Hot and Hotter

It seems I lost a couple days this week, so I'm planning to work my way through the weekend.

Even though the weather forecast is calling for hot and hotter, the pots will be on.

This week's color inspiration is all about beets.

Golden, red and in-between.

Random on Wednesday

On the needles.  There's not much new to report over here.

I'm chugging along on my Surge.  Section 3 is almost finished, and I'm just shy of 200 stitches.  I have two sections left, and of course the rows are getting noticeably longer.  My thoughts of a quick finish are entirely delusional, but that won't keep me from entertaining thoughts of my next project.

On the website.  I posted a quick update for The Crown Wools MKAL.

Color Bundles are now available and will ship in time for the July 19 kickoff.

Short Row Magic

I had plans to take off most of the weekend, and those plans included bonus knitting time.  In spite of glitches on both Saturday and Sunday, I did get some time with my needles . . . just not as much as I would have liked.

Surge.  This design capitalizes on short rows, and they're made even more dramatic with stripes and color changes.

This morning I was tempted to knit some more and watch this design unfold, but today technology is testing my patience.  I hate to admit it, but my daughter was probably right several weeks ago when she strongly suggested I get a new phone.

Before I sign off and fall down the deep hole of acquiring a new phone, I'll share this bit of research.  Mr. Rogers' Cardigans of Many 
Colors . . . this data holds so many possibilities for knitters.  One knitter suggested a striped scarf using the colors in chronological order.  
Use your imagination and enjoy!

Crown Wools

Need a fun, summer knitting project? 

Take a look at the Crown Wools MKAL.  This link will take you to the Ravelry group where you'll find all the details.

This project calls for twelve colors.  That's a lot of color fun, but it might be a bit daunting for some knitters to put together a collection of twelve.  I couldn't resist the challenge.

This is the first of several bundles.  Keep an eye on my Instagram for more updates.

This week's color inspiration comes from my travels last weekend.

Night and day.

High Hopes

I was out of town for a few days attending TNNA, the wholesale show for yarn businesses.  It was fun, I met some great people and I came home thoroughly exhausted.  Other than a few booth shots, I didn't take any pictures.

Before I left for the show, I had a hard time deciding on my travel knitting.  I had a sock in progress, and I wound a couple skeins at the last minute.  I left with a project in mind and that was going to be the focus of my knitting while I was gone.

I had high hopes, but other than a few rounds on my sock, I didn't do any knitting while I was gone.  That often happens.  I'm immersed in an environment full of yarn and knitters, but I don't have time to do any actual knitting.

Today I'm still trying to get my bearings and find my work flow.  Garter and stripes will help.

Wildheart

The sample parade continues.

Wildheart.

I don't remember when I started this project, but it was done in no time. One skein makes a light, airy, elegant shawl.

The yarn is Bertha, colorway Gourd.  I hit the reset button with Bertha and am using a different MCN base.  Soft cashmere with a bit more twist. 

Just like that two projects are finished.  Now I have license to cast on whatever I want.

Suburban Wrap

I'm starting the week with show and tell.

Suburban Wrap.  If you like variety, this project is full of it.  Stripes, lace, texture, eyelets, ribbing . . . there's a little bit of everything.

Choosing colors adds to the fun.  I used Lillian in March Sky, Pumice and Pond Scum.

This is a substantial shawl, but with so much going on I never felt bogged down.

Now that this project is off the needles, I can contemplate something new.

No More Tugging

For the last few weeks, I've been experimenting with a new fiber tool.

This is the yarn ball holder.  Sometimes my balls are a little wonky.  I have to give an extra tug on the yarn, and it interrupts the rhythm of my knitting.  This handy tool keeps the yarn moving smoothly.  No more tugging.

So far I've only used the holder at home, but this weekend I'm going to take it on the road.  I'm heading out on a quick, 24-hour adventure, and I'll see how this knitting companion travels.

I have a few iris plants, but as usual they came and went all too quickly.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Buttery yellow.

Next

My view this morning.

I've been cruising along on my Suburban Wrap.  It's been a great project.  There's plenty of stitch variety plus some color play.  I'm on auto knit, and I have one section left.  This shawl isn't off the needles yet, but I have the next project lined up.

Snapshots from Maine

I'm trying to get my bearings after a gorgeous weekend in Maine. Weather can be an issue at this event and it started out a little shaky, but everything was in order by Saturday morning.  It was delightful.

This is a relaxed show.  There's time to chat with people and share ideas.  Thanks to everyone who came out for the Frolic.

This was the last festival of the spring season, but there's no time off. New adventures are right around the corner.

Bittersweet

I'll be on the road this morning . . . heading north to Fiber Frolic.  This is a bittersweet weekend.  It's the last festival of the spring season and I'll miss my weekly adventures, but I have plans with several friends and it promises to be a jam-packed weekend.  

Earlier this week there was a flurry of activity getting these ready.

Cute little gradient bundles in a slightly different base.  I'll have these at the Frolic.  Look for my booth in Building 2.

Thanks to my neighbor for this week's color inspiration.

Stunning.