Monthly Recap: September

Well, this recap comes super late (after all, we are only a week and a bit away from November... yikes!) but it is still here! Progress! In other news, it was a pretty slow month in terms of knitting and reading productivity, and -- since I can actually attest to it -- October is shaping up to follow the same path. I do have some exciting stashquisitions, however, so read on if you're curious!

---

Let's revisit the WIP from last month, shall we?

The Hermione's Everyday Socks by Erica Lueder - After frogging back to fix my measurement error, I WIP(ed) [...get it?] through the rest of the sock. And oh, my, gosh, are they ever pretty! I love how the tomato-red mini skein from the HueLoco Barnevelder sock set (part of their Backyard Chicken collection) on the cuffs, heels, and toes bring out those warmer, rustier notes in the Grenouille Co.Kyoko's House. They fit perfectly and I'm so excited to style them throughout autumn.

And yes, that's it for work on previous WIPs! You may remember that last month I only spoke about two projects, and one of them was already an FO (finished object). But don't despair, my castonitis [n. kast-awn-ayh-tis. the desperate need to cast on a new project, no matter how important other tasks or how full your WIPs basket already is] got me working on some exciting projects!

First up is this teaser of a circular yoke sweater/top that I decided to design! I used some yarn I'd been saving for a special North Shore Beanie but ultimately didn't have enough yarn to finish up the sweater design. Don't worry, it's still happening! It's now got some special yarn of its own. I'll share more about this new design once I get it back on the needles.

Another new design is a pair of lacy socks, inspired by the insane colours in the "Falling Leaves" colourway dyed by my friend Nataly of Blush Yarns. I am in love with the leafy lace! I've hit a tough spot, though, as I can't figure out the best way to align my lace with the heel... and I'm not nearly proficient enough on Excel to chart it. *insert facepalm here* Once I get past this wee snag, I'll write up about my design experience and put out a testing call!

---

And now for the stashquisitions I teased at the start of this post! Mid-September I took a short trip to Victoria, BC, where I couldn't help but pop into Beehive Wool Shop to peruse. Or rather, what was meant to be mere perusal and turned into... purchasing. Oops. I picked up two skeins of Mineville Wool Project BFL 3ply in an OOAK (one of a kind) colourway, "Olive"; three skeins of Studio Donegal Soft Donegal in "5531" (which I then supplemented with two skeins ordered from Vancouver yarn shop Three Bags Full, since Beehive only had the three skeins and the project I'm planning needs much more yardage!); and one perfect ball of Lamana Premia in "64 Sage", which will go towards finally finishing a very special North Shore Beanie.

---

My reading list for September seems short, but I promise I read a lot! A book list of two items doesn't seem impressive at all, because it doesn't account for a book that takes forever to read...

A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourt - I cannot explain adequately how much I loved this book. It is poetic, it is critical, it is theoretical, it is intimate; there was so much packed into every word that I feel like it will take me multiple rereads before I can come even close to fully appreciating it. But it is absolutely beautiful. And thought-provoking. Go read it!

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel - And this absolute beast of a book is why my list is so short! It took forever to finish the second instalment of Mantel's series about Thomas Cromwell, but it was time massively enjoyed. Mantel's writing is super unique and compelling.

---

And there you have it! Short and sweet and very, very late, but still! Thanks for reading through my September recap. Hopefully next month's will be more punctual.

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!