Words and Wool

I didn't think I'd been up to much knitting to speak of other than a few rows on my Balleyshannon, but I guess that's because other things have been filling my hands, like these valentine flowers for Wildwood:

And some costume sewing for Rachel's school:

 And finishing up another tea cozy. (Doesn't it actually look like a "Blackberry Bramble" tea cozy?!)

Knitting Club was here on Monday. I love having the living room full of young women and girls and some of their mothers knitting or crocheting away and sharing their lives with one another. Precious! And we had a little valentine party too -- that will have to wait for a Tea Trolley post.

One of my knitting students is working on this gorgeous blanket!!!! I couldn't believe how amazing it is.

I think I've made one valentine so far....but I love the idea of combining plaid wool with cardstock and pen.

And now I'm "back to work" sewing flowers during some of school.

As for books:


Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown is for your life what "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" is for your closet. The sub-title describes it all. This book is about learning the discipline of pursuing less and thereby concentrating on what is most important in your life. I thought the book was well written and quite helpful. Thanks to my friend, Amy, for recommending it.

Novel Interiors: Living in Enchanted Rooms Inspired by Literature  by Lisa Giramonti has been finished, sigh, and will now be making the rounds of those on the list to borrow it. I really enjoyed this book. Designed around various genres of fiction and the type of decorating described in those books, it was a treat to combine my love of home with my love of reading. Thanks to my friend, Brenda, for introducing me to this book!

What is a Family? by Edith Schaeffer turned out to be a real favorite of mine. I know it was written 40 years ago (yikes! what a cover!!) but the description of what a family is and what family life can look like doesn't age. Schaeffer covers topics such as "A Family is a ...... changing art form; an environment for growing human beings; a formation center for human relationships; a place to develop creativity; a perpetual relay of truth; and a museum of memories. Definitely recommend this.

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline: An Enola Holmes Mystery by Nancy Springer was eagerly devoured by all! I think we are on to a new author! This mystery was set in Victorian London and involves Enola Holmes (Sherlock Holme's "sister"), girl detective. This story also involves Florence Nightingale and so was particularly suited to what we are studying in history. Next we are going to try "The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan."

The Good Master (Puffin Newbery Library) by Kate Seredy is another really good book! The kids are so eager to read the sequel but I am making them wait a few weeks. Set in Hungary about 100 years ago the story tells about the life of Jancsi and Kate, two youngsters growing up on a rural farm. It includes quite a bit of Hungarian folklore and cultural tradition.

Tales from the End Cottage (Puffin Books) by Eileen Bell was finally finished with David this week. We both LOVED this book and we now have the sequel to begin as soon as possible. British, turn of the 19th century, rural, with adorable scenes from inside and outside the last cottage on the lane. The story is pretty much told from the dogs and cats point of view and it is so well done that it is very endearing. Highly recommend this!

I think that's all for now! It's time for the kids to watch the weekly installment of the Great British Bake Off (available online at pbs).

For more ideas on knitting and reading, visit Ginny's Yarn Along.

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