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knitting and reading – yarn along

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It is the first yarn along of the New Year, and I am
determined to participate in it this week! 
Knitting and reading are two of my favorite things, and they kind of
fell off the radar last year.  I was
still reading books, but I wasn’t talking about them here very often.  I did not knit nearly as much as I had hoped,
and I really want to change that for this year.
In fact, my knitting has kind of fallen off over the past
two years.  I think that part of that is because
of my littlest one, since she is two and so it makes sense!  It isn’t that I haven’t wanted to knit, it is
that I don’t seem to be able to sit – literally sit – in order to knit.
The last yarn along I participated in was way back at the beginning
of November.  I had started a hat for
Lucy – the same hat I am working on today! 
These hats used to take me a day or two to make, now, clearly they take much
longer.

knitting and reading yarn along

I would be remiss to mention that I have actually knit this
hat 4 times since I started it due to my little Lucy deciding that she loves to
use my double pointed needles for other purposes than staying in the stitches
for her hat.  Perhaps she doesn’t want a
hat?!  I have learned that I must keep my
knitting very very high up, and away from anything that might possibly be
climbed in order to reach said knitting.
I think that we will be finished soon though, which is
perfect because she has taken Jack’s hat as her own, and gets very upset when
he wants to wear it outside instead of her. 
Not that we are lacking in the knit hat department, but she knows this
is going to be for her, and I think she is happy about it. 
As far as reading goes, I am continuing with my yearly goal
of reading 100 books (although, since 2013 I think I have only succeeded in
that goal one time).  I have finished my
first book of the year – Grace Not Perfection by Emily
Ley.  She makes the simplified planner and also a range of beautiful notebooks as well as other fun paper products.
I love these types of books, especially right at the
beginning of a New Year.  They usually
give me a fresh perspective, and help me to move towards the balance that I
crave.

knitting and reading yarn along

Unfortunately, I didn’t really like this book.  Perhaps my expectations were too high after
reading books like Make it Happen, Own
Your Life,
and The Best Yes over
the past couple of years.  I thought that
it was a good book, and it was a nice story about how she built her company,
but she talked a lot about not comparing yourself to others and the “perfect”
life people depict on Instagram while putting a lot of “perfect” life photos
throughout the book.  It was a nice read,
but maybe I have read too many of these “self-help” type books for me to really
be engaged in the topic now?  I’m not
sure.  It wasn’t my cup of tea, but there
have been a ton of rave reviews for it – which is why I picked it up to read in
the first place!
I am very slowly (very slowly) reading Leadership Education.  It is
a book that I want to sit down and read completely through, but I need to
ruminate on the words and ideas, and I haven’t had as much time to do that
lately as I would like.
Also, I have been reading a lot of New Year’s Eve reflections,
and ideas and goals about the coming year, which is always fun for me.  I think partly because I love sharing them so
much, so it is enjoyable to see what everyone else comes up with.
My hope is that I can share something new each week in the
yarn along this year, it is a practice that I miss dearly, especially since I
have connected with so many of you over the years!  I am looking forward to seeing what everyone
else is doing for this first yarn along of the New Year!

What are you knitting
and reading this week?  

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  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
  • not knitting but a lot of readingnot knitting but a lot of reading
  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
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Comments

  1. Adaleta says

    January 8, 2017 at 1:05 am

    100 books a year is so ambitious for me, I don't think I could read that many given HOW MUCH I do online and how much I read blogs. That's amazing though, since reading is one of the best pasttimes and I used to read an insane amount of books! xx Adaleta Avdic

    Reply
  2. Vaishnavi Krishnamachari says

    January 7, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    Wow, awesome activities that go along so well. I've done knitting long ago and throughly enjoyed it. It's been a while, though. This is a great reminder to me, to relive the joy 🙂

    Reply
  3. Katya Bychkova says

    January 7, 2017 at 2:24 am

    I love knitting too! Especially during the cold season! However I can't concentrate on reading while knitting…. all I'm able to accomplish is to listen to a podcast or audiobook…

    http://stylesprinter.com

    Reply
  4. Becca Wilson says

    January 7, 2017 at 12:15 am

    I would love to learn how to knit one day! I never really took the time out to learn and I know that my girls would love it if I made them some stuff.

    Reply
  5. Karen Sue says

    January 6, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Cute hat! I've sort of taken a break from the knitting because my hands were bothering me, but hoping that is over for awhile. I looked at that book – maybe glad I passed it. The best YES is on my pile. Keep talking about the leadership book. I'd like to hear more.

    Reply
  6. Tough Cookie Mommy says

    January 6, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    I've always wanted to learn how to knit but I can never seem to get it right. My mother has been knitting for years and even she hasn't had any luck teaching me.

    Reply
  7. Amanda Love says

    January 6, 2017 at 7:03 am

    Knitting is very therapeutic, it's a great way to relieve stress and unwind especially if you're been under a lot of pressure lately. I think it's awesome to be able to just knit and make different accessories for your loved ones.

    Reply
  8. Michelle says

    January 6, 2017 at 5:09 am

    Naps are a knitter's best friend. So (depending on your kids) are trips to the playground.

    Reply
  9. Reesa Lewandowski says

    January 6, 2017 at 3:11 am

    What a cute hat! I have always wanted to learn how to knit. I have tried a few times with no luck.

    Reply
  10. Kristin and Megan says

    January 5, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    Awww that hat looks like it's going to be so cute! You've inspired me…I really want to learn how to knit in the new year!

    Reply
  11. Rachel Catherine says

    January 5, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    I've tried to knot several times and I always get bored because I'm so slow at it. I hate when I don't like a book. I always feel like I've wasted my time.

    Reply
  12. Jeannie Gray Knits says

    January 5, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    It can certainly be tricky to find time to knit with young children around, not to mention how tricky it is to keep your projects safe from prying, sticky fingers. 🙂 Keep knitting though – your daughter will be adorable in her new hat!

    Reply
  13. Debra Schroeder says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    OMG, your daughter looks adorable in her hat. I love knitting, it's so relaxing. But I haven't done it in a long time – just no time. I might have to pull my needles and yarn out.

    Reply
  14. deborah says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    I think sometimes some books really resonate and other times, they just….don't. 🙂

    Or they resonate differently with different people.
    {Can I make a small complaint? I'm a little over the rant against "perfect" IG pictures. I get it, but I love beauty so for me, I love the beautiful IG pictures.} 🙂 So there you have it. Plus, it does me no good to compare either way…by feeling like I fall short or by feeling like I do better than someone else. {Ok…my two cents!} 😉

    Here's to a year of reading and knitting for you…and two-year-old antics!

    Reply
  15. Taylor Mobley says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    I can crochet but not knit!!! I have always wanted to learn but every time I try I fail miserably!

    Reply
  16. Joanna Brittain says

    January 5, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I would love to learn how to knit. I just don't have the patience. Super cute hat!

    Reply
  17. steph says

    January 5, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    so glad to see you back in this yarnalong space….the hat is adorable!!! You may have a budding knitting pal, she's so attracted to your needles!!!!

    Reply
  18. Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:46 pm

    That hat on Lucy is too cute!!!!

    Reply
  19. silvsbeautifullife says

    January 5, 2017 at 5:08 am

    Omg how cute is she! I don't know how to knit but everyone who does it looks so nice!

    Reply
  20. Jana Bailey says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:41 am

    I have been learning how to crochet lately but I don't know how to knit. But I think it looks just as fun – What a cute hat too!

    Reply
  21. Allison says

    January 5, 2017 at 2:28 am

    I have always wanted to learn knitting! It's something that my grandmother did and I was always intrigued by it-you make me want to learn now!

    Reply
  22. Krystal // The Krystal Diaries says

    January 5, 2017 at 2:03 am

    I don't knit but I do like to read. I'm hoping to have some more time to read this year than I did last year.

    Reply
  23. Terri Steffes says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:59 am

    I want to learn to knit. My friend is offering an e course on learning to knit. I need to sign up but I just don't have time.

    Reply
  24. Cynthia @craftoflaughter says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:52 am

    OMG, I need to get my needles out! My daughter gifted me some handspun yarn and it would make the perfect hat!

    Reply
  25. Kecia says

    January 5, 2017 at 1:45 am

    I don't know how to knit, but I do love to read! I just finished the latest Harry Potter book this week. I hope to read 25 books in 2017!

    Reply
  26. Amanda Farmer says

    January 5, 2017 at 12:18 am

    I learned to do some tapestry crochet this past year and seem to stay pretty busy selling tapestry afghans… especially for team blankets. Working on a Green Bay blanket now.
    I like you idea of sharing about your knitting and reading together. I've been tempted to do the same but my reading has been sporatic. Maybe it would challenge to get reading. 🙂

    Reply
  27. Amanda Farmer says

    January 5, 2017 at 12:18 am

    I learned to do some tapestry crochet this past year and seem to stay pretty busy selling tapestry afghans… especially for team blankets. Working on a Green Bay blanket now.
    I like you idea of sharing about your knitting and reading together. I've been tempted to do the same but my reading has been sporatic. Maybe it would challenge to get reading. 🙂

    Reply
  28. katriza says

    January 4, 2017 at 11:58 pm

    I want to try something new this year and maybe I should take up knitting!

    Reply
  29. Theresa's Reviews says

    January 4, 2017 at 11:32 pm

    I used to enjoy knitting, but I never find the time anymore. Her hat looks so adorable!

    Reply
  30. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    January 4, 2017 at 11:13 pm

    She's so cute! 🙂 I'm trying for 100 books this year too.

    Reply
  31. Brandi Puga says

    January 4, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    I am a novice crochet'er…but i REALLY want to learn how to knit! I love the not quite done hat on your baby! so adorable!

    Reply
  32. Angela Tolsma says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    I love the little hat! Hope you get to complete it soon. I usually make the 100 books a year challenge, but I was so low last year that I've dropped it to 75! I hope though that you reach it because that's simply amazing!

    Reply
  33. Belle Bermudez-Tubel says

    January 4, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    What a cute beanie! I love how it turned out! I've always wanted to learn how to knit but I just don't have the time. 🙁

    Belle | One Awesome Momma

    Reply
  34. Megan McCoig says

    January 4, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    I used to love knitting, but when I was a lot younger. Now I've completely forgot how todo it which is a shame because I would love to make things now!

    Reply
  35. Lindsey Paris says

    January 4, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    OH my goodness, the photo with the needles still in the hat is WONDERFUL. What a way to smile through the afternoon! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Mistee Dawn says

    January 4, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    Unfortunately, I do not know how to knit, but as far as reading goes… I am reading The Gender Games series by Bella Forrest.

    Reply

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