Ever since I’ve started knitting, I’ve been noticing sweaters everywhere. And there are so many nice machine knit sweaters as well as handknits.

Pringle of Scotland (not the potato chip makers) is one such knitwear company from Scotland that started off with all handknits until they went with machine knit. They are considered to be “designer knitwear” made with fine yarns.

Pictured here is one of their argyle cardigan cardigan made with 100% Fine Cashmere. Quite expensive at $442.48!

A bit of history from the Pringle’s archive:

“Pringle of Scotland is the iconic brand founded in 1815 at the birthplace of the Scottish knitwear industry.

From the beginning technical innovation has led to the creation of knitwear as outerwear it became one of the first luxury knitwear manufacturers in the world, having expanded throughout Europe, the US and Asia during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Pringle has been knitting cashmere since the 1870s when it began as a luxury hosiery manufacturer.

Pringle also took a sporty two-piece cardigan and sweater set from the golf course and retailored it to create the ‘twinset’, and a classic British style icon was born.”

I somehow find this animation from Youtube very entertaining, educational, and funny!

I finally got to see “Ponyo” last weekend.  The animated film is both written and directed by Miyazaki.

Ready for an adventure?  Check out Ponyo!  Image source.

As with many of Miyazaki’s film, the children are brave and the environment needs to be protected.  In this case it is our ocean.  This is a good reminder for us to think about our planet more.  These days, we hear about how much the ocean is contaminated with mercury and garbage.  There is even an island of garbage floating right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean called “The Garbage Patch“. It’s unbelievable.

As for the story line, I felt it’s aimed more towards younger fans. A bit like “The Little Mermaid”.  But Ponyo is entertaining and brings you to a time of youthful innocence and adventure.

Ponyo is a fish with a human head who wants to become even more human.  A young boy named Sosuke came across Ponyo when she was injured and swept to the coast.  Soon enough, Ponyo turns into a human child.  After a storm, the place is flooded and the adventure begins.  The children then set out to rescue Sosuke’s mom after the flood.  They come across kind local towns people.  They face their fears and overcome danger.

As with many other animated films by Studio Ghibli, the animation is great.  The feelings and expression are portrayed very well by all the characters.  Especially the expressive little Ponyo and the adventurous and clever Sosuke.

Read the rest of this entry »

Gudule a un bébé by Fanny Joly is one of my new favorite children’s book. But currently they are only published in French. There hasn’t been such a character from children’s book that has warmed my heart since Amelia Bedelia.

The books must have been really succesful since there is is also a French Canadian (animation) cartoon titled, Miss BG - from TV Ontario. In the computer animation, BG is showing the ways of the world to her little brother George.

Every episode is a great learning experience in which she finds a useful lesson on being kind and fair. The little girl is so lovable and so is her family and friends.  I would definitely recommend this book & cartoon for the kid in all of us.

Miss BG - TV Ontario. She’s on Youtube!