Random Neutrals

Show prep always creates an extra level of activity . . . and piles and piles of yarn.  Sometimes the completely random color combinations give me pause.

The wheels are turning for an all neutral project.

The rainy weather has spilled over into this week's color inspiration.

More gray with a splash of brick red.

Since It's Raining . . .

I've been focused on getting ready for Connecticut.  I'm organized and have been diligently checking items off my list.  In spite of a couple glitches along the way, I'm on track.  Or I was until today.

Today's tasks include packing the truck.  When I woke up this morning, there was the quiet pitter patter of rain.  I decided to wait it 
out . . . maybe the rain would lift.  Instead it's gone in the other direction and turned into a steady stream.

Should I go ahead, load the truck and get drenched in the process.  Or should I wait for a break in the rain that may never come.  While I'm dithering, I thought a little knitting would help me sort it out.

Of course a new project is dangerous because I don't want to put it down.  Just a couple more rows . . . and then I'll get back to the task at hand.  It sounds like I'm going to get very wet.

A Mad Dash

It's going to be a sprint to the finish line this week.  

Lillian Lavender and Piglet in production.

Labels, kits, samples . . . it's all coming together in a flurry of activity for Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber on Saturday.   Unlike most fiber festivals, Connecticut is only one day so don't miss out.  Follow the link for all the details.

I'll have a well-stocked booth including Lillian Sprinkles, Lillian Luxe, gradient bundles, kits and more.

Don't forget you can check in with Instagram and Twitter for live updates.

First Things First

I've learned that some things shouldn't be done late in the day.  For me one of those things is making color decisions.  Either I'm tired or the lighting is bad or I have to make dinner or the dog needs a walk.  It's a challenging time of day all around.

Yesterday I had planned to arrange some colors but before I knew it, the day had slipped away.  The dog needed a walk, and I hadn't even thought of dinner yet.  I put the colors on the back burner.

First thing this morning, after I started brewing my coffee, I pulled out the colors and got busy.

It took a few minutes for me to settle on this lineup.

And then it took only a few more minutes to make this happen.

A new day with fresh coffee makes all the difference.  Easy peasy decisions.

Little pockets of color are sprouting up outside.  This week's color inspiration . . .

A cluster of white.

Out of the Fog

Wednesday?  How did that happen.  I came down with a mega migraine and seem to have misplaced a day or two.  I'm on the mend now but first a wee bit of knitting to help me ease back into things.

This is Sea Grass.  I'm just starting the lace section . . . a little mental exercise to get me out of the fog and back to work.

Towanda

Since I've been lining up new projects with reckless abandon, it's good I finished one that was already under construction.

Towanda. 

This design reminded me of a sampler.  Lace, texture, stripes . . . each section was different.

A little variety keeps a project moving along.

The yarn is Lillian Luxe, colorways Deep Sea and March Sky.

There's nothing like a silk blend for a bit of shimmer and drape.

Today we're in holiday mode with Marathon Monday and Patriots' Day. For occasions such as this I have a hybrid combination of work and play.  Relaxed productivity . . . not a bad way to start the week.

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is officially here.  This week I've been motivated to do some deep cleaning.  I've moved furniture and rearranged cupboards.  Watch out, dusty corners and random piles.  I'm coming to get you.

When it comes to colors, this is what I'm contemplating today.

A couple spring options.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Dusty green and blue.

Reset

Yesterday was a true test of my patience, perseverance and stamina.  I made two runs to the airport - the first one at 5:00 a.m.  I inadvertently "volunteered" to deal with a flat tire on one of the family vehicles.  Note to self:  from now on I'm only dealing with a flat tire that's on the vehicle I actually drive.  

Somehow I managed to navigate all of this before noon, at which point I was so tired my brain was mush.  That's when I succumbed to this.

And then this.

A new project plus a little knitting time . . . that's all it took to reset my day.

The Same but Different

I'm starting off the week with more of the same . . . but slightly different. I've been working away on my Towanda and thought I would be closer to the finish line by now.  And I would have been except for a slight miscalculation.  I had made up my mind that there were 9 sections in this shawl.  When I was working on section 7, I was prepared for 2 more sections and was anticipating the homestretch.  Then I looked at the pattern a little more closely and discovered there are really 11 sections.  Oops.

Most of the sections are different.  It helps when the entertainment value is high.  The finish line may have moved, but I'm closing in on it.

Comfort Knitting

In a concerted effort to get rid of a stubborn cold, I tried to lay low this week.  I made the tax handoff with the accountant early in the week and my work schedule hasn't ramped up to the frantic level yet, so some extra rest was definitely manageable.

My definition of rest does not mean flat out in bed.  I was still up and about, puttering around with odds and ends.  And I might have lost the better part of an afternoon to Ravelry.  The natural outcome of all this "rest" was a new project.

No, I haven't finished my Towanda yet - it's coming right along.  I just couldn't resist another cowl.  It takes one skein and will knit up in a flash.  It looks warm and cozy . . . comfort knitting.  

I might have put together a couple colors for another project, but that's a story for another day.  It's time for me to get busy.  All this rest has created more work.

The weather this week felt more like winter than spring, but this color inspiration is a reminder of the season.

Sunny and bright.

Of Knitting and Chatter . . .

Last night I gave in to my lingering cough and stayed home from knit night.  I don't usually miss my Tuesday knitting group.  In addition to hanging out with friends, it's also an opportunity for concentrated production knitting time.  At least I always thought it was production knitting time.  After last night, I'm not so sure.

I settled in with my knitting at home.

At the end of the evening I had worked through 2 sections of Towanda. I really want to knock out this sample, so I was pleased with the progress.  But I started to think . . . would I have finished 2 sections if had been knitting with the group?  Probably not.  All that chatter has a way of interrupting the endless flow of stitches.  

Maybe knit night isn't the best situation for production knitting, but I'm not going to make a habit of skipping.  I'd miss all that chatter.  

A quick schedule update.  This Saturday I'll be at The Yarn Sellar Fiber Marketplace with a fun group of vendors.  Follow the link for details.

Just a Hint

On Saturday I was shoveling snow.  In spite of that, it looks like the weather is shifting.

Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, there are hints of spring coming out of the dye pots.