The Secret Stitch by C Jane Reid is a historical fiction novel that traces the history of crochet, which is something we don’t see on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird often enough!
Jane’s visit came about by way of Laurinda Reddig, who has appeared on the program herself. The way Jane tells it and from what we know of her ourselves, Laurinda is quite the enabler!
It was actually Laurinda who taught Jane to crochet. Jane says she had been wanting to learn but confused by the difference in terminology between US and UK patterns. Between Laurinda’s help and Google, with lots of practice, Jane has actually progressed to where she can help with Laurinda test knitting the patterns she creates for publishing in magazine. Along the way, she’s also picked up knitting and she will pick up that craft when she needs a change from crochet. Over the ten years, they have become best friends that ‘spend too much time together’. It sounds, too, that even though Laurinda is left handed that’s not hampered Jane’s learning or there friendship whatsoever.
The Secret Stitch is the beginning of a series C Jane Reid is creating called The Unraveling. She is very much a character driven author, she writes as if the character was telling the story, trying to keep up with the details, researching what would have been happening around, her character Ailee. A second book is coming out later this month, Elsie will be the character in that book, Jane says the character wasn’t completely truthful with the story so there was a major revision in that process. (If you peek at Jane’s newsletters, she is several books forward in the thinking, planning writing of subsequent books.) Adding the crochet elements is a result of her research, and becomes part of her American historical development as well.If you missed getting to hear this LIVE it is still available where it aired originally as an archived episode:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/07/12/the-secret-stitch-by-c-jane-reid or with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio.
This was a fascinating show. Loved hearing how she got started and the other authors who influenced her. Will definitely have to check out her books and fall in love with Elsie!
…todays podcast is brought to you by the letter ‘E’, Elise!… 🙂 (Sorry couldn’t resist)
I absolutely love craft mysteries and books. This sounds like a treasure, I can’t wait to meet Elsie!
So very interesting to hear how authors put books together.I am going to have to go find that book and read about Elise…so interested to see those patterns, as well.
Was a very interesting show for a first time listener. Thank you! Can’t wait to hear about Elsie’s adventure!
Loved hearing about Elsie and can’t wait to read the book. It was a wonderful interview of the author Jane Reid !
It was interesting to hear how Elsie, and Jane’s other characters speak to her. I love the fact that the book has a collection of patterns to go with it!
It was interesting to learn how Jane started crocheting. I’ll have to check out the Elsie stories.
I enjoy relaxing with a good yarn about yarn whenever I get the chance. Elise sounds like a character I could follow for a great adventure. Thanks again for a wonderful podcast. Enjoy your time off. Come back happy and recharged.
As an avid reader and a crochet wannabe I think that Elsie’s story and companion pattern book are just what I need.
P.S. I also got a copy of my first Amelia Peabody novel.
can’t wait to read Elise’s story. I know how to crochet but haven’t done any in awhile, maybe this will get me back to hooking.
Looking forward to meeting Elsie! Thanks for another great podcast 🙂
What a great podcast! I love your interviews! Elise sounds interesting! Thank you.
I’m looking forward to reading Elsie’s story now that she’s talking with you. I find it fascinating that the characters somewhat take over and tell their story to you the author. I don’t think many of us non-writers realized that the characters do that. By non writers, I mean those of us that don’t do this professionally. It’s like a completely different level of writing.
Enjoyed the interview and loved hearing about the character development and Elsie’s tale. Thank you for a great interview that wasn’t just a straight knitting or crochet pattern book. Can’t wait to read the stories.
This was a refreshing and surprising topic today=)!!…I love the historical fiction and crochet combo=)!! Can’t wait to read about Elsie’s adventures!!…
It was a treat listening to the connection between writing and crochet and how they work so well together. I can’t wait to read about Elsie and how she ties in to crochet.
I really enjoyed hearing this interview. I love historical fiction and can’t wait read The Secret Stitch and learning Elsie’s story. I think it’s great to have companion book with pattern also!
Loved hearing about Elsie and your inspiration for her story. You are combining two of my favorite things- reading and yarn crafts!
I so loved this podcast!! What a wonderful idea putting knitting and a novel in a kit. Those are two things dear to my heart! I really enjoyed hearing about the ideas for future novels. I am googling this now!! I need to learn more about Elsie!!
What a nice interview and I am looking forward to meeting Elsie. Thank you for allowing me to learn about your writing.
I really enjoyed this interview and would love to read about Elsie and her other characters 🙂
This was fascinating! I can’t wait to read the book that is already out and to eventually get to learn about Elsie’s story and how it will tie in.
I really enjoyed this episode! It was interesting listening to Jane – I also loved The Sword of Shannara, at around the same age that Jane said it captivated her. I am a huge fan of the Elizabeth Peters “Amelia Peabody” books and reread them whenever I get the chance. I’m excited to start reading a new, fiber related series and learn all about Elsie and her adventures!
Hi Marly!
I love the podcast and listen to it as often as I can – I rarely miss an episode.
I really like this episode and hearing about the author’s creative process and how her characters (including Elsie, of course) speak to her.
Keep doing what you do!
I can’t wait to hear Elsie’s story. I love the idea of crochet companion books!
Can’t wait to meet Elsie in your book!
I am excited to meet Elsie!
I love the whole concept behind the author’s writing! Excited to find out more about Elsie and her story 🙂
This was a fascinating episode. Such a great idea to include a story with a knitting kit. I just read the first of the amelia peabody series at your recommendation and will definitely get The Secret Stitch if I don’t win it here. Also looking forward to reading about Elsie.
Omg! Yarn + a good book = Happy Missy!!! I want to get to know Elsie and can’t wait to go on adventures with her!!!