I look out at a hazy blue sky and mild temperatures. After a week of bitter cold, the wind sent those days on their way, perhaps east. Six chickadees, two robins, and one nuthatch flit around in the birch this morning. Our over-the-range microwave of nineteen years quit working last week so in spite of the Covid risk, we plan to mask up and purchase a new one this afternoon. I doubt the new one lasts for nineteen years. As I heat up leftovers in the oven and on the stove top, I think of my Mom. She was forever heating leftovers in foil packages in the oven. She often repeated and laughed at Erma Bombeck's line about running around with a frozen pork chop in each armpit. And no, neither of us resorted to that thawing method. It's a privileged life I live.
After a few weeks of other obligations on Wednesday mornings, I am happy to be posting and linking with Kat and the Wednesday Unravelers. On New Year's Eve, I bound off the Wool Peddler's Shawl. The shawl is a generous size and knit in sport weight alpaca so it is cozy. I have several large shawls scattered around the house that I frequently wrap around my shoulders during the winter. I plan on using this one the same way. The way the pattern comes together along the spine is lovely.
This crocheted potholder is my first finished project of the New Year. I made it for a friend because she mentioned that arthritis in her hands makes using potholders difficult. She said she had one crocheted potholder that was easier for her to manage. I used KnitPicks Dishie for the first time. It's a good value and comes in bright colors. Working with cotton was hard on my hands so if I make another I'll have to pace myself. The discomfort could also come from my death grip on the crochet hook.
I picked up the Anker's cardigan again. I love the yarn even if the knitting is slow going. I finished the ribbed sections and am working on the last yoke section of stockinette with raglan increases. The rows are long and I have fourteen to go before separating the sleeves from the body. I will be glad to reach that milestone but it's going to be awhile. It's good winter knitting.
As for reading, I listened to the audio version of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. This mystery is a hoot. Four characters, almost eighty-years old, meet in the jigsaw room in their senior citizen community to delve into old murder cases. Then the developer of the community is murdered and they are on the case. All four are smart, capable, and wise. References about aging are humorous and tender. I enjoyed this mystery so much that I put the second one on hold at the library. I am almost finished with Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich. The subject matter is not easy but Erdrich's lyrical writing and insight into the lives of Native Americans makes for great reading. She writes strong but flawed characters with compelling stories. It's been awhile since I read Erdrich's work but her first novel was a good place to begin.
From time to time, I dip into The Lost Spells, a little book of nature poems and beautiful art. Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, the poet and artist who collaborated on The Lost Words published this as a sister book. The poems are about birds, animals, insects, and trees and many would be suitable for older elementary children. Part of the introduction reads: "Loss is the tune of our age, hard to miss and hard to bear. Creatures, places and words disappear, day after day, year on year. But there has always been singing in dark times - and wonder is needed now more than ever." Amen.
What are you working on this January?
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Your shawl turned out beautifully Jane. Very, very nice. I have a couple of shawls that I keep over a rocking chair - easy to grab when I need a bit of warmth on my shoulders. I'm glad to read your book section. I had forgotten about the Book of Lost Spells (and the Lost Word one too) - I'd like to take a look at those.
ReplyDeleteYour lovely shawl makes me want to find some red alpaca and knit one of my own. I love the pattern and will keep it in mind for the future. I hope you wear this one in warmth and good health. I'm glad to read your take on Thursday Murder Club. I've seen it at the library several times and it might be just right for a lighter read. I may have to buy my own copies of the Lost books. They were lovely to look at when I had them from the library and I know I would read them often. Happy Wintering!
ReplyDeleteYour shaw1 is amazing!!!!! WOW. I'm knitting garter. !ots of it. I'm trying to make a cabin shaw1 as it is cabine fever here now! So far so good.
ReplyDeleteThe shawl is beautiful. I have put that book, The Thursday Murder Club on hold at two libraries. Sounds like one I would really like. Glad to hear that your January is going well. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteYour shawl is stunning, Jane! I hope it keeps you cozy all winter long.
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read The Thursday Murder Club for a while, but it seems to be very popular and has a long wait at the library! Luckily I have plenty to read in the meantime. I'm in the middle of Magpie Murders on audio, and it's been a delight.
Your shawl is just perfect, Jane! I love the color and I am nodding at the abundant size... perfect for wrapping up in the winter!
ReplyDeleteI am off to find both of those books! I think they just might be the perfect thing to fill my January days with!
The shawl is so lovely, Jane. The color must be warming just to look at -- before even draping over your shoulders! I read The Thursday Murder Club in December after my sister recommended it. You're right -- it is just a hoot. I'm on the wait list for the second book in the series now. I love The Lost Spells. I love Jackie Morris's watercolors, and find them so inspirational for my own painting. I purchased my own copy of the book for my own library; it's so lovely! OX
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so tired of the cold, too. Sorry to hear about the microwave, I agree, the new appliances don't last nearly as long...I absolutely love the Wool Peddler's Shawl you made!
ReplyDeletegorgeous shawl!!! That stitch definition is crisp and open. You never know about how long an appliance lasts I hope the new one lasts at least 10 years but 19 would be awesome!!
ReplyDeleteLove the finished shawl (the dressform that stands in my study holds a small collection of shawls and a cowl that I wrap around my shoulders in the morning/evening ... it's chilly in here!) and the Ankers Cardigan. Gorgeous colors for both! I'm finishing up one last book before starting Love Medicine. So looking forward to connecting about that book (and others) with you this year!
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