Monthly Recap: November

What a month! Amidst some work and life craziness, including a move into a sweet little flat of my own, I did manage to get some knitting and reading in. Honestly, I'm surprised I made any headway on projects at all! Plus, there is a surprise finished object included this month... read on to find out!

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Let's dive into the knitting update! Last month I gave you a brief update on the new designs I'm working on, and showed you a few finished objects. This month, I have yet another new design and only one FO to share... mainly because I've been busy working on holiday gift knits, which of course I can't share quite yet!

Despite not finishing either of my designs-in-progress, I cast on a new sock one evening; apparently when I'm stressed, I whiz through twisted rib. From there, I let my mind relax and knit whatever felt smoothest and calmest for my hands. The result is a sweet and subtle rib pattern, perfect for a bit of mindless, calming knitting. I'll share more info once the pattern is more complete!

I finished my blue North Shore beanie! I am so in love with it! As I mentioned in my last post, the mohair halo lends more of a greenish hue to the whole project, but I think it is absolutely perfect.

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Although I didn't get much knitting done (that I can share, at least), I did have a surprise FO... a new Demeter dress! If you've been following along on the blog or on Instagram, you know that pretty much the only thing I sew are variations on this sweet babydoll and sheath top pattern from Anna Allen Clothing. It's the perfect convertible pattern! This time, I used a lightweight wool blend fabric, and I am in love with it. It is so cozy! I don't have any photos yet of the finished project, but keep your eyes on my Instagram for the full reveal.

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I managed to get more reading in this month than in October! And I can thank my busy work schedule for that -- I tend to pack a book along for break times rather than my knitting.

I finished the two books that were on my list last month! Hood Feminism was amazing, and definitely a book that I will be recommending to everyone I know. American Dirt, which I had noted seemed to drag a bit, completely turned around and had me once again on the edge of my seat, heart nearly stopped, tears brimming. The end was so worth the occasional slow chapter! On top of finishing these books, I also finished two more:

The Body is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor - I originally came across this book via Brene Brown's podcast, Unlocking Us, and immediately signed into my library account to place a hold on this book. As someone living with chronic illness, I have not always been on the best terms with my body. This book is one that I need to read over and over again; the message is kind, supportive, assertive. Definitely another high recommendation.

Everything Was Goodbye by Gurjinder Basran - I had never heard of this book before; I randomly picked it up at a thrift store, drawn in by the interesting cover art. Like with American Dirt, I found myself almost skimming parts of this novel. There was a moment where I almost gave up on it; and I'm so glad I didn't. The third part of Basran's narrative completely destroyed me. I love a book that makes me feel something, and this novel left me completely bereft. If you want a story to break your heart, this is one for you.

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And that's November in a nutshell! I wrote this post from my new couch in my small studio apartment, which I will share more about in next month's recap! December is already shaping up to be a great month, and I'm excited to share my projects with you.

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!