Book 53-58

I have listened to three audio books since my last book post - these are old favourites - 'Far From The Madding Crowd' by Thomas Hardy, 'Mansfield Park' and 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen. I love revisiting all these books whether by audio or by book - I never tire of them.

'The Love Letter' by Fiona Walker
Format - Kindle.

I used to love this writers books, then I struggled with a couple but last year read a new one and really liked it. When I saw this one I thought I'd give it a go, sorry to say, I struggled with it. I couldn't engage with the characters, they were rather silly at times and I could see where the plot was going early on. It's a big book and a good read but not as good as some others of this type I have read recently.

'Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues' by Tricia Ashley
Format - Kindle.

Loved this. She revisits a previous locations and characters from earlier novels are mentioned, and this was just a lovely, gentle read. Light a bit frothy but good - with an added bonus of shoes....I love shoes.

'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel
Format - Kindle.

I bought this ages ago but postponed reading it as it was my suggestion for a virtual book group I'm a member of (they are reading it this month). It was recommended by two friends who know I love the Tudor period of history and I had no idea it had won awards etc. It is a massive book and has taken me all month (so far) to get through it.
I didn't like it at first, struggled with it - I hated her use of character tense, I found the dialogue confusing and the use of the word 'diaper' in Tudor England almost made me give up. I didn't feel I could though due to the above so I battled on. It did grow on me and there parts of it that are really good - but it is very long winded - and her use of tense didn't improve, I just got used to it. I don't think I will read the follow up in  a hurry - even though I am intrigued by it.

Chocolate limes

 A five day knit project.

 Pattern by D C Boyd - 'Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend Hat' which I have modified to suit my taste and head shape. Knit on 2.75mm it is a generous knit. I used Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift - three colours of which I have no idea what they are as I bought a pack of the stuff on Shetland when we visited and it was just labelled autumn.

So far this hat has reminded me of chocolate limes but whilst knitting it I referred to it as my chocolate bogey hat and my pee and poo hat .

Hot socks!

Oh yes indeedy!

A rainbow of pretty

My most favourite fibre dyer in the world was having a destash - I managed to grab two wonderfully bright and vibrant plaits of BFL (Blue Faced Leicester for my non yarny buddies) from her. These colours are perfect for the brighter lighter days of spring and summer and just fill me chock full of happy.
My spinning is sporadic at the moment as I am distracted by other stuff but the colours of these are filling me with the need to get other stuff off the wheel so I can spin one of them. Better finish my quilt first though.