Stitching and Reading

I have once again had a fairly active crafting and reading week. I have been reading quite a lot lately. I recently finished several books. First, I read "The Bookseller" by Cynthia Swanson. 

This is a somewhat strange book that goes back and forth between dream and reality. It is quite interesting though and I did enjoy reading it. 

Following that book I read "Her Heart for a Compass" by Sarah Ferguson. 

I had absolutely no expectations for this book except that it was recommended by another blogger. Well, I just loved this book. It followed the adventures of a Lady Margaret Montagu Scott in Victorian England and it was thoroughly entertaining.

I then decided to read the 8th book in Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series. 

It was nice to return to catch up on the characters of this series.

Yesterday I finished reading "Forbidden Falls" by Robyn Carr. 

This book is part of the Virgin River series and boy did I love this book. I just couldn't put it down. It was great to revisit some well loved characters and meet a few new ones. I am sorry that I finished it so quickly, but that tells me it was a really good book. Now I have to find another book to read.

You would think with all that reading, that I didn't get much crafting done, but I actually made progress on several crafts. 

First, the Baby Elephant Blanket has been getting a lot of attention lately. 

I have figured out a way to keep the various colored yarns from tangling and it makes crocheting it much more enjoyable. You can see the various strands at the top of the photo

I have started stitching the gift tag on Santa. There are a lot of color changes and some white that you might not be able to really see, but trust me it is there. 

I want to finish the tag and then move on to stitching more of the gift itself.

I have also made progress on the apron that I am cross-stitching. I finished stitching the wine bottle. Now I am up to embroidering the lettering for the saying.

 I had to watch a video the other day after messing up my first attempt at the stem stitch needed for the saying. I understand it better now, but after taking out the stitching I had already done, I wasn't ready to start again. I will get back to that on Monday most likely. 

I am joining Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. Pop on over to her site to see what other bloggers are stitching. I think Santa needs some attention today.

Thanks for stopping by!