I just finished a great knit: Mamma4earth's Rainbow Horse, and a great book: Adriana Trigiani's The Shoemaker's Wife. I've finished my third horse and have cast on for a fourth, and that's all the endorsement this pattern really needs: a great, easy knit with amazing results. If you want a beautiful story of love, with lots of twists and turns in the journey but nothing really terrible intervening, you'll love The Shoemaker's Wife. I couldn't put it down and the characters have stayed with me since I finished it.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to step into a new project or a new book when the ones you've just finished are whispering to you.
But, I've committed myself to a Peg Doll Swap over at We Bloom Here, and have calculated that I have a week to finish each doll before they need to be mailed. Being one who never does things in half measures, I've decided to create a pair of dolls for each recipient, which constricts my time a bit more! So, I've been busy knitting little peg doll "sweaters" as a base for my creations. Norah spends a lot of time napping in the sling, so I do a lot of walking and knitting, or rocking in the rocking chair and knitting. I'm excited about the winged ideas that are hatching around this creative adventure, and can see how these little peg dolls can become addicting!
I visited our local library to find out if they carried any other Adriana Trigiani books; I've already read "Big Stone Gap" (I highly recommend it), so asked the librarian for another recommendation. I wanted something that tells a great story without too much tragedy. She gave me The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I managed to read a few pages last night, and am curious and captivated by the beginning of this book!
Please stop by Ginny's blog to share your own tales of what you're reading and knitting, and to find links to more recommendations!
Oooooh. I wonder if I'll get to be one of your swap partners. (:
ReplyDeleteI'm still going back and forth in my head about what I want to do for the peg dolls. Right now I can't get my mind off of making Doctor Who pegs for my boys. I think I may have to try and knock that out before my thoughts settle.
Also. I've been dreaming of knitting a pegasus with some of my thick and thin handspun for hair. So many projects and only two hands! Argh! (:
The Night Garden is one of my all time FAVOURITE reads. Beautifully written and a lovely love story. I used to read a chapter and close my eyes and just envision it.
ReplyDeleteI recently finished reading The Night Circus...completely captivating, I loved it! :)
ReplyDeleteThe horse turned out so lovely! I have that pattern. You've inspired me to make one soon.
ReplyDeleteI love Adriana Trigiani's books. I've not read any Erin Morgenstern, I'll have to add it to my queue!
ReplyDeleteI gave The Night Circus to a friend for Christmas and she has yet to lend it to me :) She did say she was enjoying it so I'm glad to hear you like it, too.
ReplyDeleteYour horse is lovely and I think I need to read this book, it sounds wonderful. I know what you mean about the characters in books, I often miss them once the book is finished:)
ReplyDeleteOh I love your horse!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like The Night Circus. I read it a little while ago and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteDear Knitty - try The Dean's Watch by Elizabeth Goudge (Gouge?)- an older book, and a tiny bit slow in the very beginning, but a beautiful, delicious read.
ReplyDeleteThank you, K, for the recommendation! It's something about having a new baby (I'm the same when I'm pregnant): I don't want to read about child abuse, rape, or violence of any sort for that matter...I want to read something that uplifts and inspires! Will seek this one out!
DeleteLoved the Night Circus as well! Nice horse.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much in love with that horse. And know some little ones who would be, well. Must improve my knitting skills quickly! Thank you for the book recommendations ~ adding all to my list! ~ Paula
ReplyDeleteI made one of those horses for my little one too.....yours is adorable!
ReplyDeleteSo I am definitely going to read the Shoemaker's Wife - and Night Circus has been on my list too - can't wait to hear more about how you like it! Love the horse you made! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved Big Stone Gap. I live about 50 miles south of there so the area in the book was very familiar. I will have to try Night Circus. That rainbow horse is delightful.
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