Here’s the back panel of my English rib sweater. I only have a few inches to go until I can start decreasing for the sleeves. I love decreasing for the sleeves – it makes me feel as if I am “almost done,” even if that is not the case at all.

I think I’ve finally figured out how to deal with the Game of Thrones series. I’m keeping A Storm of Swords on my bedside table and reading 2-3 chapters every night before I go to bed. During the day, I read other books. On the one hand, I don’t find myself feeling pressured to read it all day long so I can move on to another book, since I already am reading another book. At the same time, I’m checking in with it every night, so I don’t have to worry that I’ll get hooked on something else and abandon this book so long that I lose track of all the minor characters and plot strands. George R.R. Martin has found a way to worm himself into my daily life, though, and that is via the “bear” song, which suddenly appeared in A Storm of Swords as a major work of Westeros folk music, in spite of the fact that the first two books don’t reference it at all. I think George R.R. Martin was tickled with himself when he came up with it and can’t help but mention it again every few chapters. If you don’t know the song, it’s rhythmic and catchy and raunchy and violent and creepy and totally, irresistibly addictive. I walk around with it in my head all day long.

As always, Yarn Along is hosted by Ginny on her lovely blog, Small Things. Happy Wednesday!