“LSD stands out for learning to slow down.”
―
Yes, this is my mantra for the remainder of the summer. Life in the slow lane… just feels good. In pre-slow times, I would have slammed this tunic out (with a mistake or ten because speed) and moved on to the next thing. This time I took my time… partially because I had to. I made some adjustments to the arm scythe and that meant there were two sleeves to baste in to see if they fit. They didn’t… but those basting stitches were so easy to remove that reworking the sleeves was not the headache I envisioned at all. End result… to lovely fitting sleeves! All that remains on this Esme/Uniform Tunic are a hem and some pockets. Things that will be easy to work on over the next few days.
This sleeve is perfection!
One tiny pucker in one sleeve… sigh.
However, not everything can be at a snails pace because I was picked to do a bit of a test knit for MaryJane Mucklestone! And… my excitement level is OFF THE CHARTS!! This morning I am pulling together colors for the sweater and then some swatching!
So while I am purposely slowing down… this sweater will be the one exception! Woo!
This week’s reading brought more good reading…and still no bingos!
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I know many of my friends really loved this book but for me it missed the mark a bit. It is the retelling of the Trojan War…the never-ending Trojan War and Haynes imagines what that must have been like from the women’s perspectives. (And can we just talk about what an ass Odysseus was? Yeah… this book changed my thoughts on him a bit, lol) If you are looking for a book to fill the “Retelling” square on your Summer Book Bingo card… this might be the book for you.
Summer Book Bingo Square: Retelling
On Speaking Terms by Connie Wanek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have heard several of Wanek’s poems on Garrison Keilor’s The Writers Almanac and I really wanted to read more of her poetry. On Speaking Terms did not disappoint. She writes about everyday life in the most direct and beautiful way. Her poems are relatable, at times humorous, and poignant. This excerpt from Scrabble has stayed with me and gosh, it is so true!
I need a t to give me time
a p and I’d have help.
It’s the story of my life,
rearranging assets and coming up shor.
I am eager to read more of her work. If you are looking for a very readable poet, try Connie Wanek… she won’t disappoint!
Summer Book Bingo Square: Any Book
Turtle Island by Gary Snyder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Can you “rediscover” something that is very familiar? If you think not… you need to settle in with Turtle Island and let Gary Snyder show you the very familiar in an entirely new light. The poems felt sacred and almost prayer-like as I read them. This book also gives you a pretty big gut punch with his words on the colonization of North America, yet the poems also give us hope, direction, and a new sense of wonder. I highly recommend.
Summer Book Bingo Square: Pulitzer Prize winner
That is all I have for today… what about you? Are you trying to slow down your summer?
As always, if you wrote a post to share, please leave your link below and thank you!
The fabric you chose for your tunic is beautiful and your sleeves are perfection! I had to laugh when I read about the tiny pucker, imagining someone peering at your sleeve that closely to even be able to see it. Congratulations on your test knit and slowing down on everything else!
I’ll slow down when I am done moving! Lovely sewing and I hope you are able to pace yourself all summer long 🙂
Your top is fabulous! Clearly slowing down and doing it right paid off. (And that one little pucker? That’s how you know it was made by your own hand and not in a factory somewhere.)
I definitely want this summer to go slowly! Summer always seems to rush past, and I really want to be able to savor these longer days.
Your tunic is beautiful and I hope you enjoy wearing it!
I feel like 2020 was lost time, that I just aged in place, so I am all about slowing down and savoring every moment!
Thanks for the recommendation for Connie Wanek!
Wow, Kat, your sewing looks amazing! I really do love the fabric you chose and can’t wait to see it all finished. and WOOT! for three more Bingo squares. Connie Wanek is a new-to-me poet; thank you for the introduction … smart ways with words is one of my reading love languages.
Kat – that tunic is gorgeous. Can I come over for a sew day with you??! 😉
And thank you for the introduction to Wanek – I’ve added this one to my TBR.
I love that fabric! Good job on the sleeves, that’s not an easy task.
Your tunic is jaw-dropping, Kat. Gorgeous work and gorgeous fabric!!
Beautiful fabric for summer
The tunic looks great. I love the green and cream print. I tried A Thousand Ships but it wasn’t for me. War is hell it just is but I didn’t want to read about it. I’m anxious to see a little sneak preview of a test knit.
Love the tunic! Can’t wait to see the test knit [when we can].