Books

Yarn Along

Yarn Along - The Pomegranate Chronicles

On the hook: Granny squares galore. I am about half way through my afghan. It should be finished just in time for warm weather! OH well, such as projects these days. I’ve been struggling to find my mojo. I’d really like to get back to knitting, I am just awaiting some inspiration. I know it will find me again. Until then, more granny squares, please!

Reading: I have just started the second book in the Hunger Games series, Catching Fire. My husband and I are trying to find books in common to read, he downloaded the hunger games series when it first came out. I figure, since we have it, I should read it. We don’t really come together on many other books. I am hoping it’s a quick read and I can move onto my second classic of the year. I am debating on reading The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Has anyone read that? Is it worth the read?

Joining up with Ginny today!

Yarn Along

Yarn Along - The Pomegranate Chronicles

Reading: I am still plugging along on Wurthering Heights. I know I had mentioned it was a free download for Kindle, but did I mention I also found it as a free download at the iPad appstore? Look it up! I’ve been reading a chapter a night, when I can make it through without falling asleep. I am still very interested in the story, and find it hard to put down (even though most nights, I need to go to bed!) I’ve been researching which classic I should read next. Any suggestions?

Knitting: I am really enjoying the Twisted Rib Neckwarmer. The four row pattern is easy to memorize and has made it a great portable project. The Cascade 220 100% Merino Wool has been such a pleasure to work with. I just love Cascade. I am hoping to get some time to really knock through this cowl and hopefully finish it up in the next week or so.

What are you reading? Crafting? Any suggestions on classic books for me?

Joining Ginny!

 

Yarn Along

Yarn Along - The Pomegranate Chronicles

 

Reading: I am LOVING Wuthering Heights so far. As I mentioned before, it is my first “classic” towards my goal of reading four this year. I am reading about a chapter a night before bed and am just about half way through. What I love most about this book is that I know NOTHING about it. I have not seen the movie and I have not read the summary. So, it’s a complete surprise. I just know everyone who has suggested it loves it and considers it one of their favorite books ever. I am hoping to add it to my list as well.

Knitting: I finished my Abalone and will post pictures for you soon. It’s bitter cold here in the North East, and yesterday I decided to cast on a new cowl. I really like the look of the Twisted Rib Neckwarmer by Michelle Johnson. I am using a beautiful Cascades 220 100% Merino Wool Heathers in a teal blue on a size US8 needle. I’m only a few rows in, but I think this will be the perfect project to enjoy while watching Downton Abbey!

What are you knitting? Reading?

 

Yarn Along – A Cardi and a Classic

Yarn Along - The Pomegranate Chronicles

Knitting: I am chugging right along on my Abalone. I have finished the body and have seemed up the sleeves. I used a 3 needle bind off instead of the Kitchener stitch. I just always get frustrated with Kitchener’ and I didn’t want it to lose momentum on this project. Most sweaters have seems at the shoulders, so although I think it would have looked cooler, I didn’t think it was worth the fuss (for me.) I have picked up the sleeve and am almost ready to bind it off. I need to look up i-cord bind off. If you have a good reference for this, please share! I could use it. So after this, the other sleeve, and the edging is left. It’s going so fast. I love it. I think this matching of yarn and needles size is perfect for me. I need to find more projects with worsted/size US8. I am already thinking about my next projects.

Reading: I finished a book called The Perks of Being a Wallflower last week. It was an interesting coming of age book for the next generation. There were parts that made me cringe as memories of high school came rushing back. Filled with serious topics, the story is written in a series of letters to someone by the main character. We don’t know who this someone is, and we never find out why he is writing them. Suicide, date rape, drugs and teen sex are just some of the experiences it covers making it sometimes dark and uncomfortable. I enjoyed the way it was written, it made for a quick read. And although the topics made my stomach turn in thinking that someday Griff will be in high school, overall it was a good story.

One of my goals for 2013 was to read 2 classics. Then I met Katelynn B over at A Yellow Kind of Pretty on instagram (btw, I am sarabethnelson on instagram, find me!) and she has inspired me to double that goal. I took a poll with my favorite bookworms and Wuthering Heights was a clear winner. I do notice it is currently a FREE download for Kindle until March if you are interested in joining me. I honestly know nothing about the book, not about the story or its characters and am anxious to read it. I did start the book last night, well at least the introductions. I am a bit intimidated that so many people have to explain so much about the writer and the structure of the book before it even begins. To be honest, I skipped through most of it. I hope that doesn’t mess me up too bad in the book. I did find it very interesting that Emily Bronte’s sisters also published classics. It made me wonder what their parents did to make them all such well written women. Most of all, I just think it is so amazing that we can read a story published in 1847 on our wireless digital tablets. I am sure in Emily’s wildest dreams, she never could have imagined that. I haven’t decided on my other three classics. If you have any suggestions, please share! If you are going to read Wuthering Heights, please let me know! I’d love to discuss it, if I don’t get too lost in this book!

What are you reading? Knitting?

Joining Ginny

Yarn Along

Knitting: I’ve been going nuts with the bells. It’s so simple and a fun knit. I have a few more to do, then I’d like to do some for myself!

Reading: Not much adult reading is going on around here. My husband has been off for the week and tackling his “honey-do” list. The problem with having a “new” space is that the rest of our home seems so drab. Before I knew it, this week, the hall was painted, which led to the railings, which lead to the dinning room. My gosh, just when I think my home is coming together, we take apart another room! I know all the work will be worth it, but I can vent a little here, right? Ah, back to books. As I mentioned last week, all the “winter” books are coming out of the archives. We have been into our Jan Brett books this week – The Mitten, The Hat, and now Home for Christmas. A beautifully illustrated book about getting home for Christmas. It was borrowed from a dear friend, who I hope to see soon. But until then, we are enjoying the story!

What are you reading? Working on?

Yarn Along

Joining Ginny today with a Yarn Along!

Knitting: It’s that time…Christmas Knits! This year I have really cut back on knitted gifts. I wanted some mindless TV knitting and have always wanted to try these little bells. I remember having a red and white one on our Christmas Tree growing up. They always hung on the bottom branches to warn us if the kitties were playing a bit to close to the tree. We don’t have cats now, but I have fond memories of them and think they will make a great addition our tree. I also think they would make great additions to my gift wrapping as well. I am using worsted weight with size 9 needles. They seem to be coming out the perfect size for ornaments.

Reading: All of our winter stories have come out of the archives. When It Starts to Snow by Phillis Gershator is one of our favorites. It follows a host of woodland and barnyard critters through their preparations of snow. It’s really an adorable quick read.

What are you working on? Do you have any winter favorites to share?

Yarn Along

Knitting: Gosh, have I been uninspired to knit. Can I admit that to you, my fellow knitters? I see projects and I want so badly to feel my hands start twitching with anticipation of needles twisting and turning in them. I keep seeing beautiful projects finished by friends like this Vodka Lemonade Cardi by Peacefully Knitting. Gosh, I want to feel a project like this snuggling me around my shoulders while I sip on a warm cup of tea. Then there is this beautiful Knitted Harvest Flower Vase from A Sustained Life. Wouldn’t these be lovely wine bottle covers for those holiday hostess gifts that are just around the corner? And lastly this ADORABLE Baby Zoo Blanket my sister-in-law finished for her little ones. What a beautiful blanket that will be worn to keep the laps of her girls warm for years to come.  See, I don’t lie when I say I am surrounded by eye candy. But these days, my hands just aren’t having it. I’ve settled on simple washcloths. I’ve been working on some Boxy Clothes in a beautiful cotton. I am hoping that as fall comes in, my hands will again want to be back in the rhythm of something beautiful.

Reading: I am still working on State of Wonder. Reading has also been slow. I was able to get excited about another thoughtful gift sent to me by my Bestie Westie – You must have seen my embroidered Scottie. Well, she also included Sweet Nostalgia by Hollie Ann Milne in the package. It’s a simple quilting book that uses all the traditional patterns we have grown up with in nice light colors and textures. It’s absolutely beautiful. I’d suggest where to buy it, but I can only seem to find one copy on amazon. It was another very thoughtful gift from my very thoughtful friend!

I hope you are feeling more inspired than me these days. I have been trying my best to not become a couch potato. Writing this out for you guys has made me think that maybe I should try harder and pick up my needles. Yes, I will tonight.

What are you working on? What is inspiring you today?

Yarn Along

Knitting: I know, I know, I am still working on Griff’s sweater- but I swear, it’s almost done! I finished up the bottom while knitting in the car when Shaun and Griff went shopping. I have now moved onto the sleeves. I promise to not show this knit again until it is being modeled by a very cute four year old.

Reading: I have really been enjoying reading since I got the iPad. I held out for a long time. I was always saying “I love the smell of paper, I can’t imagine not holding a book in my hand.” So quickly things change. I knew from the first book I read on the high resolution screen (Gone Girl) that I was hooked. I can even make the fonts big enough that I don’t need to wear my reading glasses! It’s the little things really. Don’t worry, I still have a stack of paperbacks that need reading, but for now, I am enjoying my new toy. Oh, about the book, State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. This is a quick read about a woman who ventures to the Amazon to find out details of her co-workers death. In the process her past comes back to haunt her. So far, I am enjoying it.

What are you working on? Reading?

Yarn Along

Knitting: Slow but steady, Griff’s sweater has entered the next stage. Looks long enough to me. Time to work a ribbed bottom and start the sleeves. It’s very big on him, but I figure that’s a good thing. Maybe he will get a couple of years out of it.

Reading: While knitting has slowed down, reading has sped right up. I finished three great books over the last two weeks. Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik was a fantastic summer read. It’s a Sex in the City meets knitting story. I really recommend it. Next, I read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, a dark love story with lots of twists and turns. I heard it recommended on the Today Show and thought it sounded like a cool murder/suspense story. Although, filled with vulgar language and some violence, it was a page turner for sure.  Lastly, I stayed up late last night to finish Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know I am late to the party on this book, but I did really enjoy it. I liked how fast paced it was, however, I did have trouble with the concept. All in all, it left me anxious to read the next book in the series. Next up, State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.

What are you reading? Knitting?
Joining Ginny

Yarn Along

Knitting: Well, I told you all about my hands, so knitting has been slow to say the least. I have fought through the pain here and there to get a bit more done on Griff’s sweater. I have taken some advice from your comments (thanks Janie!) and am hoping my hands feel back up to knitting very soon.

Reading: I heard about Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn on the Today show. They said it was a good weekend read. Of course, it always takes me a bit longer, but it is most certainly a light one. It’s a story about a married couple that is trying to get through life until the husband is suspected of the wife’s murder. It’s written by both the perspective of the husband and of the wife. So far, so good. Gosh, I love books like this!

Joining Ginny!