With another turn of the calendar page, it’s July! I hope you all had a joyous June and those past 30 days have brought you some wonderful updates on those WIPs ✨ As for me, lots has been happening and sadly, I’ve been unable to keep up with the crafting side of things as much as I’d have liked to.
It’s been a bit of a busy one as I’ve been focusing on writing and editing my own work, yet I have made the effort and managed to get some stitches crossed off the grid, with the Pastel Halloween Magic pattern from Colorfully Sarah.
I’m leaving the ghosts until last, as this project is in and out of bags and I personally prefer to stitch the white at the end to save further grubby marks! On the left is what it’s due to look like upon completion; above’s where I’m at currently.
I feel like my earphones have been grafted to my skull over the past month with the different audios I’ve been consuming! Yet, not a bad thing as I’m back with some picks that I’ve been enjoying both past and present and I hope you will, too. Before we dive in, just a quick reminder to check your content warnings as some of these suggestions may contain adult language, content and/or sensitive topics.
📖 Audiobook – The Cove – LJ Ross
For some reason whenever I think mysteries, I think autumn/winter. Yet The Cove by LJ Ross has happily turned my assumptions on their head, and I’m incredibly grateful for this wonderful introduction to a summer cosy thriller.
With a dream job in publishing and living in London, Gabrielle Adams seemingly has it all. Yet as she heads home after a work event, Gabrielle’s apprehensive as news of the ‘Underground Killer’, a man who shoves his victims onto the tracks, has struck again. Sadly for Gabby, her night goes from bad to worse as she quickly becomes his next target.
Ravaged by nightmares and the realisation of being the only survivor of these attacks thus far, Gabrielle struggles as she tries to fall back into step with her previous life.
Desperate for change, she accepts a job working at a bookshop located in Cornwall. It’s quaint, picturesque and the cove’s rising tides offer a short window for who can pass its roads. Yet she begins to create a new life in Carnance Cove, has Gabrielle swapped one nightmare for another?
Filled with suspense with a wonderfully woven thread of romance, The Cove is a perfect summer listen as you blast through those rows! I’ve already snapped up some of her DCI Ryan Mysteries from my local charity shop, so I think I’ll save the summer standalones for my crafting. Perhaps LJ Ross will make another appearance sooner than I thought!
🎙️Podcast – Raidercast – Chris Carpineti
This should come as no great shock as regular readers will have seen a certain Ms. Croft appear in my makes!
My podcast of the month goes to my good friend in the Tomb Raider community, Chris Carpineti. Raidercast has been a joy to listen to from the start, as Chris’ love for the series shines through. I’ve been lucky enough to guest on the show, as well as host panels in Chris’ honour. But why Raidercast is so well-loved by myself and thousands of others is its subject matter. Lara Croft and her many adventures have resonated with millions, and Chris’ podcast allows you to get to the heart of why Lady Croft matters to so many of us.
A beacon of strength and resilience, Lara’s not only empowered me for countless years, she’s done so for many others, too. Listening to community episodes really illustrates just how much Lara has offered a safe space, and how the games have given such a source of comfort when people have needed her most. Fans, including myself, have thousands reasons as to why she’s held in such high regard in our hearts and homes.
These community specials are a heart-warming listen and for those who may not resonate with the games as much as I do, listening to the outpouring of love from others around the world may give you an idea of why this turquoise-toting anti-hero is oh-so-important.
Other episodes cover the hilarious First-Time Tomb Raider, the sister YouTube series where Alfredo, Chris’s husband, is the one taking over the controller for his first fore into the games. There are deep dives into the myths and lore, Halloween and movie specials with fellow friends, and conversations with celebrated voice actors over the course of the series. There’s so much more to uncover and if you’re curious about an icon of gaming history, Raidercast is the perfect listen to get lost in as you traverse those WIPs.
💿Album – 130 Mood: TRBL – DEAN
I was first introduced to DEAN and his artistry by a colleague in a previous job almost a decade ago. Ever since then, DEAN’s stayed in my rotation and with each release, I’m excited to see what he’s offering us next. However for this one, I’m taking you way back to 130 Mood: TRBL, his first official EP from 2016.
Initially breaking through in America with successful collaborations with Mila J, Eric Bellinger and Anderson .Paak, DEAN’s vocals and artistry had certainly left an impression.
Returning to Korea the following year, he debuted What 2 Do with Crush, quickly collaborating with others to craft this extended play.
Favourites of mine include Bonnie & Clyde, Pour Up with ZICO and I Love It with Dok2. An honourable mention has to be And You?, the intro to the EP. Exploring R&B, K-Pop and Hip-Hop, 130 Mood: TRBL continues to feel fresh and timeless, year after year.
Although this is his only officially ‘listed’ release, DEAN has a wealth of tracks both solo and as a collaborator that I would highly encourage you to check out. His latest release, 3:33 with FKJ features two singles and it’s a joy to see him back on my playlists. He’s well-known for a hiatus, so I really hope he returns fully this year with the long awaited follow-up, 130 Mood: RVNG.
That’s it from me for another month! I hope you’ve enjoyed another in-depth look at some of my favourite listens of past, present and future. Have you discovered any new genres? Enjoyed a previous pick? Be sure to let us know in your posts by using #WoolWarehouseCrafters and we’ll get sharing some of our favourites!
Be sure to join me next time for another round of audio delights! Enter your email below to subscribe to The Craft Room so you never miss a post from us ⬇️✨