Month: March 2008

Men in Knits: Sweaters to Knit That He Will Wear (Paperback)
by Tara Jon Manning

5 stars A great book, almost foolproof, and really fun, with gorgeous results

I have not knit for 25 years, and certainly never did anything like arans in my whole life, but have been able to make the most fantastic pullovers and cardigans for my boyfriend as a result, ones he not only wears, but proudly brags about (and so he should, the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino I use does NOT come cheap!!)

At the same time, though, if you are going to take the trouble to do these lovely designs, go for the best yet most practical yarn you can afford. The patterns like the one on the front of the book knit up really well and swiftly if you use your markers and good wool, and don’t go for anything too fussy that a guy will balk at-the texture and pattern really does all the work for you to make it gorgeous.

I have made sweaters in black, navy, mid blue, charcoal gray, regular gray, and the traditional Irish oatmeal since I bought the book last year. The cardigans and pullovers also are very similar in patterns, strategy, like the diamonds, so once you get the pattern into your head, don’t stop, go for another sweater.
The fit is perfect, the instructions clear, for the most part, if you make sure you read the whole thing through before you start the pattern, and make notes to yourself as you go.
Also, I strongly recommend photocopying the pattern several times per panel of the sweater or sleeve, to use as scratch paper, because they are repeating patterns based over like 30 rows or so. With the copies, you can just cross off one row so you don’t get lost in the pattern. For the more complicated aran and color work ones, you can even cross them off one stitch at a time if need be.

I have even made an excel spreadsheet of my pattern, so instead of the dots, I have K for Knit and P for purl, and then special instructions for my cable, for example, 2 IF, KKkk would be a cable where you slipped the first two stitches, held them in front, knit two two, and then knit the other 2 being twisted into the cable. If you take the time to do the excel spreadsheet, these sweaters will really knit up in a snap.

One other recommendation, if you are going to invest this kind of time and money to create a fabulous sweater like the ones in this book, if you can find a knit store that will help you finish off the garment professionally, by all means do so. It is really the difference between handmade and exquisite, or homemade and kind of silly.

I live in New York City, and go to Gotta Knit on 12th st and 6th Avenue, on the second floor just near the adorable puppy shop downstairs. They often have classes that will teach you as well. I did one awesome three hour class with Shirley Palden, who designs a lot of the patterns for vogue, and so between the patterns you get in the book, and a professional finish, everyone will be asking your guy where he got his sweater.

The chart at the front, what is your guy’s style, and match it to the pattern, is really the best part of the book! It really helps you not only with picking a pattern, but generally with getting him clothes as gifts.

Now I have to knit for my step-dad and brother, they have been so wowed by the sweaters they’ve seen me making! Enjoy!

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There aren’t many tranquil havens in New York you can visit every day of the week, but Kundalini Yoga East is that rare exception.

From the moment you walk into the lovely reception room, so open and sunny and cool, with a flowing fountain, you know you’ve come to the right place to relax and renew.

But lest you think this is lightweight yoga, or a spa, let me tell you, if you want to transform your body and mind in only a few short weeks, this is the place for you to challenge yourself to grow, with the help of all of the supportive, nurturing teachers.

The studio is run by a remarkable husband and wife couple who literally have lived the yogic lifestyle for over 37 years, but who would be the first to tell you they were average Americans before they had the good fortune to discover the amazing technology of Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga makes you very strong, very fast. Part of the reason is the Breath of Fire, which as the name suggests, gets your trapped energy moving fromyour lower three chakras into your upper ones where you can use them more, especially for your intelligence and intuition. Breath of fire is like panting through your nostrils, with you pumping your abdomen like an old-fashioned bellows to start up the fire, and keep the fire burning.

The abs are actually three layers of muscles, so if you do breath of fire on a regular basis, you will get a six pack in no time, without a single crunch! Seriously! They say also that in terms of a work out, 3 minutes of breath of fire are the equivalent of 15 minutes of jogging.

I was able to drop 50 pounds in less than 3 months, going 3 x per week, and not even changing what I ate. Losing weight is not even the intention, but it is a welcome side effect of this blissful yoga.

There are other kinds of pranayama (breath work) in Kundalini, some more challenging than others. Then there is chanting, and vibrational energy from the sacred gong.

There are no levels in Kundalini yoga, so everyone should feel welcome to go to whatever class they wish. There are no levels because each kriya, or set of exercises and mantras to chant are all designed for a specific task. That task can be anything from cleaning out your immune system, to attracting prosperity, to improving your intuition.

The mantras are fun; they can be both chanted or sung, and you will find yourself getting a wonderful collection of Cds by Snatam Kaur or Sada Sat Kaur, to name but a few. (Kaur means princess, so all Sikh women have Kaur as part of their name).

In some sets we even use lively music, such as Bhangra music, which comes from the Punjab in northern India and is no doubt familiar to you if you have ever seen a Bollywood film.

The center is conveniently located right in the heart of Chelsea/the Flatiron district in New York City, just a stone’s throw from Union Square West, and accessible via the rear of the Union Square train station, with the train lines the 4, 5 6, N R W and Q all stopping there. Or the 14th st and 6th avenue station, where the V and F stop.

If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, improve your concentration, and have energy to burn, and enjoy a musical and spiritually uplifiting experience all at the same time, this is the place for you.

And don’t you dare leave without tasting a cup of caffeine free Yogi Tea-yes, the Master of Kundalini yoga was THAT Yogi, Yogi Bhajan, and this studio is a testament to the legacy he built over nearly 60 years of teaching this incredible technology, a union of mind, body, spirit and energy.

Above all, have fun, meet new friends, and de-stress and rejuvenate yourself in this beautiful space. Visit http://www.kundaliniyogaeast.com for their current class schedule, and all their terrific bodywork, holistic healing, and other special events.

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OUT WEST: THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS OF SCOTLAND
The Cairngorms (Blue Mountains) are lovely, but for more breath-taking natural beauty, the wild and lonely Hebrides, (HEB-red-dees) off the west coast, are centers of Scottish whisky production. They offer wonderful views as you explore their coastal walks – windswept cliffs, mountains and bays will take your breath away. There is a lively association with Bonnie Prince Charlie on many of the islands as he tried to restore the Stuart line to the throne in defiance of the English in about 1745.
The Hebrides are divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Whisky, bagpipes, tartan and kilts are all inextricably linked with Scotland. You can visit the bagpipe museum on the Isle of Skye, part of the inner hebrides. The Celtic language college Sabhal Mor Ostan (The Big Barn) is also on the Isle of Skye. Whisky can be found on all the islands, and some of them are well worth tasting, especially the turf-y tasting ones like Laphraoig and Lagavullen. If you’ve ever smelled a turf, or peat fire, you will get that warm rich flavor from may of the whiskys made out west.
In the outer islands, Lewis, Harris, the Uists (YOU-ists) and Barra, you can still hear Scots Gaelic being spoken. You will need to take a ferry out to either Barra or Lewis, and can drive between most of the islands in a straight line, and then get little ferries in between and back to the mainland. I recommend starting at Lewis in the north, and heading south.
The Uists are a dream come true for anyone who paints watercolors. The constant quality of the changing light is breathtaking. In the summer, they also get a great deal of daylight, almost like the land of the midnight sun, because Scotland is so far north. Just beware of midges in the highlands, they come out only in the summer and will eat you alive.
If you are planning to go out to the Outer Hebrides, make sure you book the ferry portion of your trip well in advance, and allow plenty of time to get from point A to point B. The distances are further than they look, over not very good road, and even one-track roads, with few passing places. Fort William is a lovely town, and the gateway to the ferries that will take you on and off the islands. There is a wonderful sense of spaciousness in that part of the world–not surprising, since Scotland only has about 10 million people, and most of them live in the cities.
The holy island of Iona is part of the Inner Hebrides, and well worth a visit. You might also consider Bamburgh castle in the south east, or the county of Dunfries in the south west. There you can walk Hadrian’s wall in certain segments, and visit fascinating museums and a Roman villa.
In the far, far north, is spectacular Dunrobin Castle, and from there on to John O Groats, the northernost tip of the mainland. It is also the ferry terminal for the Shetlands and Orkneys, which were actually part of Norway for many centuries.
On the Orkneys, the buildings and places to visit are very distinctive and it is a delightful place in the summer due to the midnight sun-just make sure you close your black curtains if you want to get any sleep!
The ancient castles, churches, and architecture of every style imaginable make Scotland an ideal honeymoon destination for anyone who enjoys romance, wildness, touring by car, the big city, history, gorgeous seascapes, and ancient castles. If you enjoy whisky, music, dancing, and ghosts, quaint bed and breakfasts and great food, then a Scottish honeymoon will be perfect for you and your partner.
3 parts,
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OTHER IMPORTANT SCOTTISH SITES TO VISIT ON YOUR HONEYMOON
St. Andrews is a beautiful town and home to the most famous golf course in the world! Plus there are some fascinating medieval ruins. I was amazed to see the sheep all grazing on the golf course, plus the fact that it is right off the main street of the town, situated between it and the sea. St Andrews is easy travelling distance from Edinburgh, heading east.
You can also make a stop on the way at Glamis Castle, the famed castle of MacBeth, and reputed to be the most haunted castle in Scotland. They have a wonderful herd of Highland cows (the ones with the long shaggy hair and huge horns). I saw a baby one once, it was like an auburn teddy bear.
The Cairngorm Mountains are in the middle of the country, and though not very high, they are spectacular. They are surrounded by rivers, lochs, forests and are home to rare wildlife. Of course everyone had heard of Loch Ness, but that is just one of the many outstanding lakes you can visit. The Loch Ness Museum is terrific though, and is set in a small town amid some of the most incredible scenery you will ever see in your life.

This beautiful region is popular for skiing, hiking and water sports,and best of all, it is an easy drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Stirling is in the center of the country, a lovely town with a spectacular castle and a wonderful focus on William Wallace, who won a great victory against the English at Stirling Bridge over seven centuries ago.
For more suggestions, see A Scottish Honeymoon: romance, mystery, castles and ghosts Part 3