Greetings, Unravelers!
The making this week feels slow… just lots of round and round and round knitting. But all that round and round knitting means that there have been inches added! Yet I happily remind myself that I am not a “finished project every week kind of knitter” and that is exactly how it should be, amirite?
I have roughly 3 inches to go on my sweater and perhaps a bit less on Sock Number One. I need to try it on Steve and see how much more is needed…but I have been avoiding doing that because I know I still have miles to go! lol
The Grey’s of Summer Knitting
I also began my July Gnome… I have a hat completed, washed and blocked. My July Gnome has a “leafy” theme… which I thought was perfect for the height of summer! He is currently nameless, but rest assured, he will have an appropriate name!
As you can see above, I have spent a good bit of time sitting outside painting. Gosh, I am really loving it! so much! I love sitting outside, under the pergola, and I had a lovely little treat this week. “Our” bunnies made a nest very near the table and she gave birth on Tuesday… and yes, I unexpectedly witnessed this bit of wonder! So I have painting buddies, lol! Mom and Dad are hovering nearby and I love watching them from my seat!
And we have a week with no reading finishes! I know. But that is okay, I am have about 8 hours to go in The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois… I am enjoying it, but gosh is it long and it has so many really difficult bits.
I am almost finished with a book I got from Netgalley. Blaze Me a Sun: A Novel by Christoffer Carlsson is a mystery and it is so so so good! Carlsson is a new to me author and this book, which was a best seller in Sweden, is being released soon here in the US. If you liked Henning Mankell’s writing, I think you’d like Blaze Me a Sun very much.
What about you? What is in process for you?
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I love your watercolor and that you have a family of bunny painting buddies! I’m anxious to see the rest of the gnome take shape and the unique touches and name you give him!
Your knitting looks great Kat – can’t wait to see the latest gnome. But…your watercolor is so, so good. I just love that. How nice to have a family of bunnies close by. Has Sherman seen them? Good thing Mabel is not there!!!
Kat – this post is DELIGHTFUL. I think I squealed at least twice. I’m so excited to see that gnome and love that you have baby bunnies at your side while painting. Your opening picture with the watercolor? Oh goodness — you’re living the life. And Sherman’s tail! (Ralphie? I still call every pug Ralphie. Which makes me think I might have your dog’s name wrong?? I’m sorry if it’s not Sherman.)
Your knitting is lovely. Even though it’s round and round, I’m glad it’s not giving you any trouble. And I totally agree about Love Songs. So.Good. I listened to it on audio also — and remember sitting in the basement, working on a quilt, and sobbing at one point. My goodness. Why didn’t this one get more attention? It’s such a touching and beautiful book. I’m glad to know that you’re savoring it.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Your watercolor setup looks so charming and inviting! I’m sure the baby bunnies are adorable, though I’m a little mad at rabbits right now — one or several of them completely stripped all the leaves off my pepper plants! I suppose I should be thankful they left my tomatoes alone, but after they killed several marigolds and ate about half my parsley, destroying the peppers was a bridge too far.
I think your July gnome is a perfect choice. I’m looking forward to the reveal of his name!
It’s all a process, isn’t it? Knitting. Reading. Painting. To me, none of it needs be rushed (unless there’s a deadline of some sort, of course). Besides, when you have multiple interests you can’t help by flit here and there . . . and there are only so many hours in the day! XO
your watercoloring skills are beautiful! I love round and round knitting mindlessly these days actually since the pandemic started. I find it soothing.
Your painting is evolving so much, Kat–the first one I remember is the rowboat, blue-green’ish…and I loved that. This one looks like your work is getting finer lines and angles, how exciting to watch it. And how exciting for YOU to watch the bunny family grow, right before your eyes! It’s such a treat when one’s garden/yard/home is chosen for a wildlife family. It becomes a bit of a fascinating fixation, doesn’t it?! (And I always find myself a bit of an overprotective host mother, on the lookout for predators, etc.)
Enjoy the pace. It sounds like a good one.
Love your watercolor. I just bought a book called “Draw Your Day” and I am hoping to start a daily watercolor/drawing journal. Your Pittsburgh-ese ‘amirite’ made me laugh out loud!
I love your outdoor studio set up and your painting looks wonderful, as does your knitting. Slowing down and savoring these days is what it’s all about.
Your painting is so good – and what a wonderful way to remember that gorgeous scene. Also, love your summer gray knitting. You always take such pretty photos of your WIPs!
The watercolor setup looks lovely. What a beautiful painting. I’ll be anxious to read your final thoughts about “The Love Songs of W.E.B. DeBois.” You are so right that knitting projects take time. Enjoy the knitting.