Links and love: Cool stuff around the Jane Austen internet

So much cool Jane stuff going on around this here internet! Enjoy, beloved sisters. And robots. (There are probably robots reading this, I’ve decided.)

– Didja hear? PD James’s Austen mystery novel, Death Comes to Pemberley, comes out December 6 in the U.S.; it’s already out in the U.K. A lady can do what she wants when she’s 90, you know?

– Didja know? There’s band called The Jane Austen Argument.

– An interview with delightful fellow blogger—and all-around nice person—Laurel Ann Nattress, of Austenprose and the anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It.

– Check out this cool embroidery pattern, based on a letter Jane wrote to her brother, Frank! In other, unrelated news, it’s only 45 days until Christmas.

– This is just a really confusing image, especially if you think it’s the cover of a purportedly Regency-era romance where Kate Formerly Middleton wears a cowboy hat. You know, hypothetically. (Heh, you’re going to click now, right? You can’t not click after that gorgeous description.)

Keep calm and Jane on, everybody.

Jane Austen welcomes you to Santa Cruz

Where early young women take walks by West Cliff Drive before breakfast (with their dogs). Where there are many many coffee shops to shelter from the rain, see, and be seen in. Where Admiral Croft’s arm really would be helpful in fending off undesirable acquaintances-to-be. And where sensible young women are indeed fine for their own pleasure alone.

Needles and Janes

One of the greatest dilemmas of my life is my inability to read and knit simultaneously. It’s all so frustrating: two activities, both alike in brainpower and quiet productivity, and yet I have to choose between them! I propose that I’d read a lot more Austen if I could do it in conjunction with something yarny. (This, of course, assumes that I shun that magical twentieth-century invention, the audiobook, which is generally true, probably to my own detriment.) However, the place where Austen and the fiber arts intersect is often glorious—a mix of the Regency and the extremely modern, sometimes in the same piece. Check out the following Austen-inspired patterns from around the web:*)

The Elizabeth Bennet Cowl

Via KnitPicks: “Inspired by one of Jane Austen’s greatest literary characters, this breezy cowl is a beautiful and fun accessory to crochet in no time. It features triple crochet stitches and open airy shells making it the perfect addition to your favorite spring time outfit.”

The Anne Elliot Spencer

Via CanaryKnits: “This pattern was hatched from my love of Jane Austen and the very-small gauged. With a light and airy feel, this ‘spencer’ is highly wearable. Knitters: be forewarned. The little scalloped edging is crocheted!”

Netherfield socks

Via Twist Collective: “Austen fans will recognize Bingley’s estate; sock knitters will recognize a friendly little flourish they can’t resist.”

Emma

Via Knotions: “This lightweight summer cardigan was inspired by those wonderful regency muslin dresses that you see in films such as Pride and Prejudice.”

Mr. Darcy

Via Knitty.com: “Whether you think of Fitzwilliam Darcy in Pride and Prejudice [or Pride and Prejudice and Zombies!] or Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mr. Darcy is a character who comes across all aloof and snobby and unapproachable at first, but by the end is discovered to be a stalwart and totally appealing [and zombie-vanquishing, depending on what you’re reading] gentleman. Similarly, this sweater might look unapproachably elaborate and time-consuming, but it’s actually a straightforward and rewarding project. And while this sweater will not bestow impeccable manners on the man who wears it [or protect him from zombies], it will keep him warm and cozy on weekend walks in the snow or long winter days at work.”

Now, join me in…not reading?

Oops.

(*These patterns are exclusively of a non-Ravelry-exclusive nature, for obvious reasons. For those active on The Rav, well. Let’s talk.**)

(**For those confused about the mysterious Ravelry, click and be amazed.)