~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.)
On our recent road trip I managed to squeeze in a lot of car knitting. I finished up my Heaven and Space shawl and I need to take photos of it. Since then, I haven’t started a new project, but picked up the Antarktis shawl I started last year. I like to keep a somewhat simple shawl project going all the time, so I have something to work on when I am between projects. Last week, I dyed yarn for a cardigan for Mabel and I am hoping to cast on for that soon.
I feel like I’ve discovered something really useful when it comes to looooong books. I’m 500 pages into Les Miserables, and I’ve probably read half of those pages, and listened to the other half on audiobook. I love this book more than I expected, and it will certainly go down as one of my all time favorites. Have you read it? Did you love it? Even some of my children are into the story because they have heard portions of it in the car and I have given them a synopsis of the story. The combination of listening and reading is particularly useful with this book because there are some lengthy descriptive passages that I wouldn’t be able to stay awake reading at bedtime (the only time I read these days) but I can listen to those in the car. The storyline itself is exciting and moves quickly and when I am in the midst of those passages, I have a hard time putting the book down at night.
Pernille says
I dont think I ever read Les Miserables, but I have seen it as theater a couple of times. I bet there is a lot more to it as a book. Maybe I should find it at the library some day 🙂
Kristin says
I’ve long been a fan of listening to an audiobook and then picking up where I left off with the physical book. I find this is helpful if there are words that I don’t know how to pronounce (or pronunciations that I don’t understand) or if I’ve zoned out while listening. Or if I’m really into a book and I can’t put it down!
Shannon says
Your shawl is absolutely beautiful! That yarn is divine — and looking it up through your Ravelry page, I see that it’s got some of my very favorite fibers. Honestly, Merino, llama, silk, and linen all in the same yarn? I can’t wait to see the finished shawl; it will be stunning.
I’ve never read “Les Miserables,” and your recommendation has really tempted me to try it. I’m not afraid of long books (Dickens is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve read all of his novels), but Victor Hugo just seems to take it to a whole new level! Audiobook + reading sounds like a winning combination.
Cheers,
Shannon
Shannon says
I’m ogling “Meadow” online, and just saw that they have a colorway called “Larkspur!” How apropos!
Jeannine says
Ginny,
PBS, channel 9 in the Midwest is showing a new series of Les Miserables. It isn’t for kids and I would rather read the book, but I decided to watch it. This week will be the fourth episode but sometimes you can see episodes on line too. It’s really good.
Emily DeArdo says
I did enjoy the book, except for Hugo’s….digressions. 😛
Cheryl | Time To Craft says
I’m having trouble linking up too.
I like the idea of coupling the book with the audio book. Keep the momentum up, if nothing else. I remember reading long books as a teen when I could spend days of the summer holidays doing not a lot else. Oh for that luxury now.
Ginny says
Hi Cheryl!
I emailed InLinkz and they are having trouble on their end, but are working to resolve it, so hopefully you can link up soon! I remember those days as well…long gone!!!
Cheryl Wright says
I don’t do Instagram and do not have a blog (yet), so i cannot post knitting photos. I love your photos and agree we need to savor the small things in life alongside the magnificent. Currently experiencing knitters block, so i pulled out a sampler i started years ago. Perhaps the ebb and flow of embroidery will fulfill the creative niche. Currently reading A Knitter’s Home Companion by Michelle Edwards.
Martha says
I’m also having trouble linking up! 🙁 I have plans to knit another Antarctic shawl soon, too. It is maybe the fourth or fifth time I’ve knit it, it truly is such a relaxing simple knit with such a pretty outcome! I’ve never read Les Mis, I think I’ve been intimidated by its length but you have piqued my interest. 😉
martha says
*Antarktis
Ginny says
Martha, I bet you’d love Les Miserables! It takes a little while for the story to really start, so the audiobook really helped with that part. InLinkz is having some sort of issue, but they are working to resolve it!
Eileen says
Not sure what is wrong, but I couldn’t link up with YARN ALONG! It most likely is on my end, having lots of computer problems, Im typing this on an ancient computer. Love that pattern, Antarktis shawl, I have made 3 thus far and will make one more. Your puppy is sooo cute! Have a great week!
Ginny says
Hi Eileen! I emailed InLinkz and they are having issues on their end, but are working on fixing it!
Eileen says
Thanks Ginny, it’s working today!
Maggie says
I’m working on a shawl too, but to me, shawls feel like big projects that have to be finished first before I can start anything else. Maybe I’ll try your approach with the next one. I do like the idea of always having a shawl to work on.
I never read Les Miserables, but maybe I should. I have a long list of classics I feel I should have read by now.
Ginny says
I also have a long list of classics I wish I had read by now!