I usually have a goal of reading 50 books a year. Last year I came dreadfully short. Why? In a word—knitting.
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| This week: Light Between Oceans Reyna shawl in Wendy's Wonders hand-dyed fingering yarn Copy Cat CC Beanie in Knit Picks Swish worsted wool |
This year, I decided that I needed to be more realistic when I set my GoodReads goal. I thought about it and decided that a book every ten days is reasonable instead of a book a week. It will still stretch me to use those snatched moments, but it won't keep me from knitting, too.
You've seen the books that I plan to read on my Winter Reading List. Some of my knitting friends have joined a challenge to complete nine projects this year. I am not setting a goal for projects. I am just knitting along at my own pace. So far, I've completed three hats. I have one hat and one shawl on the needles.
This is a Bankhead hat. It is actually an army green. It's not showing up the right color on my screen. It was my first completed project this year. In the picture above, you can see that I'd finished it plus cast on a second one in a smaller size.
I have also finished a Bankhead hat in a marled gray for my husband. It has a half twisted rib brim that is challenging at first. It makes a nice touch though.
I wonder what you've been reading or knitting or crafting?
Be blessed,
Laura
on Ravelry
Copy Cat CC Beanie in garnet heather Knit Picks Swish worsted wool
Bankhead hat
Joining with Yarn Along and Crafting On
Hi Laura! Been a while since I've stopped for a visit. Wow 50 books is alot.I seldom find time to read but need to get back to it. Probably be more like 5 a year for me..I have been enjoying little snippet's of Bella Grace's cozy issue....Now going to read your blog and get caught up.Warm Blessings!~Amy
ReplyDeleteHello Bumble Bee Lane,
DeleteThat was fun to write!
Once upon a time, it was not too difficult to read 50 books, but that included the books that I read to the children as well. I still read a lot as they got older, but now, with the knitting, it's just not happening. I went to the library and got the CD copy of the Light Between Oceans. Then I realized that I have nothing to listen to it on now except my car stereo or my computer's CD Rom! I need to look for an inexpensive CD player so that I can borrow CDs from the library. I love interlibrary loan! I can get lots of things I'd like to read, listen to, or watch. Our library now does it for free, too. Yay! I need to write another thrifty post. I'll just have to add that in.
Be blessed! Thanks for coming by. I've not been over to your place for awhile. I'll drop in soon, but my computer time is almost up for today.
Sincerely,
Laura
I've been cleaning out my books and stuff and putting them on the bookshelf. That allowed me to find books I bought but didn't read. Currently reading Donald Miller's "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years." An oldie, but a goodie.
ReplyDeleteI've got a lot of books that I haven't read, too. I used to snatch them up all the time. I haven't bought any for awhile now. I like to try to get things from the library first.
DeleteHappy week!
Laura
You have a great goal! I'm a slow reader, takes me awhile to absorb what I am reading so I could never set that kind of goal. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading some of A.W.Tozer's collection and thoroughly enjoying them.
I've been busy going through 20 years of my collection of letters, cards etc. and purging. It's taking time as I'm going through each box and reading everything over before tossing. It's bitter sweet, but it's needed.
Have a lovely evening ♡
Dear Debbie,
DeleteIf I were reading Tozer, I'd be reading much slower! He has some incredible insights. I probably need to add a book or two of stiffer reading to my list for spring.
It does take a long time to go through old cards and letters. I wish I'd thought to keep some that my mother and grandmothers sent to me as a young girl and young lady. Sadly I didn't. Those I do have I treasure.
Be blessed my friend! I'll drop by for a visit soon.
Laura
I haven't been reading for pleasure. My current reading consist of 7th grade history and such. *smile*
ReplyDeleteAs far as crafting I am currently making a pom pom garland to use for Valentine's decor. Today Megan and I bought fabric and are going to tackle a mini quilt. It will a first for both of us.
I'm also in the middle of painting kitchen cabinets. Not my own, but those of my niece. I'm still wondering how I was roped into this project!
The hat looks cozy and warm.
I read a lot of 7th grade history aloud!
DeleteI'll bet your garland will be swell and festive.
Best wishes on your quilt and the cabinets.
Enjoy now.
Hugs,
Laura
I read Light Between Oceans a while back....good story!!! I have never learned to knit but you do a beautiful job of it. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteDear Diana,
DeleteHe just confessed. I'm on pins and needles!
I've learned a lot of knitting techniques on YouTube.
Be blessed, Laura
I'm getting close to the end. I hope it turns out well!
DeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteYour knitting projects look terrific! The hats look so cozy. Winter is a great time for knitting and reading. I am currently crocheting a doily, but have some yarn set aside to knit some new mittens for my little one.
May you have a blessed day!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
DeleteI haven't been by in awhile. I'll come by for a visit soon. When I learned to crochet as a teen, I had trouble with crochet cotton, so I didn't learn to make doilies. I do like them a lot, though. Now that I knit with thin yarn, maybe I'll give it another try someday. I have several projects in mind for the next couple of months though. Most importantly, I need to finish a copycat CC Beanie for my daughter who just entered university. It's quite cold while she's walking between classes.
Well, I must go. Time to get supper ready.
Be blessed,
Laura
Laura, I LOVE LOVE to read and I'm a craftoholic. Many years ago, I learned how to do both. Books on CD. (it was cassettes when I started to tell you how many years it has been!!) I get them at the library and it's like someone reading aloud to me as I embroider or sew. I love it. I'm currently listening to a Flavia de Luce English mystery by Alan Bradley. I can only recall part of the title. "I am Half Sick of...." Hmm.
ReplyDeleteI'm also reading at night. Every January, I break out my copies of The Tightwad Gazettes and Frugal Luxuries and consider it a refresher course. All these years and I still glean ideas.
I'm still studying Proverbs 31, still reading Jeremiah, and decided to re-read A Woman after God's own Heart. I do that during my lunch break.
And, while dinner is cooking, I'm reading The Kent Family Chronicles series by John Jakes. I think I'm on book 5/8. History of America through a fictional family. It's amazing to see how much history repeats itself!
I love your knitting! So many pretty hats! I'm currently working on embroidering a couple of towels for a friend. One has tomatoes and the other has green peppers. She's a talented paper crafter and has an Etsy business with snowflake patterns. Paper Flurries, I think it's called. Anyway, we met through our young adult group from church more than 25 yrs. ago. She was kind enough to send me her book for Christmas and I want to return the kindness. Take a peek if you want to be WOWED. Her snowflakes are beautiful.
I'm also using fleece scraps to make some blankets for a local children's home.
Honestly, I'm a fanatic and have so many projects going, it's rather embarrassing lol!!
Take care & I'm glad to see you getting back to your activities! And your regular posts, of course.
Audio books are the right idea. I'd love to do Audible, but I think you're only allowed 2 books a month. That wouldn't be enough. I think my library loans e-audio books, but I haven't figured it out yet. It would be worth the time to do so.
DeleteI like your idea of having certain books for certain times of day. That might put some stucture in my reading.
Girl you do have a lot of projects going! I like to keep my projects small. I like to see a finished product!
Hope your week is going well,
with affection,
Laura
Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were on Goodreads. Just sent you a friends request :-)
Happy reading and knitting!
Ah, now I know who that friend request was from. Have a terrific day. I hope you can squeeze in some reading. I'm a bit behind on my housework since my daughter needed help with history, but I need to read a bit. The book club I'm going to try out is meeting tomorrow night. If I don't finish the book, it will be a major spoiler!
DeleteBe blessed, don't be a stranger. I love making new friends. Do you have a blog?
I accepted.
DeleteI have just finished 2 shawls and am now working on a blanket for a single bed for my Grandson.
ReplyDeleteThat blanket is a big project. I hope you finish before it gets warm! I'll be over for a visit to your blog soon.
DeleteGod bless!
Laura
Hi Laura it is nice hearing from you. You continue to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMarion
Thank you Marion. I appreciate it so much. I am having some trouble with my knees that is probably due to my cancer med. I'm taking it to make sure the cancer doesn't come back. Knee or joint pain is a common side effect.
DeleteBe blessed,
Laura
Oh I like your hat. I crochet. I can't knit. LOL. Well I try to crochet. I am doing a group too. My problem is I read to much.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we will have to hold each other accountable. I'll tell you to stop knitting. You tell me to stop reading. LOL. I enjoyed this post!
Have fun with both. Have a good weekend.
You are so cute! I can crochet, too, but I like the challenge of knitting. The answer for both of us is audio books!
DeleteBe blessed friend,
Mrs. Laura Lane
I don't have a reading list, but I do want to read what I already have!! I have so many unread books around here.
ReplyDeleteOh Penny, I do know what you mean. I have books for all ages since I homeschooled the children from the beginning. My last child is 17, but it's a daunting task to go through all the books and sort them. There are some that we just never got to. Life happened. ~smile~
DeleteBe blessed dearie!
Laura