This is the first post of what will, hopefully, become a semi-regular post on the blog, sharing the things I enjoy … besides books. The aim is to share what I’m listening to, watching or creating when I’m not busy reading and to open myself up for greater connection in this online community.
As I start out, I’m planning on keeping this post fairly simple and gradually building it up to include other aspects of my life, but for now let’s just start with:
What I’m listening to:
Harry Styles‘ new album – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. In December, I will be accompanying my daughter to one of his Sydney performances and honestly, I need to learn the songs. I’m super excited to be going to the concert, mostly because it’s time spent with Ella, but I am finding that I’m enjoying Harry’s music as well. It’s reminiscent of my late 1980s disco era with its synth-pop feel. It’s become my cleaning soundtrack, so I can dance and tidy the house at the same time.
What I’m watching:
Bridgerton – Season 4. I put off watching this season until both parts had aired so that I could sit and watch it all together. And it was so good. I loved the whole Cinderella retelling but seriously Benedict could you really not tell it was her?
Game of Wool – Season 1. Over the last two nights I have binge watched this series, ready for the finale episode. Somehow, I convinced my hubby that it was my turn to take charge of the remote control and he surprisingly suggested that I watch it. I have actively been avoiding googling it so that I don’t find out who the winner was, only to realise I have to wait a few days for the finale to be aired here in Australia.
I do enjoy these kinds of competition shows – Bake, Pottery Throwdown, Sewing Bee – anything that has a creative element. I love to see how the contestants tackle the challenges, be introduced to techniques that I have never seen before and be inspired by the talent of others. I get very involved in the personalities of the contestants and always pick a favourite very early on, following them to the end of their journey.
What I’m creating:
Late-ish last year I started to crochet again, wanting to go beyond the typical granny blanket I learnt as a child. Having only ever crocheted a continuous granny square throw, I decided that I wanted to try creating lots of smaller granny’s and stitch them together.
After a bit of googling and some YouTube tutorials, I began creating solid granny squares in a lovely purpley-blue variegated yarn…but then life happened…and I forgot all about it.
This week, while watching Game of Wool, I’ve dragged it back out and started crocheting again. I have completed 32 squares out of the 42 that I think I need and I’m hoping to get the rest finished by end of April. That’s the goal … and then I have to YouTube how to connect them together.
I am absolutely open to any tips.
And that’s that … the first Besides Books post. If you made it to the end, thanks for reading.
My daughter is going to see Harry Styles in London. She’s seen him loads of times from his One Direction years on. I hope you enjoy the concert when it comes around.
Thanks. We missed the One Direction years, Ella was still a bit young then, but Harry should be amazing. He seems to have the crowds in his hands when he is on stage, so the atmosphere will be brilliant.
Yay for crochet! 😀 As someone who just put together 90 granny squares into a blanket, I will say that I used the “flat slip stitch” joining method and it was a lot easier than I thought it’d be.
I also love the British competitions, and am now adding Game of Wool to my wishlist, haha
Haha!!! My blanket was 42 squares and I did do the flat slip stitch – it was the first tutorial on Pinterest that looked manageable. I’m pretty happy with the blanket now everything is connected. Next step is to teach myself how to put a border around it. Wish me luck!!