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.

Second Thoughts

The race is on for Rhinebeck.  I'm pretty good with staying on task.  I avoid text messages, don't answer my phone and trust that there won't be a real emergency.

But every once in a while my mind does wander.

Today I was pondering a project I already have under construction.  I have a different color companion already wound for this.  I had five spare minutes between dye pots, so I started playing around with other options.

I'll leave this on the work table . . . something to think about while I'm busy with the pots.

A Weekend in Vermont

I'm off to a slow start today.  I had a great time in Vermont, but the weekend flew by all too quickly.

We had perfect wool weather . . . brisk and refreshing.

I always think I'll get a lot of knitting done when I'm traveling, but that rarely happens.

I did manage i-cord buttonholes, and then I found these buttons at the Katrinkles booth.  Another project almost finished.

Now I'm off to get busy . . . the to-do list is long.

Montana Mountain Cowl

It never fails that while I'm in the midst of packing for a road trip, I'm also putting the finishing touches on a project.

This is where I was last night . . . working through the twists and turns.

And in the morning I had this.

Montana Mountain Cowl.  

Slip stitches create contrast and a fun pattern repeat.

The yarn is Lillian in Fog and Beet Red.  With that I'm off to Vermont. The cowl will be in the booth this weekend.  If you're heading that way, stop by and take a look.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Last of the season.

Lace and Travel

I'm gearing up for a road trip this week, and of course travel knitting is first and foremost on my mind.  I finished a couple projects recently, so I don't have that many things on the needles to choose from.

I really want to concentrate on this project, but lace doesn't usually lend itself to easy, effortless travel knitting.

This is Love Note.  I'm over halfway through the lace section.  If I finish knitting the lace before I hit the road, I'll definitely take this project along for the ride.  It's straight stockinette after the lace - perfect for knitting on the go.

If you're heading to Vermont Sheep & Wool this weekend, be sure to stop by our booth in the Vendor Pavilion.  It's going to be a fun fall weekend in Vermont!