Monday, March 06, 2017

While Miz Kittling Knits: Zootopia


I have to admit that I haven't gotten a lot of knitting projects completed this winter. For the most part, I've been trying out complicated lace patterns that eat up a lot of time while progressing about as fast as most glaciers.

I've also been taking the evenings off when Denis is at home. I've learned the hard way that (so far) I can't knit these complicated patterns, watch television, and talk with someone else at the same time. Perhaps by the time I'm ninety I'll be confident enough to do it!

I did manage to finish a project I started while Denis and I were down in Cochise County, Arizona, at the end of January, and I thought I'd share it with you.

The pattern for this is called the "Reversible Chevron Scarf," and I used 100% acrylic Red Heart With Love yarn in a bright pink called "Bubblegum." The scarf is about sixty-five inches long, and the pattern does work up quickly.

What I love about it is the fact that it's reversible; there is no wrong side to spoil the looks of what I've made, and I really like that. In fact, anyone I've made a scarf for using a reversible pattern loves it, too.

A few of my friends on Facebook had a little discussion when I posted this photo, and it had everything to do with my decision not to put fringe on the ends. I'm not a fan of fringe, although I do find myself playing with it and smoothing it out when I'm within reach of something that has it. I also feel that no-fringe scarves look more grown-up and-- depending on the yarn used-- sophisticated. What do all of you think?

Before I go into any detail about what I've been watching on television, I thought I'd remind any of you knitting readers (reading knitters?) out there that 99% of the patterns I use I've found for free on the internet. If you're on Pinterest, you can follow me over there by clicking on the Let's Connect! link on my sidebar. I've pinned tons of patterns that I intend to try out in the months and years to come.

Now... for what I've been watching: Zootopia. No, I've not slid down the slippery slope to my second childhood; I don't think I ever left my first! I loved this animated movie the first time I saw it, and I've watched it several times since. I do have it on Blu-Ray, but it is also available on Netflix. 

Here's the storyline, courtesy of IMDb:

"From the largest elephant to the smallest shrew, the city of Zootopia is a mammal metropolis where various animals live and thrive. When Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit to join the police force, she quickly learns how tough it is to enforce the law. Determined to prove herself, Judy jumps at the opportunity to solve a mysterious case. Unfortunately, that means working with Nick Wilde, a wily fox who makes her job even harder.

Yes, there is a good little mystery in this movie, believe it or not. Something is causing predators to return to their savage ways, and Judy-- who's wanted to make the world a better place since she was nine years old-- is determined to discover the cause. What's difficult for her to accept is that, due to bias and discrimination within the police force,  she is forced to look for help from a con artist fox.

As I've already said, the mystery in Zootopia is a good one. I love the animation, and the film is filled with humor, sight gags, and little homages to music and movies. I haven't tired of watching it-- in fact just talking about it is making me want to see it again!

Crime fiction/mysteries aren't always feel good stuff, and sometimes that's exactly what I need. Zootopia does the trick by supplying my humor and mystery needs all at the same time. (Even if I do know how the movie ends at this point.) One of the sight gags I love the most is when Nick takes Judy to the DMV to run a license plate on a suspect. You know everything isn't going to go smoothly when you see that the entire building is staffed by... wait for it... sloths.

I also love the song for the movie: "Try Everything" sung by the sexy Gazelle with her tiger boys dancing in the background.  

I hadn't watched animated films for a long, long time until Denis came into my life. He's got me watching them, enjoying them, and looking for more. They're not just for kids anymore!  Any fellow animated film/Zootopia fans out there?


     

8 comments:

  1. What a great choice, Cathy! Just goes to show you that good mysteries can take a lot of different forms. Glad you enjoyed it. And that scarf's gorgeous!

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  2. That scarf is lovely! Though I don't really have an opinion about fringe. I don't wear scarves - really no need for them here and I don't like things around my neck - like turtlenecks. I love Zootopia and we watch a fair few animated films. Loved the sloth scenes. And, yes, there was certainly a mystery here. I've been waiting on Sing to come out on DVD or streaming. Think the music will be fun.

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    1. The only place I've been able to stand wearing scarves and turtlenecks is where I grew up-- and I don't know if I'd be able to wear them if I went back for a visit now. Thanks for mentioning "Sing"!

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  3. I love the pick scarf. I had to stop doing them because I made so many but I miss that. Have a lot of trouble doing things beyond scarves. I have MCI but knitting so very relaxing and absorbing. I admit, I stop and watch the ads for that movie too! I agree, skip the fringe!

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    1. Fortunately, there are plenty of places here for me to donate the things I make-- if I ever run out of friends and family in cold climes!

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  4. Beautiful scarf and it's acrylic for anyone allergic to wool.
    And I agree about no fringe.

    I have some long scarves, but they are fringeless.

    Interesting about Zootopia. I've never watched animated films as an adult, but may give this a try. The mystery element makes it sound interesting.

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    1. I'd gone completely away from animated films, and I can't remember which one Denis took me to, but it completely changed my attitude. I hope you do decide to give Zootopia a try.

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