This is partly because I am working on:
- Cardigan that is long and not really inspiring me
- Blanket that will be going on forever
- Giant man socks that take forever
- Socks for me that take a back seat to giant man socks so will also take forever *sigh*
And the other part is down to the fact that I have also been reading more in the last couple of weeks than I have been lately. I do find it hard to get a balance between these 2 activities that I love. I know some people get a lot of pleasure out of knitting while listening to audio books, but that just doesn't work for me. I get so engrossed in a book that nothing can disturb me, and audio books just don't have that same escape. I have heard that some people can knit and read at the same time - again, being so engrossed in the book means that I completely forget to knit *laughs*
When I started knitting, I was so enthralled that I don't think I picked up a book for a couple of months. This is just about unthinkable for me - I used to read at least 4-6 books a week and often had more than one on the go to suit my mood, there would always be a book in my bag, I'd read walking down the street, etc. So to just stop reading at all was very bizarre (and contributed to me just knowing that knitting and I were meant to be!)
I'm trying to find a bit of balance now, which is slowing my knitting progress slightly, but reminding me how much I love to get lost and immersed in another world.
To ease myself back in I picked up a copy of a book I adored as a teenager, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. There's something I love about re-reading books from when I was younger (not least of which is that they take no time at all to read *grins*) I've since started rereading a series by one of my favourite authors, Christopher Brookmyre. In fact, that reminds me, he hasn't brought out a new one in a while... Must check if there's one due!
I have a lot of books, and a lot of well loved authors. So who knows, maybe I'll strike that elusive balance and post a bit more about what I'm reading as well as what I'm knitting ;)
I hear you about not reading cause you can't stop knitting. I actually force myself to put my knitting down an hour before going to sleep so I can read. I need to be able to have both in my life and that seems to be my happy medium.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and definitely start reading more!
I have my daughter back!
ReplyDeleteI've also been making it a point to try to read more and read non-knitting books too! Though, I've been reading quite a few of the Yarn Harlot's essays and most of Elizabeth Zimmerman's work. I love EZ's very proper English voice and her extremely dry sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteI don't read nearly as much as I used to since I started knitting.
ReplyDeletei don't read anymore unless it's to my 2 & 5 yr old & they are just tiny books. crochet has taken all my time up. i know what you mean about not being inspired about stuff & it being hard to finish. i hope you find the motivation to get it done. or start with something else that gets you going. :)
ReplyDeletethis is the button pack i have where i got the bird from http://www.jessejamesbeads.com/buttons/images/2009_themes/retro_nostalgia_500.JPG
you can purchase them at hobb lobb or michaels. :)
uh oh... hope you don't get in trouble from the FO Friday gods ;)
ReplyDeleteMrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is one of my all time favorite books! Have you seen the movie...the original? I fell in love with Peter Strauss's voice as Justin....
ReplyDeleteYour Mom's comment made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI read fiction constantly/obsessively my whole life... until i started knitting (constantly/obsessively) three or four years ago. Now that I've hurt my hand, I am reading more & have remembered how much i used to like crossword puzzles, too. I don't use audiobooks -- i never pay enough attention to them if i am knitting, driving, etc., and it's frustrating to keep backing up to figure out what I missed.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM was one of my favorites when I was a kid! I can do audiobooks, but notice I don't retain as much, for example if I read a name, I recognize that name next time I see it .. if I hear a name ... often I am saying "Who the heck are they talking about?!?!" ...
ReplyDelete