Yarn Along

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

Knitting: I have decided to expand my sticks and string pleasures to crochet. I started with a simple granny square. When I think of the traditional granny square afghan, I can’t help but think of the itchy acrylic, wildly colored afghan that use to sit on the back of our couch growing up. Luckily, these days, the sky is the limit with fiber and colors. I have noticed more and more granny square afghans on the back of couches and hanging over arm chairs on TV. It seems they are back in fashion. It got me thinking, although that afghan was itchy and brightly colored, it was a comforting staple in our living room. I want the same kind of feeling for Griffin in our home. I am using three colors, red, brown and a light tan in Lion Brand’s Hometown USA, super bulky acrylic. Seriously, not your grandmother’s acrylic. This yarn is so soft and squishy…it really has been a pleasure to work with. Using a 10mm hook. The combination of the hook and super bulky is making quick work of these squares and I am already 12 in. I am trying to work up at least two squares a day. It won’t be long before these square are complete and I’ll have it all put together. It’s a great project and a nice change from knitting, for a little while at least.

Reading: After finishing my first classic of the year, Wuthering Heights, I wanted a quick read. One of my favorite reads this summer was Gone Girl. It was a dark obsessive story that really sucked you in. Amazon suggested this book The Dinner by Herman Koch, calling it “European Gone Girl”. I thought I’d give it a try. So far, it is also a dark story, much like Gone Girl, that all takes place over one dinner. During this dinner, the story slowly unfolds as the characters have to face a horrific act that their sons have committed. The beginning was slow, with a few descriptive scenes that I thought the book could have done without. It’s really kicked in now and is very intense. Also, a quick read so far, I am interested in seeing where it will go. A different read for sure.

What are you reading/crafting?

Joining Ginny!

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P.S. – Here are a few fun links I have found and used in the last week…

A Funny (but serious) look at GMOs
A New Exhibit (for my NH followers) - Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor at the Currier Museum of Art
Another Crochet Blanket that has my eye
What’s for dinner

Enjoy!

 

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

Yarn Along - The Pomegranate Chronicles

Knitting: I am knitting away on my Abalone. So far it’s been a very enjoyable knit. It is going really fast. I think I would have been a lot further along if it wasn’t for getting the flu before the holidays, then of course, the holidays. I have completed the arms and am working up the back of the body. It’s so simple to knit. I am anxious to get the back done and kitchener the arms. It would be great if I could get it completed this month – then I’d still have a few months to enjoy it.

Reading: For Christmas I received an amazing cookbook from My Mom, Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros. Organized by color, this collection of recipes, photographs and stories bring you through the joy of Tessa’s kitchen.  Delicious recipes are printed alongside the photographs of the food staged on an array of vintage plates, linens and boards. I have slowly been reading through each page trying not to be distracted by all the eye candy in the photos. I can’t tell what I like more, the food, the photography or the vintage styling! It’s just such a joy to flip through. I find myself anxious to see what’s on the next page. It was a perfect pick for me and I recommend it for any visual reader.

What are you working on/reading?

Joining Ginny at Small Things

Yarn Along

Knitting: I’ve been plugging away since last week on my Abalone cardi. It’s a really fun knit. I have challenged myself to knit at least an inch a day to see how fast I can get it done. I am almost through the first skein (hoping to be through it tonight!) The yarn has been so nice to work with, making it a breeze to get through the increases. Another 16 inches to go and I’ll be almost finished the body!

Reading: Not so much going on here. I’ve been attached to pinterest and seeing so much inspiration, my brain is going to explode.

Look at these Mason Jar Soap Dispensers. Add this Handmade Liquid Soap, and you have the perfect gift. If you were going to get really fancy you could make them blue mason jars.

These clever magnet boards for the family control center would make a great gift. Or make them kid themed for an art space with these great story book magnets and old tins backed with magnets for crayons and pencils.

Or how about a quick window herb garden? Paint planters or containers with chalkboard paint and plant with fresh herbs. You could also use this cork idea or these rock markers instead of painting containers with chalk paint.

Lastly, for that man in your life 31 Fun Ideas for your Hubby’s Stocking.

 

Joining Ginny…

What are you working on? Any great websites you’ve been reading?

Yarn Along

Knitting: A good week this week has found me busy, but feeling caught up. With a creative nudge from my Bestie Westie over at Peacefully Knitting, I’ve even cast on a new project! Her latest knit Aidez gave me the inspiration I needed to cast on a cardi of my own. Using my stash yarn Riverstone 100% wool purchased at Fiber Festival 2011, I cast on Abalone. This cardi was one of the first items I ever added to my favorites in Ravelry. It’s a free pattern and seems pretty simple, so far. I think (and hope) it’s going to be a quick knit.

Reading: Another winter book from the archives: First Snow in the Woods by Jean Stoick  and Photographed by Carl R. II Sams. It is a beautiful  photographic fantasy novel which follows the story of a fawn through the changing season of fall to winter, with the most amazingly natural photographs enhancing the tale. Some shots will take your breath away. It’s a sweet story that is one we always enjoy.

Linking up with 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?