Following My Dream

I'm searching for some midweek motivation.  

I'm pretty sure I had a dream about new socks last night, so this morning I deviated from the schedule and cast on a fresh pair.  Bright, cheery yellow will undoubtedly inspire me.

Portland Sequence

In the midst of a chaotic weekend, it felt rewarding to finish at least one thing.

My KnitWit Cowl is off the needles, blocked and ready to be tucked away for fall.

This design uses sequence knitting - repeating a sequence of stitches over and over.

Once I found my rhythm, I couldn't put this project down.

The yarn is a 4-color bundle of Bertha Sport, a lovely blend of Merino, Cashmere and Nylon.  

This bundle is an exclusive for KnitWit Yarn Shop, and the pattern is a shop original.  Together they make a great kit . . . perfect for summertime knitting.  If you're interested in getting your hands on this delightful project, contact the shop directly.

Another Year

It's been another year, and my birthday has rolled around again.  I made every attempt to ensure I wouldn't have to work today, but my best laid plans usually go awry.  And they did.  Instead I've adjusted the bar to a minimal amount of work.  I think I can manage that.

I started off the morning by finishing one project.  It's soaking right now, and soon it will be blocking.  

There are more gradient surprises in the works.  This project has been hanging out on my work table for a while . . . patiently waiting.  It's time to cast on.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Not a cloud in the sky.

The Hard Part

Planning new samples is near the top of my to-do list, but progress has been stalled because I need to make some decisions.  Today is the day.

Round one of color options.  

By the end of the day, I'm going to have some decisions.  After that, it's just a matter of knitting.  That's the easy part.

Keeping the Sequence

Counting to 7.  Yes, it can be challenging at times, but I'm working 
on it.

KnitWit 2016 Cowl.  Click on the link and scroll down to see the full cowl.  This pattern uses 4 colors of sport weight yarn and a sequence pattern.  So far I have 2 colors in play.  I probably would have another color in the mix by now if I hadn't stumbled so many times on counting to 7.

This is supposed to be my mindless project.  As soon as I get my counting rhythm, it will be.

All in a Day's Work

It turns out I can cast on and knit over half a baby hat white waiting for my son to take his road test*.  That's more a reflection on the very long wait than my knitting speed.  I had a feeling about this road test, but I averted disaster and went prepared with plenty of coffee and knitting.  

Less than 24 hours after starting this darling little hat, it was time for the finishing touches and the wonders of the Kitchener stitch.

Good Sport.  My daughter's friend is having a baby, and there's a whirlwind of excitement.  There's a shower in the works, and this is just one of the items to welcome the little bundle into the world. 

A quick PSA for Boston-area knitters . . . I have a pop-up shop running through next week at Sit 'n Knit in Melrose.  Stop by and take a look.

The strawberries are here.  It's a short season, but I'm trying to make the most of it.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Juicy and sweet.

*In case you're wondering, he passed.

Merrily

Last weekend was unproductive on many levels, but I did manage to finish a pair of socks.  

Merrily.

This pattern was entertaining, easy to memorize and relatively quick.

The cuff design includes a bit of eyelet and was a nice change of pace from the traditional ribbing..

This was one of the Yarn Knot Sock installments from the last round.  I experimented with a different Merino / Nylon blend, and I must say it was nice to work with.

I might have to bring it back for another special project.  With that I'm off to plot and plan . . . and cast on a new pair of socks.

For Today

Yesterday I felt paralyzed by the horror in Orlando.  The news reports have been overwhelming, and it's hard to fathom yet another senseless tragedy and more hatred.  It's discouraging on so many levels.  When will this all end?  I hate to admit that this is the "new normal", but we seem to be locked in a vicious cycle of violence and hatred.

Take a moment to pause and ponder.  Today is a new day.  Do what you can to bring about peace and hope.

When All Else Fails . . .

Despite my best intentions this has been one of those weeks where all my plans have fallen by the wayside.  Every day has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but I'm trying to roll with it.  It helps to always have my knitting in tow.

Yesterday afternoon I was in the doctor's office for back-to-back appointments.  Nothing serious.  Just run-of-the-mill kid ailments.  
I leave all time expectations at the door when I go to the doctor's office. Finagling two appointments in one trip was very efficient on my part, but there was still a lot of waiting time.

I should say a lot of knitting time.

I finished one Merrily sock and cast on the second one.  I've salvaged this week with sock knitting.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Gray-green texture.

Taking a Detour

I started off the week with a slight knitting detour.  I left my Belgian Waffle Boomerang behind, and this is where I landed.

Merrily.  This sock is moving right along, and the heel is ready to be turned.  I wish all detours were so pleasant.

On another note, knitters know there are many benefits to knitting. 
Now there's a study being conducted to see if knitting helps relieve arthritis.  You can read more about it here.

Snapshots from Squam

Twenty-two hours.  That's how long I was gone on my weekend trip to Squam.  There and back in a whirlwind.

From the peace and quiet of the lake to the intense creative energy of the participants . . . this event has a little bit of everything.  

Andrea Rangel was on hand with samples from her new book.

Magical.

The View from Here

This is what I'm looking at this morning.

Inventory for my weekend adventure, plenty of coffee and a project that seems to be stuck.

I've been working diligently on my Belgian Waffle Boomerang, but it isn't getting any bigger.  You'd think I was just pretending that I was knitting.  Back and forth, row after row . . . no change.  And in a cruel twist, the ball of yarn doesn't seem to be getting any smaller either. 

This is my only project in production right now, so either I tough it out or I start something new.  I'm not giving up that easily.  Mind over matter. Once I've reached the halfway point, I'm sure I'll have a different attitude.

My color inspiration for this week . . . 

Urban flower arrangement.

Bits and Pieces

For today . . . a random collection of things you might find interesting.

~ Alasdair Post-Quinn, the master of all things double knitting, has a new book in the works.

Double Or Nothing.  Follow the link for more information.  While you're there, sign up for the preorder mailing list.

~ Did you know that knitting was used as code in WWII?  What's the connection between the Burying in Woollen Acts and the rise in newspaper circulation?  You can read all about it and other interesting bits of knitting history here.    

~ The Squam Retreat is happening this week.  On Saturday there's the Ravelry REVELRY and a marketplace.  These events are free and open to the public.  If you're in the area, stop by and enjoy the creativity and inspiration of Squam.