Hello and welcome to a little recap of January 2024! I cannot believe that this month is already over, I feel like it flew by and I have no idea how it happened. But, I have to say the year is off to a really great start! I went on a real fun adventure, I finished a few projects, and I even read a few books. I know…I actually read not just one, but multiple books. Did I get my reading mojo back? Time will tell, but let’s get into what has been going on in January!
Books
This month I ended up finishing a tome I started all the way back in August of 2023. It took me just over 5 months to finish reading American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. This non-fiction biography of Oppenheimer was mainly started because I wanted to know more about the live of the main character of one of the biggest blockbusters of 2023. It was very informative written in an engaging manner, but it was very long at about 700 pages. I think it mainly took so long because I every time I wanted to read it, I felt like I didn’t have enough time to dedicate to it. When reading it, I would want to sit and read for longer periods of time because there were no real natural stopping points throughout. I ended up giving this book 3 stars, I liked it, but I didn’t love it. It was a middle of the road read, but I am really happy I read it.
The second book I read this month was very different, it was actually a reread of a childhood favorite The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket. I am not sure why, but I really felt the need to reread these books in December and since then I have read the first two books in the series. One thing I noticed was how much I missed when I first read these books as a kid. They really do touch and hint at some tough topics. Regardless of this, it was really fun to see what I could find as an adult and remembering the story and flashbacks to when I first read them. I am planning on continuing my reread of the series throughout the year. I ended up giving this book 4 stars.
Making
This year is off to a great start with my first finished project being a gift knit for my mother. A sweater of all things. I actually started it and finished it in the same month. That has not happened in a long time. I made the Six Little Flowers Cardigan (ravelry) by Uma Murphy in a really pretty purple color. It was fun making a sweater for someone else and their excitement while trying it on throughout the process. I am tempted to make this pattern again in the future because it worked up so quickly while using size us 11 and 17 knitting needles. Plus, it is an easily customizable sweater as well.
The second project I ended up making myself a new pair of gloves. I used the pattern, Gloves No. 1 (website) by My Favourite Things. This is the first time I have completed one of her patterns and I can tell why people are always knitting up their stuff. I really liked the layout of this pattern and how it just got right to the point without trying to look pretty. It was written clearly, gave resources, and didn’t have fluff. I am in love with the neon yellow I ended up using for this pattern, it was called Electric Feels by a Homespun House. Another first for me, I never used their yarn before either and it worked like a dream! I will be ordering more in the future.
Adventures
This month one of the biggest adventures I had was a day trip to NYC to visit some friends with my partner. One of these friends was one from high school we have not seen in years and the other was visiting from Boston to see a show. We ended up going to central park, the MET, some yarn shopping, and out for a lovely dinner. It was great to spend some quality time with friends. It is something I honestly need to do more often. With everything going on, sometimes I forget to make it a priority.
Monthly Stats
- Knitted Items: 2
- Crochet Items: 0
- Garment: 1
- Accessory: 1
- Yarn In: 1,260 grams
- Yarn Out:1,250 grams
- Yarn Year Total: +10 grams
- Books Read: 2
- Fiction: 1
- Non-Fiction: 1
- Pages Read: 913
For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.
Classic Bhaer 