I've been away, and it actually came last week - I will post pictures tomorrow.

Marit, thank you! The scarf is so beautiful - I will wear it almost constantly, I can tell. Perfect color, the most beautiful pattern! And fingerless mitts, I feel so spoiled.

I will post a much more detailed blog post tomorrow - thank you so much!!!

Package Arrived!

2008-04-16T16:28:00.001-07:00

Heather (aka Tinky McFrog) your package has arrived safe and sound in Canada! I couldn't be more pleased... the decorative scarf that you knit for just me, perfectly matches my handbag(I included it in the pic so that you could see for yourself ). You were right about including the pink, it offsets the red very nicely.

I love the castile soap and the pretty notepad and the pens, I will think of my KAL pal everytime I use them. And how did you know that I love Chai and that I am notorious for losing every single one of my yarn needles? Well done and thank you so very very much!

I love the saying on the cards, "We're not old... we're vintage." Surely the vintage Ms. Marple would have agreed. Thank you again.

Read along

2008-04-15T03:29:00.000-07:00

What have I noticed?

1. Miss Marple is not a prominent character with respect to the amount of time she appears in the novels, however, she is crucial to the solution.

2. It is very likely that the spouse or another relative, i. e. one who will inherit money or otherwise make a fortune by the death of the victim. The spouse is the most likely culprit.

3. One of the major appeals of her novels is the English country idyll, which seems to be confirmed in spite of the murders taking place.

4. The vicarage plays an important role. The vicar and or his wife tend to be a bit excentric or are perceived as "odd".

What do you think about my findings? What have you noticed?

Goodies have arrived!!

2008-04-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

My wonderful box of goodies has arrived from Feralmama and I am so excited. Everything is so wonderful and I am so happy with the scarf, yarn for 2 pairs of socks, card, notepad, bookmark, chocolate and magnet. Coming from Canada, I think it must have taken longer these days. But everything is in great shape, and no one sat on the box, at least not so I could tell . Thank you, Feralmama. I can't thank you enough for the wonderful box of goodies (ps...I check your blog, too!). You are a beautiful lady!! God Bless!

Hmmmmm

2008-04-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say that my package was mailed and that I hope it has found its intended victim. (Don't want to say anything that might give anything a way.)

what a surprise!

2008-04-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

This arrived in my mailbox today and I am thrilled. Thank you to A. Grant from Rhode Island. I love the scarf....I've never been able to figure out entralac and have always loved these scarves. Now I have one of my own plus a wonderful bag of chocolate that I'm going to hide from my family! Thank you, dear pal for a wonderful treat! And the colors in the scarf's yarn and yarn is absolutely perfect; I'm feeling very pampered.

I hope that my package made it's way safely to New York; I haven't heard anything yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it arrived in good shape and that my pal likes it.

Chris in Oklahoma

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

2008-04-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

This week was full of surprises! I received a parcel that made me walk on the moon and a day later the news that magknits has shut down and with it my 4 published patterns had - so it seemed at first - vanished.

My wonderful parcel from Nathalie arrived on Tuesday and I was so delighted. Look at all these marvels. A very soft and very long scarf in my favourite color knit from Debbie Bliss and Colinette Cadenza (this is my first Colinette and only second Debbie Bliss yarn item!).

A delicious bar of dark chocolate. Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers - a book I have been lusting after for such a looooooooooooooooooooooong time. And yet, it didn't end, there was also a skein of Socks that Rock sockyarn in the most beautiful green. It is very tempting to abandon all WiPs and just cast on with this yummy yarn.

And last, but not least, a book on my all-time favourite author Jane Austen written by the fantastic Nathalie herself! How cool is that? I can hardly believe my luck, not only have I been spoilt rotten, but my pal is an Austen scholar! I feel so honored and so happy. Thank you very much Nathalie, this parcel made my week.

Oh, and have you noticed that delightful greeting card that accompanied my presents? I feel so special this week.

I hit the jackpot!

2008-04-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

I received not one, but TWO beautiful scarves from SaRi! One is a cool weather scarf in a lovely bright red colour that will be stunning with my black wool coat in the winter. The other is a cotton ruffle scarf in pastel colours that is perfect for this time of year. Along with those I received bookmarks, stitch markers, soap, and chocolate scented hand cream (...mmmmmmm.... chocolate)....as well as a ball of Trekking XXL sock yarn. Now I'll have to find the perfect sock pattern....what fun!

Thank you so much SaRi, I love it all!

Thank You Willa!

2008-04-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a lovely package came filled with English goodies, English teas, a very cool knitting flip book, some pink point protectors and stitch markers, a really warm neck warmer and beautiful scarf all from my secret swap pal.

Thank you so much Willa, I just love EVERYTHING, especially the colors! I Love that color Pink!

I can't wait to wear my new scarf in England next month!

I sent out my package yesterday I hope my pal likes it sorry it is so late.

2008-04-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have received a beautiful scarf from Joanna in Ottawa! She said it reminds her of fall in Canada. Unfortunately I can't post a picture at this time, but I hope to before the end of the month. It has gorgeous russets, burnt orange, autumn gold and a lovely lace/flame stitch pattern. It is long enough to wrap several times. I am planning a trip to Canada this fall so I'm intending to just blend in with all the fall foliage up there. Thank you so much, I love the yarn and the pattern, they compliment each other well. I appreciate your "extra's" too! I hope you are on the mend Joanna, I think our household is finally over all the bronchitis.

To my pal in Oregon, I am working on a replacement. I can only plead codeine cough syrup induced idiocy. When my friend who mailed the package for me (I was supposed to stay inside because of walking pneumonia) told me it was really expensive to mail, I didn't really think that much of it because she was mailing several packages for me. I just hope there is a happy lady in Japan. I will have your package off soon.

In the mail!

2008-04-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Scarves finished and sent on April 2nd- let's hope overseas mailservice is fast:-)
I'm done with the book! Such a fun one too! So I just had to start another one- a Poirot mystery this time, with no knitting involved- but nevertheless a lot of loose ends:-)

Scarf finished and sent off

2008-04-07T01:23:00.000-07:00

Oh, what lovely scarves have been knit and sent off in this kal! I have, finally, posted my parcel to Canada last week. At the post office, they told me it should take no longer than a week to be delivered.

I have started The Moving Finger yesterday and am already half way through. I enjoy this novel very much - and cannot remember having seen the movie.

Intricate Lace

2008-04-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

After an extremely stressful work week I came home to find my beautiful scarf from Greta in the mail. I was on my way out of town and took it with me to show it off to all of my family and friends who admired it as much as I do. The wonderful "hat box" that it came in is amazing. It had (please note past tense) chocolates tucked inside as well. The scarf color is perfect. It matches three quarters of the items in my wardrobe. But it's more than that -- it is a beautiful piece of lace. I stared at it for many minutes just trying to imagine how one would work on such a delicate, complicated and intricate pattern. I am amazed and dazzled. It would make a lovely table runner. This experience has been so much fun and I feel like I've made new friends as well. Thank you Greta, the scarf and hat box are spectacular.

My package from June

2008-04-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

I hope that I can post this. My computer is on its death throes and I need to decide whether to get Windows Vista or XP. I cannot get a Mac because my place of employment uses Windows only.

This is such a beautiful color for a scarf! I just love it. You cannot see the peppermints, which were meant to be in the picture.
I am sorry that the stitch markers did not photograph at all well. They have the lovely look of scrimshaw.

Thank you so much to June. I am so sorry that you had to be a last minute angel for me. You are very generous to have done so.

I'm enjoying The Moving Finger

On its way to Michigan.

2008-04-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

My scarf is on it's way to Michigan.

I've enjoyed knitting and reading along with everyone, though I haven't talked much. Thanks much to Caitlin for organizing this!

Like Baby Bear said...

2008-04-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

It is "just right"~ my scarf from Rita, that is!

Here is the lovely box that arrived yesterday (a real treat, after a tough week back to work)

And what kind of treasure will we find in the chest?

Oh, this is going to be good~ love, love Baby Alpaca

Aren't the colors wonderful? All my favorites & soft to boot.

Look at this cunning little devise~ I must find out how to do that!

There are even some pretty beads to lend a surprise sparkle (but I'll have to be careful to put it away up high- my feline daughters are very interested)

Thank you so very much, Rita; you did a lovely job, especially as a relative newbie :-)

Thank you, Emily

2008-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am the proud owner of a xmas-red scarf...and I am soooo happy! Thank you ever so mutch Emily! Everything about the scarf is perfect...the size, colour, thickness, softnes, pattern....thank you!! the colour is mutch ritcher dark red than what this photo show..Emily also sent me some cards and buttons she`s made herself. I love them!!!

I've got mail!

2008-04-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Two days ago,I got a mail from Kiki, telling me that she had mailed off a package to me. Today, when I was getting ready to go feed the sheep, the mailman came by, and handed me a box. I took a look, and decided the sheep had to wait-LOL! I just had to open it right away!
Look at all the goodies she sent me! A beautiful scarf in bluish, it is soft and warm and fun- and did I mention how soft it was???-, some woolsoap, a stitchmarker, green tea(mmmm....), a cute bookmark, and some delicious chocolate. And of course a lovely card!
I wore the scarf today, it's sooo soft! I haven't been able to get through the link to the pattern, but Kiki has shown it on her blog, I think it was called fickle fingers, it has these cute fringes.

Thank you, Kiki, I love it:-)

Marit

sent & waiting

2008-04-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

my package was sent off two days ago via airmail to norway and i hope it will make its way quickly and safe.
now i´m enjoying our third novel - so lovely with jerry, joanna and megan. and i think it´s my favourite.

i never heard anything from my own pal, but still hope that everything is fine.

have a happy april!

Darn It!

2008-04-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

Ok - so, my scarf will be in the mail tomorrow I PROMISE! My poor partner! The blocking was less than perfect, for some reason one side came out much better than the other, so it's re-blocking now. I'm sure I'm being a little picky, but I think an extra day is worth it! I hope my partner thinks so, too!

Ahhh, Finally Finished!

2008-04-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

I Finally finished the scarf (that I tinked on for over a month, because I am the worlds slowest knitter.) for my pal yesterday and it got washed and blocked last night, I will have it in the mail to her today (or tomorrow at the very latest.)
I also finished the Body in The Library a week ago. I had a Pneumonia relapse for the month of March and I read a lot in between sleeping and trying to breathe.
Agatha Christie mysteries are wonderful books to read when you have pneumonia because you hold your breath through most of the book anyway! :)
I have to say that Body In The Library is my very Favorite Miss Marple Mystery!
The Suspense is so wonderful and Mrs. Bantry and her admiration for her friend Miss Jane Marple is beautiful, not to mention her thrill of mysteries!
The two of them remind me of two old hens who creatively solve crimes, knit and garden!
I just opened the next book The Moving Finger this morning and the read the first chapter and I can tell already it is going to be another breath holder!

Thank you, June!

2008-04-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

I will edit this to add a photo later---I just wanted to post really quickly to extend my deep thankfulness and gratitude to June, who sent me a beautiful scarf and hand-made stitch-markers today plus a cat=themed journal and treats.

Evidently my original partner wimped or is it flaked? Whatever....June stepped in at the last minute and made a work of genius and great beauty. June, I deeply appreciate it and will add a photo as soon as I can.

June and I share an affinity for letting spiders live and neither of us wishes to age gracefully.

Thank you June.

Finished!

2008-04-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Finished, washed, blocked.. wrapped.. and sent! (Along with a few little surprises for my pal who recently celebrated a birthday.) I loved this KAL and knitting the scarf.. thank you !

Ready to send!

2008-04-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

The scarf is done and I just need to write a note to include in the box. I really hope that she likes it, I dug into my stash and decided to use some yarn that I was saving for a special project. My pal wanted warm for her East Coast climate....it'll be in the mail this afternoon!

Scarf is Blocking!

2008-04-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

My scarf is finished, and is blocking at home! As long as it is dry, I should be able to mail it tomorrow! i really hope my pal likes it, I know everyone I work with wants one now!

I hope it makes it...

2008-04-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

My package has been sent and is winging its way to its recipient. I hope it makes it. This is the first time I've sent a package like this out of the country. Time will tell.

Finished My Scarf!!

2008-03-30T18:44:00.001-07:00

Woo! Scarf was finished last Thursday night. I am very pleased with how it turned out and hope the recipient likes it! Should go in the mail Tuesday or Weds.

Have to reserve the next book!

A question

2008-03-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

This is not the best picture because the brightness of the red does not show up.
I have a question and would appreciate a comment. I ordered something extra special for my recipient and it has been delayed in the mail. Should I just forget about the something extra? Should I send it in two packages even if the postage might be costly? Or should I wait and give her the pleasure (or I hope it will be pleasure) of receiving something on a wish list that I found?

Thank you in advance if you commetn.

I got my scarf!

2008-03-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Meg for sending me this little beauty!

done

2008-03-24T03:34:00.000-07:00

the scarf is finished due to a long weekend and wonderful gene kelly singin´in the rain. i really enjoyed the knitting and hope my pal will also have a wonderful time wearing it.
next week the last items for the package will be choosed and also the third novel will be ordered.

Do we have to wait until April 1st?

2008-03-23T08:54:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to mail out my finished scarf! I just hope my Pal likes it...

Finished knitting..

2008-03-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

I haven`t been blogging anything, sorry about that. Suppose my life has been busy lately..but mostly I`ve been a lazy blogger I guess;) Well..I`ve been reading two of the Miss Marple books, in norwegian. And I`ve finished knitting the scarf. I thought I would have to wait until the 1.st of april to send off the scarf...but maby not?
I love reading these books again..I red them years ago, and since then I`ve also seen the films that are made about these stories. I like the caracter of Miss Marple. In the films she is a lovely old lady, and I like the way she always makes people tell her their secrets. They end up liking her too;) And she`s always knitting..baby-things I think?
This read and knitting -along has made me pick up some other A.Christies books too. I am a fast reader, and during this last two months I`ve also read some of the stories with Poirot..and another story with a young girl as a detective called "mannen i brun dress" in norwegian.

sooo,how are you doing?

2008-03-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting for my copy of the book from the library- I won't get it till after Easter though...but as I've said earlier, I have alredy read it some time ago. As for the exchange...everything is done, blocked, and nearly packed...and I feel a bit anxious. This is my first swap, and I worry about overdoing it/underdoing it (if that makes sense at all-LOL) Also- will my pal like what I made??? I'm looking forward to seeing all those scarves on the blog during the next month or so- just hoping overseas mailing will be quick!
Take care, have fun reading:-)

First chapter

2008-03-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

I have just started to read The Body in the Library, or to be precise, I have read the first chapter. And isn't it hilarious? The description of Mrs Bantry, her dream and that "unbelievable" break in daily routine? I think, this will be a very amusing story (A. Christie's preface made me laugh, too).

Anyone else think that this may be a mystery with a twinkle in the eye?

New Member

2008-03-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

I thank you for letting me read along with you since you're almost
finished with the scarf exchange. I started reading Agatha Christie mysteries when I was in my early teens. So now reading them again will be like new since I can't remember the plots. Miss Marple was my favorite detective not knowing someday I would be a knitter too. I started THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY today.

I also work in a library and today there were many bodies in the library but they
were all walking around. :) Hopefully I can do an exchange if you have another kal
this year. Again thanks and I've enjoyed reading your members posts.

Body in the Library

2008-03-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

The good news is that I've finally (I think) settled on a scarf pattern. I've been looking for something that was not too plain, not too ornate--I sound like Goldilocks--and reversible and... the drum rolls...Stephanie McPhee's simple scarf may well be it. The Taos yarn I'm using is multicolored so I needed something to set off the colors without competing with them. Plus, and this is a judgment call, Miss Marple never knit anything too complicated. I'm basing this on the fact that I've never seen or read about a finished Marple project ,and I think the knitting was a Zen thing so she could really exercise her brain cells on village personalities, foibles and crimes. In fact I'm still trying to figure out what she was knitting. Does anyone know? Does anyone know if Agatha Christie knitted?

I've been enjoying the "Body in the Library." I read this long ago and remember who did it but not how!

How is everyone else progressing?

Who Dunnit?

2008-03-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Okay - lets start hearing the possible suspects......list me some names and I'll get a poll going.

Finished...

2008-03-02T08:52:00.001-08:00

...My scarf at least. I'm just waiting for some extra goodies that I ordered to arrive and then I'll be sending it off to my secret pal...I hope she likes it.

I got my copy of "The Body in the Library" and I will be starting it this evening. I can't wait!

Finally found my yarn!

2008-02-29T10:17:00.001-08:00

After three attempts, I finally found the perfect yarn! It's Cotton Fine by Brown Sheep Yarn, in three shades of my pal's chosen color. I'm using it doubled on size 4 needles, and it's just about perfect.

Oh, I'm making Nicky Epstein's Anniversary Flower Scarf from the cover of the 25th anniversary Vogue Knitting, but using my pal's colors instead of shades of silver. Time to crank out those flowers!

All done, for now...

2008-02-27T16:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I was trying to ration out chapters to make the book last until the end of the month; but a day home with a UTI & nothing interesting to watch on television, I finished it Monday night. I have seen this one on PBS, but had never read it & I was quite pleased with the first-person perspective of the Vicar (though I did find the ending rather abrupt.)
The scarf for my secret recipient on the east side of the Atlantic was finished & blocked last week; I've just been collecting a couple of treats to enclose- my weekend at the Stitches West Convention was perfectly timed. I hope my lapin loving friend enjoys her package, going out very soon!

just an impression..-

2008-02-27T01:08:00.001-08:00

...of the german edition of agatha christie. murder at the vicarage on the left (and still read) and our march-lecture the body in the library (still waiting).
i would also like to see all your different books and am still looking forward to march 1st to start with the 2nd book.
for my pal i choosed a warm, blue and fine scarf project....i hope she will like it.
have a wonderful reading and knitting time!

Greetings from Oklahoma!

2008-02-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hello....I've been engulfed in family and church activities and although I've been knitting and reading, finding computer time is hard. I am thoroughly enjoying reading Agatha Christie again. The first novel that I read of hers was "Ten Little Indians" and I was in 6th grade. I still remember the feeling that I had when the mystery was revealed...what a shock.

I'm loving the scarf that I'm making...a perfect yarn for this person and I think that she'll like the color. And since I don't blog frequently, my Ravelry ID is rmj318, I love making new knitting friends.

Chris

Extra scarf knitters needed.....

2008-02-25T08:26:00.000-08:00

I was wondering if we could make a list of people willing to do emergency scarfs. Just in case we have anyone unable to complete their pal's scarf. These things do happen and if we could have some volunteers that would be wonderful. Please just leave a comment and I'll email you if your services are needed.
Thanks so much! ~ Caitlin

All Finished

2008-02-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

I just finished Murder at the Vicarage.
What a great mystery!
I am ready for the next book now.

She took me in again

2008-02-18T01:42:00.000-08:00

Due to an eye infection I had to be absent from the www for a week. Fortunately, I had checked out both the novel and the audiobook from the library and so finished the second half of the book by listening to it, last week.

From the beginning, I thought I had seen the movie, but I couldn't remember who had been the murderer. I knew that Griselda would be a suspect at some point, but hadn't done it. Thus, as usual, I have had a fleeting suspicion of the true murderer, but soon forgot all about it and followed Dame Christie's red herrings. I think, that is what I just love about her novels and what makes them so very popular, you are nearly always surprised at the end and nearly always you'll think, "Oh yeah, that is right, I suspected him/her, too".

As to other female detectives before Miss Marple - mmh - I found this very interesting article.

What do you think of Miss Marple?

2008-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Miss Marple seems to be a straight-forward character, yet she is full of contradictions. Is she a real out-sider (unmarried, older woman in a small town where the other women are having love-affairs and/or children) or an insider, a bastion of English values?

Is she the first older female detective who is well-known? I wonder about that. I cannot think of another female detective who came before her.

Is there something about age that informs the popularity of female detectives? In the USA, anyhow, we have the popular nubile Nancy Drew--eternally 16, eternally unmarried, eternally in a high-school that never seems to require her attendance. Miss Marple seems to balance Nancy Drew--eternally old, eternally unmarried, eternally smitten by her nephew who does not seem to add much to this novel.

I cannot think of any other "pre-feminist" female detectives who are so well-known.

I wonder if throughout the first 3/4 of the 20th century it would have been subversive to have a married (i.e. sexually active) woman as a detective? I know that there were women (Tommy & Tuppence, Harriet Vane) who teamed up with the men in their lives.

Or am I neglecting some well-known examples of other female detectives?

Hints

2008-02-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Okay everybody, I think it is time to start dropping hints for our secret pals! I have had some issues with the pattern I chose, Brooke Nelson's Column of Leaves, but it is so pretty I just have to keep trying. I'm hoping my pal is forgiving as this is my first lace pattern, but I think it will turn out beautifully. I promise not to use that (those) colors she doesn't want. I think my choice will look great with her brown hair! As for the book, I'm with everybody who said they always forget who the killer is. How can we all see all the different actresses playing Miss Marple but forget "whodunit?" Oh well, it is always good to revisit favorite reads

WOW!

2008-02-13T07:28:00.000-08:00

I just finished the book last night and although I had read it a few years ago, I completely forgot how it turns out. As with most of Dame Christie's books, I thought I knew who the killer was only to discover that I was totally wrong. It's why I love Miss Marple books (well aside from the knitting).
As for the scarf, I'm plugging along on it and I really hope that my secret pal likes it!

New Miss Marple

2008-02-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Came across this news about Miss Marple and thought this would certainly be the group to share it with. What do you all think? And have any of you been watching any of the films?

No sneakpeaks...

2008-02-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

Reading and knitting is so much fun, there is hardly time to read the blog-LOL!
I'm having a great time with the book. The movies has been on TV lately- around 11pm on Mondays....but being a nightowl, I stayed up watching them. It's been a lot of fun.
There is also knitting...I hadn't decided on a pattern, but went to town on Tuesday and found some yarn. I also bought a booklet with some patterns, and one of them I wanted to knit. Started, came halfway through the first repeat-and ripped it...too confusing pattern. The scarf looked fine in the book, but not on the needles:-( So, I dug out my pile of scarfpatterns, and began browsing. One was too simple, one was too big. Another one would have been boring to knit for 2 meters...I tried a few, and ripped again. I tried to make one myself- no, it didn't look RIGHT! So, back to the first pattern, recharting it, starting all over, and it went like a breeze!!!
But is anyone else finding it hard to pick a colour for a person that you've never ever seen???
Have fun reading:-)
Marit

I am loving this book!

2008-02-06T05:22:00.000-08:00

What a great read!
It has been so long since I read this book last, that I forgot how easily it is to get completely submersed in Agatha Christie's works.
I am on Chapter 8 already and now I am really thinking of the social similarities of this village compared to my own tiny town that I live in.
Like Miss Marple I quietly see so many of the characters of St. Mary Mead in many of the people in my own town.
Has anyone else noticed similarities in their own town or neighborhoods or the equivalent?
For example; I see Griselda in our Postmaster’s wife, Colonel Melchett is very much like our Police Chief and there are 2 exact replicas of Mrs. Price Ridley that live on my street!

Starting Over

2008-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

So the second book I ordered hasn't come in either, but I am reading one from the Library. I finished the scarf and decided it is too short (only had one skein of the color). So I am starting that over, too, using a different yarn and two skeins. I hope everyone else is having a better time of it than I am!!

Not That Far, Actually (hee)

2008-02-04T20:29:00.001-08:00

Just tagging off Angela's post below.

Note to self - tomorrow is library day. GET THE BOOK. Also yarn!

How Far Have You Gotten?

2008-02-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

How much have you all read so far? I'm finding it hard to put down, frankly. I haven't read them in so long - I forgot how many people in St. Mary Mead think of Miss Marple as a disagreeable "old cat"!

The beginning

2008-02-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's February first. Starting day. I'm so excited, I have my copy of Murder at the Vicarage, my yarn and my needles for the scarf. I hope everyone is as excited as I am. And to make things even better, it's a SNOW DAY. I'm getting ready to settle in and make a lovely cup of cocoa and knit.

Might I make a suggestion?

2008-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

If you are blogless & on Ravelry, would you share your user name with us? It is so difficult to do a little sleuthing without a single clue to go on, & I would so like to make something that my secret recipient enjoys!

Almost ready

2008-01-31T08:39:00.000-08:00

I've had to re-order my book from a different bookstore. The first one said it was on "backorder" and would give me no satisfaction when I called to inquire. So I tried another local store and she said it would be in by Tues. (2/5)? by the latest. I am going to begin the scarf tomorrow as planned, but will have to delay reading until my book arrives.

ready, set, go!!

2008-01-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

The needles are poised and I've the perfect yarn for my partner. I'm heading out to see my family in Washington state so I'm looking forward to reading and knitting; what a great combination!

Hi

2008-01-28T01:51:00.001-08:00

Hi,

I am looking forward to our read and knit along. Will we exchange opinions via this blog?

How will we find out more about our Secret Pal? Shall we exchange private e-mails or "just" read her blog?

International Book Swaping

2008-01-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

I found the international site similar to Paperback swap. Here it is: Bookmooch. If anyone belongs to this, I'd be interested in knowing what they think of it.

Secret Pals

2008-01-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
O.k. Yesterday I sent out your secret pals info, so if you didn't receive it please check around your emails, it should be there. I'm so excited! I've already got my yarn ordered and I know exactly what pattern I'm using. I can't wait to get started! So have lots of fun with it and we'll begin reading Murder at the Vicarage on February 1st!

Hello Everyone

2008-01-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

Like everyone else I'm looking forward to our reading. I've always loved reading mysteries and Agatha Christie's books in particular. (Though could someone please tell me what Miss Marple is knitting?..maybe it's a scarf for a swap!) I've participated in a couple of swaps and have always enjoyed them.

If you live in the U.S., you might want to check out the web site for Paperback Swap. You post books that you're willing to send to someone else and, in exchange, you get to ask for the books you want. All you have to pay for is the postage when you send a book. This is where I ordered my copy of the "Vicarage," and there were 16 additional copies available. I'll most likely get the other books there, too. I've belonged to this for about two years and have always had good luck both with the response of others in the exchange and the condition of the books (and I'm picky).
[and if you tell them who referred you they get an extra book credit and that would be stephanierbm -- :)!!!]

There's another group that's similar to Paperback Swap--perhaps someone else here knows what it is--that I THINK is international.

Hopefully In time

2008-01-22T09:30:00.001-08:00

I tried to join yesterday, and I see my name on the list, so Howdy! I live in Richmond Va, have four cats and One dog who's big enough to count twice. I tried a Lace Knit-along before and ran completely out of steam. I look forward to seeing how this goes along. . .

Just in time!

2008-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

I just joined last evening. Thankfully I was looking at blogs when I came across this one! I usually don't do exchanges, but I love to read, and this one sounds so great. One question, though......are we going to be given a pattern to use, or do we chose our own? I ordered my book from local bookstore yesterday evening. Can't wait to get started!
June, NC

I'm so excited!

2008-01-21T21:06:00.000-08:00

This will be my first KAL. To make it even better, it will be expected for me to read wonderful mysteries, too!

Monday January 21st

2008-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Sticky Post
O.k. Thats the last day to sign up! It gives me a few days to figure out who gets who and I will let you know who your secret pal is on Wednesday January 23rd.

Please email me at crescentknitter@yahoo.com

Hello!

2008-01-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

Have dug out a rather battered copy of Murder at the Vicarage and can't wait to get started!

So Glad I Didn't Miss the Sign Up!

2008-01-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hello All from Rhode Island!

I haven't read the books since I was quite young - I've enjoyed watching them on tv, but haven't read anything Miss Marple in a couple decades. I'm so excited to chat about them with other readers!

I'm ordering my first book today.....

2008-01-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

I read Agatha Christie quite a bit when I was a young teenager, but sometimes I missed the point and ended up wondering what had happened. I may not have been acquainted with some of the British terms, and I read very fast then, at an all-out gallop frankly. I'm, ahem, mature enough now to try again, but also savvy enough to know that I can read, then view a dramatization of the story, and even listen to someone else read aloud on an audiobook, adding layers of understanding. I'm trying to believe that any/all of these methods are considered adequate participation for the "read along and scarf exchange." Any objections? By the way, I knit better than I read, or at least better than I read Agatha Christie when I was a teenager. Just saying that to reassure those who worry about a scarf from someone who didn't get Miss Marple the first time through.

Questions: When do I get to know the preferences of my secret pal? Are there any guidelines as to the size of the scarves? Is it against the rules to start reading/listening/viewing before February 1? Does anyone want a scarf in yellows (because I already have some lovely yarn in yellows) or in black because I want to try the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Raven Clan yarns?

I know, assignments and preferences are supposed to be secret so I am open to any assignment and, squirm, have probably got yarn to match whatever request is made. Don't tell my husband about my stash. He thinks our insulation is performing really well this winter! Now there's fodder for a good (?) mystery. Any writers in this group?

Miss Marple in norwegian

2008-01-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

Hello to all of you fellow fans of Miss Marple. I love the figure of Miss Marpe..maby because she`s always doing her knitting while talking and thinking. Guess I feel she`s like a sister in spirite...but I must admit to not beeing so clever in mind;) and my everyday life is not so filled up with mysteries. I`ll go to the library for the books in norwegian.

Looking forward to the start on february 1.;))

Ready and Waiting

2008-01-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

I just picked up my copy of Murder at the Vicarage at Barnes and Noble today.
My knitting needles are primed and poised.
I will try not to peak under the cover until the right time, but it not be an easy task.
Sigh, To wait, wait, wait and wait a bit more...

Just thought I'd say "HI!" to everyone....

2008-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

I've got my copy of Murder at the Vicarage from the library, and my needles are prepped and ready to get started on the scarf as soon as I find out who I am knitting for and what kind of scarf I'll be knitting. I can't wait! This is going to be really fun. I've been training by knitting along with some of my Miss Marple DVDs and I think I'm ready.

I love crimes

2008-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the invitation. I love reading Miss Marbles. Can not wait get started. Have just ordered the books from liberary.

Irene from Denmark
http://denblyviol.blogspot.com

Can't Wait!

2008-01-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so looking forward to this, it will be like revisiting a long lost old friend indeed!

-Kelly aka feralmama

I want to say Hello also

2008-01-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

I hope that this is ok. I've got the first two books and am eager to receive my special assignment! I love Agatha Christie. I read everything she had written when I was about 13-15; then I did it again when I was in my 20s. I am looking forward to revisiting Miss Marple enormously.

I have to get the DVD's of Geraldine McEwan's performances. I have loved Geraldine for a long time. Has anyone experienced her delectable Mrs. Proudie? Does anyone know her Lucia? She's so fantastic.

Please feel free to erase this post if it is too early, too inappropriate, or too off-topic.

Natalie

Itching to get started!

2008-01-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

This looks like this KAL will be a lot of fun. I am looking forward to the reading and scarf knitting/exchange. I remember watching Miss Marple knit in amazement (before I could knit). It was so hard for me to imagine someone having a conversation or solving a murder while calmly knitting along.

Miss Marple!!!

2008-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks for inviting me to join this read/knitalong! I've always been fascinated by Agatha Christie's characters, and we have been watching some of the movies on tv lately- the last one actually being "The body in the library"...
I have a few of the books myself, but suspect I will have to check out the library for at least one of the books!
It will also be fun to knit a scarf for someone!
Thanks for hosting this!
Marit in Norway

OOPS I Forgot to Mention......

2008-01-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Please let me know if you can't mail over seas. Other wise I'll just assume you can. Thanks ~ Caitlin

2008-01-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

O.k. its just about time.....If you would like in please email me at

crescentknitter@yahoo.com with Miss.Marple as your subject and I'll email you an invite.

Please include your mailing address and if you have any color preferences and whether you would prefer a warm weather "fashion" scarf or a cold weather type.)

Your information will not be shared with anyone but your secret buddy. Please only join if you know you can fully commit to knitting a scarf to exchange.

Thanks so much ~ Caitlin

Starts February 1st 2008

2007-08-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

More info coming.....