Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Yarnalong: "Wee Envelope" and "The Winner's Curse", by Marie Rutkoski


I'm linking up with Ginny, over at Small Things, who says, "Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading . . . I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?"

The knitting:
The pattern is "Wee Envelope" by Ysolda Teague. I love how this sweater is designed with a baby's big, wobbly head in mind. Some church friends of ours are expecting their first baby, a boy, and I'm excited to be knitting a little something for them.

I also love the chance to pray for the baby and the parents as I knit. Does anyone else do this, as they work on a gift for someone? I bet I'm not alone in this habit . . .

The yarn is Loops & Threads Luxury Sock.  I like it because it has just a touch of cashmere (10%), but that's enough to make it noticeably soft to the touch, which is perfect for a baby garment.


The book:
I started this book yesterday, during my kids' swimming lessons: "The Winner's Curse", by Marie Rutkoski. So far? So good!  It's a typical YA spec. fic. set-up: we have our disaffected heroine, our mysterious hero, our weird unlikely society . . . but it's well done, and with this genre, that's what matters. 

I know I sound cynical when I talk about "a typical set-up", but I promise that I'm not. Writing genre well is hard, and I love genre lit. In this book, the writing is good and the setting is interesting and the protagonists are likeable and I want to keep reading, which thrills me. I love finding a story that pulls me in and this one does. I'm curious to see where the author is going with this plot and these characters and I'm enjoying the journey.



So, what are you knitting or reading?


Peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell


 

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4 comments:

nocton4 said...

Love that pattern and the yarn is gorgeous x

Lucy Bowen said...

Your Wee Envelope is gorgeous, what a fabulous colour.

Becki said...

I love that neckline, thanks for providing a link to the sweater pattern. And I'm excited to look for the yarn you're using. I'm currently using Loops & Threads Woolike and I'm impressed. I look forward to checking out the Luxury Sock yarn.

Jessica Snell said...

Thank you, ladies, for the kind words!

Becki, you might have to check for folks selling off their stashes, b/c I'm pretty sure Luxury Sock has been discontinued. Which is such a pity - it's a lovely yarn!