Soundtrack Update

I played hooky this morning.  We had our first snow of the season, and I couldn't resist the urge to get out and enjoy the fresh white flakes.  Our dog Benji had fun too.

The other day I did a quick update to the website.

Soundtrack Cowl.

Slip stitches create a relaxing colorwork pattern.  High contrast colors highlight the design.

Bundles for this project have been a show exclusive.  Since there aren't any events on the horizon, I listed the bundles on the website.

This cowl uses worsted weight yarn, so it's a fairly quick project.  Make one for yourself or a knitworthy friend.

If you're looking for some entertainment this Saturday, Vermont Sheep and Wool is hosting a Contest Day.

Trivia, prizes and more.  You'll find all the details on their Facebook page.

This week's color inspiration is almost like a pumpkin.

Red kuri squash.

No Apology

I'm lining up new projects with reckless abandon, and I'm not going to apologize.

I'm fortifying myself for the long winter ahead.  I finally settled on my color combination for Architecture Shawl.  Several options were in contention, but IPA is the winner.

The next week or so will probably be pretty challenging too.  Keep knitting and don't forget to vote.

The Homestretch

Every once in a while, I surprise myself with how much knitting progress I make.  In spite of a busy weekend with very little planned knitting time, I made my way off sleeve island and am in the homestretch of my Toetoe.  In case you're wondering, I'm using Marybelle DK in Sunflower.

Stitch by stitch it all adds up.  This has been a fun project, and it's coming together nicely, but I'm already looking ahead.

There are several new projects waiting in the wings.  Isn't that always the case?

To reduce the waiting time, I nudged this one into the on-deck circle.  It won't be long now.

Cannon Bandana

Last week I had rearranged everything and set up the Rhinebeck "booth" in my office.  This week the goal was to put my office back together.  I've been chipping away at it almost every day, but real progress has been elusive.

I woke up this morning and made up my mind.  I'm determined to finish today, and I've made a dent in the chaos, but I'm at the point where I need to move furniture.  I probably should recruit some muscle to help with that job.  Before I commit to a crazy bribe with one of my kids, I'm taking a coffee (and cookie) break.  Big jobs require sustenance.

Not so long ago, I was working on a project and changed colors in the middle of the stream.

Actually I had almost crossed the stream and was closing in on the other side when I decided to mix things up a bit.  I made some changes, worked my way back across the stream and made it to the other side.

Cannon Bandana.

This project uses fingering weight held double.

The yarn is a blend of Merino, Cashmere and Nylon.  Bundles in a variety of color combinations are available on the website.  This would make a great gift for someone on your holiday list or a fun treat for yourself.

I've been reminiscing about Rhinebeck this week and scrolled through a few favorite photos.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Fall foliage.

Sweater Inspiration

 The sample parade continues today.

If you're looking for sweater inspiration, take a peek at In Stillness Cardi.

This design has some simple details for added texture.

The yarn is Marybelle DK, our new non-superwash base.  This yarn has a hearty feel without being too rustic.  It has great loft and knits up like a dream.  

Knitting season is here.  There's no better time to cast on a sweater.

Post-Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck may have been virtual this year, but I'm still suffering from a Rhinebeck hangover.  I had great fun talking with so many customers.  Elizabeth Smith was a delightful guest on Sunday.  Good times all around.

Today I'm picking up the pieces . . . slowly.  I had planned to dismantle my "booth" yesterday, but that didn't happen.  I need to get on that this afternoon.  And my mind is wandering to a couple new projects I want to get up and running.  Startitis also happens every year                        post-Rhinebeck.

It was a lively, enjoyable weekend.  If you participated, thanks for zooming in.  Hopefully we'll be able to gather in person next year.

New for Fall

It's Rhinebeck weekend, and I'm a little out of sorts.  I should be assembling a booth, but instead I'm spending most of my time at my desk.  I'm not frantically labeling skeins or making kits.  Instead I'm taking pictures (and then taking some more) and loading them on the website.  To celebrate the weekend, we're offering free shipping.  No code needed.

Usually I do a parade of new samples here on the blog, but I let that slide this year.  Most of the samples are already on the website, but I'll highlight a couple here.  I'll share more in the coming days.

This is Pabaigh in our new Marybelle base, a non-superwash yarn.  The colorway is Persimmon.  This is a great layering piece that will go with anything.  It also comes equipped with a lovely, generous cowl.

Here we have Weekender Light also made with Marybelle.  The colorway is Ink.

This design has some sweet details.

This is another sweater that's sure to get a lot of use.

Another reminder that I'm on Zoom this weekend.

Friday, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Eastern

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700765018

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Eastern

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81218461859

Don't forget that designer Elizabeth Smith will drop by for a chat at 11:00 on Sunday.

Be sure to stop by the Virtual Rhinebeck website.  There's a log going on, and you can take it all in from the comfort of your couch.  With that, I'm off to edit more pictures and drop them on the website.

Every week I look for some cheer, so recently I went out and bought some flowers to mark the season.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

A fall palete.

Virtual Rhinebeck

It's been a busy week.  Planning and prepping for a virtual event can be just as time consuming as an in-person event.

The fun starts on Thursday and runs through the weekend.  Check the NYS Sheep and Wool website to register and purchase your $5 entry ticket.  The ticket will give you access to the marketplace all weekend.  There are other activities going on, and you'll find all the info on the website.

Here's what's going on with Dirty Water DyeWorks.  First, I'll be live via Zoom.

Thursday and Friday, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Eastern

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82700765018

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Eastern

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81218461859

I'm happy to chat about yarn, colors, samples.  Stop by if you have questions or just want to say hi.

Second, check the website for new samples, colors and bundles.  All sales are handled on the website.  Our Rhinebeck special is free shipping.

Finally, Elizabeth Smith from Elizabeth Smith Knits will be a special guest on Sunday at 11:00.  She'll be talking about her tutorials, an upcoming KAL and her design process.  Come hang out with us.

This will be a completely different experience from what we're used to, but it's a wonderful opportunity to connect with fiber friends.  Make the most of it and celebrate the spirit of Rhinebeck.

Color Swap

One of the beauties of knitting is that nothing is set in stone.  You can start a project, decide you don't like the colors or the yarn, rip it out and start all over.  It's funny how that same flexibility can also create problems.

I was closing in on the final rounds of this project and decided to make a color change.

It wasn't that I didn't like the colors I had chosen.  It's that I found colors I like better.  I'm not making a complete color swap.  Just a couple changes.

I probably should have made this substitution long before now, but I was caught in a moment of indecision.  Instead of making a choice, I sat on it and let the project marinate.  

Making the decision to rip out was the hard part.  The rest is easy.

Check back on Wednesday.  I'll have a full Rhinebeck update.  For now I'm off to put this project back on the needles and do some reknitting.

At the Deadline

We're may be in a pandemic, but deadlines are still a thing.  It's fall festival season complete with deadlines, and I had to do a little scurrying this week.  That explains the missed blog post on Wednesday.

In case you hadn't heard, Rhinebeck will be virtual this year.  As I write this, the vendor list hasn't been posted yet, but you can check the website for other info.  Next week I'll share details on my virtual booth, specials etc.  Stay tuned.

I really have no business being on Ravelry, but a couple weeks ago I spotted Architecture Shawl.  I tucked the idea on the back burner and forgot about it until a friend started discussing color options for the shawl.  That got me thinking, and one thing led to another.

I put together a few kits and dropped them off on the website.  There are several color combinations, and I'm itching to start a shawl of my own.  The only thing that's stopping me is deciding on the color and a couple priority projects already on the needles.

I was going through photos from past years at Vermont Sheep and Wool and found this week's color inspiration.

Fall in Vermont.

Marybelle

New yarn alert!  Over the last year or so, I've gotten quite a few requests for a non-superwash yarn.  Late last winter I found what I was looking for, and I've been pulling it all together during the pandemic downtime.

Introducing Marybelle.  Follow the link to see more colors.  This is a fingering weight base, but we also have Marybelle DK if you'd like something heavier. 

It's been a blast to plan projects and work with these bases.  I'll be sharing samples over the next week or so.  Stay tuned.

Missing Vermont

A quick reminder that Vermont Sheep and Wool is happening virtually this weekend.  Follow the link for more information on participating vendors.  Our festival special is free shipping on all orders.  Be sure to take advantage of that.

I miss everything about this trip . . . the fall colors, the people, the food, the maple creamees.  I'm determined to make the best of the situation and that means Zoom.  I'll be "live" in my office on both Saturday and Sunday.  Here's where you can find me.

Zoom Meeting ID:  856 0534 1459

Passcode:  815009

Hours:  10:00 - 2:00, Saturday and Sunday

Feel free to stop in if you have questions about colors, yarn, samples.  Or pop in just to say hi.  I'm happy to chat.

I've been tidying up the website and added this new bundle.

Criterion Cowl.

This design features a variety of stitch patterns.  I made it early in the pandemic, and the distraction was a welcome relief.  We have bundles in several color combinations.

I've been on a sunflower kick.  They were my color inspiration last week, and they're my color inspiration this week.

What can I say.  They brighten my day.