Celebrating Agatha Christie's Birthday

Today was Agatha Christie's 121st birthday (she was born September 15th, 1890).

I decided to celebrate with Hercule Poirot, various other Agatha Christie characters, and Miss Marple style knitting. :)

First on the agenda:  "Murder on the Orient Express", starring David Suchet as Poirot.
Unintentionally, it was next on my Netflix queue.  It arrived yesterday, just in time for the birthday celebration!  :D

Next:  "Endless Night" streaming on Netflix.  This is a more contemporary Agatha Christie novel, written in the 1960's.  The movie stars Hailey Mills in one of the major roles.  Unlike "Murder on the Orient Express", this story does not involve Hercule Poirot.  No sign of Miss Marple either.  You won't even find Tommy and Tuppence in this one!  All the characters are unknown, and the story is very interesting.  I'm so glad I read the book before watching this particular movie, because the ending is a MAJOR surprise, and makes the book one of my favorites.  I've read that this story is Agatha Christie's favorite as well! 

While watching both movies, I'll be knitting a project that involves Miss Marple.  The pattern is the "Diddle Dumpling" baby sweater from a vintage Bairnswear pattern book.  There is a nice little story involved in this project.  It's a MYSTERY even!  :D

A few years ago, I was watching a Miss Marple episode on PBS called "A Caribbean Mystery".   Joan Hickson was playing the part of Miss Marple, and did a great job (as usual).  During the show, the cameraman took a shot of Miss Marple knitting a baby sweater.  The camera view was over her shoulder, and I saw the actual knitting pattern in front of her!



My eyes were immediately glued to the screen, and I noticed that the name of the pattern was "Diddle Dumpling".  I jumped up from my chair, and ran down the hall to look up the pattern on the internet.  But, I was disappointed.  No such pattern could be found.  Not even by doing a "dogpile" search! :(

Seque to 2011, and I was browsing Ravelry.  I was a member of a Ravelry group called "Mystery Book Talk", and mentioned that I wished I could find the "Diddle Dumpling" pattern.  Some of the members responded that other people had been searching for the pattern as well, with no luck.  We continued the discussion, and someone eventually figured it out!  She had a DVD of the episode, so she was able to watch the scene over and over again.  After several viewings, she decifered the name that was at the top of the pattern page - BAIRNSWEAR.  Then, she searched for Bairnswear patterns on the internet.  Finally, she found the actual Diddle Dumpling pattern!!  We all rejoiced!!!



Pattern Book:  Bairnswear #107
Link to purchase pattern: The Vintage Knitting Lady

Ravelry Pattern Page: "Diddle Dumpling"

I've decided to knit my sweater, using some vintage 100% wool in my stash.  It's called "Rochelle Sweater & Sock Yarn", and is a lovely turquoise color.  I think it will make a sweet cardigan. :)



I've only knit a tiny portion so far, but I'm loving how it looks.


If I can pay attention to the pattern tonight, I hope to get further along in the pattern.  But, those two movies might just peel my eyes away from my knitting.

Talk soon!