Happy Sunday everyone! ❤ And the crackling you may hear is my camera lens. My main mic has finally bit the dust and for today's video I needed to rely on a camera-mounted shotgun mic that tends to pick up the focusing noise of the lens.
I have always read more than one book at a time. Right now, I have multiple books, both written and audible, on my phone and tablet. I love reading!!!❤
Currently loving Louise Penney’s series based on her Inspector Gamache. And, yes. I read a non-fiction and a fiction almost all the time. Sometimes two non-fictions and a fiction.
If you like fantasy books, you may want to read the books by David Eddings. I am reading The Queen of Sorcery, the second book of his first series of 5 books; the series is called The Belgariad. Has all the fantasy characters- barbarian, knight, thief, sorceress, wizard,- good vs. evil. He has another 5 book series called The Mallorean which picks up where the first series left off.
Leigh Bardugo also wrote the Shadow and Bone series which I think would be right up your alley. There are also a couple spin off series with some of the characters and set in the same world. I really loved all of them!
I love the feel, smell, and the sound of turning the pages of a physical book. I've been an avid reader for years. However, since I discovered that I can knit while listening to audiobooks, my physical books have gotten kicked to the curb. This is a good reminder to make time for those old friends again. Good episode! 😊
I listen to audiobooks via Audible or the public library site. I love Louise Penny, Harry Potter, and Deborah Harkness and listen to them multiple times.
Thank you, Taylor for sharing your struggles with knitting. I think it helps everyone feel better about their own knitting struggles/journeys. I also appreciate your sharing how you are prioritizing reading as a sort of must do for yourself. I have always been an avid reader but also feel guilty when I sit during the day “just” to read. I feel as though I should be doing something more productive. No one makes me feel that way. It’s just me. So it’s helpful to hear that others make time in their day to “just “ read.
Loved your sweater fiasco story. Been there, done that! Said all those exact words, frogged, went with the known quantity: an actual pattern and smarter yarn choices. I'm an avid reader of audio books. I read while doing other things with my eyes and hands like knitting 😊 I mostly read murder & mayhem, but my 31 yo son hooked me up with the Dresden Files series, and I love it! James Marsters (from Buffy) narrates, and he's an amazing voice actor. Dresden is a modern day wizard who partners with a cop.
There is a local yarn shop that hand dyes in house here, they just had a lot of success basing a series of dyes off of book covers. Just an idea to inspire you. 😊
Hi Tayler! I found this video soo interesting! I'm so glad you decided to talk about books and the importance and value of reading. I'd love to hear more about the books you're reading. Regarding more than one book at a time, I have recently started doing that and I'm evaluating if it's something that works for me. Currently reading: The Secret History by Donna Tartt and.. A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm. One fiction one non fiction. ❤
I hate adding on the collar after I've finished the sweater. I always knit the collar first and work my way down. Then the collar always lays like it's suppose to. I've been through what you are going through. A few times! I don't know what I want to knit so I start something, then it totally doesn't look right because of the yarn, or the pattern, something just doesn't work out right. It's iterating! I feel the same way you do about knitting a sweater with cotton. It always loses it's shape, won't wear right, and then I'm out the money for that yarn. Good idea to look at actual sweaters made with cotton. I'm a huge book person. Since Covid hit, I've been reading about 70 books a year. I'm old and retired and I fill my days with knitting and reading. I'll read late into the night. It is an escape for me. I don't get around as much anymore so books take me to places I will never go. Same with the podcasts I watch. I love watching videos of restoring Chateaus or any house. I love food podcasts. There is a lot out there in the world I would never be able to see if it weren't for podcasts from ordinary people. No commercials, no tv, no filtering it. Just the person and their camera. Thank you for being one of my favorite podcasters. I love all the things you talk about and show us.
Soooo The Familiar... that book lining, the cover..inspiration for a new dye batch??? You know that shoukd be awesome, we could have sweater or shawl patterns and a yarn dye to match a book...whole-'nother-level...🎉🎉
I love to listen to audiobooks while I’m knitting and also on my commute to work. My absolute favorite series is the Dresden files by Jim Butcher narrated by James Marsters. Also known as Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They’re funny and exciting and romantic and just wonderful! And there’s like 18 or 19 of them. So you really get to know the characters as well. They’re about a professional wizard who is also a private detective. So you’re looking at mystery and fantasy. Lots of fun.
I have up to a dozen books going at a time. A combination of read alouds, kindle books, audio books and print in both fiction and non. No matter what mood I'm in, I have something to read. I keep books always nearby, because then I am more likely to pick them up. Even an ebook on my phone because I am less likely to spend way too much time doing nothing on my phone when a book is that easy to access. Having so many books going at once, and tracking my reading, really helps me get more read. My number of books finished has really climbed since starting this, and I've noticed its rubbing off on my kids too. Best thing ever!
I feel like we’d be besties 😂 My husband and I always “fight” over kindle verses paper and ink books. My mom was a librarian, her parents were journalists and I’m a graphic designer by trade so I loooooove paper and ink and if a book has an amazing cover, I’ll totally be tempted to buy it just to look at it! But we have a small house so a full blown library isn’t possible so my husband jokes that with all the paper and ink books I buy and stack around the house, he has 4 or 5 times as many on his iPad 😂 Well good for him because I NEED the paper feel. Sidenote: I tried to find you on Goodreads and couldn’t find you 😞
Where to begin. Really enjoyed getting to know more about you. I really love your honesty in all things fiber. The color orange (caramel) is scrumptious. From your last session on archiving - makes perfect sense. And last but not least...of course you can read more than one book at a time. You knit more than one thing at a time. Variety is the spice of life. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
I also usually read more than one book at a time. Usually one spiritual book- , one or two non fictional books, and I go through periods on and off of audiobooks of novels. Right now I am reading “Searching For and Maintaining Spiritual Peace”, “Teaching through Stories:Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit” and the audio novel is “Middlemarch”.
I read 150+ books a year (high school librarian). I usually read about 3 books at one time....I do a lot of audio. I keep one book at work and also have one regular book going as well as the audio. I love audio....I know not everyone is a fan. I definitely want to check out a few of these youtubes you mentioned.....sounds so interesting. I love audio because I can knit while listening!
I have a book beside my bed for night time, one in the bathroom for reading while I'm doing my business, and one on my phone for reading on my break at work. My Mom usually has 5 or 6 on the go at a time and belongs to two book clubs. (She's 80) 😊
Sometimes there’s a project that just is not right. End of. Use the blue cotton for a summer top, just a couple of squares with a slash neck and if it’s still no, well you are going to have some mighty beautiful dish cloths ❤
Hooray for all the voracious readers!! My dad was a great reader and he passed it on to me. I, in turn, passed it to my son, who has introduced me to the world of YA fiction and YA-like fiction for adults. Two of the most amazing authors were recommended to me by my son: Neil Gaiman (straight up adult fantasy) and Samantha Shannon. The latter is a young woman with an incredible talent. The Bone Season is intended to be a 7 book series, with 4 being published to date. In a word…extraordinary. The Priory of the Orange Tree (700 pages!!) also by Shannon, is so amazing, I would only read a couple of pages a day as I neared the finish… I just didn’t want it to end. I have noted the books you’ve mentioned, and will definitely add them to my list. Thanks for sharing😊
Knitting, books, and heavy music are my hobbies. I am also turning 40 this year. My wife and I are voracious readers and we read a lot with our kids and listen to audio books on road trips. I just finished "The Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros and it was pretty good for when you need a new book. It is definitely fantasy based and while there is a touch of a romantic theme throughout, but certainly captivating.
I love that you're reading more! I would like to do so too, but the work I do makes me read alot, so 'pleasure' reading isn't really a thing for me right now. But there is a book that I started that I think you might like. It it called The Picture of Dorian Grey, by Oscar Wilde. I don't want to spoil the story, but I believe it is everything you asked for, historical, a little bit of magic, a little bit of love and beautifully writen. Highly recommented!
I am usually reading 3 books at a time. An audiobook, a physical book and one on my Kindle that I read when I am getting ready to go to sleep. I have had Ordinary Monsters for a long time and think I will read it next since you are loving it so much! Would you be open to sharing. Your Goodreads so we can all friend you on there?
What a fun podcast ! I read one “ story “ and the Bible at the same time. More than one story at a time and my old brain gets confused. I’m going to look up the books you mentioned. Thanks again 🧶📖
Absolutely loved this episode, Taylor! Like you, I'm learning more and more that it's okay to not love what you're knitting, and that it's okay to give up on a project! Knitting, in my opinion, is a constant learning process. As for the reading part, loved it, particularly that you mention wanting your boys to SEE you read. My younger son and I had a reading nook when he was around 10 - 15 years old (he's 32 now and still reads voraciously). We shopped for the matching chairs together, and would sit and read almost every evening. He read and indexed the spells in the entire Harry Potter series! One time he used my credit card (without permission!) to place an order on line. Oh, there was trouble brewing in my home, until I learned he had ordered the works of Shakespeare because he, at 14 years old, felt that it was essential reading for his education. I currently have 2 books going. "The Little Paris Bookshop" by Nina George (interesting because I lived and worked in Paris for 3 summers) and the 8th book in the Maggie Sefton knitting murder mystery series. Light reading, but the characters are well defined, and all folks I'd love to sit and knit with!! Kim from Oxford MI
If you enjoy British detective series, give Anne Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt books a try. There are 34 of them and I'm on Book 13. Great audio books as well narrated by Davina Porter. Wonderful!
I am in two book clubs, one is a passive UA-cam club, the other is the Well Read Mom. It is a national organization to encourage women (and Mom's) to read. Right now I am in the middle of Middlemarch (George Eliot) and getting ready to start The Ghost Keeper by Natalie Morrill. But there is always a book or two going at my house.
The best thing I did for increasing my reading, or getting back into reading which I did a lot before the internet (I’m old), is to start using my local library and especially getting e-books from the library through the Libby app. It even got better when I got an e-reader to replace reading on my tablet. And if I’m not into the book then I have no qualms in not finishing it and returning it early.
I have ADHD and am very much a mood reader I have about 3-7 books going at one time and usually by the end of the year finish 50-80 books. I do read physical books, use my kindle and listen to audiobooks. All the books are different genres so I never get confused by plot etc. As also being a knitter/crochet recommend audiobooks as I can listen to a book whilst I’m working up a project or when I’m doing chores etc. I will say I have dedicated a lot of my leisure time to reading and have been doing so for just over 10 years so where I am not is not where I started. When I first got back into books after leaving high school I read maybe a book a month but have grown into the reader and crafter I am now at 30.
Not sure if anyone else has commented this but two of wands’ autumn league pullover is a raglan sweatshirt style sweater purposefully designed for cotton!
I love reading and typically have about 4-6 books I am reading at any given time. Usually an audiobook, a light fiction, a heavier or more serious fiction, a nonfiction, and a younger audience book I am reading aloud to my kids. And sometimes some extra. I like being able to pick which to read at a given moment depending on my mood.
The Age of Myth series by Michael Sullivan and his Rhoihira Chronicles. I just finished the Keeper Origins Trilogy, The Hand series by Charlie Fletcher, and Night Circus. I think all of those would be up your reading ally.
Oh, Tayler…best laid plans…been there and done that!! I have knit several cotton and cotton/linen sweaters and totally understand what you are saying. The one cardigan I knit grew side to side and shrunk in length! I still wear it. Just finished a cotton/bamboo/linen test knit for James N Watts, the Partition Pullover, an all over lace pullover. We shall see how that responds to a cleaning! Love the reading schedule! I read to go to sleep and usually get in at least 30 minutes. I usually am a monogamous reader, mostly because I use the Libby Library app. but have read and listened to two different books. Barbra Steisand’s book was fabulous to listen to! I was reading historical fiction while I was listening. Right now I am reading a novel called Dreaming in Cuban, a fictional story about a family who separated into Cubans who remained and Cubans who emigrated to the US. Fantastic so far. Love your podcast, keep up the excellence!❤
Love your episode. I am an avid reader-and with both my Kindle or Audible I can read and knit. I have three active books going at once. One book on Kindle and two on Audible. I have one that I listen to at night, and one I listen to during the day. I do not listen to music in the car, I listen to audio books. EarthTones Girl is sponsoring a sock knit/read along. I am listening to two books, "Attack From Within" by Barbara McQaude and "Heart of the Night" by Barbara Delinsky. I just finished a 16 book series by Maggie Sefton. The series is called Knitting Mysteries. I enjoyed that series, thoroughly. They were cozy mysteries, and great fun to figure out who did it before the characters did. I am also reading 'Summer's End' by Kathleen Gilles Seidel.
Hi Tayler, I recently read The House Witch series by Delemhach. Part fantasy, part witchery, part fantasised-historical. There’s a lot of humour, and even a little non-mushy romance. I loved the series (plus an inbetweener book and the follow up). I think you’d enjoy the escapism provided by this series.
I second Naomi Novak! She is amazing. I’m still thinking about The Scholomance series. It’s YA, and I described it as what if Hogwarts was trying to kill the wizards? Lots of kids in peril, but not without purpose.
You will absolutely love C.S. Harris' Sebastion. I started reading this series a few years ago before books 9,10, etc were published. My reading history is much like yours. So grateful to my family for allowing my brother and I read whatever we wanted.
Just had to laugh, just last week I made the same comments to myself about reading 30 minutes a day (or more) and getting back into my yoga. I have been blessed that my library is only 2 miles from my house so I can bike there and get books for free. I enjoy reading what my library calls cozy mystery and young adults fantasies. Though sometimes I pick up cookbooks and books about knitting
I picked up reading daily fiction reading again last year. This year Ive been reading 3 books at a time but they all have to be from different genres (Lit Fic, mystery, SciFi, and classics). Sometimes audiobooks, sometimes physical books- its been so much fun! Thanks for the recs, these are all new to me.
I loved hearing about your failures. It made me feel less alone with things I mess up! I really love the audiobooks of My Lady Jane and My Plain Jane. They are SO funny and entertaining and are retellings of the story of Lady Jane Grey and then Jane Eyre. I’m sure reading them would be equally as good but the narrations done for them are so fantastic I would highly recommend them. I also learned the authors have an entire series of books about different Marys but I haven’t listened to those yet. There is also a fun book trilogy that is about Mary Bennet. It starts out with the book The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet. It’s a fun mix of historical fiction with mystery/detective/crime mixed in. They are easy and enjoyable reads.
Hey Tayler! Another great episode. I recently fell back in love with reading too. I have multiple books going. I have an audio book, a kindle book, and some kind of graphic novel or manga too. I am committed to the library and almost everything comes from there. The Familiar is inspired by the author’s family history somehow! I could leave a very long comment about books but I I kind of already am so I better wind it down. Both my parents are avid readers and I think there’s something to that. Thanks for sharing books today! ❤❤❤
Right now I'm reading daindreths assassin by Elizabeth Wheatley (fantasy romance with 5 books in the series), Soul Music by Terry Pratchett (fantasy, part of a 40+ book series but I'm working my way through the death sub series which is only 5 books), and the Bell jar by Sylvia Plath
I do have two books going right now. Tress and the Emerald Seas by Brandon Sanderson (genre: Fantasy) that I read aloud to my kiddo at bedtime and Long Past Due by James Butcher (genre: urban fantasy). If you are willing to try urban fantasy, I loved the Dresden files by Jim Butcher (he is the father of the current writer of Long Past Due).
I have only very recently jumped on the 'more than one book at once' bandwagon and began listening to two audiobooks - one on my own, and one with my husband. Our favorite genre is historical fiction and we are currently reading The Women by Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds by her are all FANTASTIC books of the same genre). On my own right now I am listening to The Measure by Nikki Erlick.
I knit the Autumn League sweatshirt by Two of Wands in 2022 using Lion Brand Cotton Jeans. This is my most worn garment. It hasn’t stretched or pilled, the yarn was lovely to knit and the pattern worked up into the perfect hand knit sweatshirt. Two thumbs up all the way around for this garment. My favorite hand lotion is Curel, non greasy, affordable and long lasting. Thanks for another great episode.
The way you describe Ordinary Monster hits it on the head! I LOVED that book and cannot wait for the second book! I’m a big fan of audiobooks and I usually listen to two books at a time. Sometimes three. It all depends on what I’m feeling
My favorite memories often involve my dad reading to me and my siblings. He is a voracious reader and would read out loud for us when we were doing the dishes or other tasks to make it more fun. He also almost always had an audiobook for the car and a huge library of physical books. I love that he showed us how to consume books in many forms. These days I usually have an audiobook for when I’m doing home and yard work, an ebook for any time I have a few unexpected spare minutes and a physical book or two in different places in the house. I hope you continue to find great joy in your reading journey and your kids will definitely remember your efforts. Cheers!!
Whoooah, I totally didn't expect us to have the same taste in books ❤ I need to check out those books you mentioned! | Vaseline (petroleum jelly) doesn't actually moisturize. It's an occlusive that just coats the skin so that moisture can't evaporate further, but it doesn't add any. | Are you really sure there's no elastic or elastane in the ribbing of your RTW sweater? Brands are notorious for not disclosing the full contents of their products (they never list for example sewing thread or closures).
I ALWAYS read more than one book at a time. It's like knitting more than one garment at a time. Or listening to more than one genre of music throughout the day. Our moods change, our desires change, our needs fluctuate throughout the month...
I started committing time at bedtime to read (easier because my children are grown and gone). I have been reading Louise Penny's Inspector Gamashe series. I also have a thriller that I can't read at bedtime, so that will be my book for outdoor daytime reading in nice weather. Like you, I am a fan of historical fiction. also, and enjoyed Switchboard Soldiers, about women who were recruited during WWI (because they were expert switchboard operators and fluent in French and English) to go to France and operate what was then relatively new technology of field communications during the war.
I also love Louis Pennys inspector Gamache series! I listen to them on audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! I highly recommend that you check that out also
Historical Fiction that I recommend: The Birth House by Ami McKay, The Essex Serpent, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Babel by RF Kuang, Homecoming by Kate Morton, Trust by Hernan Diaz, and The Adversary by Michael Crummey. Happy Reading!
I decided to start reading more this year (I used to read so much and then completely stopped for a long time). I joined the book of the month club back in January and have read five books so far and am half way through book six. Based on what you said you like, I would recommend The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and The Unmaking of June Farrow. I loved both of those. The Night Circus is an older book bit is one of my all time favourites.
Thanks for the book recommendations!! I’m an audio book reader/listener, mostly and go through them pretty quickly. I was the same when reading physocal books. Just so you know, if you have an audible membership, the first several books of the Sebastian St. Cyr are available for free.
I hadn't read a book for about 15 years - too tired raising 5 kids and working. What re-booted me was joining a book group at my work. I figured the 'colleague pressure' would force me to read. I would read for 20 minutes early morning. That time-blocking was perfect, and I told myself that if I didn't keep it up, I'd stop reading again. 15 years later I keep the same time block. I've also included audio books (from the public library) while driving. Good for you!
Since you like Gothic-atmosphere books, I presume you’ve read the classic Rebecca. There’s a retelling of that story that I loved: The Winters by Lisa Gabriele (2018) It had enough parallels to the original that I love AND enough divergences to keep me intrigued!
Just placed Ordinary Monsters on hold at my local library. I normally have one fiction and one non-fiction on the go. I have just finished Boy Swallows Universe - very Aussie but easily one of the best books I have read in ages!! On the knitting front … I just finished the Mischel Sweater. Wore it for a few days and decided the arms and body were not long enough. Ripped out the folded cuffs added an extra 1.5” and did tubular bind off (if I have enough yarn I will go back and do the folded cuff). Have just ripped back the body and am adding the extra to that too. It’s all part of my 2024 knitting resolution - If I don’t wear it … change it. 😊
Hi Tayler !!LOVE this episode !! I thought I was the only one making swatchs ..casting on …unraveling…swatchs ..casting on etc Just unraveled a white cotton sweater I didn’t like how it was turning out !! Gave away the cotton!! Bye bye I also love to read ….now i’m reading Postbelum…spanish author named JuanCienfuegos …excellent ..very interesting and intriguing novel…..from Lima Perú
Thank you, Tayler, for another engaging and entertaining episode! I am definitely in the “multiple books at once” camp (just as I’m in the “Many WIPs Club” 😎). I’m currently reading my way through Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series (some of which were adapted for TV as “Three Pines”), and a collection of interviews with Edward Gorey (called “Ascending Peculiarity”). If you like historical mysteries that skew a bit dark, Anne Perry’s William Monk series and Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series are set at either end of the Victorian era. Very atmospheric! Also, thank you for sharing your tale of frustration: it’s nice to know even knitting gurus need to restart (and restart and….) too.
I absolutely love audiobooks, and almost exclusively borrow them from the library. I’ve slowly worked up to listening at 2.3X speed (for fiction). I listen while I knit, cook, do housework/dishes, in the car, while grocery shopping… I’ve found some great books by scrolling through other people’s Goodreads lists for something interesting.
I have always had a couple of books that I was reading at the same time, and when I allowed myself to work on several projects at the same time, it became really liberating. Now I go with a feeling and even allow myself to let things go if it's not working out or being interesting enough. We are adults and can do whatever we want with our hobbies :)
I watched Bookstore. I loved it. I passed on to a few friends that also enjoyed it. Right now I’m reading The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. It is so very good. Alice Hoffman also wrote Practical Magic. I just finished listening to An American Marriage by Tayari Jones also very good and I just started listening to The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd.
I'm so glad I found your site. Not only do I enjoy the knitting conversations (I knit), but, surprise, you love the same genre of books I love to read. I have found so much information here about knitting, even though I have been knitting on and off most of my life since I was a child.
I'm a big reader. I read about 80 books a year, sometimes less sometimes more and yes I have more than one book on the go. I usually have 1 e-book (usually a digital advance copy because I am a book blogger), 1 audiobook (for at the gym and while driving, cooking, etc), and 1 physical book.
I’m currently listening on The Undertaker’s Assistant a historical fiction about , you guessed it. The twist is she is a former slave . So far only an hour into it I am enjoying it. As for my current knitting I am finishing up a tiny dress for my Maryjane’s Teagarden 8” bear.
I love reading more than one book at a time! I usually have 3 going - one paper/hardback that i read before bed, one on kindle that i can read on my commute and one audiobook for knitting and other crafting moments! Sitting down with a project and a nice audiobook is healing
hi - I am reading shelter in place by Nora Roberts. I have been a reading slump the past few months. As for knitting I have now frogged a pair of socks. tried my hand at color work could not get the sock on my feet. tried a lace weight with lace detail sweater and realized I kept on loosing stiches so will give that one a go far in the future so I frogged that to.
I’m rereading Sabriel by Garth Nix. One of my favorite series growing up. It has a very interesting magic system and I enjoy how he writes. My husband just finished reading ‘Once Upon a Tome’ which his sisters bought him. Had him laughing out loud several times.
Leigh Bardugo writes such great books! Her Six of Crows series and other series are also good. And, you may like the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas. Happy reading!
I love to read as well, and I do read more than one book at a time...one for afternoon and one for bedtime! Thanks for sharing your sweater challenges! I have run into some challenges too.
I set chapter and page goals. I can read books quickly while still really enjoying them. Also Katherine Neville is a great author. You might really enjoy her books. Lots of twists and turns.
I recently started reading more. Both audiobooks and I read on my phone (kindle app) until I can buy my own Kindle. I used to be a "one book at a time" kinda girl, but then I realized, I'll watch multiple shows at the same time, why can't I read more than one book at a time? So I have different genres going depending on my mood. I have romance, fantasy, occasionally a non-fiction/self-help. Sometimes 2 fantasy books at the same time. It keeps things interesting, and allows me to pick up my reading regardless of what mood I'm in, because sometimes, I don't want the spicy romance, I just want something fun, and because I have multiple books on the go at the time, I allow myself to do that. Same reason I have multiple WIPs I suppose! 😂
I was always taught (I’m 68) if I knitting with cotton, to knit the bands with a needle 3-4 times smaller than it calls for! Maybe newer designers weren’t taught that! Then you mentioned that you did it too!
I have often had more than one book on the go at once, for example if I'm reading something emotionally heavy I like to also have on hand a book that's a lighter read. I've also raised a couple of readers. From the time they were small I read aloud to my kids. Even when they could happily read on their own there were certain books that we enjoyed reading together. They would often want to chat about the books they were reading for school, so I would read them also. Now they are grown, and they suggested we start a little book club, even just the three of us, to discuss our selected read over tea and treats.
Another hand-creme recommendation though I'm not sure about availability outside of Europe. Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Hand Creme. They use natural and certified organic and responsibly sourced ingredients. It also is on the more pricey side, but as with the one you recommended a little goes a long way and your hands are left smooth, hydrated but dry (like the good dry not the crunchy painful dry... if that makes sense) within 10seconds. Also, book recommendation for those who love mystery and fantasy but in a modern setting: the Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch (starts with Rivers of London). Basically Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes. Light but interesting reading and such a page turner for me.
I'm actually reading a few books at a time, usually. A bit of Bible study first thing in the morning with my tea. My "work" book, for slow moments, is currently "Migraine" by Oliver Sacks, full of interesting information I had no idea about, following up on my brand-new diagnosis at the end of last year. For fiction, I'm two-thirds of the way through "Little, Big" by John Crowley - "the story of four generations of a singular family, living in a house that is many houses on the magical border of an otherworld." I'm not sure about this summer knitting, really. Cotton or otherwise. Other than a pair of socks always on the needles, I think I might just do fun small things like another Emotional Support Chicken and Sheldon the Sheep. It's just too hot, besides which it's gardening season!
I always read around 5 books at a time. I’ve got two audiobooks (1 in the car for getting to work, 1 for my knitting time), I’ve got 1 non fiction (either in English or Dutch), 1 English romance book (mostly on my ereader) and 1 Dutch romance book (which is my mother tongue). Reading is as big of a hobby to me as knitting is. Sometimes it gets tricky to dedicate enough time to my hobbies outside of all my obligations, so in this way I know I can dedicate enough time each day to the things I love.
Happy Sunday everyone! ❤ And the crackling you may hear is my camera lens. My main mic has finally bit the dust and for today's video I needed to rely on a camera-mounted shotgun mic that tends to pick up the focusing noise of the lens.
I love that Booktube and Yarntube are so compatible!
I'm reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a historical fiction novel set in World War 2 France. So soooo good. Also reading How to ADHD.
Why can’t it be a frogalong?
What a great name! 👍🏻
Because we want to finish something in the end!
Frogalong 🤣
Frogalong, because misery loves company….….and support
I have always read more than one book at a time. Right now, I have multiple books, both written and audible, on my phone and tablet. I love reading!!!❤
Currently loving Louise Penney’s series based on her Inspector Gamache. And, yes. I read a non-fiction and a fiction almost all the time. Sometimes two non-fictions and a fiction.
Currently reading James Clavels “shogun”. Since we’re living in Japan it’s been a very interesting read.
If you like fantasy books, you may want to read the books by David Eddings. I am reading The Queen of Sorcery, the second book of his first series of 5 books; the series is called The Belgariad. Has all the fantasy characters- barbarian, knight, thief, sorceress, wizard,- good vs. evil. He has another 5 book series called The Mallorean which picks up where the first series left off.
Leigh Bardugo also wrote the Shadow and Bone series which I think would be right up your alley. There are also a couple spin off series with some of the characters and set in the same world. I really loved all of them!
Ditto to loving the Kiehl’s hand cream. I think you pronounced it correctly.
Just finished Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. What a wonderful story!
just funished the audio of that book. Fun to hear the Octopus talk. Great book!
I love the feel, smell, and the sound of turning the pages of a physical book. I've been an avid reader for years. However, since I discovered that I can knit while listening to audiobooks, my physical books have gotten kicked to the curb. This is a good reminder to make time for those old friends again. Good episode! 😊
Agreed
I listen to audiobooks via Audible or the public library site. I love Louise Penny, Harry Potter, and Deborah Harkness and listen to them multiple times.
Thank you, Taylor for sharing your struggles with knitting. I think it helps everyone feel better about their own knitting struggles/journeys. I also appreciate your sharing how you are prioritizing reading as a sort of must do for yourself. I have always been an avid reader but also feel guilty when I sit during the day “just” to read. I feel as though I should be doing something more productive. No one makes me feel that way. It’s just me. So it’s helpful to hear that others make time in their day to “just “ read.
Loved your sweater fiasco story. Been there, done that! Said all those exact words, frogged, went with the known quantity: an actual pattern and smarter yarn choices. I'm an avid reader of audio books. I read while doing other things with my eyes and hands like knitting 😊 I mostly read murder & mayhem, but my 31 yo son hooked me up with the Dresden Files series, and I love it! James Marsters (from Buffy) narrates, and he's an amazing voice actor. Dresden is a modern day wizard who partners with a cop.
There is a local yarn shop that hand dyes in house here, they just had a lot of success basing a series of dyes off of book covers. Just an idea to inspire you. 😊
Hi Tayler! I found this video soo interesting! I'm so glad you decided to talk about books and the importance and value of reading. I'd love to hear more about the books you're reading.
Regarding more than one book at a time, I have recently started doing that and I'm evaluating if it's something that works for me.
Currently reading: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
and..
A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm.
One fiction one non fiction.
❤
I hate adding on the collar after I've finished the sweater. I always knit the collar first and work my way down. Then the collar always lays like it's suppose to. I've been through what you are going through. A few times! I don't know what I want to knit so I start something, then it totally doesn't look right because of the yarn, or the pattern, something just doesn't work out right. It's iterating! I feel the same way you do about knitting a sweater with cotton. It always loses it's shape, won't wear right, and then I'm out the money for that yarn. Good idea to look at actual sweaters made with cotton. I'm a huge book person. Since Covid hit, I've been reading about 70 books a year. I'm old and retired and I fill my days with knitting and reading. I'll read late into the night. It is an escape for me. I don't get around as much anymore so books take me to places I will never go. Same with the podcasts I watch. I love watching videos of restoring Chateaus or any house. I love food podcasts. There is a lot out there in the world I would never be able to see if it weren't for podcasts from ordinary people. No commercials, no tv, no filtering it. Just the person and their camera. Thank you for being one of my favorite podcasters. I love all the things you talk about and show us.
Soooo The Familiar... that book lining, the cover..inspiration for a new dye batch??? You know that shoukd be awesome, we could have sweater or shawl patterns and a yarn dye to match a book...whole-'nother-level...🎉🎉
I love to listen to audiobooks while I’m knitting and also on my commute to work. My absolute favorite series is the Dresden files by Jim Butcher narrated by James Marsters. Also known as Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They’re funny and exciting and romantic and just wonderful! And there’s like 18 or 19 of them. So you really get to know the characters as well. They’re about a professional wizard who is also a private detective. So you’re looking at mystery and fantasy. Lots of fun.
I have up to a dozen books going at a time. A combination of read alouds, kindle books, audio books and print in both fiction and non. No matter what mood I'm in, I have something to read. I keep books always nearby, because then I am more likely to pick them up. Even an ebook on my phone because I am less likely to spend way too much time doing nothing on my phone when a book is that easy to access. Having so many books going at once, and tracking my reading, really helps me get more read. My number of books finished has really climbed since starting this, and I've noticed its rubbing off on my kids too. Best thing ever!
I feel like we’d be besties 😂 My husband and I always “fight” over kindle verses paper and ink books. My mom was a librarian, her parents were journalists and I’m a graphic designer by trade so I loooooove paper and ink and if a book has an amazing cover, I’ll totally be tempted to buy it just to look at it! But we have a small house so a full blown library isn’t possible so my husband jokes that with all the paper and ink books I buy and stack around the house, he has 4 or 5 times as many on his iPad 😂 Well good for him because I NEED the paper feel.
Sidenote: I tried to find you on Goodreads and couldn’t find you 😞
For you it's every Sunday, for me in the UK WNH is my Monday morning podcast! Always keeps me chipper
Where to begin. Really enjoyed getting to know more about you. I really love your honesty in all things fiber. The color orange (caramel) is scrumptious. From your last session on archiving - makes perfect sense. And last but not least...of course you can read more than one book at a time. You knit more than one thing at a time. Variety is the spice of life. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
This was a lovely watch/chat!! So.Very.Relatable about your cotton sweater :)
I have a book on Kindle that I read every day, and a different book on Audible that I listen to every day. I love to read and I never miss a day.
I also usually read more than one book at a time. Usually one spiritual book-
, one or two non fictional books, and I go through periods on and off of audiobooks of novels. Right now I am reading “Searching For and Maintaining Spiritual Peace”, “Teaching through Stories:Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit” and the audio novel is “Middlemarch”.
I read 150+ books a year (high school librarian). I usually read about 3 books at one time....I do a lot of audio. I keep one book at work and also have one regular book going as well as the audio. I love audio....I know not everyone is a fan. I definitely want to check out a few of these youtubes you mentioned.....sounds so interesting. I love audio because I can knit while listening!
I love to knit to an audio book as well as doing housework!
I love to listen to audio books while knitting/crocheting or doing housework. ❤
I have a book beside my bed for night time, one in the bathroom for reading while I'm doing my business, and one on my phone for reading on my break at work. My Mom usually has 5 or 6 on the go at a time and belongs to two book clubs. (She's 80) 😊
This is the dream right here! 👌👌
Sometimes there’s a project that just is not right. End of. Use the blue cotton for a summer top, just a couple of squares with a slash neck and if it’s still no, well you are going to have some mighty beautiful dish cloths ❤
Hooray for all the voracious readers!! My dad was a great reader and he passed it on to me. I, in turn, passed it to my son, who has introduced me to the world of YA fiction and YA-like fiction for adults. Two of the most amazing authors were recommended to me by my son: Neil Gaiman (straight up adult fantasy) and Samantha Shannon. The latter is a young woman with an incredible talent. The Bone Season is intended to be a 7 book series, with 4 being published to date. In a word…extraordinary. The Priory of the Orange Tree (700 pages!!) also by Shannon, is so amazing, I would only read a couple of pages a day as I neared the finish… I just didn’t want it to end. I have noted the books you’ve mentioned, and will definitely add them to my list. Thanks for sharing😊
I am currently working on a Felix Cardigan in that same Mustard color yarn…LOVE it!!❤
Knitting, books, and heavy music are my hobbies. I am also turning 40 this year. My wife and I are voracious readers and we read a lot with our kids and listen to audio books on road trips. I just finished "The Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros and it was pretty good for when you need a new book. It is definitely fantasy based and while there is a touch of a romantic theme throughout, but certainly captivating.
I love that you're reading more! I would like to do so too, but the work I do makes me read alot, so 'pleasure' reading isn't really a thing for me right now. But there is a book that I started that I think you might like. It it called The Picture of Dorian Grey, by Oscar Wilde. I don't want to spoil the story, but I believe it is everything you asked for, historical, a little bit of magic, a little bit of love and beautifully writen. Highly recommented!
I am usually reading 3 books at a time. An audiobook, a physical book and one on my Kindle that I read when I am getting ready to go to sleep. I have had Ordinary Monsters for a long time and think I will read it next since you are loving it so much! Would you be open to sharing. Your Goodreads so we can all friend you on there?
Wool Needles HANDS - Hands hold books and stimulate your brain! Sounds like a perfect fit for your podcast. Love it
What a fun podcast ! I read one “ story “ and the Bible at the same time. More than one story at a time and my old brain gets confused. I’m going to look up the books you mentioned. Thanks again 🧶📖
Same!
Absolutely loved this episode, Taylor! Like you, I'm learning more and more that it's okay to not love what you're knitting, and that it's okay to give up on a project! Knitting, in my opinion, is a constant learning process. As for the reading part, loved it, particularly that you mention wanting your boys to SEE you read. My younger son and I had a reading nook when he was around 10 - 15 years old (he's 32 now and still reads voraciously). We shopped for the matching chairs together, and would sit and read almost every evening. He read and indexed the spells in the entire Harry Potter series! One time he used my credit card (without permission!) to place an order on line. Oh, there was trouble brewing in my home, until I learned he had ordered the works of Shakespeare because he, at 14 years old, felt that it was essential reading for his education. I currently have 2 books going. "The Little Paris Bookshop" by Nina George (interesting because I lived and worked in Paris for 3 summers) and the 8th book in the Maggie Sefton knitting murder mystery series. Light reading, but the characters are well defined, and all folks I'd love to sit and knit with!! Kim from Oxford MI
If you enjoy British detective series, give Anne Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt books a try. There are 34 of them and I'm on Book 13. Great audio books as well narrated by Davina Porter. Wonderful!
I am in two book clubs, one is a passive UA-cam club, the other is the Well Read Mom. It is a national organization to encourage women (and Mom's) to read. Right now I am in the middle of Middlemarch (George Eliot) and getting ready to start The Ghost Keeper by Natalie Morrill. But there is always a book or two going at my house.
The best thing I did for increasing my reading, or getting back into reading which I did a lot before the internet (I’m old), is to start using my local library and especially getting e-books from the library through the Libby app. It even got better when I got an e-reader to replace reading on my tablet. And if I’m not into the book then I have no qualms in not finishing it and returning it early.
I have ADHD and am very much a mood reader I have about 3-7 books going at one time and usually by the end of the year finish 50-80 books. I do read physical books, use my kindle and listen to audiobooks. All the books are different genres so I never get confused by plot etc. As also being a knitter/crochet recommend audiobooks as I can listen to a book whilst I’m working up a project or when I’m doing chores etc. I will say I have dedicated a lot of my leisure time to reading and have been doing so for just over 10 years so where I am not is not where I started. When I first got back into books after leaving high school I read maybe a book a month but have grown into the reader and crafter I am now at 30.
You’re a reader/crafter after my own heart! ❤️❤️
Not sure if anyone else has commented this but two of wands’ autumn league pullover is a raglan sweatshirt style sweater purposefully designed for cotton!
I love reading and typically have about 4-6 books I am reading at any given time. Usually an audiobook, a light fiction, a heavier or more serious fiction, a nonfiction, and a younger audience book I am reading aloud to my kids. And sometimes some extra. I like being able to pick which to read at a given moment depending on my mood.
The Age of Myth series by Michael Sullivan and his Rhoihira Chronicles. I just finished the Keeper Origins Trilogy, The Hand series by Charlie Fletcher, and Night Circus. I think all of those would be up your reading ally.
I usually have three going at a time. Audio, kindle, and hardcover.
Oh, Tayler…best laid plans…been there and done that!!
I have knit several cotton and cotton/linen sweaters and totally understand what you are saying. The one cardigan I knit grew side to side and shrunk in length! I still wear it.
Just finished a cotton/bamboo/linen test knit for James N Watts, the Partition Pullover, an all over lace pullover. We shall see how that responds to a cleaning!
Love the reading schedule! I read to go to sleep and usually get in at least 30 minutes. I usually am a monogamous reader, mostly because I use the Libby Library app. but have read and listened to two different books. Barbra Steisand’s book was fabulous to listen to! I was reading historical fiction while I was listening. Right now I am reading a novel called Dreaming in Cuban, a fictional story about a family who separated into Cubans who remained and Cubans who emigrated to the US. Fantastic so far.
Love your podcast, keep up the excellence!❤
Love your episode. I am an avid reader-and with both my Kindle or Audible I can read and knit. I have three active books going at once. One book on Kindle and two on Audible. I have one that I listen to at night, and one I listen to during the day. I do not listen to music in the car, I listen to audio books. EarthTones Girl is sponsoring a sock knit/read along. I am listening to two books, "Attack From Within" by Barbara McQaude and "Heart of the Night" by Barbara Delinsky. I just finished a 16 book series by Maggie Sefton. The series is called Knitting Mysteries. I enjoyed that series, thoroughly. They were cozy mysteries, and great fun to figure out who did it before the characters did. I am also reading 'Summer's End' by Kathleen Gilles Seidel.
Hi Tayler,
I recently read The House Witch series by Delemhach. Part fantasy, part witchery, part fantasised-historical. There’s a lot of humour, and even a little non-mushy romance. I loved the series (plus an inbetweener book and the follow up). I think you’d enjoy the escapism provided by this series.
As someone who loves a good fantasy novel, I recommend Naomi Novik's books. Spinning Silver is a favorite of mine.
I second Naomi Novak! She is amazing. I’m still thinking about The Scholomance series. It’s YA, and I described it as what if Hogwarts was trying to kill the wizards? Lots of kids in peril, but not without purpose.
Third! Spinning Silver is amazing, but hearing about ordinary monsters made me thing of the Scholomance series!
You will absolutely love C.S. Harris' Sebastion. I started reading this series a few years ago before books 9,10, etc were published. My reading history is much like yours. So grateful to my family for allowing my brother and I read whatever we wanted.
I love when I can hear your kitty purring!!!! 😂
Just had to laugh, just last week I made the same comments to myself about reading 30 minutes a day (or more) and getting back into my yoga. I have been blessed that my library is only 2 miles from my house so I can bike there and get books for free. I enjoy reading what my library calls cozy mystery and young adults fantasies. Though sometimes I pick up cookbooks and books about knitting
I picked up reading daily fiction reading again last year. This year Ive been reading 3 books at a time but they all have to be from different genres (Lit Fic, mystery, SciFi, and classics). Sometimes audiobooks, sometimes physical books- its been so much fun! Thanks for the recs, these are all new to me.
I loved hearing about your failures. It made me feel less alone with things I mess up!
I really love the audiobooks of My Lady Jane and My Plain Jane. They are SO funny and entertaining and are retellings of the story of Lady Jane Grey and then Jane Eyre. I’m sure reading them would be equally as good but the narrations done for them are so fantastic I would highly recommend them. I also learned the authors have an entire series of books about different Marys but I haven’t listened to those yet.
There is also a fun book trilogy that is about Mary Bennet. It starts out with the book The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet. It’s a fun mix of historical fiction with mystery/detective/crime mixed in. They are easy and enjoyable reads.
Hey Tayler! Another great episode. I recently fell back in love with reading too. I have multiple books going. I have an audio book, a kindle book, and some kind of graphic novel or manga too. I am committed to the library and almost everything comes from there. The Familiar is inspired by the author’s family history somehow! I could leave a very long comment about books but I I kind of already am so I better wind it down. Both my parents are avid readers and I think there’s something to that. Thanks for sharing books today! ❤❤❤
Right now I'm reading daindreths assassin by Elizabeth Wheatley (fantasy romance with 5 books in the series), Soul Music by Terry Pratchett (fantasy, part of a 40+ book series but I'm working my way through the death sub series which is only 5 books), and the Bell jar by Sylvia Plath
I do have two books going right now. Tress and the Emerald Seas by Brandon Sanderson (genre: Fantasy) that I read aloud to my kiddo at bedtime and Long Past Due by James Butcher (genre: urban fantasy). If you are willing to try urban fantasy, I loved the Dresden files by Jim Butcher (he is the father of the current writer of Long Past Due).
I have only very recently jumped on the 'more than one book at once' bandwagon and began listening to two audiobooks - one on my own, and one with my husband. Our favorite genre is historical fiction and we are currently reading The Women by Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and The Four Winds by her are all FANTASTIC books of the same genre). On my own right now I am listening to The Measure by Nikki Erlick.
I am currently re-reading The Clan of the Cave Bears. I remember really enjoying that series over 30 years ago!
I knit the Autumn League sweatshirt by Two of Wands in 2022 using Lion Brand Cotton Jeans. This is my most worn garment. It hasn’t stretched or pilled, the yarn was lovely to knit and the pattern worked up into the perfect hand knit sweatshirt. Two thumbs up all the way around for this garment. My favorite hand lotion is Curel, non greasy, affordable and long lasting. Thanks for another great episode.
The way you describe Ordinary Monster hits it on the head! I LOVED that book and cannot wait for the second book! I’m a big fan of audiobooks and I usually listen to two books at a time. Sometimes three. It all depends on what I’m feeling
I can't read 2 books at a time, however I love to read paranormal romance books. I love that your not afraid to show your knitting oops.
My favorite memories often involve my dad reading to me and my siblings. He is a voracious reader and would read out loud for us when we were doing the dishes or other tasks to make it more fun. He also almost always had an audiobook for the car and a huge library of physical books. I love that he showed us how to consume books in many forms. These days I usually have an audiobook for when I’m doing home and yard work, an ebook for any time I have a few unexpected spare minutes and a physical book or two in different places in the house. I hope you continue to find great joy in your reading journey and your kids will definitely remember your efforts. Cheers!!
Whoooah, I totally didn't expect us to have the same taste in books ❤ I need to check out those books you mentioned! | Vaseline (petroleum jelly) doesn't actually moisturize. It's an occlusive that just coats the skin so that moisture can't evaporate further, but it doesn't add any. | Are you really sure there's no elastic or elastane in the ribbing of your RTW sweater? Brands are notorious for not disclosing the full contents of their products (they never list for example sewing thread or closures).
I love fluff reading with an occasional non fiction thrown in. ❤📚
I ALWAYS read more than one book at a time. It's like knitting more than one garment at a time. Or listening to more than one genre of music throughout the day. Our moods change, our desires change, our needs fluctuate throughout the month...
I started committing time at bedtime to read (easier because my children are grown and gone). I have been reading Louise Penny's Inspector Gamashe series. I also have a thriller that I can't read at bedtime, so that will be my book for outdoor daytime reading in nice weather. Like you, I am a fan of historical fiction. also, and enjoyed Switchboard Soldiers, about women who were recruited during WWI (because they were expert switchboard operators and fluent in French and English) to go to France and operate what was then relatively new technology of field communications during the war.
I also love Louis Pennys inspector Gamache series! I listen to them on audiobook and the narrator is fantastic! I highly recommend that you check that out also
Historical Fiction that I recommend: The Birth House by Ami McKay, The Essex Serpent, Cloud Cuckoo Land, Babel by RF Kuang, Homecoming by Kate Morton, Trust by Hernan Diaz, and The Adversary by Michael Crummey. Happy Reading!
Georgette Heyer's April Lady. Historical romance which is also funny. I love all of her books
I decided to start reading more this year (I used to read so much and then completely stopped for a long time). I joined the book of the month club back in January and have read five books so far and am half way through book six. Based on what you said you like, I would recommend The Invisible Life of Addie Larue and The Unmaking of June Farrow. I loved both of those. The Night Circus is an older book bit is one of my all time favourites.
Thanks for the book recommendations!! I’m an audio book reader/listener, mostly and go through them pretty quickly. I was the same when reading physocal books. Just so you know, if you have an audible membership, the first several books of the Sebastian St. Cyr are available for free.
Thanks for this! I've added them to my library.
I hadn't read a book for about 15 years - too tired raising 5 kids and working. What re-booted me was joining a book group at my work. I figured the 'colleague pressure' would force me to read. I would read for 20 minutes early morning. That time-blocking was perfect, and I told myself that if I didn't keep it up, I'd stop reading again. 15 years later I keep the same time block. I've also included audio books (from the public library) while driving. Good for you!
Since you like Gothic-atmosphere books, I presume you’ve read the classic Rebecca. There’s a retelling of that story that I loved: The Winters by Lisa Gabriele (2018) It had enough parallels to the original that I love AND enough divergences to keep me intrigued!
Just placed Ordinary Monsters on hold at my local library. I normally have one fiction and one non-fiction on the go. I have just finished Boy Swallows Universe - very Aussie but easily one of the best books I have read in ages!! On the knitting front … I just finished the Mischel Sweater. Wore it for a few days and decided the arms and body were not long enough. Ripped out the folded cuffs added an extra 1.5” and did tubular bind off (if I have enough yarn I will go back and do the folded cuff). Have just ripped back the body and am adding the extra to that too. It’s all part of my 2024 knitting resolution - If I don’t wear it … change it. 😊
Hi Tayler !!LOVE this episode !! I thought I was the only one making swatchs ..casting on …unraveling…swatchs ..casting on etc
Just unraveled a white cotton sweater I didn’t like how it was turning out !! Gave away the cotton!! Bye bye
I also love to read ….now i’m reading Postbelum…spanish author named JuanCienfuegos …excellent ..very interesting and intriguing novel…..from Lima Perú
Thank you, Tayler, for another engaging and entertaining episode! I am definitely in the “multiple books at once” camp (just as I’m in the “Many WIPs Club” 😎). I’m currently reading my way through Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series (some of which were adapted for TV as “Three Pines”), and a collection of interviews with Edward Gorey (called “Ascending Peculiarity”). If you like historical mysteries that skew a bit dark, Anne Perry’s William Monk series and Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series are set at either end of the Victorian era. Very atmospheric! Also, thank you for sharing your tale of frustration: it’s nice to know even knitting gurus need to restart (and restart and….) too.
I absolutely love audiobooks, and almost exclusively borrow them from the library. I’ve slowly worked up to listening at 2.3X speed (for fiction). I listen while I knit, cook, do housework/dishes, in the car, while grocery shopping…
I’ve found some great books by scrolling through other people’s Goodreads lists for something interesting.
I have always had a couple of books that I was reading at the same time, and when I allowed myself to work on several projects at the same time, it became really liberating. Now I go with a feeling and even allow myself to let things go if it's not working out or being interesting enough. We are adults and can do whatever we want with our hobbies :)
You make me want to grab a book. I see where knitters and crocheters read physical books while doing needlework and can’t fathom how that’s possible.
I watched Bookstore. I loved it. I passed on to a few friends that also enjoyed it. Right now I’m reading The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. It is so very good. Alice Hoffman also wrote Practical Magic. I just finished listening to An American Marriage by Tayari Jones also very good and I just started listening to The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd.
When getting up my courage to knit socks, I found Folk Socks by Nancy Bush, history and techniques of handknitted footwear. I enjoyed it very much.
I'm so glad I found your site. Not only do I enjoy the knitting conversations (I knit), but, surprise, you love the same genre of books I love to read. I have found so much information here about knitting, even though I have been knitting on and off most of my life since I was a child.
I'm a big reader. I read about 80 books a year, sometimes less sometimes more and yes I have more than one book on the go. I usually have 1 e-book (usually a digital advance copy because I am a book blogger), 1 audiobook (for at the gym and while driving, cooking, etc), and 1 physical book.
I’m currently listening on The Undertaker’s Assistant a historical fiction about , you guessed it. The twist is she is a former slave . So far only an hour into it I am enjoying it. As for my current knitting I am finishing up a tiny dress for my Maryjane’s Teagarden 8” bear.
I love reading more than one book at a time! I usually have 3 going - one paper/hardback that i read before bed, one on kindle that i can read on my commute and one audiobook for knitting and other crafting moments! Sitting down with a project and a nice audiobook is healing
also i'm reading warm hands of ghosts right now by katherine arden and it sounds like something you might enjoy!
hi - I am reading shelter in place by Nora Roberts. I have been a reading slump the past few months. As for knitting I have now frogged a pair of socks. tried my hand at color work could not get the sock on my feet. tried a lace weight with lace detail sweater and realized I kept on loosing stiches so will give that one a go far in the future so I frogged that to.
Reading Isabel Allende’s House of Spirits, my bedtime book 😊
I’m rereading Sabriel by Garth Nix. One of my favorite series growing up. It has a very interesting magic system and I enjoy how he writes. My husband just finished reading ‘Once Upon a Tome’ which his sisters bought him. Had him laughing out loud several times.
Leigh Bardugo writes such great books! Her Six of Crows series and other series are also good. And, you may like the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas. Happy reading!
I love to read as well, and I do read more than one book at a time...one for afternoon and one for bedtime! Thanks for sharing your sweater challenges! I have run into some challenges too.
I made my first sweater from Florence Miller!! The Step by Step Raglan! Love how helpful she is!
I always have a least two books going usually one fiction and one nonfiction. I love those recommendations book recommendations.
I set chapter and page goals. I can read books quickly while still really enjoying them. Also Katherine Neville is a great author. You might really enjoy her books. Lots of twists and turns.
I recently started reading more. Both audiobooks and I read on my phone (kindle app) until I can buy my own Kindle. I used to be a "one book at a time" kinda girl, but then I realized, I'll watch multiple shows at the same time, why can't I read more than one book at a time? So I have different genres going depending on my mood. I have romance, fantasy, occasionally a non-fiction/self-help. Sometimes 2 fantasy books at the same time. It keeps things interesting, and allows me to pick up my reading regardless of what mood I'm in, because sometimes, I don't want the spicy romance, I just want something fun, and because I have multiple books on the go at the time, I allow myself to do that.
Same reason I have multiple WIPs I suppose! 😂
I just finished the step by step cardigan by Florence and I can confirm it’s a fabulous pattern!!
I was always taught (I’m 68) if I knitting with cotton, to knit the bands with a needle 3-4 times smaller than it calls for! Maybe newer designers weren’t taught that! Then you mentioned that you did it too!
I have often had more than one book on the go at once, for example if I'm reading something emotionally heavy I like to also have on hand a book that's a lighter read. I've also raised a couple of readers. From the time they were small I read aloud to my kids. Even when they could happily read on their own there were certain books that we enjoyed reading together. They would often want to chat about the books they were reading for school, so I would read them also. Now they are grown, and they suggested we start a little book club, even just the three of us, to discuss our selected read over tea and treats.
Another hand-creme recommendation though I'm not sure about availability outside of Europe.
Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Hand Creme. They use natural and certified organic and responsibly sourced ingredients. It also is on the more pricey side, but as with the one you recommended a little goes a long way and your hands are left smooth, hydrated but dry (like the good dry not the crunchy painful dry... if that makes sense) within 10seconds.
Also, book recommendation for those who love mystery and fantasy but in a modern setting: the Peter Grant Series by Ben Aaronovitch (starts with Rivers of London). Basically Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes. Light but interesting reading and such a page turner for me.
I'm actually reading a few books at a time, usually. A bit of Bible study first thing in the morning with my tea. My "work" book, for slow moments, is currently "Migraine" by Oliver Sacks, full of interesting information I had no idea about, following up on my brand-new diagnosis at the end of last year. For fiction, I'm two-thirds of the way through "Little, Big" by John Crowley - "the story of four generations of a singular family, living in a house that is many houses on the magical border of an otherworld."
I'm not sure about this summer knitting, really. Cotton or otherwise. Other than a pair of socks always on the needles, I think I might just do fun small things like another Emotional Support Chicken and Sheldon the Sheep. It's just too hot, besides which it's gardening season!
I am reading The Spoon Stealer as part of my book club and we are all enjoying it 😊
I always read around 5 books at a time. I’ve got two audiobooks (1 in the car for getting to work, 1 for my knitting time), I’ve got 1 non fiction (either in English or Dutch), 1 English romance book (mostly on my ereader) and 1 Dutch romance book (which is my mother tongue). Reading is as big of a hobby to me as knitting is. Sometimes it gets tricky to dedicate enough time to my hobbies outside of all my obligations, so in this way I know I can dedicate enough time each day to the things I love.
ALWAYS have multiple books going! I'm a teacher, AND I work in a bookstore. That paycheck goes right back into the store.