Greetings Unravelers!
This week, I might have entirely jumped the Knitting Shark… I am knitting the actual packages not just the gifts! LOL Yes, our “surprise” this week was a Stack of Presents to knit and stitch! And what do presents need?
A tree of course. So I have one completed and have cast on another – which is likely all I will get done for this year! Haha!
The Gnome Knitting is progressing…with lots of pieces. And I still have no idea how this will all come together!
Lots of bits, no big ‘parts’ yet…
Speaking of Gnomes, you all have asked for a group shot…which is a bit challenging given they are all on my mantel. But I am sharing some photos of them as they sit on the mantle, thanks to a. beautifully sunny day yesterday! And my fun addition to my Gnome Village? I picked up a strand of felted woolen balls garland from Trader Joe’s… it is so colorful and fun!
Left to right: Gnocchi (Mr. April), Gnellie (Miss February), and Gnutmeg (Mr. January)
Gnewt and Gnobleberry, the Gnome Poem writer (June)
Gnaomi, the spinning gnome (Miss November) and Gnorton Smokes a Pipe (September) and Tree #1 tucked in between them!
Gnutkin, the acorn keeper (October) and Gnigel the Gardening Gnome (July)
Gnarly Marly (Mr. August), Gneville (Mr. March), and Gnorwen (Miss May)
The other making that has been occupying my time is painting… So.much.fun! Last week’s lesson was perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing, but it was chocked full of interesting techniques and I learned lots… and am making friends with my “fine line masking fluid bottle” lol.
An ordinary Tree Trunk as an extraordinary subject… maybe not, but still so fun to paint!
The final lesson of this session dropped yesterday but I am hardly “done” painting. I picked up a couple of single painting lessons and I will begin working on them as soon as I have turned in my final “homework!” And, I have another class starting in the New Year. Painting has become such an integral part of my week… I think about painting, I practice painting, I talk about painting, and I enjoy it all so very much! I am proof that you are never too old to learn something new… and in fact, you just might be better at learning later in life!
On the reading front, I finished (boo!) Winter Solstice… and I had one “gasp” moment when one of the character’s recites a line from my favorite winter poem/hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter. This was a book I did not want to end… I could happily stay tucked away in Scotland with Elfrida, Oscar, Sam, Carrie and Lucy. It was utterly delightful.
I have been trying to listening to Meacham’s His Truth Is Marching On, John Lewis and the Power of Hope. It is good, but I am having a hard time staying “tuned in” to listen to it. So I returned it to the library… I will request it again next year when I am not so scatterbrained! LOL
I tried French Braid, yet again… and bailed yet again. No third time for me on this one. It is not a book for me. Instead, I have been finding myself drawn to listen to John Banville’s Time Pieces. It is utterly delightful and exactly what I need (apparently) right now.
I also have The Burgess Boys waiting in the wings after I finish Time Pieces (which will likely happen today!)
What about you all, how’s your making and reading going this week? I will be back tomorrow for our Monthly Gathering of Poetry!
As always, if you wrote a post to share please leave your link below and thank you!
Kat, the Gnomes are beautiful and just sing to my heart! The details…..AMAZING.
I have on my 2023 to knit gnomes, though I ‘m not great at tiny knits let alone tiny details. Maybe 2023 will be the year I get past that detail wall ;-]
Wishing you a calm Christmas season.
Your Gnomes are ALL WONDERFUL Kat. I love them! and the TJ’s garland is perfect (I saw that and almost bought one too!). I cannot wait to see Gnoelle and how cool to knit all the packages. I’m having difficulty getting into any new book – I guess I may be a bit too scatterbrained right now as well. Too much to do and too much on my mind!
I absolutely adore you gnomery, they are gorgeous. And oh boy, that watercolour I love it. Indeed not too old to learn.
LOVE your tree trunk and the shadows!!! Oh my, so so so good. Your gnomes are delightful and festive. I just started wrapping up the ones I knit in October to be gifted next week.
I think your collection of gnomes and their distinct personalities are my favorite of all the gnomes I’ve seen! They really look amazing all gathered on your mantel, too.
I continued to be impressed by your painting. I think you don’t give yourself enough credit — I honestly thought that picture was a photo at first glance! The most important thing is, of course, how much pleasure you’re getting from it.
Your gnomes (and presents) are even more delightful than I could imagine! They have really made for a wonderful year of knitting. And your painting is exquisite. Those shadows are perfect! I’ve started listening to Winter Solstice and will be sorry to see it end, but it will be in my ears this week making chores a bit more tolerable. Happy Making, Painting, and Reading!
The gnomes are SO WONDERFUL all grouped together on your mantel, Kat. (I mean, they’re each wonderful on their own, too. But grouped? Magnificent!) Will you continue gnome-knitting next year? Or is your collection complete now? (They’re so charming, I don’t see how you can NOT keep knitting them . . . ) XO
Oh my goodness, your gnome collection is AMAZING!! I have been printing all the pattern pages for this year’s MKAL but haven’t had a chance to cast on… looks so interesting. Your painting!! Wow, Kat! Beautiful…
Your gnome collection is wonderful, I love how you can see the personality of each one. Your painting is amazing and makes me think of Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening.
I am currently reading Winter Solstice and I love the characters, the setting, and the story. I have about 200 pages left to read and I don’t want it to end!
Those gnomes keep getting better and better… and so does your painting! You’ve created such beautiful scenes – on your mantel and with your painting. Brava!
I’m about halfway through Winter Solstice and am anxious to see how their holiday goes!
The gnome gallery is delightful and full of whimsy. If I were you, I’d be sitting around with a cup of something warm just looking at them and making up little stories. Your painting is more than amazing. Just gorgeous. I’m glad to hear you will continue with it.