Yarn Along


My mitt pattern changed in one week, I'm now knitting the Optimistic Mitts.  I loved the Jo March Mitts but I wasn't getting gauge and I didn't want to knit with worsted weight on size 3 needles, it would be too rough on my hands.  I've notice that the tighter the gauge the more flare up on my joints.  So I switched and am quite pleased with my choice.  It's easy, fun and quick.  One mitt is done and the other one is almost half way.  I will knit up the March mitts one day with skinnier yarn.  Oh and if you haven't seen it yet, I finished my garden shawl.  I promise you, I'll be knitting that pattern again :)

We went to the library the other day and I scooped up a few books that I've leisurely flipped through.  I was in the mood for some poetry and simple cooking.  The word simple had me-I've heard about this cookbook and I might have to own it.  I am still slogging, yes slogging through The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner.  So far I'm hesitant to give an opinion-the characters are believable and interesting but the writing style is a challenge.

What are you knitting and reading this week?

Joining Ginny

Comments

  1. Tracey ~ CloverJuly 10, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    I love the Art of Simply Food and think it should be in every kitchen. Alice Waters is fantastic!

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  2. stephJuly 10, 2013 at 8:02 AM

    Art of Simple Food is one of my favorites, too! I lucked out and got it at a library book sale years ago. I'm also looking for a fun travel book......guess it won't be Sound and the Fury!!! :)

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  3. *kateJuly 10, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    I'll have to check for Art of Simple Food - we're very simple food people, to the point of being very dull.

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  4. UnknownJuly 10, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    I love Art of Simple Food! I've taken it out of the library so many times! I should put it on my Christmas list :-) I love the new mitts. I drive my husband nuts when I take out a project that just isn't right "But you did all that WORK on it already." Yes, but if I'm not going to love & use the finished project what's the point?

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  5. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    That's too bad about the Jo March mitts; I love that pattern! I'm sure these ones will be gorgeous, too. :)

    I love The Art of Simple Food; my sister gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago & it is one of the books I refer to most often in my kitchen.

    I need to start knitting and reading again...it's been such a hectic few weeks (months?) here; everything has fallen by the wayside. I have to find my rhythm again... xo

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  6. HannahJuly 10, 2013 at 9:03 AM

    Your garden shawl is beautiful!

    My mitts last week had a tight gauge and made my wrists ache so I understand the need to change.

    Interesting stack of books - I have the Alice Waters one but it wasn't as popular with me as it has been with others.

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  7. CordeliaJuly 10, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    I just wanted to chime in and say I love that cookbook.
    And Alice Waters has a great book out that is the story of her opening her restaurant....forgetting the name...but if you are interested, I will find it.

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  8. DonnaJuly 10, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    I have the same issue - the tighter the gauge the more my hands seem to get sore. Oh this old age....

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  9. flyingjenJuly 10, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    After reading the comments and that so many people love that cookbook, I'm going to have to check it out from the library to see what it is all about!

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  10. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    I like making mittens but I've never made them with little needles! Maybe that's why the wind and cold goes through them? LOL

    Lovely project.

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  11. Shirley-AnnJuly 10, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    I love your garden shawl Karen! So pretty. Well done for getting a jump start on mitt knitting! Each time I walk past my mitten basket near the front door I think that I need to carve out some time to sort through, throw out and add to it - and do so before the cold weather arrives! I know summer has just started, but before you know it autumn will be upon us ;o)

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  12. HeatherJuly 10, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    I have read through the cookbook before, but not for a long time! Perhaps it is time to check it out of the library again :-)

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  13. LindaJuly 10, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    The Art of Simple food sounds wonderful, I will see if I can get hold of a copy.
    Sorry about your first mitts but I bet these ones will be lovely.
    I am knitting a huge cat for Erin right now and between books at the moment.
    :)

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  14. elizabethJuly 10, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Good idea to switch to a new pattern! had not heard of that cookbook...hmmmmm... :)

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  15. margeneJuly 10, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    Is that Mary Oliver I see? She's my favorite poet.

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  16. SylviaJuly 10, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Love the color of your mitts! Sometimes we have to change plans in midstream.

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  17. elnsJuly 10, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    You are making tracks in the knitting and reading department! The Art of Simple Food is right up my alley. I'll have to fire up the old library card and peruse with the family. Can't wait to see what you work out of it.

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  18. AmandaJuly 10, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Lovely yarn. I'm so bored of the same old food I don't even have the energy to look at a cookbook! Be sure to let us know what you find in it that you like. You may inspire me to give it a go! Thanks for sharing.

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  19. ErinJuly 10, 2013 at 2:56 PM

    Looks like great books and knitting!

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  20. LeslieJuly 10, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Always better to knit what feels good, don't waste precious knitting time.

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  21. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013 at 3:44 PM

    Simple cooking is what I need at the moment. I have no umph to be in the kitchen much these days!

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  22. CorrabelleJuly 10, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    I love those mittens!! I've been looking for a fingerless pattern but haven't found one I really liked very much-but those are adorable!
    I'm going to have to check out that cookbook, sounds inviting :)

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  23. AndriaJuly 10, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    I love your mitts! Sounds like you've got some interesting reading there.

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  24. DebbieJuly 10, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    I've just read Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. I've not read any of her poetry yet though, I'll have to look at the library. The Art of Simple Food sounds like something I'd like to read too. Not much knitting going on here, just a dishcloth!

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  25. Kim July 10, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Lovely yarn and your books look interesting, have to check out the art of simple food...thanks!

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  26. MisteaJuly 10, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Nice mitts on your needles. Lovely colour for winter.

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  27. RosemaryJuly 11, 2013 at 10:12 AM

    I always have to go down needle sizes too ... which is weird because I used to think I was a tight knitter. I guess not! (Or maybe I've just loosened up as time passes. :) )

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  28. ShannonJuly 11, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    Faulkner is hard. Worthwhile, always, but hard. I picked up a copy of Absolom, Absolom! the other day and feel daunted.

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  29. KrugthethinkerJuly 11, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    Pretty! I was making some fingerless gloves for my friend, but I got a bit hung up on the pattern. There is a local knitting store where I think they could help me, but it would be much better if I could just spend an afternoon with you! I am sure you could help me sort it out! In the meantime, good for you for adapting as you needed to. I have to be careful of my hands too, and I think I knit tightly as a rule--have to keep checking gauge and loosening stitches!

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