A few years ago I got back into reading, and I mean really back into it! There’s been a small handful of days since 2021 that I haven’t picked up a book. My kindle streak is over 900 days, and I’ve read some of my all-time favorite books in the past year or so. I fell off the voracious reader wagon sometime around college, when I was an English major and had to read “The Classics,” pick them apart, and write endless papers about them in order to graduate. That sucked a lot of the fun out of reading for me, but I’m back with a vengeance now and I pretty much only read things that will be entertaining, interesting, or useful in my life. That means no more Shakespeare and a lot more dragons!
Since I got back into reading, I’ve also picked up my knitting needles again. Last year at Christmas time I made a few handmade items for gifts, and I haven’t stopped since! I’m not an expert knitter by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ve really grown my skill set and have made quite a few knitted objects that I’m very proud of! Let’s get into the recap, shall we?
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry and Milena Beanie by Karina Szocs
People We Meet on Vacation was such a cute book, it was a typical romance novel but I really appreciate Emily Henry’s quippy dialogue and dynamic characters. I had this on my TBR (to be read) list for quite some time, and I’m glad I finally reached for it! I’ll definitely be picking up her other books, especially since I’ve heard some of those are even better!
The Milena Beanie was the first project I ever test knit, and it was such a joy to create! I chose a fun bright green yarn and it was the perfect pairing to the fun summery book I was also reading at the time. The beanie is knitted in broken rib stitch, and even though this was my first time working in broken rib, it turned out beautifully! I will definitely make this beanie again, and if you’re ever looking for a beanie with a beautiful intricate texture, I highly recommend this pattern!
yarn: Sandnes Garn Sunday and Tynn Silk Mohair in Sunny Lime
Slewfoot by Brom and Rebel Soul Beanie by Veronika Lindberg
I read Slewfoot around Halloween and it was great fun. I’ve truly never read another book like it! Abitha’s story was very compelling and even though the book took quite a gory turn, the reader ends up saying “good for her” by the end of it all. If you like magic mixed with a little bit of bizarre horror, this is the book for you!
The Rebel Soul Beanie is the ideal simple and quick beanie. I’ve knitted it quite a few times now, it is very versatile and ends up looking very professional! It has a double folded brim, a lovely squishy texture, and I can bang one out in less than a week. It’s a joy to knit, and my go-to for a gift knit that will make nearly anyone happy!
yarn: Knitting for Olive Merino in Deep Petroleum Blue
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe and Rebel Soul Beanie by Veronika Lindberg
This book was one of my favorites of the year! We get Margo’s story in both first and third person perspective throughout the story, and I find that choice by the author to be one of the main reasons this book stands out. This is certainly a unique story, and I loved reading such a nuanced take on quite a few controversial topics throughout the book. Something to look forward to: this novel has already been chosen to be adapted for the screen! I can’t wait to watch 🙂
My second Rebel Soul Beanie this season in a fun lilac yarn!
yarn: Rowan Soft Alpaca DK in Enchanted and Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair in Artichoke Purple
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See and Rebel Soul Beanie by Veronika Lindberg
I didn’t expect to like Lady Tan’s Circle of Women as much as I did! It’s a fairly dense historical fiction story based on the life of a real woman practicing medicine in 15th century China. I listened to the audio version, both the author and the narrator are beautiful storytellers! I found myself captivated by the history, the strength and resilience of the characters, and by the sheer amount of research it must have taken to write this book! I would highly recommend this novel, especially the audiobook!
My third Rebel Soul Beanie is a holiday gift for my friend Tianna, who loves all things pink!
yarn: Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino in Terracotta Rose and Soft Silk Mohair in Flamingo
What are you reading and/or making lately?
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