Earthshine

I have one more finished project for 2018.

Earthshine.  This clever design features a cowl and shawl wrapped in one.  You can pull it on like a cowl, but at the same time it's substantial enough to wear like a shawl.

This has been my effortless project . . . picking it up when I needed something that didn't require too much concentration.  The contrasting stripes are a nice bonus.  The yarn is Lucia DK in Jadeite and Deep Sea.  From subtle to bold, there are plenty of color combinations to choose from.

Life is full of ups and downs, and 2018 was no exception.  The roller coaster ride is sure to continue, but it's nice to clear the slate every twelve months.  

Here's to a smooth ride in 2019.  Happy New Year!

All Wound Up

I've probably been spending too much time on Ravelry.  

More yarn wound up and waiting to be cast on.  And yes, more mohair. I know what I'll be doing this weekend.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

A warm glow.

Back to Work

I'm back at it after a successful holiday.  It seems that no matter how much prep I do, I still spend most of the holiday in the kitchen.  

Today my goal was to ease gently into the work routine, but this pile of possibilities was a bit daunting. 

After an involved process of elimination, I settled on this combination. I'm just getting started . . . there are more new projects waiting for yarn.

Hjortø

In the midst of a flurry of holiday preparations, I have one thing that's actually finished.

Hjortø.  Knitting a hat is almost instant gratification, and the little bit of colorwork makes this project fly.

The yarn is Lucia DK, March Sky and Sunflower.  The pattern doesn't call for this, but I held Shimmer March Sky with the DK March Sky to create a warm, cozy halo.

I would love to cast on another hat, but kitchen duty calls.  It's a day for cooking and baking and decorating.

All the best of the holiday if you're celebrating.  Make the most of your time with family and friends.

Unfinished Business

I'm surrounded by tasks that aren't finished.  The Christmas tree is in the house and upright, but it's still naked.  The decorations have been assembled, but nothing has been put up.  

There's a list of cookies to bake, but only one kind has actually been made and most of them have already been eaten.  Basically we're starting over with the baking.  There's also a list of groceries that need to be fetched, but I'm paralyzed at the thought of going to the grocery store.  Between the traffic and the parking, it's a horror show.

I've convinced myself there's still plenty of time.  I have all weekend to pull everything together.  And that led to this.

I was looking at hat patterns when a knitter friend called.  Perfect timing.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it this was happening.  Now I have a hat to finish this weekend.

Happy winter solstice!  Embrace the dark until the light returns.  

This week's color inspiration . . . 

  
A soft glimmer.

Soul Warmer

Finally some knitting to talk about.

Soul Warmer.

I came across this pattern thanks to the recommendation of a friend. This design has a little bit of everything . . . stripes, lace, texture, ribbing.  All this variety makes it a quick knit.  And of course it's fun to play with different color combinations.

I used one of the Mini Multi Bundles.  For now these are available at shows and by special request.  I plan to list them on the website later this week if I can shake this never-ending cold out of my head.

I'm short on live models, so the cowl is on top of our Christmas tree on the back porch.  Don't judge.  December is a big party month here. Today is my son's birthday celebration.  Holiday decorating will have to wait another day.

Monday Details

It's Monday and the lighting is terrible for pictures, so it seemed like a good time for a couple administrative details.

It's hard to believe, but we're heading into the holiday homestretch.

We have gift certificates available if you need a quick gift or want one for yourself.  They come in any amount.  See the link for details.

Registration is open for Knitting Weekend next month at Slater Mill.

There are still a few openings in some of the classes.  There's also a marketplace running all weekend, and it's free and open to the public.

I've updated the schedule heading into 2019.  See the right sidebar for details.

Back to your holiday preparations . . .

Random on Friday

Here are a few odds and ends to wrap up a crazy week.

There are still several spaces in Yarn Knot Socks.

We have a new format and lower pricing this time around.  Plus each shipment includes a coordinated mini skein.  Click on the link for details.

I'm finishing a couple projects today and feeling very virtuous.

Behind the scenes.  Remember to take time and admire the inside of a project.  

Just a reminder that I'll be in Inman Square on Sunday at the Handmade Holiday Market.  Keep an eye on Instagram for an update with my exact location.

This week's color inspiration is a bright spot in a long row of park benches.

Fire engine red.

On a Mission

Every once in a while I'm determined to start a particular project.  It doesn't matter if there are obstacles in the way.  I'm resourceful and will figure it out.

Yesterday I had made up my mind to start a project.  I was in the midst of casting on when my needle broke.  The needle was from a company I don't really care for, so I happily threw it in the trash.

The only snag was I didn't have another needle in the same size. 
Local yarn shop to the rescue.  I made a quick call to make sure they had the size I needed, and then I was out the door.  As a bonus I made it there and back before the traffic got too bad.

Mission accomplished.  This is Soul Warmer.  I cast on and even got a decent start.  This design has a lot of stitch variety.  Sometimes that's all it takes to keep a project moving along.

Moral of the story.  Don't forget to support you LYS.  You never know. You might need them in an emergency.

Winter's Fern

I should be doing some holiday prep, but I can't seem to put my knitting down.  I wrapped up this project over the weekend.

Winter's Fern.  

There's nothing like a worsted weight hat for some quick knitting.  Add a little interesting colorwork, and this hat was off the needles in no time.

I used a Norma Bundle . . . From the Bog.  You can see the sample this Sunday at the Handmade Holiday Market in Inman Square.  

I'll definitely be making this hat again.  My daughter spotted the hat and made a request.  And I want one too.

While I've been able to avoid the holidays so far, I couldn't miss my daughter's birthday.

Happy, Happy!

Souviens

When you have a little knitting momentum, you need to take advantage of it.  I felt it with this project and kept going until it was off the needles.

Souviens.

This cowl features two layers, and the whole thing is knit in one piece.

You can see blue peeking through the lace.

The clever construction was entertaining.  

I will admit when I started the project, I wondered if it was going to work.  And it did.  Sometimes you need to have faith and just knit.

The yarn is Lucia.  The cowl doesn't take full skeins, so I used a Half Pint Bundle.  The bundles will be available on the website later this month.

The daylight is definitely short right now, and it's interesting to watch the shifting shadows.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Last light of the day.

One More

I've updated the right sidebar with my last event for 2018.

Handmade Holiday is a fun way to end the year.  I'll be at one of the storefronts in Inman Square.  I don't know the exact location yet but will post details on social media.

I have a couple new samples under construction for this event.

The lace section of Souviens is coming right along, and I can't wait to join the layers at the top.

Two in One

I'm on the go today but had to check in with a quick project update. That wee bit of ribbing I showed you on Friday has morphed into this.

Souviens.  I'm working with the needle on top but will soon cap it off to work with the one on the bottom.  I'm anxious to see it all come together . . . a clever construction with two layers in one.

Still Starting

Since I'm having so much fun casting on, I decided to keep going.

This one wasn't even on my list let alone near the top, but Instagram flagged me down and the next thing I knew I was picking colors.  

The thing that reeled me in was the construction.  I'm almost to the part where things get interesting, and I'll be sure to report back.  In the meantime, it looks like I'll be on the couch this weekend surrounded by an array of new and engaging projects.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

November light.

Timing

It happens about the same time every year.  I've been home just long enough to recover from my busy fall travels, and suddenly I want to cast on dozens of new projects.

This happened yesterday because apparently I didn't have enough going on with all the other projects already on the needles.  My stripe obsession continues, and this is one of my favorite color combinations. How could I say no?

For several months my son has hinted he might need a new sweater, but the other day he said he wanted to talk about patterns.  The brisk weather may have nudged him, and now he's serious about a new sweater.  Of all my children he's probably the most knitworthy because he appreciates handknits.  He not only wears them, but he also takes care of them.  And his timing is perfect because I'm ready to cast on.

Just a Minute

The Monday after a long holiday weekend can be brutal, and today is no exception.  So many things are screaming for attention.  Since it's hard to know which pile to attack first, I'm going to focus on knitting for just a minute.

Earthshine.  I was busy with a trunk show over the weekend, so I wasn't parked on the couch the whole time.  Even with limited knitting time, this seems to be working up quickly.

This is one of those projects where I could easily say "just one more row" over and over again.  Too bad I need to get some work done today.

The Long Weekend

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday.  Most of my tribe was home, and we had a delightful day complete with good food, thoughtful conversation and plenty of pie.

We capped it all off with a couple rousing games of Jenga.

This was my knitting progress yesterday.

Colors picked and yarn wound.  I had visions of starting a new project, but by the time I sat down on the couch I was half way to slumberland. This is what I'll be working on over the weekend.

Speaking of the weekend . . . Once again we're participating in Small Business Saturday.  Orders placed between Saturday, November 24 (tomorrow) and Monday, November 26 will receive a 15% discount. Enter code SmallBiz18 in the comment section and the discount amount will be refunded.  Please note this offer does not include Yarn Knot subscriptions and gift certificates.

Also, just a reminder that on Sunday I'll be in Rhode Island at The Mermaid's Purl from 12:00 to 3:00.  Stop by if you're in the area.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

The colors of the season.

Pie and Mittens

Yesterday's knitting goal was very modest.  Finish one mitten.

As you can see, I didn't quite make it.  All the holiday preparations left me short on time.  

You'll notice one of my needles is a different color.  The other night I picked up my bag to work on this project, and one of the needles was missing.  I searched through my bags several times without any luck.  I had been working on the mitten earlier in the day, so I retraced my steps.  I even went so far as to rummage around in my truck with a flashlight.  

I was on the go a lot that day.  I think the needle fell out of my bag and is gone for good.  But I didn't let that stop me.  I was determined to work on these mitts, so I swiped a needle from another project.  I consider it a small miracle that I was able to locate the right size needle without turning my office upside down.

Today is pie baking day, but I plan to squeeze in a few rounds to finish this mitt.

If you're celebrating the holiday tomorrow, make the most of your time with family and friends.  And after all the work, knit a few rows.

Party at the Purl

I give up.  It's a gray, dismal day, and I'm never going to get adequate knitting pictures.

Instead here's a quick schedule update.

If you're looking to get out of the house over the holiday weekend and you don't want to go to the mall, check out Party at the Purl.  I'll be at The Mermaid's Purl with a trunk show on Sunday from 12:00 - 3:00.  I'll have yarn, bundles and samples.  Stop by and get in on the fun.

Moonstone Mittens

Every once in a while my timing is spot on.  Today is one of those days.

I finished these Moonstone Mittens just in time for the first snow of the season.  Since they are made with DK weight yarn, they are a pretty quick knit.  If you're looking for holiday gift ideas, you might want to give this pattern a look.

I used Lucia DK, colorway From the Bog.  This yarn still hasn't hit the website, but listing it is creeping to the top of my to-do list.  Maybe in the next week or so.  In the meantime, feel free to drop me a note if you want to make other arrangements.

The switch may have flipped on our seasons, but I'm still enjoying the colors of fall.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

One more blast of orange.

Mittens and Mohair

Since my Moonstone Mittens are almost finished, I decided to get my next pair of mitts up and running.  I also made a promise that I wouldn't work past the thumb on this pattern without finishing Moonstone, including both thumbs.

This pattern (Ghostwood Mittens) calls for the fuzzy blend of mohair and silk.  Yes, I still have the mohair bug.

The Mitten Option

This weekend, despite my best efforts, didn't include as much knitting time as I had planned, but I still have progress to show.

Moonstone Mittens.  One mitten finished except for the thumb.  

I knit this mitt on the go, stealing rounds here and there in-between errands and planning.  I could use a little knitting boost, and DK weight mittens are almost instant gratification.   

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the notion of a holiday next week.  Mittens might be my best knitting option at the moment.

Up and Running

After a crazy, mixed-up week, I'm once again connected to the outside world.  Transitioning to a new internet provider is never as easy as they say.  We had a few glitches along the way and I lost a couple days, but my daughter has convinced me we are now operating at lightning speed.

I've also been fighting a bug of some sort - fiber festival crud would be my guess.  I took all sorts of precautions to ward off the evil germs, but it was probably inevitable that I would get something.  For one whole day I was too out of it to knit, but I did manage to hop around on Ravelry.  Now all sorts of new projects ideas are forming.

The season has taken another turn, and we're settling in with proper wool weather.

I've felt a mitten binge coming on for a while and now have several patterns lined up.  I'm just getting started.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Fall carpet.

Pink Cheer

It's a wrap.  I had a delightful, busy weekend at Fiber Festival of New England.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.  It's a bittersweet feeling now that my big fall shows are finished.  I'll miss the hustle and bustle, but it'll be nice to slow down a little and put my feet up.

There were cute animals this weekend and all sorts of inspiring creations, but I didn't get a chance to take any pictures.  I did wander out of the booth just long enough to do a little damage at White Birch Fiber Arts and Three Bags Full.

I'm not normally a pink person, so this combination is a little out of character.  I must have had a pink deficiency and didn't know it.

When I finally put my feet up, it looks like I'll be doing some sock knitting.  But first I have to empty the truck.

Violet Waffles

I'm almost ready to hit the road, and this new hat is coming along for the ride.

Violet Waffles.  There's nothing like a quick and easy hat.  This one is even going to have a pompom.

I'm still on my mohair kick, so I held a strand of Shimmer together with Lucia DK, both in Celestial.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Shades of orange.

Simple Yet Effective

I'm pulling everything together for this weekend and that included a little blocking.

Simple Yet Effective.  

This cowl is almost effortless and makes a perfect on-the-go project.

The yarn is Lucia DK and Shimmer both in Heliotrope.  Notice the lovely halo.  If you're heading to Fiber Festival of New England this weekend, stop by and see this new sample.

Knitting and Baseball

After an incredible weekend of baseball, the season is over.  And so is my excuse to sit and knit.

I finished one mohair project (not yet blocked) and started another one. This is Violet Waffles.  There's nothing like a hat project for instant gratification, and this one was mindless enough to get me through some tense innings.

If you want to get in on the mohair craze, we'll have a full selection of Shimmer (mohair / silk) at Fiber Festival of New England this coming weekend.  Look for us in Booth 432/33 East.

Heads up to area knitters.  Registration for Knitting Weekend at Slater Mill is open.  You'll find registration for one class here and the two class option here.

Mohair Magic

I had planned to cast on a sweater after Rhinebeck, but I've taken a slight detour.

The allure of Shimmer was too great.  I'm still a little wobbly from Rhinebeck, and there's something comforting about working with this mohair and silk blend.  And look at that halo!  I'm mesmerized.

The fall colors don't seem as brilliant this year, but I still enjoy the change.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Rhinebeck foliage.

Mad's Hat

I'm still in a Rhinebeck daze, but the fog is lifting.  I took extra time and drove back on Monday, so I lost a day this week.  Now I'm deep in preparation for Fiber Festival of New England.  Back to reality.

Here's a little something I didn't have time to share before Rhinebeck.

Mad's Hat.

This is a quick little project.  It uses fingering weight held double.  I went the extra step and added the optional mohair.  I used Lillian and Shimmer (mohair / silk) both in March Sky.  I plan to list Shimmer on the website after Fiber Festival of New England.

This is such a warm, cozy hat.  My daughter thought it could use a pompom, so I'm off to see what I have in my pompom stash.  Yes, I have a pompom stash.  Don't you?

Sneak Peek - Part 5

I'm checking in one last time before I hit the road.  I finished this sample earlier in the week.

Copenhagen Calling.  

No matter how much I plan ahead, there's always last minute sample knitting.  In fact I finished another sample last night.  Let me just say, these late-night Red Sox games have been a godsend. 

This design features a little ribbing, some slip stitches and a lace panel. Plenty of variety to go around.

The yarn is Lucia DK, colorways Persimmon and March Sky.  I reduced the stitch count a bit so I would only have to use one skein of Persimmon.  I suggest two skeins of the second color even though I only used one.  I had just a couple inches to spare.

If you're headed to Rhinebeck, you can see this sample and many more in Building C, Booth 42.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

If I had to give it a name, I'd call it aubergine.