Yarn Along: WIP

I know I said at some point that I don't like to have more than one knitting project going at a time, but I think I'm going to revise that opinion.  I have three things going on needles right now, and I like being able to switch between them when I get bored or tired, or just need something different.  It helps that they are all quite different gauges and patterns so I have my choice of working with fingering weight, lightweight worsted, or super bulky weight yarns.  So, for today's Yarn Along, I'm showing my progress.

The Katniss Cowl for my sister:

I'm almost halfway on the main body piece; I'm waiting for her to confirm her diagonal chest measurement before continuing on.  The bulky yarn and telephone poles size 15 needles make the knitting go quickly.

And on the other end of the knitting spectrum, my fingering weight lace yarn headband, on size 3 needles.  I made two mistakes in the pattern, but I think they aren't very noticeable, and especially as it is to be a headband, I think they really won't be noticeable.  (fingers crossed, because I'm not going to try and fix it)

The 1940s Twisted Rib Sweater:

I actually had about 6" completed, but had to frog it back to the ribbing because something went wrong with one of the twists and it was right in the middle.  So now I'm four rows into the pattern beyond the basic ribbing and I have to start increasing every six rows.

Finally, my reading list.  I'm still working on Albion's Seed; so far nothing worth writing home about.  I suspect that when it was published in 1989, it was quite a marvel, but it seems like a lot the ideas contained therein have been accepted by the larger academic community and even expanded upon by others.  I'll keep plugging away, however, as I think the information is useful and good.

Also this week, I got my preorder of Gertie Sews Vintage Casual, and I read through it last night--it is similar to her first book, and also contains a paper packet of patterns that can be traced off and modified, but the styles are much more casual, which I appreciate.  I can see myself using some of these patterns again and again.  Her Portrait blouse from the first book is a major staple of mine, and I'm hoping the pencil skirt becomes one too.   I do wish she'd included a cobbler's apron blouse/dress pattern, as the illustrations in the book kind of made me crave one, but I'm pretty sure I can find one somewhere.

Speaking of sewing, look what also arrived this week!  Grey's Fabric had a nice little sale last week, and I snagged this fab Art Gallery fabric.  I saw it on Rochelle's blog, and when it went on sale, I decided I needed to make another winter blouse.  I'm currently working on a vintage blouse pattern that has 3/4 length sleeves, and I'm hoping it looks well enough when done to be my cold-weather blouse pattern.  I also cut out a Simplicity 3688 blouse from some scrap fabric to see if that one works any better (or just as well--I like having options, and a contrast fabric yoke is always a good idea for busting my stash)

And finally, Seriously Delish, because I'm in a food rut and I needed a push.  I saw it on Andie's blog, and thought it would be a good thing to give a try.  I've already found a few things to try out, and I'm looking forward to finishing the book.

And finally: why reading "slow" is better for your brain.  As if we didn't already know. :)

Linking with Ginny for Yarn Along.