Row Counters - Part 2!

Part II!  Return of the Revenge of the Son of the Row Counter Post!  The Sequel!

Really, it's because I needed to break this into 2 posts, as it's so picture heavy.  :)  The other post this morning showcased the two easiest methods.  This post will start looking at more variations, and some of the styles that are a little more involved on the beading side.

On a chain:

Like it says, the beads are now chained :) For this and the variation in a ring (up next), it is up to you whether you want the rings numbered or not. I've seen some versions where the chain is just the jump rings and decorative beads, no numbers.  Other versions only had key numbers - 5 and 10, for example - with the rest being decorative beads.  I like seeing the numbers, being the visual person that I am, so my sample has the numbered beads.  With the rainbow colors, this kinda matches a set of stitch markers I have made (the first markers I made, actually!), which is another perk.

To make this style, it's like making 10 little stitch markers.  I used the 1 inch ring pins (not the head pins).  These are a little shorter than the pins I used with the plastic row counters, but the same shape.  Each pin was long enough for one colored bead and the number bead(s).  It's like making 10 little stitch markers, then linking them together.  To make them a chain, just open the ring on the end, and slide in the jump ring from the next numerical segment.  The biggest thing to look out for is that all the numbers are facing the same direction!  I used the ring pins for all 10 "mini markers" as I was calling them, including the one on the end, because then I could add a charm at the end, to give the chain a little weight.

To use this style, I have it hanging on the needle as a stitch marker.  As you move from row to row, you have to move the stitch markers from one needle to the other, right?  With this style row counter, each numbered link in the chain has a corresponding jump ring (the ring that made it a "mini marker").  As you move the counter from one needle to the next when you come to it, you slide the needle into the next link on the chain.  So, not in the #5 ring anymore, but #6.  I don't know if I'm explaining that incredibly clearly, but you can see it in use below, so maybe will help :)

 

Pros:  I like the visual of the numbers, as compared to the slider.  And the chain gives you a little more chance to play with some beading (i.e. it's pretty!).  It's also very easy to incorporate into the knitting project as another stitch marker. 

Cons:  The longer chain can be distracting as you get the knit piece started (once the piece is longer, though, it's easy to keep the chain from flopping about as I work).  Also, I wouldn't make this longer than 10 rows - too much longer would be VERY long and distracting.  Finally, if you have cats, be advised that the chain counter is rustle-y, shiny, and dangles, i.e., it is yet another part of your knitting which the cat will want to play with while sitting in your lap.  Scruffy had a whole new thing to learn "No, this is MY toy, not yours!"

Variation: Etsy had several of these where the chain had a detachable string of 10 beads, so that the beads could be used as a stand-alone 10 row counter, or used in conjunction with the chain to handle bigger charts. Muddy Paws Knit Knacks at Etsy is just one example. Very clever.

In a ring:

This is very similar to the chain-styled counter above, except that the 'mini markers' are looped on a larger ring.  The one I made is centered on a 12mm split ring (because I'm practical - it's what I had).  I've seen ones on Etsy and other shops that are on larger rings.  I guess it spreads out the numbers a little more, so better for visibility?  Haven't tried it out on a project yet...

You can see here the 'mini markers' I've been talking about (albeit, a little fuzzy - sorry, it looked clearer on the camera screen - really need to upgrade to a camera with a macro zoom!).  Each one is made with a small ring headpin with the decorative beads and the numbers, and looped onto a small jump ring (I used 9 mm, which fits up to US 8ish needles).  The No. 10 ring used a longer pin, because the extra digit took up a little more space. Then, you just open the ring on the end and attach the numbers to the larger center ring.  If you were making a chain row counter, you'd use the open end ring to attach the jump ring of the next number, remember?

Pros:  Again, actually being able to see the numbers is always a plus for me.  And, let's face it - it's pretty all spread out like a star burst like that :)

Cons:  It can be a little bulky as it hangs on the needle, but not too irritatingly so.  Rather a personal preference thing.  And even with the numbers in order on the ring, you have to look to make sure you're putting your needle into the correct number.

Variation:  Actually haven't seen variations on this one.  The biggest differences seem to be how big the center ring is and how decorative you want to be with the beads.

Up to 100 (well, 99) rows: for those really big charts you have to follow!

Inspired by the 99 Row Counters in PrettyKnittyJewelry's Etsy shop and using West End Design Knit's instructions as a starting point (particularly for the little marker rings), I've created something I'm relatively pleased with, for the next time I tackle a huge charted pattern. 

This is very similar to the concept of the chain marker.  For this particular style, though, you aren't making a chain, but a string.  It's easiest to use beading wire and crimp beads instead of the head pins.

Two strands of numbers hang down from the ring, one for the 10s and one for the 1s.  You move the small beaded rings up and down the lengths of numbers as you knit.  Reach 10 on the 1s strand, move the ring down one on the 10s strand.  And so on.

Pros:  It covers BIG charts.  Also, 2 strands = a chance for coordinated bead sets (hat and sweater, bunny and carrot, etc)... another "It's pretty" reason :)

Cons:  For handling large patterns, it's not as simple as the plastic counter above, but it does have a bit more "I did it myself" sort of pride, so I guess it balances out :)  Again, though, if you don't like long-and-dangling, this probably isn't one for you.  Also, making the little slider/marker thing takes a little practice.  Wire is a little easier to work with than elastic cord sometimes!

Variation: One Etsy shop (Crochata) didn't have her two stretches of beads hanging free. Her design had them looped on a small kilt pin. Very cute!

If you're feeling REALLY motivated, you could always try a row counters as a Bracelet, like the one I used above for inspiration. I didn't attempt this one. I just really don't change bracelets, usually just wear my running one, my one from Zach, and my watch. And having one specific bracelet for each project seemed counter-intuitive to my particular style of project organization (or lack thereof).  Really, it boils down to the fact that I need to keep the row counter with the project, not with me :) Still, I include it because there are some who prefer this style of row counter, and in addition, the directions here at Sutherland Studios were very clear for making the little elastic beaded marker rings.

A totally different style looks like a large Safety Pin, with beads that you move back and forth as you knit the row.  Cat Knits a Lot gives her directions.  It looks really pretty, and nice and simple, but I think I've found what works for me, and part of that is seeing the numbers!  But, it's another pretty idea, if you're looking for something different.

So after all this, what's my take?

I like seeing the numbers and I like a simple style that I can dress up.  Overall, my two favorite variations are shown below, hard at work :)  The one on the left counts the number of pattern repeats (in this case, cable twists), and the one on the right counts the row of the pattern I'm in.

DIY Knitting Toys - the Adventures continue!

Row Counters.

If you're unfamiliar with these, they are designed to help you keep track of where you are in the pattern when knitting, and where you left off when you put your project down and wandered off into the other room.  I'm usually good about noting my row when I put the project down at the end of the night, but if I'm just stepping away to get another cup of tea, for example, I'll admit I'm a little more forgetful.  Besides, it's always those "it'll be just a moment" moments that aren't just a moment!

These have worked their way into my Knitting Toys Queue because honestly, what's the point of having pretty jewelry on your knitting if your row counter is still boring and plastic or a post-it or whatever else.  And I'm really enjoying creating it for my knitting :) Must be my inner magpie coming out. Pretty shinies!

Even better, you can make sets of knitting jewelry, to match your stitch markers and your row counter! Whee - sets! Yes, I'm anal about this sort of thing; I love it when things match!

Searching through Etsy brought up tons of creative row counter ideas. I've been experimenting to see which I can re-create to my satisfaction, and what style I prefer using. Like always, if I've borrowed someone else's instructions as a starting point, I've referenced them as best I can. Otherwise, all directions and comments are the results of my own little fumblings, so enjoy!

The most basic - bead up a plastic counter!

You know, those ugly circular ones that are supposed to fit on your needles but never really do? Add some pretty shinies to make these more aesthetically pleasing, and in the process you're also adding a hook or a ring so that you can attach it as well.  The style on Etsy that I liked best had a ring on one end and a lobster claw clasp on the other. Meaning that you can use it either hanging from your needles or attached to the fabric itself (like in crochet). On mine (shown below) I have a larger ring on one end, and a lanyard clasp on the other, so I can clip it to a project or a needles or slide it onto the needle with a ring.

I inherited a handful of this style of row counter, and I like that they can count a large number of rows.  But... they are boring and ugly plastic, and I honestly have a hard time sometimes having these fit my needles, especially if the plastic is old and stiff.  So, between the ones I inherited and a pair I grabbed at Michael's when they were on clearance, I have a bunch to play with and see about different colors and styles I like.

You make these like the beaded stitch markers.  Instead of using head pins (like with the stitch markers), I like using the ones with the loop on the other end.  This gives me two ends to attach rings or clips to, giving me a little more freedom in how I want to use them. 

Something to think about with these, though:  The plastic row counters are big enough down the middle to fit over a needle.  This also means that they are bigger than smaller beads or seed beads.  These don't really fit against the opening, but slide through the center of the counter instead. 

To solve this, the easiest way I found to set it up on the pin: 

smallest bead, larger decorative bead, plastic counter, larger bead, smallest bead. 

This gives you enough on the end of the pin to wrap around the ring or the lanyard clip, as you would when making a stitch marker.  For the other end, open the loop at the end of the pin slightly using pliers, slide on the ring/clip, close the loop with the pliers again.  Ta-da!

And I have to say, I love the metallic beads I found (Wal-Mart!) and how well they match the purple row counter :)

Pros: Quick. Easy. Simple. Doesn't take up much space in the knitting bag or on the needles.  Those plastic counters typically count up to 100, so they are good for longer patterns or larger numbers of repeats.

Cons: Still have to deal with the ugly plastic marker (though they look much prettier all decorated - I really like my purple ones, because I found pretty beads to match!)

Variation: You can see one with just a ring on one end here at Something From Nothing.  Be sure to browse through her pictures, too, because her stitch markers are BEAUTIFUL!

Next: the Slider

Sarah brought this style to my attention, as I hadn't seen it before. One of her classmates at Stitches was using this type of marker, so Sarah decided to give it a try.

All you need for this one is a length of yarn (or string or ribbon), a ring (I used a small split ring), and a quantity of pony beads.  I used 10 pony beads, alternating colors with an accent color for #5 and #10.  If you want to make a longer counter, simply increase the number of beads on the yarn.

To make them, start with a doubled length of string/yarn/cord/ribbon attached to a ring in the middle.  A simple lark's head knot works perfectly.  Using both ends of the string, lace the first bead, passing the ends through the bead in opposite directions.   Leave yourself a little bit of slack in the string; you'll be moving the beads around on the string, after all.

Repeat your your next bead, crossing the threads back, again going in opposite directions.

Continue in this fashion until it's as long as you'd like.  I made mine 10 beads long, alternating colors.  Beads 5 and 10 are in a third color, to make them easier to see.

There's a pretty detailed set of instructions at Precision Teaching Hub and Wiki.  Those instructions are for knitting counters specifically, but just generic bead counters.  Doesn't matter though - the principles the same!

To use them, you slide the beads back and forth on the string.  It's kinda like a hanging mini-abacus.  Start with all the beads at the top (or bottom - your preference), then slide a bead to the bottom for each row knit.  When all 10 are at the bottom (or when your pattern repeat is complete, if it's shorter than 10 rows), move everything back to the top and start over.

Pros: Quick. Easy. Simple. Lightweight on your needles too.  And as you can see above, it doesn't take much in the way of supplies.

Cons: Personal preference, but I like seeing the number beads so that I can glance and see the row number. If that's not a problem for you, then this is a good style to consider.  Of course, you can make it a little fancier and use number beads and a finer string.  Seahorse Designs has some like that.  Lots of variations after all!

A variation I did find: Dhrmayarns on Etsy uses 2 different size jump rings at the top of the counter (the end you put the needle through). This is a nice little extra which means that you can fit your row counter on your needles a little better. Very clever!

Wordle!

So, Wordle is a (free!) website where you can make your own word-art picture-things.  They call them 'word clouds.'  I call them geeky fun! 

With starting up grad school soon (less that a week!!), I've been looking at planners and how to balance classwork and work and chores and workouts... you know, juggling life.  At the moment, Life is balanced between several notebooks - my main planner, my food journal and my workout journal (still trying to get those last stubborn pounds!), and a small notebook for notes, to-do lists, positive thoughts, etc.  I record a lot on my Google Calendar too, since that syncs to my phone very well, and I love being able to turn on and off the different layers in my calendars, but my phone won't cover everything I want my "paper brain" to do.  I do record a lot of my workouts via my phone, but I'm not crazy about the food journaling apps I've found (including WeightWatchers, even though I love their online site).  Just not as user-friendly for me.  And I've yet to find a good to-do list app that would act as my homework checklist, chores checklist, etc.  I like Evernote, but it's not quite as editing-friendly as I'd like.  I use it a lot, but for other things.  The daily jotting-down of lists really does end up on paper a lot for me, which is fine. I just want it to be all in one notebook, not in three smaller ones.  

After a lot of playing around in Word and Excel (not a Photoshop guru, to make a pretty, fancy set-up), I designed both monthly pages and daily pages that I liked.  There are places for my meals (food journal), my exercises, my daily agenda, things to remember looking ahead, homework or planned school reading, daily chores...  Yes, I'm in a highly dorky, happy place :) 

And before you even ask, yes I love my office supplies;  the above Nerd Girl Quirk is pretty accurate (this one's #111, though the number was cut off).  And since I've already found my perfect ball point pen (Pentel RSVP, if you are interested), I'm working on my perfect planner!

So, what does that have to do with Wordle?  Well, the new planner needed new dividers, so I designed "word clouds" to be the focus of each monthly divider.  Because I can!  The more your repeat a word, the larger is it in the word cloud, so the month on each page is repeated 15-20 times (depending on how many other words I was using), then the more major holidays or attributes of the month (ex, "spring" in April) were repeated 3-6 times, and minor descriptors, characteristics, associated words, and random holidays were repeated just 1-2 times.

For this set here, the font is Berylium.  I adjusted the color palettes to match the calendar pages I'd designed (which in turn, had their color schemes determined by the word art I was using as their headers, found on a free calendar online).  If you're playing with the colors, there's plenty of options, and just keep clicking Recolor until you find one that you like.  The format is Half-and-Half on most of these.

I also made one with my name and words about me (hobbies; places I've lived; stuff I love, etc) for the cover page in my planner, but since that one's pretty personalized, I'm just going to leave it up to your imagination.

Oh, and if you like playing with these, there are others like Wordle.  Tagxedo is one that lets you make shapes too (or rather, fill in pre-designed shapes).  These are pretty, but I liked the general cloud from Wordle better.  I found these two through Pinterest, but you can find some others if you search a little.

And as a final nerdy note on this post, when I was looking for the above Nerd Girl, she also has a Nerd Girl Quirk for Wordles, #215, which I didn't find until I was in the midst of writing this post :)

Yet Another Test Knit Cowl :)

Not to be dismissive in any respect, I just seem to be making a lot of these lately.  It's too warm for hats most of the year, so it's light cowls or scarves and fingerless mitts that keep me from freezing at my highly air conditioned desk.  So, when a pretty test knit pattern comes along, I'm willing to give a go.

This one is a smaller, less drapey cowl than the others I've done recently, so I probably won't get much chance to wear it till it gets cold again, but I definitely liked the pattern, so it's all good.

 

The Yarn

Good ol' Lion Brand Wool-Ease.  Inexpensive, tons of colors, durable, and not pure acrylic so definitely softer than a lot of Red Heart colors. Easy to find (even Wal-Mart carries it).  Lighter colors tend to pill a bit, but I've used this yarn repeatedly and really like it for inexpensive projects.  I used just over 3/4 of a skein of Wool-Ease for this project (about 140 yards).

The Pattern

The Staggered Diamonds Cowl by Kaitlyn Yeager (FantasyFlyte Designs)

The yarn is knit up at a denser gauge, so the Wool-Ease was a little scratchy as I was working with it.  But, I've worked with it before and I know it'll soften up pretty soon with wear and washing.

The pattern is pretty easy to follow, but you do need to watch yourself; it's not a totally mindless knit.  There are a few spots in mine where I messed up, just zoning out and not paying attention to the chart. I had to back up and fix the twists. One stitch cables are a bit fiddly to correct, but not impossible. Still, lesson learned: pay attention to your work :)

Also, the pattern is designed not to go completely around.  That is, there is a break in the lattice at the start/end of the round.  Trust the stitch count, it will even out, but yes, it does look like that at the end of hte round. You can kinda see it in the picture on the right below, how the diamonds don't match up about a third of the way across the picture?  That was where my round started.

  

Notes, Alterations, Etc.

No changes, actually.  Only thought in passing is that this would be a very easy pattern to increase for a bigger cowl.  Make it thicker (deeper?) by continuing with more repeats or the chart, or make it a bigger loop by casting on more multiples of 8.  Other than that, this one was pretty straight-forward :)

Purple Days Test Knit

These were a pair of test knits I did simultaneously.  Well, it's a set right?  You can't make just part of a set!  And so, here we have the Purple Days Mitts and the Purple Days Cowl.

The Yarn

Unfortunately, another yarn that's been discontinued.  I suppose I shouldn't complain too much, since I was able to afford it, being on super-clearance, normally alpaca-silk-cashmere yarns being a little out of my price range.  Still, it was absolutely lovely to work with, and unfortunately won't be available soon :(  It's really soft and nice to work with.  The colors are lovely (and totally the reason I chose this yarn for this project, the whole Purple theme).  And no color bleeding when I wet-blocked (sometimes an issue with these handpainted yarns)

I used just over 0.5 skein (82 yds) for the mitts, and about 2.25 skeins (310 yds) for the cowl.  Altogether, I've got about a skein left, so enough to make a matching hat or headband :)

The Patterns

Since these were test knits, there were changes to be made, simply being still works in progress.  The mitts, for example, called for too many stitches at the given gauge.  One tester solved the problem by casting on 10 fewer stitches.  I went waaaaaay down on my needle size to get to a size that would fit my tiny hands.  This has been corrected/adjusted in the final pattern, but it was something I had to consider as I made them.  I liked the pattern very much.  The lace was a simple little repeat that helped break up the stockinette without taking all your concentration.  The mitts were also very quick to knit - one mitt in less than 3 hours!  I think I finished the pair in about 3 movies worth of time, give or take.

 

For the cowl, I wanted it a little bigger than the dimensions that a sportweight gauge would have yielded.  So, I held two strands together for this one.  It was also nice, in that it helped prevent color pooling.  The cowl is long and drapey, with enough room to be doubled up if I want it a little warmer (the picture on the left below).

 

Notes, Alterations, Etc.

For the cowl:

Sport weight was a bit light for this pattern to get the size cowl I like, so as I mentioned above, I held the yarn double and worked that way. Love how it came out.  That was really the only change I had with the cowl.

For the mitts:

• Used a smaller gauge (6 st to inch, not 3.5-4) and still cast on 40 stitches - my hands are just not that big…
• Worked 7 rows in each of the ribbing and stockinette stitch sections (I kept the lace pattern the same).  The smaller gauge meant shorter rows as well, so I needed to lengthen the mitts a little to keep them functional.
• Held aside 8 stitches for thumb, then picked up 8 more (16 stitches total, not 20) - like with the gauge, just needed to make it a little smaller to fit my hands

The mitts are raveled here.  The cowl is raveled here.

Pinteresting Wednesdays - bamboo placemat vases

OK, this one might be cheating a little.  Well, stretching the definition of Pinteresting juuuuuuust a little.  Yes, this project is currently on Pinterest, and pinned on my Craft Ideas board, but I was the one who added it :)  Still, the original website where I found it, Dollar Store Crafts, was one I discovered through Pinterest.  The website I pinned was the full instructions for this project at In This Life.  So, in a round-about way, I think this still counts as a Pinteresting Project!

 

I did make some changes as compared to the inspiration project, but it's definitely still the same idea, just tailored to my own decor and tastes.  Here's what I used:

• Glassware of assorted heights.  I didn't use the sugar shakers, but two vases and a drinking glass.  The Dollar Trees in my area didn't have multiple sizes of sugar shakers, so to make an assortment of heights, I turned to other glassware to suit my needs.
• Two plain bamboo placemats.  I liked the colored ones in the inspiration piece, but the colors don't match anything in our house.  The plain placemats were slightly more expensive, not being at the Dollar Tree but at the commissary, but they were still only about $1.25.  Not too big a difference.
• The third placemat came from Target (I believe) and is a black and natural striped pattern.  Still not a Dollar Tree placemat, but also still only about $1
• Scissors
• Hot glue
• Paint - black

What next?

I really followed the directions as given this time!  *gasp*  I know!  That's kinda unusual for me with my knitting and craftiness.  As I stated above, the website with the full instructions and lots of pictures is In This Life.  I'm just summarizing here and noting the few changes I made.

1. Make sure the glassware is clean and dry.  Set aside the tops, if using sugar shakers. I was using vases, so didn't have to worry.
2. If you are doing anything to the mats decorating-wise, do it before you start cutting and hot-gluing.  Painting over hot glue can get messy.  I painted two of my mats plain black using just basic craft-store acrylic paint and a foam brush.  Make sure they are completely dry before continuing on.
3. Trim a mat to the height of one of the glasses.  The easiest way to do this is to score the placemat first with a craft knife, and then cut it with scissors.
4. Wrap the trimmed mat around the glasses.  
5. Cut the mat to just fit around the shaker.
6. Be sure to secure the end pieces of the mat immediately with hot glue in a couple of places, especially at the strings.  This will prevent the mat from falling apart.  Otherwise, the sticks in the placemat will fall away once the strings are cut.  Not a mess you want to deal with!
7. Carefully hot glue the mat to the glass, wrapping the mat around as you go.  Be careful to keep the bottom of the glass even with the bottom edge of the mat. 
8. Secure with rubber bands and let dry.  Ta-da!

Repeat these steps with your other glasses, and you'll have a set.  Fill them with whatever you want!

All in all, the biggest changes I made to the inspiration piece were what glassware I used for the bases, and painting the plain bamboo mats instead of using the colored ones.  I ended up with 3 vases still, but in patterned black and natural instead of eclectically colored stripes.  Definitely more my taste.

Also, it is easier to paint the placemats a solid color instead of a pattern.  I had originially wanted to paint the middle-sized vase a black and white pattern, but things just kept smudging on the slats.  When I found the striped placemat, it solved my problem perfectly.  So, personal experience, it's much easier to make it a simple paint job than to try and do something involved on the textured surface.

Review: Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits

One of my resolutions this year is trying to read more.  My goal is 2 books a month, and so far, that's a pretty good average pace.  Average, because I never read one book at a time, so it's not always an even 2-a-month.  For example, I didn't really finish much in June, because I had 4 books going, so I'm on pace to make up for that in July :) 

This one was one that was a free download on Amazon Kindle (click the picture below to go to the Amazon page): Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway.

Summary (courtesy Amazon's page):

Shelby Roswell is a history professor on the fast track to tenure until her new book is crushed in a review by the famous historian, Ransom Fielding. She struggles to regain her momentum only to discover that Fielding has taken a visiting professorship at her college. The place that was once a refuge from the poverty of her past is now a battlefield of Civil War proportions.

Ransom is still struggling with his role in his wife’s accidental death six years ago and was hoping a year at Shelby’s small college would be a respite from the reminders back home. He never bargained for falling in love with the one woman who would give anything to make him leave. Together Shelby and Ransom learn that home is never very far away, and when you least expect it, love arrives.

With a cast of Civil War re-enactors, an evil wedding planner, antebellum mansions, and several mysterious diaries, 'Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits' will take you on a touching and hilarious ride through a modern South you haven't seen before. NOW WITH RECIPES

Yes, I got the one with the recipes too.  The only appearance of the cheese grits, as a matter of fact (they don't play any part in the story).

Free Kindle books are nice, but I'm still not going to waste my time, even if I haven't wasted money, on a book that's not worth it.  So, I always start with the other Amazon user comments, just to get an idea if it might be interesting.  Beyond that, I read it to make up my mind on my own :)

One of most frequent complaints in the the Amazon reviews questioned the Pride and Prejudice connections.  It honestly didn't bother me too much.  Hot-headed heroine, awkward hero, lots of butting heads and misconceptions.  At that level, it really didn't bother me.  There were scenes that were straight out of P&P, though.  Funnily enough, those were the scenes I liked the least.  Just didn't fit, somehow.  (Slight spoiler alert)  The party that Shelby goes to with her mom and sisters and the disastrous matchmaking attempt was straight-up Mr. Collins.  And that honestly bothered me.  It's a modern story, but that scene just seemed so... anachronistic.  I mean, I have friends who have received "You're not getting any younger" type comments from friends or family, but in this day and age, 27 is not absurd, especially for someone in academia.  PhDs aren't overnight degrees, after all.  Her mother getting frantic about her 27-year-old daughter turning down a date with a guy in his early 40s just seemed out of place.  Yes, Shelby did behave on the ruder side, but the guy was pretty much insulting everything she'd worked for and cared about.

The other big complaint in the Amazon reviews were about proofreading mistakes.  Looks like I downloaded a later edition, because it wasn't an issue.  There were still some, and a few continuity things that nagged at me, but otherwise, don't be put off by that criticism. 

As for the story itself...

It is Christian romance.  Meaning, no steamy scenes.  Lots of banter, smoldering looks, and a kiss or two before the wedding at the end.  It is listed as Religious Romance in the categories down near bottom of the Amazon page.  I hadn't really noticed it, but I'm up for Austen in any form.  If you're not, or you're looking for something steamier, this isn't the book for that. 

On that same note, it's not a beat-you-over-the-head preaching sort of story.  A character is looking for forgiveness, another for strength, characters pray and from time to time, talk about the importance of faith in a relationship. And that's about it.  No moralizing, not really heavy handed proselytizing.  I didn't find it distracting from the story at all. 

I liked the lead characters.  Shelby, the heroine, is outspoken, honest, pretty but not "everybody hates me because I'm too pretty" (yes, I recently tried to start one whose heroine was like that.  I couldn't finish it).  And yes, I have a partiality for nerdy, sarcastic, curly redheads :)  The hero, Ransom, is suitably awkward and proud for an Austen hero.  I liked them, honestly.  I powered through the book in 2 days, so it kept my attention pretty securely. 

I liked the best friend as a character, too.  A lot of the other secondary characters seemed very underdeveloped, though.  They just kinda appeared for a scene and then disappeared.  Tasha, the romantic rival, was entertaining, if aggravating, but then my personality tends more to Shelby's views than Tasha's.

I felt the disasters were a little rushed, especially at the end.  The video especially seemed to just come and go with little development.  Things just kinda happened and then never mentioned again, like the author was trying to fit in too much.  Like the faux pas at Ransom's aunt's party?  And the back-to-back disasters towards the end felt very rushed.  Everything worked out alright, and for the most part, no loose ends.  Just felt like things kinda happened and then were gone, no lasting repercussions.

My biggest complaint was the questionable Southern geography.  The book is set at the fictitious Midland College in the fictitious town of Spartainville, MS.  So, they talk about going to Oxford for shopping and so forth.  No problem, there's an Oxford, MS.  The heroine's hometown is Flea Bite Creek, though.  Though it's never mentioned where Flea Bite Creek is in the book, there really IS a Flea Bite Creek.  In South Carolina.  South of Columbia, actually, about 9 hours from Oxford, MS.  Resulted in a few issues for me:

• Her "regular weekends home" seemed off to me.  I've done the 8 hr drive from Greenville, SC to Virginia Beach, VA very regularly, and it's makes for a very draining weekend.  Add two more hours for the round trip... Hard to believe.
• With the 9 hr distance, the dismissive way people talked about Flea Bite Creek just didn't fit.  If you're going to be dismissive about a tiny Southern town, you're going to do so about the ones nearby, not ones 9 hours away.  People always talk about what they know.
• Also, characters mentioned Savannah and Charleston as destinations like they were just a couple hours away.  From Oxford, MS, these cities are each about 10 hours away.  People tend to be 'out of sight, out of mind' so seemed a little weird.  It's like being in Atlanta and regularly talking about Baltimore as a destination.  The Southeast uses a relatively small radius, as a region; things are more compact.  I've learned in Texas, an hour and a half drive is nothing.  "Oh, it's just in Austin."  In the Southeast, that same hour and a half would pass a dozen more towns than what would be in the same stretch in Texas or further west. 

I realize it's a stupid complaint for a work of fiction, but I spent two years looking at Southern maps for my job, including for some job sites in Oxford, and it bothered me. It was as if the South was just a nebulous region in this story, everything all kinda near each other.  Probably not something that would bother too many other people, but there you go.  One of those little tickles in the back of your mind in the story that wouldn't go away.

Overall: 3.75 of 5.  Glad it was a free book, but I'm always glad of a free book.  I don't know if I'd've bought it, but it was pretty good  and it did draw me in.  It's a Christian romance, as mentioned, so nothing steamy, but the characters are cute together.  Likable leads, and in all, a nice, fluffy, fun read.  Just some quirks that made me wonder if the author had spent much time in the South...