While in the UK it’s a long weekend (May bank holiday), the weather decided to turn its back on us. Yesterday was a lovely early summer day and today, when I woke up at dawn, the sky appeared to promise turning blue. I was good and did some reading for my exams. In the meanwhile, the weather forecast announced chances of rain and the sky turned grey.. sob.
So, the planned visit to the Observatory in Greenwich was postponed. Ok, then I can check for some books online, at least. I hopped through various (web)pages and ordered a few things. I also checked in my wish list if any of the items were available at a reduced price and a few were, indeed. Having found some nice books at a bargain price (and mostly in hardcover, easier to consult when knitting) comforted me from the weather hic-up!
Please let me introduce you to the latest members in my reference library:

Celtic Animals Charted Designs by Ina Kliffen: the patterns are originally meant for needlework, but apparently can be adapted to a range of other crafts. I liked those intricate animal pictures and finding a cheap new copy, I jumped at the opportunity.

55 Christmas Balls to Knit by Arne and Carlos: this is already a classic and very popular among Nordic style lovers. It has been mentioned (and knitted) in many blogs, so you may be already familiar with it. If not, it’s a good reference for Christmas decorations (mainly balls, but not only). Finding a second hand copy for about £5 including postage, meant that it was inevitable to order it (grin).

The Complete Book of Knitting [hardcover] by Barbara Abbey: I had borrowed this book from the local library and found its final section of 200 pattern stitches (with detailed instructions) not to be missed. I found a used copy at a bargain price, so this was a win-win sit. Already found inspiring things to try, especially for my swatching project.
![The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting [Hardcover], Rae Compton The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting [Hardcover], Rae Compton](https://weestorybook.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/51ef8mga02l-_bo2204203200_pisitb-sticker-arrow-clicktopright35-76_aa300_sh20_ou02_.jpg?w=290)
The Complete Book of Traditional Knitting [hardcover] by Rae Compton: its index includes many key words (according to my vocabulary): Shetland and Fair Isle, Britain, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, Sweden, Norway, Central Europe, Northern Lace, Patterns from East and West, Traditional Patterns. Being a relatively old book (early 80s) it’s not one of the many that just came out after the surge of interest in the knitting community… Thus it sounded like a genuine good read. After looking inside the book and finding a(nother) bargain copy, I had to order it.
[disclainer: I’m not earning commissions on the books listed here. I just linked to Amazon because they offer the ‘Look Inside’ preview feature, which can help getting an idea of how the book is like]