Long Time, No Post: May, June, and July in Review

So much for my promise to return to monthly recap posts. But in all honesty, there hasn't been a whole lot of knitting (or other crafty projects) to report on of late. If you're wondering what I have been up to these past months, read on!

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The Ripple Buttshorts and Ripple Crop Top by Jessie Maed - I finished the Buttshorts well in advance of the end of the #FreeTheRippleKAL, and my goodness they are my new favourite loungewear item! They are insanely comfortable and cozy without being hot; perfect for these summer months spent curled up on a deck chair, book in hand.

My Ripple Crop Top, on the other hand, lies unfinished. I had completed the body of the top and tried it on for the first time, only to find that the garment was waaaay too small. While I had knit the size recommended for my measurements, I knit rather tightly and so my garment was significantly smaller than the predicted size. If only I had done a gauge swatch... So now I'm deciding whether to go up one or two sizes: one size up for a more figure-hugging fit, or two sizes for something a bit more drapey...

The Spray Lake Socks pattern by Nicole Bracey - This is my second attempt at this socks (I frogged my first pair back in October, which you can read about here) and this time they turned out perfect. No, that is not an exaggeration! They knit up super quickly on my ChiaoGoo 9 inch mini circulars and this time both socks turned out exactly the same. I love how the sock fits my foot, and the way the subtle speckling of Hint from Skein plays across the lace pattern.

The Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder - Perhaps my favourite sock pattern ever, and a perfect fit for using up my leftover Grenouille Co. Kyoko's House from my last Modified No Frills crop. I paired this yarn with the tomato-red mini skein from the HueLoco Barnevelder sock set (part of their Backyard Chicken collection). They are the perfect project to work on when the weather is too hot for anything larger!

The All About that Brioche Shawl by Lisa Hannes - This pattern was my very first foray into brioche knitting, and the shawl I knit with it (which can be seen here) has been in heavy rotation since. So, I figured this shawl would be perfect to knit up for two of my favourite university professors as a way to say thank you. I've already finished one shawl, and the other is well on the way! This pattern is perfect for knitting a bit mindlessly -- while watching a movie, reading, or picking up a few rows while on a break from work.

The North Shore Beanie by Knit Ewe Up - Yes, I knit one of my own patterns! I wanted something a bit luxurious on my needles so I paired my remaining Uncommon Thread Everyday Sport in Lust (which I used for the original beanie) with some hot pink mohair (Candy Girl) from Rowan Yarns to create this multidimensional, rich colourway. I also tried a different crown decrease and loved it so much that I added it to the pattern instructions as an official second option. I'm anxiously awaiting fall so I can wear this beautiful hat!

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I got a bit of non-face-mask sewing done in July as well! I really wanted a white, light-weight sundress and went digging through our old linen closet for a sheet I could use -- after all, why not use what you've got? I fell in love with this blue floral pattern and decided it would make a perfect sleeveless Demeter Dress by Anna Allen Clothing.

Instead of doing the neck and arm facings, I decided to line the bodice (as white fabric can be a bit transparent). It worked wonderfully! I'm sure I didn't line it properly, having never done it before, but it worked fine and my seams all laid flat. I'm very happy with how it worked out!

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I got quite a bit of reading done over the past few months! Revelling in my reading freedom post university graduation, I tore through a few books from my TBR list.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - I finished this massive tome... and absolutely loved it! I could not put it down, and the 600+ pages flew by. I love Mantel's imagery and the voice she applies to Cromwell. I'm very excited to continue with this series.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy - This was a beautiful surprise gift from my lovely friend in Northern Ireland. The whimsical illustrations accompany beautiful, poignant bits of wisdom. This book made my heart feel whole.

Foxes Unearthed: A Story of Love and Loathing in Modern Britain by Lucy Jones - I bought this book while I was in England, and am unashamed to say it was a purchase 100% motivated by the cover. I finally got around to reading and learned so much about how foxes are perceived and treated in Britain. There were some heartbreaking tales as well as charming facts. I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in these intriguing little creatures.

Real Magic: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science, and a Guide to the Secret Power of the Universe by Dean Radin - This book was very kindly sent to me on loan from a dear friend of mine after I responded to her Instagram story about it. Although I wasn't a fan of Radin's writing style (and I can't even pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about it), the information he presents is mind-blowing. If you're interested in the interconnectivity of matter in our world, this is an interesting read!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - This was the second novel chosen for the bookclub I'm in! And it quickly became one of my favourite books... right up there alongside Pride & Prejudice and Obasan. The tale is charming and heartwarming; I think I cried straight through the last three chapters!

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - This novella has been sitting on my shelf for years and I finally picked it up. Morrison's writing is immersive and powerful, and the story she weaves is heartbreaking and painful. A beautiful book.

In the Cage by Henry James - This was an assigned reading in the Britons at Work university course I took while abroad, but I never did more than skim it during that time. I returned to it and found it to be compelling and a very quick read. The heroine's perspective is interesting and kept me engaged.

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge - I picked this book up from my local library to educate myself for about the persistent, systemic racism that exists globally. Eddo-Lodge expertly combines personal experience with facts and figures. This should be essential reading for all.

Chorus of Mushrooms by Hiromi Goto - This was another novel from a Canadian literature course I took in university, which I once again had only skimmed. I picked it up again to properly read through it, and I am in love with Goto's writing style. The different perspectives interweave with variations on classic Japanese tales to create a rich tapestry of experience and imagination.

A Bird in the House by Margaret Laurence - After enjoying reading The Stone Angel last summer, I was delighted to find copies of a few of Laurence's other novels in my local thrift store... for 50 cents each! So far I am really enjoying this story -- Laurence's writing style is beautiful and simple -- although The Stone Angel is still in the top ranks!

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad - Following Eddo-Lodge's book mentioned above, I started in on Saad's interactive guide to becoming an anti-racist ally. I'll admit that I have a bit of trouble focusing on this one, so it's slower going than Eddo-Lodge's was. I am determined to finish this book and committed to applying the knowledge I gain through it.

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What a few months it's been! Lots of reading, and a bit more knitting (though I have a lot more projects I'm looking forward to digging into!). Hopefully I can get back to monthly postings, although I'll avoid making any promises...

As always, you can follow along with my knitting updates on Instagram and Ravelry, and follow my reading process on Goodreads! Want a brain break? Check out the Knit Ewe Up YouTube account, where you'll find process videos backed by chill Lofi tunes!