Rivendell and beyond! Adventures in publishing.
Update - 2/27/08
Good news! By popular request, the Rivendell sock pattern will now be
available for .pdf download as a separate pattern. So if you've been hankering for the Rivendell pattern, I
heard you loud and clear!
To find the Rivendell pattern, go to
http://www.janellaidman.com
Thanks again for all the great comments and requests.
Ever since I saw the Lord of the Rings movies, I've wanted to live in Rivendell (or the Shire) (or at least New Zealand!) Yes, I am a little nerdy. Unfortunately I live in the oh-so-suburban tinseltown of Los Angeles instead, where we tear down all interesting buildings in favor of mini-malls, and everything is plastic (including body parts) and expensive. Inside my head though? I live in Rivendell and I gaze out at the waterfalls while spinning, knitting and weaving.....sigh. Recently I designed a sock that I titled Rivendell because it reminded me of that elvish dreamland, both in color and design. I released the pattern briefly as part of a sock of the month club and lately I've gotten a lot of people asking me about the Rivendell sock pattern. I'm happy to report it will be released in a book entitled "The Eclectic Sole" very soon.
It's been quite an adventure writing a book and doing the layout and everything myself. I haven't had a lot of time lately transitioning back to being a biochemist and taking care of an ill family member, but I've stolen bits of time on the vanpool and other places to work on this book. Try playing poker with a 95 year sick lady old while charting and knitting a complicated pattern.... Luckily she takes a long time to figure out if she wants to call the bet or not and I can sneak in a few more stitches every hand... I don't recommend writing a book in this manner, it would be much better to have a nice big chunk of time, but that is not my life at the moment.
The manuscript is nearly complete. Everything takes longer than you think it will, but I hope to have it ready for the printer in the next couple of weeks. I had so much fun doing the sock designing, I miss having a sock on the needles at all times! But this part is also fun, laying out the book has been a steep learning curve and I have made several mistakes and re-laid out the book a few times over. My next book will be so much easier!! I'm already thinking about the next (3!) books... It's good to have another project to jump right into I think.
So I'll leave you with a little teaser from "The Eclectic Sole" more will be revealed very soon.... I'll be reporting actual knitting activity again soon too!
wow the Rivendell sock is beautiful! How soon will the book come out? Are you self publishing? ooohhh I can't wait!
oh oh- looking for a test knitter?? I'm happy to oblige!
hope you and your family are well
Posted by: Colleen | February 08, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Congratulations, Janel! I don't know how you manage to do it all.
Posted by: Francesca | February 08, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Your Rivendell is gorgeous. I think I'd like to live there too. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the book with your sock designs. I do a lot of designing for myself, and it's rare I feel like I actually want the pattern to someone else's design, but this is one of those times.
Posted by: Saralyn | February 08, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Beautiful! I am so excited for your book.
Posted by: Annika | February 08, 2008 at 02:32 PM
The sock is a beauty and now I see why you are not posting all the time. The collection looks like a lot of fun. Your socks were bowed down to and worshipped at SOAR for good reason. Congrats on the book.
Posted by: fibergal | February 08, 2008 at 11:29 PM
oh i can't wait to get my paws on your book!
Posted by: marti | February 09, 2008 at 09:46 PM
That is such a nice sock.. I've always admired it. I may actually be getting good enough to try it out when the book is released. Can't wait!
Jill P.
Posted by: oboegoddess | February 12, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I can't wait to see your sock book - I'm totally smitten with those Rivendell socks!
Posted by: Julia | February 18, 2008 at 07:02 AM
I'm so pleased to see this post :) I've just finished a pair of Rivendells for my sister - they were perfect for her because she too wants to live in Rivendell, or the Shire, or at least New Zealand ;) - her love affair with the movies is intense! But, what I really came by to tell you, is how much I loved knitting them. Your stitch pattern is just beautiful - I admire the creativity and thought that went into them. And many congratulations on your upcoming book - I'm so looking forward to it, especially after enjoying this one so much. I'll update my post to let folks know about it as well!
Posted by: mel | February 18, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I am not a knitter but those socks are beautiful.
Posted by: Mandy | February 19, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Can't wait for the book! I was one of those waiting for the sock club to arrive when it all went south, so I will be very excited to finally be able to have the pattern, along with a host of others.
I agree, living in Rivendell in one's mind beats a lot of what passes for real life.
Hope you win the poker games sometimes!
Posted by: Karen | February 22, 2008 at 10:11 AM
I wanted to pre-order your book from Amazon, but they don't seem to be carrying it. Where can I order it? Thank you.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I wanted to pre-order your book from Amazon, but they don't seem to be carrying it. Where can I order it? Thank you.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I can't wait to knit up Rivendale! I am such a Ringer myself. I dream of being the first Hobbit to attend Hogwarts!
Posted by: Angela | February 22, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Please let us know who is going to be publishing your book, and where we can buy it!
Posted by: Eva | February 22, 2008 at 11:49 AM
What a great sock. It practically sings Rivendell. The design is positively elvish. If I can't live in Rivendell at least I can knit that sock.
And your sneak peak has piqued my curiosity too. I will anxiously be awaiting the publication of "The Eclectic Sole" (great title).
Posted by: tabitha | February 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Nooooo.... I can't wait that long!
I want to cast on for Rivendell NOW NOW NOW... okay this evening.
I can wait (impatiently, but I can do it) for the book... but waiting for that pattern will hurt.
Please don't show us any more. I'm sure they're all as enticing, and I'd likely implode waiting....
Is there no way we can purchase Rivendell in advance of the book release???
Posted by: Helen | February 22, 2008 at 12:13 PM
i want rivedell socks!
how can i get the book like... NOW!?
:-)
Posted by: heatherly | February 22, 2008 at 02:33 PM
You may not believe me, but... I live in one of four towns that created the "Rivendell Interstate School District" based on Rivendell in the trilogy. Orford NH, Fairlee, West Fairlee and Vershire VT created the school district back in 2000 because we are small towns that wanted to improve our students' chances in the 21st century. We have a huge (well, relatively huge) river running through us... the Connecticut River and we have the Green Mountains of Vermont in the west and the White Mountains in NH on the east. There is farmland all around. As far as I know, we are the only K-12 interstate district and yes, there are challenges, but I think it's worth it... Check us out on rivendellschool.org
and your socks are beautiful.. I think I need to make them... please let me know when your book is out.
Posted by: Sheila | February 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
The book - the one with the Rivendell socks!!! When? Where? Please?
I have fallen completely in love with these socks, right down to doing something I rarely do, and ordering the yarn for it in advance instead of stash-diving - it is the Glacier, right? and so pretty - I hope it is still in stock...I am wanting this pattern so very badly, and will order the book as soon as it is available!
Posted by: Jane | February 22, 2008 at 05:26 PM
OH MAN! And just today, at Stitches West, I picked up 4oz of roving in the "Lothlorien" colorway. Sweet. I know where that's going!
Posted by: KathyB | February 22, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Oh my gosh I must have that sock pattern! It's absolutely gorgeous and I really want to make myself a pair. Please, oh please, oh please, let us know when you publish it!!! It is just lovely. Sorry to hear that you were sick at Madrona. That is a big bummer and I hope you'll feel much better soon. (So you can publish that amazing sock pattern LOL!)
Posted by: Dyepotgirl | February 23, 2008 at 02:36 AM
When and where will "The Eclectic Sole" be published? I NEEEEEED a Rivendell sock. :)
Posted by: Arianne | February 25, 2008 at 02:27 AM
I love the socks. I'm not sure if you noticed, but you seem to have caused quite a stir in ravelry. The yarn harlot fan group is ready to start a riot over these socks and your upcoming book. :-)
Posted by: Lorraine | February 26, 2008 at 08:19 AM
THIS IS STUNNING!!! I've got a question: I'm ashamed to admit that I have rather, ahem, curvaceous ankles and I was wondering if the very top was able to stretch with that gorgeous stitch detail.....
Posted by: Wendy | February 27, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Thank you so much! This is such a beautiful pattern!
Posted by: Kamicha | March 05, 2008 at 12:37 AM