~Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading and I love sharing my projects and current reads here. I would love for you to join me each month and share what you are knitting (or crocheting) and reading too! Post your photo(s) on your blog or on Instagram (#yarnalong) and then share a link below to either your blog or Instagram post!~ (this post contains affiliate links.)
My knitting isn’t much to show this week. I started a new project, a cowl, and then realized that my gauge was way off, so now I am swatching. I avoid swatching when I can (irresponsible knitter), but this is a new yarn to me, and I need to learn how it behaves on my needles.
I finished Middlemarch, ending up mostly listening to the audiobook, and I loved it. Now I’m watching the miniseries. In my last post, I asked people to guess what audiobook I was starting next, with the clue being that it is 60 hours long and a work of classic fiction. Several of you guessed correctly, Les Miserables. You also gave me some good ideas with your other guesses. My son Seth is a fan of Alexander Dumas, and several of you suggested The Count of Monte Cristo, so that is definitely on my list, though it will most likely take me a very long time to finish Les Mis!
My current bedtime read is The Remains of the Day. Have you read it? I’m halfway through, and I definitely look forward to reading it each night. I’ve been trying to squeeze in a bit of reading each morning as well and my morning read is The Return of the Prodigal Son. It’s a good one too!
karen says
I read The Remains of the Day and I don’t think it wowed me. However memories falter. I’m reading One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and this one isn’t grabbing me either. Have you read A Lantern in her Hand? It is a pioneer book I read as a teen and I’m re reading it. You should read it!!
Ginny says
I know I’ve read A Lantern in her Hand, but it must have been a long time ago! I ought to read it to my girls!
Marilyn Phillips says
The Return of the Prodigal Son remains in my top ten favorite books ever. Henri Nouwen was a wonderful man. I get a morning devotional sent via email every day from the Henri Nouwen Society. It’s short, concise, and gives me something to think about all day.
Ginny says
I am going to sign up for that! Thanks for mentioning it.
Kelly says
Hello, Ginny! It’s so good to stop in here and visit. I’m rediscovering old favorite blogs as I’ve been on an IG break for Lent. I started Middlemarch at the beginning of March and now it’s April and I’m still only a little way in. Seriously thinking I need to switch over to an audio version because I’m not making any progress. I have read and really enjoyed Remains of the Day. I didn’t much care for the other Ishiguro I’ve read, but The Remains of the Day is a good one. I, too, have Les Mis on audio and am about 1/2 way through it. I’ve been making my way through it slowly. I’ve lost count, but I’m sure it’s been about 2 years since I started it. Yes, really. But every time I come back to it it sucks me back in and I wonder how/why I dropped it. Well, I suppose he does lose me a bit when he drones on another Napoleonic battle.
I’ve been knitting socks and a mohair Oslo hat and finished a baby sweater and hat set for our newest baby nephew. Baby knits are so quick and satisfying! It makes me a little sad that my own baby is now 6 yrs old.
Ginny says
I really loved the audio version of Middlemarch! The narrator was great!
Shannon says
A fellow irresponsible knitter here! Though I’ll admit, I did a tiny swatch for the socks I’m currently knitting — barely over an inch wide, and less than an inch tall (the pattern only gave a “width” count). I’m not quite sure that even counts… *wink* I am sure your swatching will pay off — it’s nice to just be sure that it’s right before you invest the time.
I remember seeing the movie adaptation of “The Remains of the Day” when I was a teenager — I didn’t enjoy it much at the time, and wonder if the book (and the passage of time) would make it better? Not that I need another book to add to my list right now!
I always look forward to Yarn Along! Thank you so much for sharing, hosting, and inspiring.
Cheers,
Shannon
Ginny says
I think I’ve seen the movie as well, but it must not have made much of an impression on me! I will rewatch it after I finish the book.
Shannon says
The movie stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, two of my favorite actors — I think I was at an age where I expected rather more traditional “happily ever afters.” I think I’ll have to watch it again — though now that I know there’s a book, I’d probably feel guilty watching it first. I’d love to know what you think of the book when you’re done!
Cheers,
Shannon
Mrs. Laura Lane says
Hi! I’m working on Reyna shawl from Ravelry. I’m also reading about 10 books. What was I thinking?
Blessings,
Laura
Ginny says
You should see my bedside table! Such a mess of books-always!
Andrea Wells says
I had no idea that there was a Middlemarch miniseries! I read the book in spring two years ago and loved it. I just looked up your link to the miniseries and I;m so excited!
Andrea Wells says
I highly recommend Anna Karenina on Audible, read by Maggie Gyllenhal. The writing, translation, and HER READING are gorgeous! I started it in a season where I was driving 2 hours plus most days without young kids in the car; that changed and then it did drag on a bit time wise, but it is beautiful.
Ginny says
Okay! I’ll definitely add that to my wishlist. Thanks!
Kathy Dean says
Hi Ginny
Will certainly do as suggested, ‘slow down and savour the small things’. Time to do some reading. Was just wondering if you could assist with a pattern I’m struggling with? About to ‘throw in my needles’!!! It’s a pattern by Feza yarns the Alp natural shawl collar jacket. Busy with the ruffle section which I understand is the lower bodice. From row 7. Would appreciate your help. Kathy Dean
Kristin says
I just finished reading Les Miserables a couple of days ago — took me quite a long time, but I’m so glad I read it! I found the STORY part really enjoyable (as I expected – the musical is one of my favorites), but some of Hugo’s longer tangents are harder to get through. All in all, worth reading though! Enjoy!
Kim says
My husband just read The Prodigal Son and recommends it to everyone he knows!
Emily DeArdo says
I just started swatching and I’m a fan! It’s so fun!
I read Les Miz for the first time many years ago. It’s a book where translation is PARAMOUNT. And remember that no one likes the Waterloo section. :-p
Cheryl | Time To Craft says
I very rarely knit a swatch. I’m definitely a member of the irresponsible knitters club. I’ve heard of the Remains of the Day. Must look it up. Thank you for hosting.