Leni

One more finished object for 2019.

Leni.

This hat was such a treat to knit.  The pattern is well written and includes some thoughtful details.  To top it all off, I love the fit.  This one is destined to be a booth sample, but I will definitely be making one just for me.

The yarn is Lillian Jadeite and Shimmer Sea Glass held together.  You can see the halo from the Shimmer, and the combination makes an extremely cozy fabric.

As we get ready to head into the new year, it's a good opportunity to pause and reflect.

There are always ups and downs in life, but it's refreshing to wipe the slate clean every twelve months.  Here's to 2020!

Now for the Knitting

I've lost all sense of time with the midweek holiday, and today it feels like this whole week has been one very long weekend.

I cooked a lot of food and then I cooked some more.  My daughter helped with the baking, and we whipped up everything from cookies to stollen to pies.  We've had a relaxing celebration with family coming and going.  It's been a nice break.

All that cooking and baking cut into my knitting time.  Now that we're heading into the real weekend, I'm making time for my needles.

Since I have very few projects under construction right now, it's a good excuse to start a few new ones.  They're lined up, and I can't wait to get started.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Holiday red.

The Holiday Groove

Our holiday preparations have improved considerably since my last post.  After my trunk show on Saturday, I kept right on going.  No one in the family was committed to help pick out a tree, so I stopped and snagged one.  

The pickings were slim but not as bad as the year I waited too long. That time the tree lot was closed for the season.  Luckily for me they left the last tree as an orphan, and we happily gave it a holiday home.

The house has been tidied and cleaned.  We settled on menus for two days, so bright and early this morning my daughter and I went grocery shopping.  We hit three grocery stores and managed to forget only one item.  The tree is in the house and has lights.  Decorating is on the schedule for tomorrow along with cooking and baking.

Everything is coming together complete with a new snowflake ornament crocheted by a friend.

This time of year can be challenging, and I admit I was in a bit of a funk.  So much to do, so many expectations, never enough time.  The list goes on and on.  I'm in the holiday groove now with a promise to savor the moments.  Make the most of the season and enjoy the celebrations!

First Things First

This is what I did first thing this morning.

The holidays might be breathing down my neck, but I found a few minutes to wind this yarn.  I have a project coming off the needles later today, and I need something new to keep me entertained.

Let's be clear.  Time is tight right now.  I don't have a menu for the holidays or the birthday celebration we have this weekend.  Then there's all the grocery shopping that goes with said menus.  After that I need to spruce up the decorations around here (we still don't have a tree!) and generate a little holiday cheer.  It's nothing short of a holiday miracle, but it'll all come together.  It always does.

Just a reminder.  If you're in the Boston area and out and about tomorrow, you can find me at Stitch House.  Take a break from the mall and hang out with us at the shop.  

'Tis the season . . . this week's color inspiration.

Snow and ice.

Warning Signs

I knew I was in trouble the other day.  All the warning signs were there. I was just going to wind a ball of yarn and let it sit on the work table.

I didn't have a project in mind, and the winding was just in case an appropriate one crossed my path.  But I didn't leave it there.  I continued down that path and spent a little time on Ravelry.

Of course I found a pattern and that led to casting on.  I could have stopped there, but what's a few rows.  Just a few, I told myself.

Yes, there are more pressing tasks that need my attention, but I told myself that once this project was up and running, I'd put it down and get busy.  And I will . . . after I knit a couple more rows.

Monday Pattern Search

Which comes first, the yarn or the pattern?  I often pick yarn with a particular project in mind, but today this skein grabbed my attention and I'm running with it.

I'll be spending some time on Ravelry.  I don't have a pattern yet, but I've wound the yarn so I'm committed now.  I'm keeping it simple with one skein, but if I fall in love with a pattern that requires two, there's more where this one came from.

As an aside, this skein of yarn is the most festive thing in our living room right now.  The days are flying by, and I need to get in the spirit of the season.

Just the Bind Off

This week got off to a rocky start, and by midweek I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  The head cold that's been making the rounds in my house knocked me down, but I've bounced back.

I wasn't able to knit for a couple days (a sure sign that I'm sick), but I've made up for lost time.  All this cowl needs is a bind off, so it'll be ready for the Inman Holiday Market on Sunday.

Soundtrack Cowl.  

The yarn is Norma in Dusk and IPA.  I'll have bundles available in several color combinations.  If you're planning to stop by, you'll find me at the East Cambridge Savings Bank, 1310 Cambridge St, Cambridge.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Birthday lights.

Knitting and Piles

After a busy weekend complete with a birthday celebration, I'm ready to make a dent in the yarn that has piled up.  I had a full dye schedule last week, and that means I have a lot of skeins to deal with this week. If you're waiting on an order, keep an eye on your email for shipping confirmation.

In the midst of everything else this weekend, I got this new project up and running.  

Soundtrack Cowl.  This pattern repeat is mesmerizing.  It was hard to put the needles down to tackle the boring household chores that needed my attention.

Being the efficient knitter that I am, I took this cowl along to the nail salon and worked on it there.  One of the other customers was also a knitter.  We had a lovely chat about knitting, and she grabbed the name of the pattern.  This cowl would make a great gift.  If you're still looking for ideas, check it out.

A Weekend at Home

I just updated the right sidebar with a couple events for December. There will be plenty more coming in January and beyond, but to keep me focused I'm posting one month at a time.

I'll be in Inman Square on December 15.  The Inman Holiday Market is a festive event and a good opportunity to support local small businesses.  This event is hosted at several storefronts in Inman Square.  I'll post more details when I know my exact location.

Since I'm not at an event this weekend, I'm going to make the most of my time at home.  We have a birthday celebration in the family, and I have mountains of paperwork that need attention.

And I also have a new project in the works to keep me entertained.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Sparkling sunshine.

Just One Row

I may need a do-over for today.  A sick dog and an emergency vet appointment have turned my schedule upside down.

Luckily I already have the perfect project on my needles, ready to keep me occupied while I wait.

A Good Scarf.

The same row back and forth makes a completely reversible scarf. Check it out if you need an autopilot project or a gift idea.  Use a special yarn and you'll have an irresistible scarf.

In Time for the Weather

A while ago I noticed my mitten collection was seriously depleted.  I probably could have made a couple pairs with orphan mitts, but there are times when I need to look more put together.

I cast on a pair of fingerless mitts and worked on them here and there between other projects.  When the stormy weather forecast for the weekend came in, I dropped everything else and concentrated on the mitts.

Maine Morning Mitts.  In case you're wondering the yarn is Norma in Paprika.  After I typed that, I discovered Norma isn't listed on the website.  I'll add it to my list of updates. 

These mitts are a staple, but I seem to have lost or misplaced all the pairs that I've made in the past.  These will come in handy as our wintery weather continues into tomorrow.  Since the season is just getting started and I have a bad habit of losing mitts, I need to cast on another pair.

Small and Local

We had a busy 24 hours with family coming and going, but now our whirlwind Thanksgiving celebration is over.  

Everyone is back to their normal routines and so am I.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and once again we're participating.

We're offering 15% off all website orders placed between Saturday, November 30 and Monday, December 2.  The discount amount will appear as a refund when you place your order.  This offer does not include Yarn Knot subscriptions and gift certificates.

As a bonus we're extending the discount to all sales tomorrow at the Yarn's End trunk show.  I'm looking forward to a fun afternoon in Norwell and hope to see some of you there.

I found this week's color inspiration on my trip to Philadelphia last weekend.

Subway green.

Thanksgiving Prep

Fall flew by, and the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is here.

Today is pie baking day.  I'm up to my elbows in dough, but I have enough time to check in.

A quick reminder that on Saturday I'll be at Yarn's End.  I'll have yarn, bundles, kits and plenty of samples.  Stop by if you're in the area.  It's going to be more relaxing and enjoyable than a trip to the mall.

If you've been thinking about adding a yarn ball holder to your collection of knitting tools, take a look at this video.  Hansen Crafts is running a Black Friday special on yarn ball holders.  Follow the link for details.

I'm off to put some pies in the oven and have a quick dance with the vacuum cleaner.  Enjoy the festivities this weekend and make the most of your time with family and friends.

To Philadelphia and Back

This weekend was a fun family outing to Philadelphia.

It was a quick trip (we were gone less than 48 hours), and I knew knitting time was going to be at a premium (because I had to do all the driving), but I went prepared.  Just in case.  You never know when the car will break down or you get stuck in an elevator.  I was prepared for those situations and more.

My daughter, Estrella, ran the Philadelphia Marathon.  This was the culmination of months of preparation, training and plain old hard work. And it paid off.

She came out on the other side with a good time on the course and a smile on her face.

As for my knitting, I managed a few rounds here and there but not too much - and that's OK.  It's a holiday week.  I'm sure I can find a way to make up for lost knitting time.

On the Assembly Line

Knitting time has been a bit scattered this week, but I have made progress on my mitts.

I have an assembly line method when it comes to mitts.  I like to make both mitts and then come back and knit the thumbs.  There's a certain satisfaction that comes from binding off the first one and casting on the second one right away.

These are Maine Morning Mitts in case you're wondering.  They look a little wonky now, but they fit like a dream and will look better after I block them.

While I hate to see fall come to an end, I am looking forward to winter. This week's color inspiration . . . 

Last of the season.

The Season of Lists

My to-do list for today includes making a grocery list for the holiday next week.  We are officially in the season of lists.

I've been thinking about this list since last week but have avoided and procrastinated long enough.  Today is the day.  I'm going to tackle some of the holiday grocery shopping, and I need that list when I head out the door.

But first a few rounds with my morning coffee.

Almost Doesn't Count

I have several projects that are "almost" finished.  Sometimes I use that as an excuse to set them aside and start something new.  It's a bad habit, and those "almost" finished projects won't magically finish themselves.

So the other day when I wanted to start something new, I made a deal with myself.  Finish one project before casting on a new one.

It worked.  One project off the needles, one project on the needles.

The Easy Choice

I feel a case of startitis coming on, and with so many projects calling for attention, sometimes it's hard to pick.  I have a few ideas at the top of the list, so to get the ball rolling I cast on this sweet cowl the other day.

Mohair and silk plus a touch of cashmere . . . this decision was easy.

Diamond Ring Cowl

I've been busy sorting out my schedule and just updated the right sidebar with a couple events in November.  Look for me this Saturday at Another Yarn.  The fun starts at 11:00, and I'm looking forward to hanging out with the knitters at this lovely shop.

I'll have a couple new items with me including this sample.

Diamond Ring Cowl.

The yarn is our new Lillian Singles in Mountain Mist.  This was a pretty quick knit and would make a nice gift for someone on your holiday list. Or maybe make one just for you.  This yarn will be available on Saturday in a variety of colors.  Stop by if you're in the area.

Mitten Weather

It's that time of year when I want to cast on several new projects all at the same time.

This one would be on the needles already, but I'm still debating colors.

It's also the time of year when I realize I'm lacking certain handknits. This morning I was out and about and discovered that what I really need is a new pair of mittens.  Instead I've been lured into this fiddly project that will require some assembly.

I spent an extraordinary amount of time on this and don't have much to show for it.  In all fairness I've ripped it out and changed needle sizes three times.  Lucky for me third time is a charm, but I could probably have the better part of a mitten done by now.  The wind is blustery and cold.  Next on the needles is a new pair of mitts.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

A glimpse at our Day of the Dead celebration.

Routines

I'm slowly settling in to my normal routines . . . dyeing yarn, catching up on email, knitting with friends, shopping for groceries.  I have yet to tackle some of my least favorite tasks (cleaning and paperwork top that list), but I did make time to start a new project.

Around and around with a simple cowl is perfect for the moment.

In Transition

Whew!  The last fiber festival of the fall season is in the books.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.

It's a bittersweet moment.

I'll miss the travel and connections with customers and vendor friends, but now I'll have time to regroup and plan new projects.

I'll also have more time for family.

Today I've already unloaded part of the truck.  The rest can wait for a couple days as I take time to sort and reorganize.  And since I'm in transition, there's extra time for coffee and knitting.

Sprinting

This week has been a sprint to the finish line and Fiber Festival of New England.  The truck is loaded.  I just need to pack my suitcase.

More importantly my knitting is sorted.  Maybe I'll even take a couple minutes to wind the yarn before I hit the road.  If you're headed to FFNE this weekend, stop by and see us in Booth 432 / 33 East.

Earlier this week a leaf made a guest appearance in my photo shoot. This week's color inspiration . . . 

Matchy matchy.

Cheri Chevron Shawl

Fiber Festival of New England is this weekend, and I'll have this new sample on display.

Cheri Chevron Shawl.

Rarely does my sample match the foliage, but I lucked out this time.

This shawl is a combination of Lillian Singles and Shimmer and will be available as a kit.

We'll have several color combinations in stock.  Look for our booth in 432 / 33 East.

Knitting and Beer

I don't know where the day has gone, but I've been playing catch-up since I got out of bed.  Dyeing, shipping, sorting out a yarn emergency, securing a pair of US 15(!) needles for my daughter . . . it all takes time.  

A quick note about my daughter, Estrella.  She learned how to knit when she was quite little (4 or 5), but I can't remember the last time she made anything.  She always helps in the booth at Rhinebeck but has never expressed any interest in knitting.  Until this year.  The lure of yarn and pointy sticks finally got to her.  She bought a skein of hot pink chunky yarn at Rhinebeck.  If it takes big needles to bring her back in the fold, that's fine with me.  I'll do what I can to facilitate.

So here it is almost beer o'clock on a Friday, and I'm finally sitting down at my computer.  All week I've wanted to cast on a new project, but I've been sidetracked.  Today is the day.

First I had to liberate a pair of needles.  I had one project that was several rows shy of a bind off.  Sometimes I need a nudge to cross the finish line.  Now I'm ready to settle in with my new project.  Maybe I'll even crack a beer.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Rhinebeck and fog.

Out of the Fog

After taking it easy for a couple days, I'm coming out of my 
post-Rhinebeck fog.  To get things rolling, I'm starting with a fresh list.

Fiber Festival of New England is right around the corner.  There will be a new yarn base and a couple new samples.  Stay tuned for details.

True to Form

True to form, Rhinebeck weekend was a whirlwind.  Visitors to the booth brought hugs, cookies, ideas and inspiration.  Many thanks to everyone who stopped by.

This event is very social, so today I'm both exhausted and exhilarated. I could probably use a nap, but my head is swirling with project possibilities.

Also true to form, I didn't knit one stitch all weekend.  I did finish an 

i-cord bind off, but I'm not counting that.  Today I'm taking it slow, and I'm off to reacquaint myself with a neglected project.  But first I have to make more coffee.

The Missing Color

It's Rhinebeck week, and prep work continues apace.  To say I'm up to my eyeballs in yarn might be a bit of an understatement.  Meal planning doesn't exist, and taking time to scramble eggs feels like a gourmet indulgence.  I'm at the point where there's no such thing as too much coffee, and I can easily justify eating Ben and Jerry's Coffee, Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz ice cream.  

I'm surrounded by a wide range of colors, and in the midst of labeling and packing, I've solved a problem.

I've tried at least half a dozen color options to go with this green and gray, and I've finally found something I'm satisfied with.  Now it's back to work with a fresh cup of coffee in hand.

Thanksgiving cheer to our neighbors north of the border.  Make the most of your time with family and friends.

Old and New

Knitting is a very old craft and I've been knitting for a very long time, so I'm always amazed when I discover a new technique.  Or at least something that's new to me.

Take the backward loop cast on.  The other day I was working away on a project and had to cast on underarm stitches.  I usually use the basic backward loop method.  I don't know what came over me, but I started poking around online.  

Let me just say that I'm in the midst of a mad dash to get ready for Rhinebeck and have no business sitting down in front of the computer. There are dye pots to tend, skeins to label and samples to finish.  None of that involves computer time.

I didn't sit for long and was delighted with what I discovered.




A backward loop cast on with a couple different twists and turns.

Of course I had to try it.

The edge is definitely different than the thumb method.  I'll see how much I like it once I pick up and start the sleeves.  Even if it turns out that I prefer my usual method, it's always fun to come across something new.  Give this version a try the next time you need the backward loop cast on.

I found this week's color inspiration when I was on the road last weekend.

Reflection.