Wednesday 22 July 2015

"...this is what a man says, but this is what he means..."





Look what I'm reading. Harper Lee's second novel Go Set A Watchman. It came in the post for me yesterday. An awesome surprise from Ahmad.  To Kill a mocking bird is a favourite. I've been waiting years for a sequel. I haven't read any reviews, but every time the radio or tv was on, there were whispers about how we wouldn't love the Atticus of this second novel in the same way that we'd loved the old one. I don't know yet, I've only just begun to read it. It has a lot to live up to but I'll let you know how I get on. I have big hopes...

Last week I picked up The Museum of Innocence. I'd heard about the concept of the book and loved the premise. As a conceptual artist I appreciate the idea of the museum that the author has curated to accompany the book.  An assemblage of found objects, a performance. That's what first enticed me to read. I was really looking forward to starting it. I have tried to get into the story but I couldn't like the main character. Maybe I haven't really given him a chance. I felt that he was extremely self indulgent. I couldn't forgive his selfish behaviour and wanted to find a reason to forgive him. Maybe there is one but I had to put it down and I don't want to pick it up again...Perhaps that's just because there's a more tempting read waiting for me. 

I finished the little cotton bag that I was knitting for Hannah. After a bumpy start I soon loved making this. It was fun to watch the flower grow as I worked the rows. Each side of the bag is knitting from the centre in the round, increasing as you work the lace pattern on alternate rows. The chart is easy to follow and you only have to do one repeat of the pattern for each side. 

I was really happy with how the pattern turned out but I rushed the cast off, working a little too tightly...despite the fact that the instructions do suggest binding off loosely and even using a larger needle. The two finished panels weren't completely square. Two sides were curved. If I'd had time I would have just re-knitted them but it was for a birthday gift and I had a deadline so I straightened the sides when stitching them together, losing a little of the sides. So once I had completed the crocheted edging on the bottom it looked a more oblong than it should decided to stitch along the bottom to hide the cast off. 

This is a really nice project to work and could easily be made in a day if you happened to have a spare one. I'm sure that I'll be making more. 

On my needles now? I've returned to the the lopi sweater for Ahmad it will only take a little push to finish, and I'm trying to download this to knit for a cute little baby called Noah...but it's seems that the website doesn't like my computer...I'll keep trying...

meanwile I've been admiring these nice needles at a gorgeous shop

Joining with Ginny and Frontier Dreams

Ravelry: bag for hannah and lopi cobblestone pullover

14 comments:

  1. your husband is so thoughtful! I can't wait to hear what you think about the book. Lovely bag for hannah and I adore the fabric you picked to line it!!

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    1. I am lucky...it was a real surprise. I'd pre-ordered a copy for Hannah as an extra gift as it was due for release the day before her birthday. I was just going to wait to borrow hers once she'd read it. Ahmad knew how much I wanted it...it was sweet of him.

      Thanks for the compliments for the bag.Especially as it was really rushed. I planned to finish it the weekend before her birthday but she came home unexpectedly so I couldn't do it whilst she was around. I found a lovely fabric shop and the lining was a £1 remnant from a bargain basket.

      Thinking about the wedding this weekend. I bet it will be amazing.
      dx

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  2. I've heard so much about Go Set A Watchman that I'm afraid I would be disappointed in it. Love Atticus, so I'm not sure I want to ruin it for me. Your little bag is so cute! Love the choice of fabric for the lining. Looks very summery. I'll take your word for it, that it only takes a day. The little kittens look like a fun project too. Have a happy weekend!

    Hugs
    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane, It's the quote above that will keep me reading. It sounds very insightful. I'm hoping to learn something from the novel. I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks for the nice comments about the bag. It was really fun to make.
      Hope yours is good too.
      debx


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  3. The bag came out so pretty Debby and you can't tell at all that you bound off too tightly. I have had the yarn to knit this exact pattern, but I just never have.
    I hope you post when you finish reading the book, I am on the fence about reading it.

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    1. Thanks Tracey. It is fun to do...especially now that I know where I went wrong, I'd like to make at least another one.
      I'll definitely let you know what I think after reading it.
      Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
      debx
      ps...love the hair.
      dx

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  4. The bag is beautiful. And the fabric you lined it with looks so sweet.

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  5. Oh! I knew as soon as I read the title of this post that I had to stop what I was doing and read it. Can't wait to hear what you think about To Set A Watchman, and I love the sound of the second one too. I have just taken to knitting (very simply) and dream of the day that I can cope with fancy patterns. Hope all is well with you x

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    1. Hi Lucy. Good to hear from you. I'll be reporting back...I hope it lives up to expectations. Good luck with knitting. You are a slippery road now...no turning back...It can become quite obsessive.
      Have a good week,
      debx

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  6. I think your bag is lovely! What yarn did you use with it?

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    1. Thank you Ranee. I used Paton's 100 percent mercerised cotton. I really like the matt look of cotton but as this was for a bag and it might pill or split when knitting I chose the mercerised cotton. I think that will wear better. It was really inexpensive, a 100g ball under £5. The fabric lining was £1 remnant and the button out of my button box. So it cost under £6 to make the whole bag.
      Debx

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  7. love the bag!!! :) and the lining! Oh, those deadlines.....I'd say a very good save.

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    1. It's sweet isn't it. I've already had a request for another one from one of my sister-in-law. I can't wait to have another go.
      dx

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