Another project complete. Thanks to Nancy Kelley Garden Design.

I gravitate to books in translation. Anyone have recommendations? This is my current stack, and I just read and loved Floodlines by Saleem Haddad. Now reading Women Without Men, which is especially appealing!

A young man is living in his van in front of my home. I know van life is an option when cost of living is high. I introduced myself, gave him my name, he responded in kind. He knows my neighbor in the rental duplex next door, uses their facilities. I’m not sure how I feel about this situation.

Banner week here at Hawthorne!

Knitting Anemone Cardigan by Lene Holme Samsoe for le knit, the most challenging project for me not because of the stitches, but there are 17 sections & understanding pattern required printing each section, being extremely patient, & focusing intently. Not a knit and Netflix sweater. #knitting

Excited to share my first acquisition for Hawthorne as an imprint of The Catapult Group. Working with this team has been a delight! I’m back in the saddle and looking forward to upcoming books.

January 26, 2026 Yesterday President Donald J.

January 26, 2026

Reminder that, as of the latest reports, Liam Ramos is still in prison in Texas - now for 5 days.

His parents are legal asylum seekers with no criminal record.

Yes. All measurements correct to pattern.

I need assembly advice: the shoulder caps are two inches taller than top seam. All pieces are to gauge &match pattern. Not a mistake. I know I could ease them in, but afraid of puckering. Would you frog rows to have less to ease in? Any ideas? Once done w/sleeves will sew front zipper. #knitting@

All the rocks I’ve collected from Israel, Spain, The Netherlands, and other countries, including closer to home, Manzanita, now part of pathway to home.

I love seeing people look through the books in my Little Free Library. She spent some time with one, but ultimately put it back. Wonder which book it was? #littlefreelibrary

Having Hawthorne become an imprint alongside esteemed pubs as Catapult, Counterpoint, &Soft Skull & having the opportunity to work w/the remarkable Catapult team—is both a joy & honor for me and for our authors. This new chapter has reaffirmed my deep appreciation for the art & spirit of publishing.

Not a creature was stirring.

Fresh off the block. Excuse bad selfie! First five bands from Azucena Sweater by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne in the Worsted Book (Aimee Gille), then went off pattern. Yarn: Icelandic Fjallalopi. #knitting

Work in process. Adapting pattern by Nadia Cretin-Lechenne by repeating circle rows down body (instead of just yoke and solid body color) and then picking up end of pattern rows at before ribbed hem. Yarn is Fjallalopi. #knitting

I’m just a blocking machine! After this, one more to go. My stack is growing and holidays are coming. Stash buster sweater no pattern. #knitting

This one will keep Bigfoot warm. Icelandic Lettlopi yarn, Fjord Jumper by Weichien Chan. #knitting

Sweater number two on the block of my own design. I wanted a lightweight pullover and now that summer is almost over it’s finished. Noro Haunui Cotton. #knitting

First of four sweaters that are in the blocking queue. Knitting for Olive pattern using baby alpaca. #knitting

During this heat wave I’m keeping cool working on the Fjord Jumper in the Arctic Knits book by Weichien Chan using Icelandic Lettlopi yarns. #knitting

This is what I come home to after leaving to go eat dinner. Not complaining, but how is it they all migrate to my bed when they have the whole house?!

Finished the Visnes Sweater by Siv Kristin Olsen and could not be happier. Perfect fit and drape before blocking, will only steam. I cut 3" from sleeves and glad I did because sleeves come to just below wrist and will stretch some with wear. #knitting

Four color strand row required high tech system; bags. Bottom up sweater with the most gorgeous yarns: Drops Air and Ingenua Mohair. My photo doesn’t come close to capturing colors. #knitting

Knitting like a fiend to preserve sanity Oversized raglan: wool, mohair, silk. Yum! #knitting

How you coping?

On the blocking table the most luscious sweater to date: Wool, mohair, and silk. Hope it stays cool for awhile longer so I can wear. #knitting

Knitting a simple raglan sweater (no pattern/complete freedom!), and this one is a sensory pleasure because combining Rowan Yarns Moordale (wool) with Kidsilk Haze Trio (mohair/silk) gives the fabric a slight weight, softness, and drape. I hope it stays cool enough for me to wear it.

Finished the back Balfour Jacket by Rowan Yarns & satisfied with challenge met of my first flat color sweater, but disappointed with yarn colors that are not as bright, light, and contrasting as the pattern photos. Now wondering whether to use remaining yarn for a different project? #knitting

Diving into Reading the Waves, by the illustrious Lidia Yuknavitch. Available where ever you purchase books.