I did finish Ryan's fingerless mitts, so now it's time to focus on this alpaca cowl for Justin. I put it aside because I wasn't sure he'll really ever use a cowl, and I'm still not convinced now that I've picked it back up again. It is the most calming round-and-round knitting with a simple pattern in yarn I love, so I've decided to quit second guessing his reaction and just finish it. If it turns out that he really doesn't like it, I'll offer to frog it and make something he does want. The pattern is called Just Try It for a reason, and I think if Justin does just try it, he may even like it!
Reading has slowed way down with lots of other things to attend to, but I did finish The Subtle Knife and started The Amber Spyglass immediately. I read this trilogy with Ryan years ago, but didn't remember much about it except for Lyra, bears, and dust. They are solid 4-5 star books and just what I've felt like listening to recently. I haven't thought much about reading in 2018, but I'm sure something wonderful will present itself, hopefully about the time I'm finishing up The Amber Spyglass.
What are you making and reading?
I haven't been knitting much (like . . . at all) this week, but I've been baking a lot of cookies! Which makes for great audiobook listening. I just finished Sing Unburied Sing, which is very powerful -- but a bit heavy for the holidays. (Just sayin.) I'm on a very long waitlist for the Pullman series. I read it back with Erin when it was first coming out, but would love to re-read. (Too bad she took her copies with her when she left home.)
ReplyDeleteThe cowl looks wonderful -- and I'll bet if Justin Just Tries It on a cold, bitter day he'll love and appreciate it! XO
Yes, this is a busy last week before Xmas. I am all done with holiday knitting so now I am creating the “easel sweater” from MDK for myself, finally. Though I am tired when I do it in front of the evening tv, because I am baking a lot during the day. (This year all the kids+theirs come here for Xmas! And my memories of food keep coming back to me and I want to bake more.)
ReplyDeleteReading, right before bedtime I read ten pages of “Stay With Me” and then sleep. Heavily and soundly.
I wish it would snow.
A happy and peaceful season to you and yours Bonny.
I'm going to have to follow your example next year and get Christmas knitting done earlier (except I say this every year). I hope you're enjoying working on that lovely sweater, and wish you and your whole family a very Happy Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
DeleteThe cowl looks wonderfully soft and warm. I bet (if he will *just* try it on) Justin will love it. Cheers for calming knitting - enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI started reading The Weight of Ink and this should keep me busy for a while. I try to take some quiet time each day during this busy season to be quiet and spend some time reading or knitting.
ReplyDeleteCowls are very versatile, that is if he's willing to "just try" it. I loved all three of Pullmans books, but the first most of all. The story is very creative, which leaves the reader with a lot to think about, plus it's a bit of a tearjerker, just say in'.
ReplyDeleteThat yarn is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteI think that yarn is beautiful! And also a good cold day will make him think THANKS MOM! I've got a hat going for Doug...I hope I can get it done! Reading...something new called No Exit and listening to Sully (Nobody's Fool).
ReplyDeleteI love the cowl colors. Zach has begun to use a cowl in Mexico and lots of friends of his are wearing them..sooooo?
ReplyDeleteReading blogs. Knitting second glove and trying not to have second glove syndrome. There's a floor that needs washing here. I have the kids rooms ready for their visit. I get silly and put lip chapstick, water bottles and a treat on their night stands.
Zach's use of a cowl gives me hope! I don't think it's silly at all to welcome kids home with thoughtful things on the nightstand. It's like a five-star hotel, but even better because it's home!
DeleteTry calling it a gaiter and see if that changes Ryan’s preconceptions.
ReplyDelete"Manly Gaiter" just might do the trick. Thanks!
Deleteyou might be surprised that he will wear it, My son and son in law and my husband wear the ones I've made all the time.
ReplyDeleteNada on knitting and reading. Just busy. But I am counting on some down time after the holidays to do both. I bet Ryan will love his gaiter!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it helps your busy-ness now, but I think that you are in good company with quite a few of us looking forward to time after the holidays for some reading, knitting, and relaxing. Fingers crossed that you get some very soon!
DeleteDale likes cowls for shoveling because the ends don't get in the way as they do when wearing a scarf. I am looking forward to next week when I shall read and read and read.
ReplyDeleteNow that I have that gift knitting done, I have returned to my sweater. And, nothing is better for in the round knitting that a most excellent audiobook!
ReplyDeleteThe cowl/gaiter looks very classic and manly. The yarn is lovely. I hope he likes it. Pretty peaceful here. I'm listening to The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny and reading A Stash of One's Own. This is the week for baking a few cookies.
ReplyDeleteoooh, I hope Justin will give that cowl a try. Kat made me a cowl about that size for my Alaska trip and I was pleasantly surprised how much warmer I felt all over once my neck was warm! I have a pile of books from the library and look forward to digging into them ... next week. I put the Golden Compass on my list for 2018. The series is new to me, and after seeing how much you and Margene have enjoyed them, I'm looking forward to finally reading them!
ReplyDelete"Just Try It" ... that is PERFECT on so many levels. Ha. Maybe that will be my "theme" for the new year. Instead of "Just Do It" ... "JUST TRY IT." Thanks. ;)
ReplyDelete