What I made, by Sharon

W elcome to part 19 in a series of non-fiction book reviews, originally based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me.  I have, after so many chapters of this series, realised that all these posts say about me is that have eclectic taste and endless curiosity. This time I am exploring embroidery,  houseplants and cooking tips, so it does have a domestic theme. All books in this post are kindly provided in e-arc form from the publishers through NetGalley. The Art of Embroidery Design: A Workshop for Developing Your Own Original Stitching by Christi Johnson  (Releases 21 January 2025) This book doesn't focus on how to embroider (although there is plenty of information on that) it focusses on how to design, from the use of a design journal to where we can gather inspiration. I found this workshop style book very inspiring, particularly in the way it highlighted a range of designers and different embroidery styles. It is not prescrip...

On this first day of 2025 I am feeling quite contemplative. 2024 was a pretty good year, although it ended with some sadness .  Even within that pain, I look around and my friends and am very grateful and full of love. This was our New years eve / chanuka celebration: There were no really major life changes in 2024. Same job, same house, same love (hi Leon) same fitness hobby. I did get back into running regularly, which is very good for my mood. We had some good holidays, including two hiking trips, a trip to Tasmania, two weekends in Bendigo, some time at the Adelaide Fringe, Marysville, bush camping and our first (and quite possibly last) cruise . A good year. I knit 50 things, using 21, 374 metres of yarn.  I found a new group to charity knit for, and made 18 things for them.  Despite my oft stated intention to knit less socks, I knit ten pairs of socks, eight of which are for me and Leon. My challenge of knitting less socks is one I will doubtless keep failing! I ca...