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Monday, I'm not going down without a fight. My day went off the rails this morning, but I'm forging ahead. Phone calls are my least favorite task, so I decided to get them out of the way first thing. That was probably a mistake. I was on hold for over two hours with one
call - and I had more than one call to make.
I don't know if I deserve an award for patience or stupidity, but I tried to make the best of the situation. I selected some buttons for a sample via text messages with the sample knitter. I love choosing buttons, so that was a good distraction.
After that I killed time by knitting and browsing on Ravelry. Thank goodness for that. What do non-knitters do when they're on hold?
The day's not over. This evening I'll have more fun with my weekly knitting class. Knitting has definitely salvaged my day.
I always extol the value of knitting a swatch. Whether I'm discussing techniques with my knitting students or chatting with my knit night buddies, I'm quick to point out the benefits of a swatch.
In the grand scheme of a knitting project, it doesn't take that much time. Set aside half an hour and knit a swatch. In the long run, it can save you hours and hours of wasted knitting time. I'm not saying a swatch will produce a project that fits like a dream. Sometimes there are other factors that derail a project, but it can't hurt to knit a swatch.
The other day I was ready to cast on a new project, but first I made time for a swatch.
I knit this swatch using two different needle sizes. The purl bumps in the middle of the right side show where I changed sizes. Then I washed the swatch and let it dry.
When the swatch was dry, I measured my gauge. Neither needle produced the gauge listed in the pattern, but I liked both fabric samples. Sometimes that happens. I picked the fabric I liked for this project, took that gauge and crunched the numbers. In the end, it all comes down to math.
I'm confident this sweater will be the right size. Yes, I know. Sometimes the gauge swatch lies. Or the math is wrong. Or the yarn and the pattern aren't a good match. Don't burst my bubble. At this point, I'm still optimistic.
In keeping with the yellow theme, here is this week's color inspiration. I don't know what we do with so many lemons, but they sure are handy and we use them regularly.
A bit of sunshine.
I should have a couple finished objects to show, but instead they are in the "almost" pile. Almost finished except for blocking. Almost finished except for weaving in ends. Almost finished except for kitchenering the toe.
I jumped into a heap of paperwork over the weekend and am now just coming up for air. Just a gentle reminder that the tax deadline of
July 15 is right around the corner. It was good to get rid of that paper clutter, but all that administrative productivity really took a bite out of my knitting time.
Stay tuned. There will be finished objects soon enough plus there are new projects in the works too.
Once I find a pattern that has the potential to be a sample, the real work begins. Which yarn base? What's the yardage required? Will the combination of those two be cost prohibitive? If I get past those questions, I can start thinking about colors.
Earlier this week a pattern caught my eye, so over the last several days, I've been putting it to the test. I made it to the color question and then the process stalled. That happens. Sometimes it helps to contemplate a few color options before settling on one.
After some back and forth, I determined it has to be a blue. That led to another question. Which one?
This morning I dyed a couple mini skeins, and now it's time for swatches. Not all colors highlight a pattern the same way. I'm getting closer.
This week's color inspiration . . .
Red, front and back.
The pandemic has created a lot of opportunities for Zoom calls and mindless knitting. I've used the hours at my computer to finish up several lingering projects that didn't require my undivided attention.
The other day when I sat down for another computer session with an array of faces, I realized I didn't have any suitable Zoom knitting. I cursed by recent knitting productivity. Too many empty needles, not enough new projects.
I dug deep in the big bag that sits in my office and was thrilled to unearth one more lingering project.
In case you're interested, this is Shear. It took me a while to reacquaint myself with this hat. Now that I'm back in the groove, I'll have it finished in no time. I don't want to scramble for more Zoom knitting, and it's the perfect excuse to cast on something new.
I'm still finding my way in the new world created by the pandemic. My work schedule has been drastically altered. Many of you may have heard that both Vermont Sheep and Wool and Rhinebeck are planning virtual events this fall. I don't have any details yet, but I'll share when I know more.
In the meantime, I'm experimenting with a couple new yarn bases and plotting new samples. It's not really business as usual, but it keeps my spirits up.
Yesterday afternoon I started playing with this as a test, and so far I like it. It's always a plus when I can coordinate yarn colors with the project bag.
I'm sad to see this project come to an end.
Namibia.
This has been my comfort knitting.
Garter stitch, fun colors, eyelets, stripes shaped with short rows.
I highly recommend this pattern. The project was relaxing but not completely mindless.
The yarn is Lillian in Dusk, Persimmon and Seafoam.
This is a substantial shawl. I had to use more than one skein of Seafoam to finish the pattern as written, but you could easily substitute the other colors instead.
This week's color inspiration matches my general feeling these days.
Foggy.
Apparently I'm stuck on stripes.
I've always had a soft spot for stripes, but I just finished a striped project - pictures coming soon. In addition to stripes, this new project also has a lace section, and I was more focused on that while I was planning. Not a problem. The back and forth seems to go faster when stripes are involved.
My morning call to the registry of motor vehicles pushed me over the edge. I was on hold for over an hour only to be told I had to call someone else to get to the bottom of the problem. By the time all the waiting was over, my morning was shot. I still don't have the piece of paper I called about, but the wheels are in motion.
While I was on hold, I came up with a strategy for a couple new projects. I've finished several projects recently, so this is completely justified.
After I got off the phone, I quickly wound the yarn so I wouldn't get sidetracked. The anticipation of something new on the needles has salvaged my day. How's your Monday going?
I'm still mired in the events of the last few days, and that's where I should be. This morning my brother sent a text and asked how I'm doing. I'm not sure if he was referring to the pandemic or the response to racism that's been spreading across the country and the world. The two events will forever be linked in history.
That text message got me thinking. To be honest, most days I don't know how I'm doing. What I do know is that I'm trying to figure out a way forward. I hope you are too.
Off the needles.
My second Love Note.
The first one was a booth sample. This one is mine. You might see me wear this sweater if I'm ever on the road again at a fiber event.
I started this sweater because I needed a new project, and I couldn't decide on anything else. It had been on my list for a while, and the timing was right. It was the early days of our stay at home order, and I was struggling with anything resembling a routine. This relaxing project with a little bit of lace kept me engaged. It's been "almost finished" for quite a while now, so it feels good that it's officially done.
The yarn is Lillian and Shimmer, both in Pond Scum.
This week's color inspiration . . .
Shifting shades from green to yellow.
Hug Shot Update. This has been a difficult, challenging week, and it's only Wednesday. Bronwyn, the designer, recognized this and has generously extended the free pattern code offer to June 14. Details on the website.
I have plans for several new projects, but I've turned my attention to finishing instead.
I admit most of the work was already done, but finishing makes me feel productive.
Linnea Hat.
The mohair fun continues. This is a strand of Lillian held with a strand of Shimmer - both in the Pearl colorway. The double brim features a beaded pattern, and it's all finished with a swirling decrease.
May your knitting provide some comfort in these difficult times.
Carry on.
The news is sobering. Take time to pause and reflect. Then decide what you can do in your little corner of the world to make a difference. The big picture problems are overwhelming, but positive action on the local level will have an impact.
Keep hope alive.
