Waiting, Knitting and Tariffs

I hit the ground running after the long holiday weekend.  I'm working my way through a long list of dyeing and mixing in some knitting whenever I can.

Dyeing yarn involves a certain amount of waiting.  I don't want that time to go to waste, so I knit a few rounds here and there while I wait.  Even if it's only a few stitches at a time, it all adds up.

Tariffs and the removal of the de minimis exemption are hitting the yarn world hard.  You can read all about it here.  There have already been some yarn business casualties as a result of the unnecessary chaos.  Remember to support small businesses whenever you can.

September Update

Next week we flip the page to September, so I've updated the calendar. 

We're kicking off the fall festival season at Boston Fiber Festival, September 6 and 7.  This weekend event includes classes on Saturday and a market on Sunday.  There might still be room in some of the classes.  The market will be outside in the Thayer Street parking lot.  Follow the link for class details and more information.

I have one more glimpse of summer for this week's color inspiration.

Clear blue and clean white.

Picking up the Pace

Summer is winding down, and I need to pick up the pace on my fall prep.

I have a list, and I'm checking things off, but I'm feeling a sense of urgency to be more productive.  I'm trying to prepare for the frantic fall days.  It's an inspiring, fun time of year, and I'm really looking forward to all the hustle and bustle.

Fall may be knocking on the door, but I'm still trying to enjoy the last bit of summer.  Here is this week's color inspiration.

Beach blues.

Off the Island—Almost

I was on sleeve island this weekend, and I'm happy to report I'm almost ready to hop off.

This is where I was at one point over the weekend, and this morning I just have to finish the cuffs.  No, I don't have an updated picture.  Time is tight today, and the    to-do list is long.

I'll be blocking this later today or tomorrow.  And yes, I'll be casting on one or more new projects.

Pleasantly Surprised

I have a few projects in my current knitting rotation, and I try to give them equal attention.  Knitting around and around on the body of a sweater can be soothing at the end of the day, and I tend to pull this project out in the evening.

In case you're interested, this is Lento (Ravelry link).  I hadn't measured the body and wasn't really paying attention to how long it was.  After knitting a few rounds last night, I gave it a quick measure and was pleasantly surprised.  It was longer than I realized.   

I hadn't decided on my "desired length", so I set the project aside for the evening.  Today I'll figure out just how long I want the sweater, but I'm pretty sure it's almost time for the bottom ribbing.

I've been enjoying the hydrangeas on my daily walks.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Delicate purple.

Usual Routine

I accidentally took a little break from the blog.  I guess I needed some downtime after a hectic spring, but I'm trying to get back to my usual routine.

Hard to believe it's August already, but that means it's time to get serious about fall prep and planning.

Yes, there are new samples in the works.  The pace will pick up next month, and the major fall fiber festivals are right around the corner.  Be sure to check back for schedule updates.

Regrouping

Thank goodness it's the weekend.  This has been an extra stressful week, and I need a couple days to regroup.  I plan to do a lot of knitting.

If you're keeping tabs on the calendar, I've updated the schedule in the right sidebar.  Next week I have a trunk show at Knit Tuck & Purl.  It runs April 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22.

This shop opened last fall, and they're hosting three trunk shows at the same time.  If you haven't visited the shop, this is a good opportunity to check it out.  Stop by if you're in the Boston area.

We've had our share of grey spring days, but it helps to have something colorful to chase the gloom away.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Sunny yellow.