As well as the usual Wednesday update with Tami's Amis, I'm joining Ginny's Yarn Along today. This is something I usually follow (and have taken recommendations from) but as I've been reading the first four (huge) books in George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series for an eternity I don't usually join in. Having finished the fourth book last night - WOW! - and with just one remaining, it's time for a break to read something I'm rather excited about.
Taking a break! |
When D was my 'new boyfriend' and he introduced me to his friends over a decade ago, there was one he described as being intelligent, an amazing writer, and an all-round good bloke. That friend was Dean Crawford, known to us as "Deano". This month Deano's first book - Covenant - was published in the UK after already being launched to rave reviews in Australia, USA and Canada. After only days of sales, Covenant hit the number 1 spot in the Bookseller Fiction Heatseeker chart (for rising stars) and was number 26 in The Sunday Times Bestseller paperback chart (despite all the celebrities and well-established writers having books out for Christmas) quite an accomplishment for a debut thriller! I really couldn't be happier for Deano who worked so hard to turn this dream into a reality - he is currently very busy with the next two books in the series (but took time to pop to the pub to celebrate our friend's birthday last Saturday - because he really is a very nice bloke!).
I started Covenant last night - on my Kindle, but the paperback makes a better picture - and the first few chapters have me intrigued. I can totally see why there are comparisons with Michael Crichton, whose books I also like, and can't wait to curl up with it again tonight. If you'd like to read more about Deano, he has a Facebook page, a blog and an official website.
And so onto the knitting. You can see I'm just past the elbow on the first sleeve of Chele, which is constructed in one piece from one wrist to the other.The pattern uses a yarn with drape, but I'm making a thicker and hence more structured version for winter with 100% wool - it's positively architectural and reminds me a little of Katwise sweaters - thoughts of a multicoloured version have already entered my head. I love this sleeve actually, it has a kind of concertina effect when it's not pinned down - I only hope the body works out as well. I'll see how it goes, but I may try switching to slightly bigger needles for the body section so it's not as dense as the sleeves.
And that's all I'm working on this week, although I already posted yesterday that I am itching to get back to the Hexipuffs, and there are numerous other projects around the place needing some attention. For now though, I have an appointment with some glitter, glue, and a cheeky two year old! Have a great day. xxxx
Edit: A couple of people have now asked about the skin on my Kindle - it's a Gelaskin from Amazon, and there are lots of other designs too :)
Edit: A couple of people have now asked about the skin on my Kindle - it's a Gelaskin from Amazon, and there are lots of other designs too :)
Your friend's book looks great, might have to check that one out myself, it sounds like my kind of story :)
ReplyDeleteLove how your Chele is coming along (and I am jealous of your speedy knitting!) The colour is fab and I see what you mean about it being architectural. It's going to be gorgeous :)
Hope you have a beautifully glittery day!
I love the colour you chose, nice and purple!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for you to finish it.
Cool that Dean is living his dream, wish him good luck on a next book.
Just a few more weeks and you can get back on track with the hexi-madness. Wiehoo. I should probably give them a small rest too for other projects but it's so addictive!
Oh how exciting! I bet you are so proud to have a successful author as a friend. Writing is such a leap of faith, you labour alone for so many months and then hand it over to someone to tell you if you've been wasting your time or not. To have a success must be mind blowing.
ReplyDeleteLove finding new authors. I am going to go get this book after I drop off my daughter at school.
ReplyDeleteChele is very interesting construction, and what gorgeous yarn you've chosen! Congratulations to your friend - a number one best seller! I'll have to keep an eye out around the book shops here!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your friend! How exciting.
ReplyDeleteI was sucked into the hexi-puff crave, but have yet to make a puff! Still deciding if I really want to do it or not.
i had not seen those hexis yet but I took a look at the beekeepers quilt and it is gorgeous. I hope you keep going : ) How exciting to be published, that is on my bucket list he-he. I am new to your blog, thanks for sharing. Tricia @ crunchycatholicmomma.blogspot
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for Deano. Thanks for sharing - it looks like a bit of fun reading for after the holiday madness.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with your kindle skin! Where did you get it?!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting about your friend- congratulations to him :) I shall have to keep my eye open for the book- when I don't have a backlog (just reminding myself lol)
ReplyDeleteOhhh, that looks like a pretty sweater. I laughed at the part in your bio about your FB friends being tired of your knitting status updates. That goes for my FB friends too! :)
ReplyDeleteNice to get the first peep of chele , it's looking lovely the colour is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteMust be pretty cool to know a successful writer, but even better to be one! Good on your friend for making it work.
Congrats to your friend, Dean! What a thrill to get his hardwork published.
ReplyDeleteLove that deep periwinkle color.
Congrats to your friend, Dean! What a thrill to get his hardwork published.
ReplyDeleteLove that deep periwinkle color.
Congrats to your friend! I could always do with new books to read :) The sleeve is looking great, I love the colour
ReplyDeleteOh to sew a whole sweater .... hopefully someday! It looks great, and to read an author you know? So cool!
ReplyDeletewe had a dear, dear friend publish a most AMAZING book back in the Summertime, and I was just bowled over proud of him and for him. I know exactly how you feel! And I'm totally intrigues by your sweater constructed from one side to the other - I look forward to following its progress!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great way to construct a sweater. I can't wait to see the finished object. Also, I love the color you've chosen.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your friend on publishing the book!
My husband is obsessively reading the Game of Thrones books too...I was obsessively watching the show and now I'm waiting and waiting for the next season.
congratulations to your friend, how exciting! your sweater sounds like an interesting knit. i've done this construction on baby sweaters but never a grown up one. beautiful color!
ReplyDeleteHi, this is the first time I've tried to make a comment, hope I get it right!
ReplyDeleteI bought Covenant after reading your blog. WOW best read in a long time, I couldn't put it down.
I'm up to book 3 in the Ice and Fire series...waiting for part 2 on TV.)
Love your blog... one of my favorites : )