yarnalong...

Two of the (too many) books I bought on my recent bookshop crawl around Cape Cod....and both are winners.  I read Dinner with Edward in a single sitting.  The subtitle: A Story of an Unexpected Friendship...pretty much sums up this memoir that leaves you hoping that such a friendship someday comes your way.  Edward is a ninety year old who has just lost his wife; Isabel is in her middle years, facing the demise of her marriage.  Thinking she is helping Edward's daughter, who lives far from her dad--Isabel agrees to check in on the aging, grieving gentleman.  

The food descriptions are inspiring, but the friendship that develops between these two is energizing.  

on the book jacket: 'a book about love and nourishment, and about how dinner with a friend can, in the words of M. F. K. Fisher, sustain us against the hungers of the world.'  I can't recommend this one enough!!

The next book:  Counting by 7s is a YA book about an adopted 12 year old 'genius' who is suddenly orphaned again when her parents die in a car crash.  Another story of unlikely friendships (so far...this one I haven't finished yet); well written.  I'm liking this one, too!

 

One Skyp sock is finished, using some of the Chatham souvenir yarn.  

The yarn is a bit busy, but if you look closely at the flap heel you can see that the flap begins and ends with three garter stitches.  This results in garter bumps to pick up along the edges for the gusset instead of the usual slipped stitches. I really, really like the neat, slightly decorative look and will be using this one again.  (Saw this on Nicole's the gentle knitter podcast).

I'm in no rush to finish a pair, so this one is going in the single sock pile---and it is now a pile, because three makes a pile, right?  I've wanted to try 'the vanilla is the new black' heel, too.  I guess that mean the pile will continue to grow...into a heap? 

 

 Freddy and I decided it was time for another shawl when I came across Meridian.  A lovely, simple garter shawl that would make a perfect travel project (where were you two weeks ago?) and an even better knit-while-you-read project. I even had some yarn in the stash, although someone (not mentioning any names) ate the ball bands. I'm pretty sure the larger skein is Lydia sock and the smaller one Koigu.

We're both anxious to start this one!

(Note:  the pattern has no teeth marks yet or crinkled edges.  It's way too early in the game!!)

Comments

[Andrea @ This Knitted Life]

I also prefer the three garter stitches in a sock heal. Great minds think alike. Have you read the Elena Ferrante Neapolitan novels yet?

[Caffeine Girl]

Well, I was thinking of casting on an Antarktis, but then you pointed out Meridian. Now I just don't know what to do! I do need to stash-bust, so Meridian is tempting.

I don't have second-sock syndrome, but I always have a ridiculous number of socks OTN, which is just as crazy!

[AsKatKnits]

Oooh! I love the yarn choices you made for Meridian! And, as usual, your photos are beautiful!

[steph@woolythyme]

you've mentioned these before....i guess i need to at least try one, right???!

[Jacqueline Webb]

Wow the colours of that yarn look fabulous and I hopped over to look at the shawl. They will look great on the Meridian. Give Freddy a chance you've not been home long it takes a little while to summon up the energy to nibble patterns. Keep knitting on the shawl would love to see it finished.

[steph@woolythyme]

he actually doesn't need much encouragement!!!  :)

[Lisa]

Ooooo! Pretty sock! I am just starting my first ever pair of socks, so I'm all about sock patterns at the moment. :) And, seriously, but...your puppy!!! <3

[Elizabeth]

I found the book _Dinner with Edward_ to be fascinating. I am still meaning to finish a blog post about it! lovely knitting as always!

[Amanda Dymacek]

So glad your book selections have come good. Your shawl is going to be beautiful. I just LOVE those colors. I have some hand-me0down tweedy sock yarn that I'm not sure of the yardage... I wonder if it would be a good accent for the meridian shawl... :)

And I love the garter on your heel. I have always used the short row method (you know, on all three socks I've ever knit) and it seems much more common sense to actually give yourself something to pick on when knitting a flap. Thanks for sharing!

[Zeta]

Interesting heel flap....
My go-to heel is by using the shadow-wraps short rows because I don't like picking up stitches but if there are "bumps",I trust you saying that it's easier.
Freddy is so cute! How do you keep your hands off him? I wouldn't be knitting at all!

[Jane]

I love both Skyp sock patterns. And the yarn colors for the new shawl are so pretty. Yes garter stitch. I am going to add this shawl to my favorites.

[Juliann]

I started the Edward book but had to return to the library - I am going to put it in hold again!

[Dee]

Dinner with Edward went right on to my TBRead list.

[Lisa]

Oh my, your shawl is going to be gorgeous, Steph! Love the colors you picked. :) Glad your new books are winners! xo

[Caroline]

I love your colour choice for the shawl! And that Freddy, I just want to squeeze him!!

[karen]

counting by 7s is a FANTASTIC book (yep that's me yelling..) I love the new shawl to be, very pretty and very you :) I'll keep my eye out for the other book!

[ellen]

That blue sock yarn is really fantastic. Seems cool and refreshing just looking at it. I love how Freddy looks like he's about to fall asleep right on top of that shawl project! hehe.

[Mary Lou]

I do those garter edges when the mood takes me - just have to remember to do them on the second sock, right? Dinner with Edward sounds worth checking out.

[Wendi]

Love the colors you have chosen for Meridan. I love shawls. I just wish I was better about actually WEARING them.