Fly Away

I've been chasing my tail all week, but in spite of myself I came out on the other end with a finished object.

Fly Away.

I have a soft spot for stripes.  Add to that a bit of lace and a clever border construction . . . I'm easily entertained with so much variety.

The yarn is Lillian in Iris and Fog.  This is another good project to experiment with color combinations.

The season is short for local strawberries and rhubarb, so I'm trying to make the most of it.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Pie in the making.

Part of a Day

Earlier this week I took a day off.  I had visions of a complete day with uninterrupted knitting time, but in the end I had part of a day.  I'll take what I can get.

I got a good start on my Siki Shawl.  Now that the pattern is established and I have it memorized, this will probably be my mindless project.  It's not completely mindless, but I don't have to think too much.  Always a good thing for a project that's out and about.

I also took these.

And started this.  Mohair can be a little fussy, so this isn't as portable, but I'm mesmerized.

Progress on two projects . . . pretty productive for just part of a day.  

Still Falling

Yesterday I spent the afternoon at Salt Yarn Studio.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by.  It was fun chatting about yarn and pattern ideas.

I came home inspired, and today I fell down a rabbit hole.  Actually I'm pretty sure I'm still falling.

It involves Ravelry and mohair and a couple colors.  When I finally land, it will probably be something completely different from what I'm looking at now.  That's part of the process.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Sweet pink.

Changing Direction

I'm at the border with my Fly Away.

Back and forth, back and forth.  I'm knitting and attaching as I go.  It's a lot of rows but they're short, so the process is moving along at a good clip.  It won't be long until this shawl is off the needles.

Before the First Cup . . .

I can tell when I'm ready to wrap up a project because I start plotting and planning my next one.  I must be near the finish line because this morning I was deep in the decision process before I'd had even one cup of coffee.  

The pattern was an easy pick thanks to customer recommendations, but I got stuck on the color.  Following my usual strategy, I pulled several color options and debated the merits.

At the end of the morning this one was left in my apron pocket.  
It's a go.  

Repeat

I knit a lot of samples.  With so many new and exciting patterns being released every day, there's a lot of competition, but every once in a while I stumble across a pattern that I want to knit again for myself.

Ombre Cowl Hood.

I made my first one earlier this year.  As soon as I tried it on, I knew I wanted one all my own.

The mohair fabric is light as a feather yet warm and cozy.  So luxurious.

The yarn is Shimmer in Vermont, March Sky and Pumice.  I'll pack this away for now, but it'll be ready when the seasons change again.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Shades of coffee.

Juggling

Finished knitting projects are elusive right now, and it's all my fault.  I've been juggling.  Pick one up, put one down, move on to a third.  Oh wait, I think I'll work on this one instead.  It's no wonder nothing is coming off the needles.

Until I settle down and focus on just one project, I'm acknowledging any little steps forward.

I've had socks humming along in the background.  This is the second sock, and I just turned the heel.  This is always a good sign for me. Once I pick up the stitches, it'll be smooth sailing down the foot.
I'm making progress, and the end is in sight.  Maybe this will be my next finished project.

Monday Update

It's a new week, and time to catch up on a couple administrative items.

Coming soon . . . Perfect Blend MKAL.  It's hosted by Casapinka and includes 12 colors with 6 clues over 6 weeks.  The whole thing gets rolling on July 8.

For those who are interested and struggling with colors, I've put together some bundles.  Pre-orders are open now, and bundles will ship in time for the start of the MKAL.

I'm heading to the Cape next week.  On Thursday, June 20, I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio with a trunk show.  I'll have bundles, yarn and new samples.  Stop by to see the latest.  Trunk show hours are 2:00 - 7:00.

A Breather

I have a wee break in the schedule this week, so I decided to get organized.  Let's face it, I'm never completely organized, but it's an elusive goal I strive for.  I've rearranged the workroom, my truck is empty for the first time in months and now I'm feeling compelled to thoroughly clean it inside and out.  I've even sorted through the inventory.

All this organizing has cut into my knitting time, but I think it's a worthwhile trade-off.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Early evening sky.

Twists and Turns

I had a plan for today, but it seems to be running in reverse.  My afternoon tasks jumped to the morning, and the morning shifted to the afternoon.  I was fine with all of that, but then my daughter realized summer is here, and we had to finalize vacation plans.  Today.  

I'm pretty sure that's where things went sideways.  Coordinating all our schedules is not for the faint of heart.  When I saw the few available accommodations filling up before my eyes, I got right on it.  

Now that our getaway has been sorted, I can concentrate on the rest of my day.

Fly Away.

I started this project last weekend when I was traveling.  I've enjoyed making a couple other things by the same designer, and this shawl has an interesting construction with some twists and turns.  That seems to be the theme around here, but I know how to roll with it.

Monday Chores

After a busy weekend on the road, I'm slowing getting my bearings today.  Another Fiber Frolic is in the books.  Thanks to everyone who came out.  There was show and tell (I forgot to take pictures) and some interesting discussions.  Great fun all around!

Just because I'm taking it easy, doesn't mean there isn't work to do. I've already started the laundry, and now I'm off to unload the truck.
But first, more coffee.