~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.)
I didn’t plan to skip the Yarn Along for two months, but in December I was working on gifts that I couldn’t share about yet. The first Wednesday of January fell on New Years Day and I was in holiday mode (I bet you were too) so I didn’t post then either. I’m glad to be back today to talk about yarn and books! Over the past couple of months, I knit a couple of hats but didn’t take photos of either one. Both were needed and both went straight to the heads of the recipients when I finished. My knitting pace right now is quite slow, so it’s nice to knit small items that I can finish relatively quickly. I was missing knitting shawls though, so I cast on for one a couple of weeks ago. The pattern is called Shaelyn, and it’s nice because it alternates a simple lace pattern with sections of stockinette.
I’m pretty excited about the book I’m reading. You might recognize the author, Emily DeArdo, because she has been joining our Yarn Along for many years. I also met her at the Edel gathering in 2015 and she is the sweetest soul. Emily was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was eleven years old and had a double lung transplant as a young adult. In her book, Living Memento Mori she shares her journey and invites us all to join her. Her story is written around the spiritual practices of memento mori and The Stations of the Cross and gives us much to meditate on while remaining wholly relatable. I’ve been so looking forward to holding this book in my hand (pre-ordered well in advance), and now that I have it, I’m trying to take it slowly. Were I not so eager to read it, I would save it for Lent. If you’re looking for a Lenten read, Living Memento Mori would be perfect. Thank you, Emily for sharing your story with all of us!
Emily DeArdo says
Oh well, shucks, Ginny! 🙂 Thank you! 🙂
Kate says
I knit your Hackberry hat pattern while I recovering from the flu. It was easy to knit and I like the simple “hackberry” texture. Do you know of a simple shawl pattern that wraps around the front and ties in the back? I’ve knit a few shawls but rarely wear them because the ends get in the way of daily activities.
Jules says
May I suggest the Danish Tie Wrap Shawl? I absolutely love it and it has the wrap around ties to prevent slipping off the shoulders, and freeing up both hands.
xo Jules