Busy with Pockets

It has been addicting. I never thought making tiny pockets for young children in Africa would be so consuming. When I read that Lori was making these small pockets for her upcoming trip to Africa, I knew we needed to be involved. Lori's dedication to her family, craft and passions is inspiring. I do enjoy reading her blog and quickly set to work on our donation.

I used part of our day at home this week to start. I wasn't sure wool would be a good idea, since it is tougher to wash. Instead I used some of the cotton yarn we brought with us. Aine used it on the trip for a gift she was making. The little pockets knit up quickly, and I soon had three. Today at the park, I started another one. I am hoping to send five after I find a couple small things to put into the pockets tomorrow. The kiddos have made some crafts to include as well.

This has been a fun project for our family. The pockets have definitely kept my hands busy. While not knitting pockets, I was able to work a bit on my never-ending sweater. The absence of sweater progress is overshadowed by the knowledge that the pockets will be much loved. Again I hope to finish it by next week. As far as reading, I finished The Handmaid's Tale. It is another unsettling dystopian novel. I am amazed at how far humanity will go in the name of a higher authority to subjugate others. The book is science or speculative fiction and a good read. Some of the themes are touchy and have landed the book on the ALA's list of challenged and banned books.

I started a new book before I was able to go to the new local library. It is called My Name is Mary Sutter. It was recommended by my friend Nancy for our book group. Even though I won't be able to attend, I wanted to read the book after discussing the title. It is about a young woman practicing as a midwife who yearns to become a doctor. It is historical fiction which I like about topic that interests me. I am only a quarter of the way through the book, but I like it a lot. My other read is Distant Hours. I had to return it to the library before I finished it back in Arizona. Once we found the local library, I checked it out again.

So, what is everyone working on this week? Lots of pocket making among Ginny's Yarn-Alongers, I am sure.