yarn along: more hats

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting

Two weeks ago I mentioned the hat project I'm working on and I've been touched by the response I've gotten from some of you out there. Thank you for offering to contribute! For those of you who don't know, my congregation has committed to making 500 hats for the oncology ward of Children's Hospital here in DC and our deadline is mid-March. They especially need hats for 8-13 year-old boys and girls that are brand new and preferably handmade (because these very sick kids enjoy seeing something made especially for them). Any type of yarn or pattern is okay (there are lots of free hat patterns on Ravelry). I finished the little slouchy hat (the purplish one above) and now I'm casting on for a cute cabled hat from Vogue Knitting Chunky Hats and Scarves.

If you are interested in contributing a handmade hat to the project, please let me know!

Books

I finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and I enjoyed it; it was quite an interesting story about the power of female relationships.  The narrator and her "old same" had such a dear, close friendship that was crushed by pride and misunderstanding - a warning as to how delicate relationships can be. The background of the story was absolutely fascinating to me, too, from the description of Chinese foot binding to the hierarchal structure of Chinese families (and society). Excellent read, I highly recommend it. Now I'm delving into The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation by Jon Gertner as some reading for our upcoming play creation with dog and pony dc. I'm also reading Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World by H. Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelson which has been encouraging and eye-opening. More on that later...

yarn along: hats for hope

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting

Though it pains me to put aside the sweater I've been working on forever, I want to get involved in a new project close to my heart. My congregation has committed to making 500 hats for the oncology ward of Children's Hospital here in DC and our deadline is mid-March. They especially need hats for 8-13 year-old boys and girls, so I chose a fun slouchy hat pattern from Coco Knits. I've just cast on, but I think I can finish it in the next few days. Making 500 hats is a daunting task... perhaps you knitters/crocheters out there would like to help out? I've found that yarn lovers are a warm-hearted, giving bunch and I was hoping I could enlist you to contribute a few hats to our collection. There aren't many guidelines except that hats must be brand new, never worn, and preferably handmade. The hospital prefers handmade because these very sick kids enjoy seeing something made especially for them! Any type of yarn or pattern is okay (there are lots of free hat patterns on Ravelry). I can't really imagine what it must be like for these kids to have to face something as scary as cancer, but I hope that having a hat made with love just for them will help in some little way.

If you have the time and would like to contribute, please, please please do! Let me know if you're interested or have questions—I can pick up hats from locals and I can provide my mailing address for people far away. What a sweet way for our community to come together for a special cause!

Books

Mayumi is really into chapter books now, so we've been reading the American Girl, Little House and Betsy-Tacy books - whatever we can get our hands on through the library or thrift store. It's been wonderful revisiting the Little House series. As for me, I've started reading Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.  Her description of Chinese foot binding starting at six years old was heartbreaking. I understand there was an inspired-by-the-book movie made a few years ago and I just requested it from the library... we'll see how that is. I know I'm painfully slow at finishing anything nowadays, so it may be a while before I make it through this book. Making hats is my creative priority right now!

yarn along: making merry

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Why is a Christmas tree bad at knitting?
Because it's always dropping its needles!

Knitting by the lights of the Christmas tree is just as wonderful as knitting on the beach I think. Like in most homes, it's been busy here as we make preparations for the season. Crafting, baking, wrapping, adventuring, singing, visiting, hosting... oh yes, and during those rare quiet moments (thank goodness for two nursing babies, right?) a little reading and knitting might get done. I just started reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. It was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize (I usually like those books) and because I read Major Pettigrew's Last Stand it was recommended to me by Goodreads. And I am enjoying it so far - it is subtle and thought-provoking and I think it is going to make me cry. 

And yes, I'm still working on Maya's sweater. I've sort of lost hope that it will be finished in time for Christmas, and I'm okay with that. She is not demanding in that sort of way - she is simply excited to get it... at some point. And I think she would rather have some time with me (we've been making the most marvelous things, like nutcracker ornaments and St. Nicholas cookies and friendship pins...) than have me hide away with my needles and wool. Since these precious little boys have come along she gets so little of my attention these days. So it's okay if we linger a bit over this sweater, right? But it will get finished and then there will be much rejoicing!

yarn along

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

PapaQ came home from running some errands last week and presented me with a small gift that he picked up at Barnes and Noble.  Isn't that sweet?  Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson was a charming and quick read. Made me even more in love with the British and even more determined to go and visit that lovely island across the Atlantic (I know, it is shameful how little I've traveled the world). I enjoyed the book, though was a teensy bit disappointed in the ending. I'll try not to ruin it for anyone, but really... aren't we past (love) stories where the (white) man plays the knight in shining armor and rescues the damsel in distress (who is perfectly capable of saving herself, thank you very much. Why on earth doesn't she? Is this another nod toward white colonialism that is justified in "saving" the savages)? The characters were so well-drawn and interesting until the end. If you've read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Other good reads include a bit of poetry by Richard Wilbur and Mary Oliver. I've been trying to expand my cooking repertoire, thus the cookbooks. And I'm still working on Pink Brain, Blue Brain, though Major Pettigrew trumped it this past week. But it is so comforting to have a shelf-full of books to turn to while I'm breastfeeding or have a moment to myself.

As for knitting... well, I get a few rows done here and there on the sweater, but no major progress. Ah, dear me, I'll be lucky if I finish before Christmas, which means all the other projects in my queue will have to wait until the new year. So much for giving everyone handmade gifts this year. That's always a bit of a pipe dream anyhow, but now that newborn twins have been thrown into the mix it is doubly so!

Hope you've been enjoying some cozy, good reads and a creative outlet as well. xo!

yarn along: good reads and a new project

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

I've started another book in the gender/sex studies genre in addition to Pippi Longstocking and the plethora of seasonal reads we have going on. I'm excited about Pink Brain, Blue Brain by Lise Eliot because it is a bit more scientific in nature and explores the field of neuroplasticity. I'm intrigued by her assertion that "your brain is what you do with it. Every task you spend time on... reinforces active brain circuits... [so] it's all biology, whether the cause is nature or nurture." Now that I'm raising both a girl and boys, I feel as though I need to read up on how to do that in the best (or least harmful!) way.

And though I promised to tackle that sweater this past week, I haven't really had the chance (or as my mom would say, "You haven't made the time"). Perhaps I need a new project to feel guilty about not getting done? I was hoping that making a pair of these darling hats for the boys might be some instant gratification and get me back on the needles again to finish that pretty sweater in time for Christmas!

from Ravelry

Hope you've been enjoying turning pages and playing with wool during this yummy fall season. 

yarn along: being a girl

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

yes, that would be Sandy outside the window...

This past week I read Cinderella Ate My Daughter by Peggy Orenstein. Funny, thought-provoking, at times even provocative. I have always been uncomfortable with the "Princess" girly-girl culture and this book helped me better articulate why. It was a fun and easy read with the added benefit that it made me re-evaluate my own beliefs about feminism and how I want to raise my daughter. I appreciate how Orenstein presents various studies and research to theorize that what girls are attracted to and what we define as feminism is mostly dictated by media and commercialism as opposed to inherent biological wiring. Not that Orenstein offers any concrete solutions to avoiding the narcissism and consumerism that plagues girlhood, but my take-away was that the more informed, aware, and present I am in Mayumi's childhood, the better I'll be able to combat the negative attitudes and images that can seep into our home. But perhaps that is topic for another post entirely?

As for knitting, I'm still chugging away at Maya's sweater. Or at least, I eye it sitting in my basket and keep telling myself that I should work on it in between feedings during this luxurious phase while the babies sleep all the time. You know, instead of getting sucked into Pinterest (speaking of consumerism and narcism - with few exceptions it's all about keeping track of things I want) and reading other people's blogs. In my defense, those boys don't always sleep... but now I'm just making excuses. I vow to make this a more productive week in terms of tackling that sweater!

Oh yes, and Happy Halloween everyone.

yarn along: finished product!

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Finally finished sewing buttons onto the crocheted sweater and gave to Mayumi for her 5th birthday. 

And reading consists to browsing through blogs while I nurse and referencing books on twins when I need a little info. But I hope to get in a bit more knitting and reading during this honeymoon phase where these little tykes sleep most of the time. I know that will change all too soon!

yarn along: i can make pretty things!

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Book: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion.

I'm about halfway through and find it both heartbreaking and funny. I'm not sure why I'm drawn to Didion's memoir about the death of her husband and the grief she went through... I think I'm so full of hormones and emotions right now that I'm finding some comfort reading about turmoil in someone else's life. Kind of like the way sad love songs resonate with you, especially when you're going through some heartache of your own. 

Knitting Project: Cotton & Cloud cable yoke jacket using Ella Rae Classic Heathers 100% wool. While I was knitting the cabled yoke I kept saying to myself, "Wow, I am making something truly beautiful!" This is probably the most complicated sweater I've worked on and I've had to undo stitches a few times because I'm really trying to make this as perfect as I can. But it is so gratifying and I'm so pleased with how it is coming out. Mayumi watches as I knit sometimes and she is beyond excited to receive it. We keep joking that even though she knows I'm making it for her, she has to forget about it after I'm done so it can be a surprise when she receives it for Christmas. 

yarn along: dreaming up new projects

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Another sweater waiting in the wings for Miss Mayumi: Cotton & Cloud cable yoke jacket. Mayumi and I visited the newly opened Knitting Loft here on Capitol Hill to choose some yarn. She selected this fun coral color (Ella Rae Classic Heathers 100% wool). Maybe I can get this one done in time for a Christmas gift?

As for reading, on Saturday night I picked up The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows and discovered it was one of those wonderful books that you just don't want to put down. I finished it the following night when I really should have been trying to sleep, but it was delightfully worth waking up bleary eyed. Granted, I have a whole lot of extra hormones coursing through my veins at present, but I found myself sobbing at different points in the story, particularly around any passage having to do with children (like parents sending their children away for years to avoid the German occupation). A good friend had recommended it to me months (years?) ago and I'm sorry it took me so long to get to it. It was one of those novels that makes you so incredibly grateful for good literature, good friends, and good life in general. I actually feel like a better person for having read it. 

Ah, that is my glowing review. I am supremely happy at the moment - happy with the weather, the progress of my days, the little projects that I've been working on, the indulgence of finishing a book in two nights, a new project getting started on the needles... oh dear, isn't this an annoying post? Will it make me any more redeemable to admit that a few days ago I was so overwhelmed with everything in my life that (again) everything was making me cry? It had been an "Oh woe is me" sort of weekend and I think I am just relieved that is over and I can go back to sunshine, lollipops and rainbows for now. Much better.

yarn along: almost done!

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. 

~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

I'm pushing to finish this cute little sweater this week so I can have it ready for Mayumi's birthday in October, and also so I can start on some other projects. Like all the other woolly lovers out there, the shift to more autumnal weather has me ready to cuddle up with hooks and needles and lots of lovely yarn. 

Fortunately I've been able to find some time for reading a few snippets here and there. Essays and short stories are great for this - and I've been turning to Wendell Berry recently. I love his writing and his practical, intellectual and soulful outlook on the world. I also love the name Wendell...

There is also a plethora of books I've been researching and referring to in our home learning endeavors. I especially love the interdisciplinary approach of using art as a lens through which to study math and science - we've been having fun with various projects from nature rubbings to creating patterns with geo blocks. 

I can hardly restrain myself from repeating that this glorious fall-like weather has set my heart soaring. Knitting and/or reading outside under a big shady tree with a gentle, cool breeze rustling around me has been a very happy part of the week. Hope you've been enjoying it too!

yarn along: Maisie Dobbs and crochet

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. 

~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

I decided to take a little break from non-fiction and indulge in some end-of-summer mindless reading. Thankfully the public library came through with the three most recent Maisie Dobbs mysteries. I've devoured two in the past week (a record for me since Mayumi was born almost five years ago) and I'm looking forward to starting Elegy for Eddie. I definitely have guilt about reading for pleasure, especially when there are more urgent projects wanting my attention... but sometimes one simply has to make reading a priority.

Since I've been spending every free moment with my nose in a book, there has been less time to work on my little crochet project, but I have been able to add a few rows here and there. Perhaps when the books are finished then I will have a big surge in productivity with my yarn work!

Yarn Along: Crochet Ruffly Vest

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

With so much of my focus on preparing for the arrival of my babies, I have tried to be careful to make sure that Mayumi is not neglected. Since I've finished the two vests and am almost done with one pair of pants, I figured it was only fair to start on something for my daughter. I've been promising her a sweater of some sort for this fall and after a little searching on Ravelry, she decided she liked this crochet vest: the Delia sweater tunic by Anji Beane. I haven't crocheted something in a while, so this is a nice departure for me. The yarn is Dream Classy superwash merino in Lunar Zazzle and was found in the 50% off bin at KnitWit yarn shop in Portland, Maine. Like most of my knitting/crochet projects, it has traveled with me all over the place, where I can finish a row here and there while at church, the park, the beach, the Metro, the car... and hopefully it will all come together before she starts "school" in a few weeks.

While my main reading is STILL McCullough's The Greater Journey, I have also been dabbling in Four Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman in preparation for my fall plantings. Between yarn work, being pregnant, and gardening, there seems to be a lot of creating going on around here! Wonderful!

Yarn Along: Completed Projects!

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Two little vests for two little boys have been completed! one set of pants is in the works, then another set will begin. Time crunch now... but modified bed rest allows some opportunity to squeeze a few rows in here and there. And the chance to get some reading done! I am STILL in the midst of McCullough's The Greater Journey - halfway through by now. I continue to enjoy it and am finding some inspiration for some classic boys' names. We'll see if I can convince PapaQ (he seems to prefer more athletic names).

In other news, Mayumi has been showing some interest in learning to knit. It isn't coming easy to her, but I remind her that it took me a long time to get the hang of it. The important thing is that we don't give up! Our little pep talk exchanges remind me of trying to instill a "growth mindset" as outlined in the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, which I picked up while on vacation. I only managed to get through a few chapters before we left, but I think it has some intriguing ideas for instilling the value of hard work and effort rather than praising intelligence. I'll have to check it out from the library to get some more helpful tips.

yarn along: McCullough and little baby pants!

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

I'm still plugging away at David Mcullough's The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris. Truth is, I don't devote much time to reading these days. But what I have read I am loving. I know so little about 19th century history and the American figures who influenced what direction this country went... and it is fascinating! Knitting happens sporadically on short Metro rides and while sitting in church, but I finished two little vests and am currently working on some matching pants. Slow and steady is my motto these days!

Yarn Along: beach knitting

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Few things are lovelier than beach knitting. Upon learning that our two developing in utero are of the male variety, I put aside that very feminine Christening dress and started on some handsome baby sweater vests. Pattern is by Bley Hack and I found it for free on Ravelry. Used up my two skeins of Berlini Ling in a pretty tan color. One down, one to go! My second vest is knitting up quite nicely with a pretty blue cotton yarn from Louisa Harding Yarns. I figure I better get my knitting in now because I surely won't have much free time after the twins arrive.

There hasn't been much time set aside for reading, but I am still making my way through David McCullough's The Greater Journey. I keep meaning to read at night, but on evenings when I'm not in rehearsals I'm usually falling asleep with Mayumi around 8pm. I've always needed a lot of sleep, but gestating twins requires so much rest! And calories! But at least they will be well-dressed!

yarn along: Christening dress and ...

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting

A while ago I came upon this little gem of a book at a thrift store: The Family Knitting Book by James Norbury, copyright 1969, London. And I fell in love with the darling Christening Robe featured on page 166. I finally got to use a stash of creamy antique Patons 3 Ply baby wool that I picked up at a yard sale. I dutifully followed the directions and cast on with size 13 needles... and thought oh dear, this doesn't look quite right. My dear friend Ginger was on hand to let me know that British sizes are definitely NOT American sizes. Thank you handy dandy conversion chart for letting me know that I actually wanted to use American size 1 needles. Makes a huge difference! And I realize that this will take me some time, considering the rate I'm going. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be finished in time...

Reading

I recently read The Sweet Life in Paris by David Lebovitz, recommended by my dear friend, Nancy. He is funny and observant and fills my need to hoard information about beautiful France. And yet, there is something about his sense of humor that reminds me a bit of my dad... not that it's necessarily a bad thing. But still.

Truthfully, for the past few weeks I haven't been reading at all (somehow seems to take too much energy) and have been indulging in a little discovery: Downton Abbey. I know I'm a bit late hopping on the bandwagon; it seems every woman I know has watched the past two seasons. But thanks to Amazon I was able to catch up. A fluffy historical soap opera with good writing and excellent acting? What's not to love? And I admit that there were a couple afternoons that found me too exhausted to do anything by watch a couple episodes on the computer using headphones while I let Miss Maya watch an episode or two of Diego on the TV. Admirable mothering, I know.

Yarn Along: sweaters, cowls, and a little mystery

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting

I'm back to knitting another Gap-tastic Cowl because it is such mindless work (all in the round, the same pattern over and over) so I can do it while listening to a book on CD or watching the Oscars or sitting in church... very meditative and soothing. I've also started on the Broadway Coat, a little project from the September/October 2011 Crochet Today magazine. Well, "started" may be an optimistic word to use; I've crocheted a sizing swatch and am gearing up to dive into the real deal. I'm generally not a fan of crocheted clothing, but this little number captivated me and made me think maybe I could pull it off. I'm using a lovely cobalt blue Cascade wool which I hope to line in a modern vintage fabric. I'm excited and nervous to really delve into it since it is a bigger project and requires exact sizing and I'm so inexperienced in the world of making sweaters and clothes, but here's to overcoming fear!

via

Reading

Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear, was a fun, quick little read. It is the 6th in the British Maisie Dobbs Mystery series, which I've quite enjoyed. Fascinating time period, interesting, strong female character, engaging mysteries - makes for a good, empowering, happy read. I mostly listened to it on CD and I loved the narrator, Orlagh Cassidy, who I learned is an American actress but is absolutely amazing with dialects. A nice, light read for spring.
And I'm still chipping away at Nicholas and Alexandra. 

yarn along

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting Project
various little animal toys that have been waiting to get finished up (see Monday's post!). And some new cobalt blue yarn for a new project...

Books
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. I mostly listened to this one on CD and I will be straightforward about this: I didn't like the narrator, the characters or the story for that matter. The writing was tepid and unsophisticated and it had an element of trashiness that annoyed me. But I finished it, partly because I had no other book-on-CD to listen to while I worked and partly because, yes, I was a bit curious about how the story would pan out. But at the end of it all, I was left completely unfulfilled. Such a disappointment to have invested time in this one!
I'm still working my way through One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp (which I am actually enjoying and finding inspiring) as well as Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert Massie (which is wonderful but long!).

Yarn Along: Cuddling up with a cowl and the Russians

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting Project: GAP-tastic Cowl by Jan Geigley
Inspired by PomegranateGrl I also picked up this sweet, free pattern off of Ravelry. Though I'm not a fan of acrylic, I went ahead and used the suggested Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky yarn in Bluebell. It is coming along quickly (I've gotten a few more rows in since this photo was taken!) and I'm hoping to have it done in time for my sister-in-law's birthday this weekend. If it comes out well I may try making one for myself as well... I love the silver gray one in the pattern photo!

Books: Nicholas and Alexandra  by Robert K. Massie, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh

I know it is crazy to be working on three books at once, but it all depends on my mood and how much time I have to devote to reading. I'm enjoying Nicholas and Alexandra very much - it was originally a book club read a year or two ago but I was never able to start it, so I'm happy to be getting in to it now. I know so little about Russian history and culture and this story is absolutely fascinating and enlightening. Afterwards I may even pick up Massie's new book, Catherine the Great. 

Yarn Along: Hat and Scarf

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting Project: Totoro knit hat with matching scarf.
In an effort to plan ahead and be prepared for next winter, I wanted to get a headstart on this cute little ensemble for Mayumi. So far I only have the pattern for the hat, but hopefully a trip to the yarn store will result in some choice, soft wool.

Books: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry, Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne and The One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka.
My little package from Amazon arrived two days ago with my new books! I started Jayber Crow on the airplane and was reminded of why I adore Wendell Berry so much - his compassionate, warm treatment of honest, simple people in the small town of Port William is so beautiful and life-affirming. I'm so excited to delve deeper into the story, and into my other reads. Now, to fit in some reading time...