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.