Friday, November 29, 2019

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.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

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.

Monday, November 25, 2019

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.

Friday, November 22, 2019

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.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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.

Monday, November 18, 2019

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.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

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.

Monday, November 11, 2019

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.

Friday, November 8, 2019

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.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

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.

Monday, November 4, 2019

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.

Friday, November 1, 2019

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.