Potholders

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Unraveled Wednesday: 9/18/24

I'm joining Kat and the Unravelers today for a look at unraveling, a couple of potholders, and a couple of books. I've unraveled what I had knit on the Washington Beanie for Justin and have officially moved on to something else. Once I wind the new yarn I ordered, I'll give you more details about the something else(s) I decided on.

I wove another potholder for Ryan. This is the smaller seven-inch size and the pattern is called Square Spiral. Like some of the other spiral/maze ones I've woven, the back looks different from the front. I can't give you a good, weaving-based explanation why this happens other than some sort of potholder magic. 



I wove a larger 10-inch one for my SiL. It's just a collection of somewhat random colors that I liked with no special pattern. We're going up to visit them next week and when I sent her a photo of the first one I wove, she said it was "a damn fine potholder." Clearly, she deserves one of her own. 

I finished two NetGalley books last week, one fiction and one poetry. I often judge books by their covers, but in the case of Shy Creatures the badger on the cover was a good sign. Clare Chambers has written a book with an interesting plot, and believable characters, complete with lovely prose. It is based on a real event but Chambers has given the main character, William, a slightly nicer life. Set in the mid-1960s, Helen Hansford is an art therapist in a British psychiatric hospital. There she meets William Tapping who has been admitted after an altercation in a nearby crumbling mansion. He is mute, with waist-length hair and beard, and after he shows an interest in art, Helen digs into his past to find out he ended up this way. The author is an acute observer of the human condition, and with this book, she raises questions of love and protection vs. control and wants and needs vs. what is in a person's best interests. This four-star novel was emotional without being overwrought, humorous at times, hopeful, and compassionate, with a moving ending. It will be published on November 12, 2024.

I was going to say that Water, Water is Billy Collins' best poetry collection to date, but I don't know if I've actually read any of his other books. I've certainly read other poems of his, and these rank right up there with the best of them. In this book of 60 new poems, I found only four or so that didn't speak to me. The author can write about Elsie the Cow, wondering who wove the daisy garland around her neck, figuring it was probably a little girl, and where she is now. One that I liked the most was about spying a cardinal and its mate and vowing not to tell his wife about them. "Indeed, I would take the two cardinals to my grave." I'll let you read this book of accessible poetry yourself to find out all that Collins told his wife (or not), in addition to the many other relatable poems in this collection full of beauty, humor, and satisfaction. It will be published on November 19, 2024.

What are you making and reading this week?

12 comments:

  1. I'm sorry there was actual unraveling for you this week (though, perhaps given how many issues you were having with this pattern, it was for the best). The potholders are winners, though! Shy Creatures sounds intriguing to me. I will keep an eye out for it later this fall!

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  2. Oh ugh... I always am so sad when there is actual unraveling today! But your potholders are just gorgeous! (The spiral one is especially so!!) I have been saving Water, Water but you are making me rethink that! Thank you! And how did I miss Shy Creatures on Netgalley?! (Although my current Netgalley read is delightful... Awake in a Floating City.)

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  3. A new Billy Collins book is great news!! (Hello my Christmas list!). So sorry to hear of your unraveling, but it sounds as though it is for the best. I will look forward to see what you will be knitting instead. And your potholders are fabulous Bonny! What fun. Your SIL is right - "damn fine potholders!"

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  4. Life is full of unraveling in every aspect, so the secret is to find a way to move on. You will, Bonny, you always do! Your potholders are small works of art, and YES, your SIL deserves one of them. Anyone who understands the nature of something that is beautiful as well as useful deserves one. Thank you for the recommendation of Shy Creatures. It sounds right down my alley.

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  5. LOVE your potholders!! Sorry that hat didn't work out, and I'm looking forward to seeing your new project(s).

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  6. I hope your ripping out has made room for more exciting knitting!! As always I love your potholder creations!

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  7. I'm here for all the DFP (Damn Fine Potholder) content! and excited about a new Billy Collins collection. Thank you for the review.

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  8. Those potholders are gorgeous!!!

    Making: Buggy Lane socks (a pattern I'm writing in my head and hoping works)

    Reading: Hilary Clinton's new book and the new one from Elizabeth Strout.

    new blog link: http://fourseasonsofsunshine.blogspot.com

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  9. Those potholders are just fabulous, Bonny! I have never seen such clever - and really cool - designs. Lucky Ryan! I have the Billy Collins book from NetGalley, and I can't wait to read it. I'm so glad you liked it -- now I'm even more excited to dig in.

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  10. I'm all for magical potholders. I enjoy seeing all the fancy weaving and designs. I'm sorry the hat didn't work out as planned but the yarn sure is pretty. Billy Collins does write accessible down-to-earth but clever poems. I didn't know he had published a new collection.

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