Posted on December 7, 2012 in Knitting & Crafting
This Totoro version of the Paper Dolls sweater is something I have wanted to do for a couple years now. After rewatching My Neighbor Totoro, it was definitely time to make this sweater. This is my homage to Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki.
It didn’t quite work quite like I wanted it to. Mainly that even though I was at gauge, my yoke ended up a bit tighter, but I think worse of all, the underarm and sleeve cap is tiny. I’ve found that small arms are an issue with Kate Davies patterns. I can just get away with it because I don’t have big arms to begin with. It doesn’t look tight, but the upper arms are very restrictive. Relative to the upper body, the torso is on the looser side actually. I did extra waist decreases, but it still gave me some positive ease.
Posted on December 6, 2012 in Books
On BTT this week:
Do you keep a list of the books you’ve read? How? In a journal? Through one of the online services? If so, WHY? To keep good records for future reference? To make sure you don’t accidentally reread? If not, why not? Too eager to move on to the next book? Too lazy? Never thought to bother?
Yes! I keep it online on a blogspot journal. It use to be on this website and I am still considering bringing the whole list over. It is very long and includes the movies I consume. I also updated my GoodReads account to reflect more or less all the books I’ve ever read, but I’ve only ever added the dates for this year.
I like keeping records and lists of things. I started to really track books and movies when I started doing websites back in 2001 so I have kept it up. It really does help with accidental reread or rewatch. It helps me plan for what to read next, challenges, and set goals.
How about you?
Posted on December 4, 2012 in Monthly Movies
This was a busy month for movies because I was finishing a sweater so I had lots to do while watching films.
Whisper of the Heart (04 11 2012) – Another lovely and wonderful Ghibli/Miyazaki film with great soundtrack and music. There are cute allusions to other Studio Ghibli films as well. At the core, this is another coming of age story with themes of growing up, first love, unrequited love, and hope for ever lasting love. The story is about trying to find yourself and having faith. I didn’t know when I started this that the spiritual sequel would be The Cat Returns which is the film I planned on watching after this any way.
Posted on December 2, 2012 in Books
Hello, everyone! And hello December!
Sadly, I have had yet another bookless week, but today, I am definitely going to read now that it is December.
November was actually a good month for me personally, but not that productive especially in terms of books! Historically, December has been better for me.
Earlier in the year, I set myself the goal of reading 75 books. Before I went to grad school a few years ago, I was readning 70-80 books a year, but since then, have tapered off. I wanted to go back to my old numbers this year, but I don’t think I’ll make it. I’ve only read 62 books so far; 63 if I finish a book today. I am a fast reader and I am not working, but reading 13 books in one month is a lot of work. I don’t think I’ll make it. Oh, well.
How about you? Did you set a reading goal for the year and are you going to reach it?