by Kat | Oct 19, 2016 | General, Making
There has not been a lot of knitting around here this week. However, there has been a good deal of knitting anticipation.
Like this, and this. Knitting ennui has been vanquished!
But, I hope to have the Honey Cowl done later today. I only have about an inch more to knit, so that is entirely doable!
There has been a good deal of reading though, thanks to Audiobooks and a bit of insomnia.
I finished listening to Clara read Knitlandia and I really enjoyed it in this format!
I began listening to The Girl on the Train, I am not yet sure how I feel about this book as I just began yesterday.
I finished The Murder of Harriet Krohn by Karin Fossum. (I am not reading these in order, which I may come to regret) It was a curious way to write a murder mystery. I won’t say more as to not share any spoilers, but I am not sure I really liked the manner in which the story unfolded.
Last night, I began reading He Who Fears the Wolf by the same author. I think that I will like this book a bit more than Harriet Krohn.
I have not gotten much farther in The Year of Living Danishly as I haven’t had any time to sit down to read during the day at all. I hope to correct that before this week is over. I need to get it finished, because it is due back to the library (always a good incentive to sit down and read!)
Do you have any “must finish” books this week?
by Kat | Oct 5, 2016 | General, Making
The vacation is over and believe me when I tell you it just went too fast, but more on that later.
Today, I am here to share a bit of knitting and lots of reading.
Sadly, there was little knitting done on vacation, but I did get manage to get through the color work and the short rows on Rock the Lobster! I think I am going to switch things up and do the sleeves next. Yes, I am taking some good advice and getting them done and out of the way!
I am also still knitting these socks. I have about 3 inches to go before toe decreases on sock one.
However, I have a couple of good Audiobooks queued up – Clara Parkes Knitlandia (which I have already read, but having her read it is something I have been looking forward to!) and Per Petterson Ashes in My Mouth, Sand in My Shoes. Perhaps, this can help me get my knitting back in gear!
I also received a book I won from Stephanie of Woolythyme – Elizabeth Hay Late Nights on Air, which came with a lovely card and tea! Thank you so much Stephanie!! I am eager to read this and then pay it forward.
I did finish two books on vacation – Karin Fossum Don’t Look Back and Jussi Adler-Olsen The Hanging Girl – I loved both of them! Karin Fossum is a new author I discovered and it was a book I could not put down. A quick and easy read that kept me engaged from start to finish. The Hanging Girl is the most recent Department Q novel – Carl Morck’s team has really become a well working unit and the book might be my favorite for that reason.
And, now a pile of work awaits me, but tell me please – what have you finished reading or knitting this week?
As always, linking up with Ginny and her Yarn Along!
by Kat | Sep 22, 2016 | General, In This Moment
Enjoying: Hot coffee after a summer of sipping it iced! For me it is the perfect transition to fall and one that is very welcome!
Making: The last of the local peaches into jam. I have perfected the recipe of the course of the season. It is so good, especially in homemade Greek yogurt! Also, a big batch of pesto with the last of the basil from the garden.
Eating: So. Many. Tomatoes!
In My Ears: A Fatal Grace – my second Inspector Gamache novel. I have about 4 chapters to go and it is really so good!
Watching: Crimes of Passion while I ride the bike in the morning. I am almost done with the series, so up next Luther will be my companion!
Packing: For a trip to Michigan – Konmari items, gifts, yarn for a couple of pairs of socks and this sweater, and clothes for two seasons – it could be warm, or it could be very cold! Also, my Bialetti, because coffee is ultimately necessary for household happiness.
Loading: My Kindle with a few good vacation reads (and I am taking one actual library book – The Year of Living Danishly)
Planning: The perfect balance of time with family and alone with Steve. However, I am lucky that one small being tips the scale in my direction giving me a double vote on what to do!
Excited: To try our first Airbnb experience as well as a taste of autumn in Northern Michigan and some nice long walks in Leelanau County.
Anticipating: A Happy Hour or two at North Peak, lunch at J&S Hamburg, and ice cream with Genevieve!
Save
by Kat | Sep 21, 2016 | General, Making
slog /släɡ/ verb 1. work hard over a period of time. synonyms: grind, slave, plod, toil
For me, Sleeve Island is the slog of sweater knitting. The slowest part of the entire process (although maybe not for this sweater – it all has been slow going!!)
However, in working the K1P1 shawl collar on my modified pullover I may have discovered the other slog of knitting. These rows are LONG!
Conversation from last night:
Steve: When will that be done?
Me: I think I need 15 more rows…
Steve: How long will that take?
There’s a confidence booster for you! Haha! Just so it is written down somewhere, my goal is to have this DONE before we leave on vacation.
Perhaps, Inspector Gamache can help!
Teaming up with Ginny and the Yarn Along today where you can find plenty of production on the knitting and reading front!
What is your knitting slog?
by Kat | Sep 14, 2016 | General, Making
Earlier this week I felt very overwhelmed by my To-do list, but I finally feel like I am getting on top it today! I made raspberry jam again, and will probably be able to pick enough berries to make one more pint. I have had a number of questions about what jam recipe I am using. I am using Nigella Lawson’s recipe that The Spendid Table shared on their site. The first batch I made was really raspberry syrup – it did not set at all. Subsequent batches, I made some changes. I follow the recipe exactly, and after I have combined the sugar into the berries, I add the zest of one lemon and the juice of half a lemon. It is the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, the lemon zest adds a lovely brightness, and the juice is the perfect pectin boost needed for it to become jam.
I also made more peach preserves and roasted a couple of bushels of peppers. I will make some pesto also this week. And, maybe something with all the cherry tomatoes…
My reading this week has been extremely varied – I finished listening to David Sedaris Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. And, I am still reading The Hanging Girl and still enjoying Carl Morck and Department Q! Comedy and Mystery – joys for the opposite sides of your brain! You know, kind of like math and music.
Up next in my ears – Book Two of Inspector Gamache – A Fatal Grace.
I have been plodding along on my Altered Custom Fit sweater – these are some LONG rows and it is not a very portable project. So, it has been relegated to TV knitting when we watch at night.
I have not been knitting much on Triticum but my plan is to get back to this today and try to get the second front done so sleeves can begin. I think this is very doable and it will be the perfect laundry companion!
I also broke down and cast on a new project and got quite a bit done of the yoke. I am about half way through the charts. Thus far, the marriage of handspun yarn with the Briar Rose Fibers yarn is harmonious. This project is reminding me how much I love color work. To me, it is a bit like painting – I feel so inspired while I knit that it is hard to put it down.
What are you knitting and reading this week?
