Hi there. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to link up with Kat at As Kat Knits to share my weekly reading and knitting projects. This week I have two Halloweeny books to share and one stalled out cardigan.
Finished Reading This Week:
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
I first learned that there would be a new book in the Practical Magic series from Mary and was thrilled to find that I could request it on Netgalley! Magic Lessons tells the story of Maria Owens, the first of the Owens family to reach the shores of the US and the one who made the original curse on any man who dares to love an Owens woman. I thought this book really picked up steam in the second half. I struggled with the first half, but was saved by the “magic lessons” sprinkled throughout – uses for herbs and tinctures to mend what’s broken. This will be published on October 6th and will be a lovely book for the Halloween season. Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I shared Mexican Gothic in my monthly highlight post yesterday because it was just so good and I had to include it in my list of favorite books in August! Friends, this is dark and gritty. Incredibly atmospheric. Totally engaging and relentless. It’s a bit gross in some places and is definitely Rated R, but if you love gothic tales then you probably won’t mind too much. I love that it’s set in an unexpected place: Mexico! It takes Southern Gothic to a whole new level and it is divine.
Knitting
Look! I finished the body and I’m in love with it. Even though I haven’t woven in the ends, I keep putting it on and snuggling up with it. It’s so cozy! But…
That’s what I’ve been able to finish on the belt and I’m totally stuck. It’s so boring! I’ve only knit about 4 inches of it – just 70 more to go. Argh! I know – I’ll catch a wave and will be able to finish this really quickly once I actually work on it, but I haven’t been excited about this belt at all this week. I haven’t knit a stitch since the weekend. I’m hoping I’ll be able to tap into some internal well of motivation and just hammer this baby out! Because friends, today’s high is forecasted to be in the 60s – the time to bring out all of my wooly things is now.
How has the week been treating you? Do you have any tricks to ensure that you get the more boring bits of crafting projects done, instead of allowing them to linger for years on the backburner?? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
The Cozy Burrow 
Louise Penny has released a new book in the Gamache series. I’m picking it up at the library today, I’m #1 on the wait list!!
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Yay!!! That’s fantastic news! I keep worrying that each new installment of this series will be the last… I keep imagining Gamache dying an awful death. I hope that’s not the case with this newest one… but don’t tell me if it is!! :p
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Your sweater looks fantastic! I’m sure that belt is soul-crushingly boring, but the sweater probably won’t be as cozy without it. Can you listen to a really good audiobook while you knit? Or give yourself a little reward for every increment you get done? If I ever knit this sweater, I’ll be sure to knit the belt first so that I can use getting to the fun colorwork knitting as my carrot on a stick to motivate me!
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Thanks Sarah! Making the belt first is a great idea. I was so relieved that the sleeves were already done, but I wasn’t anticipating such a roadblock with the stupid belt!! :p
I just have to find a groove – I’ll get there! I’m still avoiding my knitting bag like the plague right now, but I’ll get out of my own way soon enough!
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I love your sweater! It looks gorgeous, Katie!! Well done! (and I am sending you all the belt knitting mojo I can find!)
Thanks for your book reviews! I always find new things to add to my list!!
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Thanks, Kat! I could definitely use the mojo 🙂
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I just love your cardigan , and you have so got to get on with the belt so you can wear it out. Choose somewhere really nice for its first outing , set a date, and KNIT! And post a pic for us please.
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Good ideas! I’ll definitely share finished photos! 🙂
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After all that “exciting” and colorful knitting, I can totally see why the belt . . . is boring. 🙂 Hang in there! It will be so worth it in the end.
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EXACTLY! The rest of the sweater was totally engaging and fun to watch grow. The belt is… not. I’ll get there! And I can’t wait to snuggle up in it 🙂
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I’m really looking forward to Magic Lessons (especially after re-reading Practical Magic and Rules of Magic this summer), so glad to hear it’s going to be a satisfying conclusion! I wish I had some encouragement for the 70″ of belt … but just think how terrific you’ll feel when it’s done!
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Thanks Mary. You’re right – I’m going to be so happy snuggling up with the sweater. I’m sort of thinking of just skipping the belt. I’ll block the sweater and just wear it like a cardigan and always keep it as a WIP on Ravelry?? My sweater, my rules??!
I think you’re going to love Magic Lessons, especially since you’re a Practical Magic fan anyway! Like I said, the first half was difficult for me, but the second half had more action!
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I’m starting to see a LOT of beltless cardigans popping up on Ravelry! I was thinking I’d make mine button (so combine the Spice and Spark patterns), but now I’m not so sure … I really like the open front!
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OH boy that is lot of belt knitting. When a project is in the black hole of knitting, I do this. I tell myself I just need to knit an inch or two or whatever I decide – sometimes it is two rows and then I can knit on something else. Often if I get a good start, I am happy to knit on it exclusively. I also use stitch markers as progress keepers, marking where I start knitting at a particular knitting session.
Alice Hoffman writes well. I hear she is also a knitter. Ask Mary.
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That’s great advice, Jane! Now that you’ve reminded me, I often use that strategy, too. I’ll tell myself: just one row a day. Even if I stop there, one row a day adds up much more quickly than NO rows a day!
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