Yarn Along is a wonderful weekly link-up hosted by Ginny at the Small Things blog about two of the best things in life: reading and knitting.
Over the weekend I checked out the "55 Christmas Balls to Knit" book from the library and I've thoroughly enjoyed working on these satisfying little projects! My first ball was a reindeer-themed one (with an added red nose -- you can see it here) and I'm almost done with the above poinsettia ball. I started it on Sunday but didn't have any time to knit the past few days. I'll be finishing it up today though -- I just want to duplicate stitch over two small errors that have been bugging me as well as the wonky unaligned spot at the beginning/end of the row. I've already picked out which pattern I'm going to knit next -- a snowman design!
I'm about a third of the way through "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden (out January 10), a novel inspired by Russian folk tales. So far I'd give it my recommendation! It's got tinges of "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik, one of my favorite reads of 2016, in that it's got a magical feel and the main character has a strong connection to nature.
I just found out I'll be running the adult book club at work in 2017 so I've got to hurry up and read the first selection, a YA novel called "Vassa in the Night" by Sarah Porter (not my choice, but I'll give it a shot). It's also based on a Russian fairytale, which is kind of ironic. At this rate, I'll be an expert soon! ;)
One of my fav. books from 2016 was The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley. Part of the book is set in Russia. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to know! I've been meaning to try Susanna Kearsley forEVER ("The Winter Sea" is carrying over from my must-read-in-2016 list to my must-read-in-2017 one). I will definitely make "The Firebird" next in the queue after that one. I know I'm going to enjoy Kearsley... I don't know how she keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the stack!
DeleteSo glad to hear you're liking The Bear and the Nightingale, I plan on reading it soon. Also, I've heard some really good things about Vassa in the Night so hopefully you'll enjoy it as well. Love this ornament too. I still think a tree decked out them completely would look so cozy.
ReplyDelete"The Bear and the Nightingale" is definitely a slower-paced story, but I've also been super slow in reading it. I'm just over halfway through and I think the action is finally about to pick up. Regardless, I'm enjoying the main character and the inclusion of Russian folklore (like household spirits and the Winter King and such). It's been an interesting read, and I like the writing.
DeleteP.S. Reading your comment gave me a thought -- I should see if I could fit a boxer silhouette on that knitted ornament pattern!
DeleteThat bauble is super cute. 55 Christmas Balls to Knit looks like it's out of print where I live, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for a second hand copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorraine! I'm having such fun with them. I got the book from my local library, but I know it's on Amazon too! Good luck! :)
DeleteThat ball is so pretty! I wish I had the patience to knit. (I tried to learn once...it did not end well.) I haven't read The Bear and the Nightingale, but that cover is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kate! You should give knitting another try. It does take some patience to get the hang of at first, but once you've learned the basics it can be extremely relaxing and soothing. I'd recommend looking up some videos on YouTube to get (re-)started! :)
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