Catch-Up

How did it get to be July 8 already? Being that it's summer, and the days are supposedly slower and more laid back, I think time's whizzing by. It's certainly not like me to be so long between blog posts!

I haven't been idle. Though several of my regular activities aren't happening due to recreational centers being refurbished, I continue to exercise (more frequent power walks), and spend much time in my sewing room. I'd take a picture of my room if I wouldn't die of embarrassment. When I look around the space, I count seven projects in the works! I have touched every one of them in the past week. 

Yarny projects still tend to be in the forefront of my mind and in my hands. That's been more so this week because I'm participating in the online "Oh That's Why" Knitting Summit. This is a free four-day online event where knitting and crochet experts give 15-20 minute talks on a variety of topics at the rate of eight presentations a day. I'm watching most of the video presentations played back at 1.5 or 1.75 speed, and taking notes. Thus far I've learned about reading a knitting chart, why it's important to check gauge so as to knit/crochet with the correct size needle/hook, and the physics of knitting. Today I'm looking forward to learning how to knit backwards instead of purling. The summit has been made available through Hortense of Knitting with Chopsticks. 

I especially enjoyed learning about the chain row counters made by Twice Sheared Sheep (Pocatello, Idaho). Here's a video of how it works. Are you familiar with it?

It's timely for me to begin using this row counter as I've been knitting my Summer Soul Top. I also bought a container of knit extension cords that will be useful. If you don't know, rather than push your project off onto a strand of yard while you use the knitting needles on another part of your project, you push your piece onto these temporary cords. I'm learning so much about knitting!

Though, round loom knitting is more in my comfort zone. I've begun working on another batch of Tiny Dolls. As you can see, only one is finished. Others are in various stages of completion needing stuffing, arms, hats, faces. I work on these when hubs and I watch TV in the evening. 

Planning ahead, I'm round loom knitting a Santa hat. Might these be appropriate for grandsons, in November? Of course making them involved a trip to Hobby Lobby for "I Love This Yarn" in red and white. I'm using a 41-peg loom and following Denise of Loomahat's YouTube Santa Hat video. 

And still there's diamond painting... another handwork project... a bias tape quilt... and... 

... my Pick a Color Challenge quilt, Yellow Smash (for want of a name). Painter's Palette "Banana" background fabric arrived Monday and has been washed in readiness for completing the quilt top.

I have a vision. It remains to be seen whether it will work out. 

I'll use the G > ⌃ ⌄ in the pieced backing. Do you know what it means? 

My friend Rondelle, who visited from Iowa a couple weekends ago, shared this picture with me of the Tiny Doll I gave her. She says they're her prayer partners! 

Linda

End of June Fabric Use and Book Recommendations

June's fabric use is disappointing, but indicative of my focus on yarn-made projects.

Outgoing yardage totalling not quite four yards is abysmal, especially when more than 2½ yards of it was weighed as scraps for pet beds! Otherwise, outgoing yardage included only: 1) making another headband, and; 2) piecing ten Modern Maze quilt blocks. 

Oh well. 

Book Recommendations

On the flip side, June was a delightful month for book-listening! I not only listened to nine titles, but all of them earned a 4.0 and higher! 

Start with this one! Without a doubt, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is my favorite read for 2026. 

It's about 86 year-old Theo who has arrived in the city of Golden for an unknown reason. Theo is soft-spoken and uber-polite - agentleman originally from Portugal, who starts making friends by his bestowals. These are in the form of thought gifts of a portait of each individual who has been drawn by local artist Asher Glisten. Each person Theo meets in person has a story that Theo manages to draw out, ponder and consider.  

I adored Theo, and all the characters he befriends. His story is liberally sprinkled with profound wisdom, humor, pieces of Scripture, and sadness. Upon Googling, I discovered that Columbus, Georgia is considered the "Golden" location of this book. Linda's score: 4.8/5.0

My sister gave me a heads-up about The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold, and I'm glad she did. The story may have meant more to me because it takes place in Kansas City (where most of my family lives) but it is also completely Spirit-inspired writing. 

Mrs. Kip is an elderly woman who has just moved into Hospice Care in a nursing home. She has a lifetime of experiences that add up to more than a typical life. A Kansas City Star junior reporter, Aidyn, is assigned to interview Mrs. Kip and get her story of helping refugees in Kansas City. In spite of Aidyn's stick-to-the-facts approach, she is exposed to Mrs. Kip's gift of caring for others, and is unknowingly guided toward greater understanding.

I don't want to give the impression that the book is overly theological or is meant to convert anyone. Rather it's a touching portrayal of how a well-lived, considerate life impacts others. I totally admire Ms. Brunsvold's skill as an author and am looking forward to listening to her other titles: The Atlas of Untold Stories, and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. Linda's score: 4.5/5.0

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser sounded really familiar as I began listening to it. Then it hit me - it's the story of Cinderella!

However, the author has taken pains to completely turn the tables on the character of the "wicked" stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her two sisters - all of whom are caring and very considerate. It's the stepdaughter, Elin ("Cinderella") who's the problem child and causes angst. I was totally engaged in the story that involves falconry, plotting for an eligible husband, behaviors of the royal court, and subverting male dominance. Linda's score: 4.4/5.0

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a great piece for getting a glimpse into life for housewives in the 1950s. While I could understand and relate to some of the social structures of that time (thinking of my own Mother), I also appreciated the determination of this women's club to not allow social norms to dicate what they could and could not do.

Each female protagonist in this book club has her own internal desires to cope with, and it was good to consider how times have changed. I also liked that Ms. Bostwick included an appearance by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Linda's score: 4.3/5.0

This book photo represents the four Mary Stone books I listened to in June. I am thoroughly enjoying the FBI Agent "Winter Black series." 

Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 follow Winter and her partner through various killing sprees by psychotic men and women. In each case that's solved, Winter's special ability for identifying important clues is critical, though she strives to keep her gift hidden. In every book there's intrigue among FBI co-workers - the annoying agent; the tempermental agent; and the "could it be love?" relationship Winter has with FBI Agent Noah Dalton.

My only complaint is that the author sometimes - in my opinion - spends too much time on relationship dialoge and internal conversations, rather than just getting on with it. Still, I'm enjoying Winter's experiences. Linda's overall score for the series: 4.3/5.0

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith relates the story of down-and-out Cormoran Strike whose girlfriend has tossed him out (he's living in his office) and his failing detective agency. A temporary secretary arrives, Robin Ellacott, and manages to set him rights. With an affinity for assisting Cormoran, Robin managed to help him with a case - is it suicide or murder? - that has suddenly dropped into his lap. 

This is definitely a who-done-it story that's engaging with an unexpected ending. 

Linda's score: 4.2/5.0

I hope you enjoy reading every one of these books! Linda