Looking for Bright Spots

The holidays can be challenging and even more so during a pandemic.  It can be hard to find the bright spots.  Sometimes half the battle is attitude, and I'm determined to go into the new year on a cheery note.

My family is healthy.  Everyone is leading a productive life in spite of pandemic disruptions.  Our lives are messy and far from perfect, but we're making it work.  We've made adjustments along the way and are forging ahead.  This is one of my bright spots.

Today I'm plotting and planning several new projects, and there's potential for a few bright spots.

I've been holding a fierce case of startitis at bay.  With the hustle and bustle of the holidays behind us, the floodgates are open.  Browsing on Ravelry, winding yarn, swatching . . . I love every step of the process.

Cheers to a new year!  May you find peace and plenty of bright spots along the way.

Striking a Balance

The week between Christmas and New Year is a semi-vacation gray zone.  Are people really working during this week?  If they are working, are they productive?  I'm trying to strike my own balance.  Accomplish a few things but don't work long days.

I'll admit it was hard to get going this morning.  I did start off with some dyeing to give me a jump start on the new year.  I'll be thanking myself next week, but that didn't make it any easier today.

As far as knitting goes . . .

I made some bobbles over the weekend.

And I'd like to get these sleeves up and running.  Nothing too complicated.  I'm easing into the week with simple goals.

It Is What It Is

My holiday prep is always a race to the finish line, and this year is no exception.  I spent this morning in the kitchen with another round of cookie baking, and now I can safely say we're at capacity.

Like so many other families, we're navigating the waters of COVID testing and breakthrough cases.  It's thoroughly exhausting, and at this point I don't know if all our family can be together for the holiday.  I might be delivering food and cookies tomorrow, but that's the way life is right now.

If you're celebrating the holiday, enjoy your weekend.  Savor the time with friends and family.  Stay safe, be well.

PS  No, I didn't make the little skaters.  Aren't they adorable!

All Mine

Happy Monday!  We're down to the final days before the holidays, and if you're like me, it'll be a mad dash to the finish line.

I must confess I was procrastinating a little the other day when I took time away from holiday prep to finish these.

Prairie Mittens.

This is my second time making these mitts, and I was reminded that they're really a quick project.  I think there's enough action with the stitch pattern to keep it interesting.

There are kits in several colors available on the website.  I made mine in From the Bog.  Yes, this pair is all mine.  Even though my daughter tried to claim them, I'm not letting go.

Lazy Sunday Cowl

In spite of myself, I managed to have a productive day.  I checked off a lot of things on my to-do list.  Unfortunately, not much of it was holiday related.  The good news . . . If you placed an order in the last week or so, it's been shipped.

Here's another sample highlight to take you into the weekend.

Lazy Sunday Cowl. 

I worked on this cowl here, there and everywhere.  It was easy to pick up and put down.  I really miss having this entertaining yet mindless project on the needles.  And I'm thrilled with the way it turned out.

I used a Mini Multi Bundle (No. 7 to be exact) along with Lillian Fog as the main color.  I had to crack open a second skein of Fog, but you could easily make adjustments to get the cowl out of one.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Wintery blue with fancy snowflakes.

It Takes a Pair

I'm feeling the holiday rush.  I had planned to start my baking this week, but so far I haven't baked one pan of cookies.  I know the week isn't over yet, but I'm also juggling plans for a little birthday celebration this weekend.  I'm coping by making more lists.

In knitting news, I should be able to get this off the needles.

Just like socks, I need two mittens.  One is finished, and the other one is past the increases for the thumb.  It's a straight shot to the top of the hand.  All I need is an evening of focused knitting, and I'll have a pair.

A New Week

There was a whirlwind of activity the last couple days, and I spent the morning shipping orders.  Thanks to everyone who placed an order over the weekend or stopped by Inman Square yesterday.  It was a fun day all around.  For a bonus, I saw people whom I hadn't seen in a long time.

With all of the 2021 events behind me, I have the itch to start some new projects.

This yarn was on the work table last week, and I can't stop thinking about it.  I don't know what it will be just yet, but this might have to be my first cast on.  I hope your week is off to a good start!

One More Time

I have a quick update on the Inman Holiday Market this Sunday.  I'll be set up in East Cambridge Savings Bank.  Be sure to check the event page for a complete list of vendors.  Per the City of Cambridge, masks are required indoors.

For those who can't make it to Cambridge, we're offering free shipping all weekend.

You don't need a code.  The website will take care of everything.

During the year, we've run this offer for other events and festivals.  It's been a fun way to include people near and far who can't attend.  This is the last free shipping offer for 2021.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Colorful shapes and movement.

Tilted Cowl

I'm playing catch-up.  I have a handful of projects that I finished a while ago but haven't shared here.  Today the spotlight is on this one.

Tilted Cowl (Ravelry link).

This was an entertaining project.

Texture, stripes and a bit of lace definitely keep things interesting.  I used a Half Pint Trio in the Byzantium colorway.  The website has been updated with new Trio color combinations.

Stay tuned for details on more finished projects.  

Don't Panic

Happy Monday!  I was working at my desk over the weekend.  Among other things, I did a quick website update.

Lillian Bulky is now available in a variety of colors.  This is a great option if you need to knit a quick gift.

One skein will make a hat or cowl.

This is Short Stack Neckwarmer.  

I have a hat on the needles right now, and it'll be done in no time.  This base is soft and squishy . . . all around delightful.  Check it out if you're starting to feel that holiday knitting panic.

Too Many Hats?

I don't know where the week went, but here we are on Friday.  I'm trying to pull together a couple secret projects plus keep my knitting going.  There aren't enough hours in the day.

It's hat season and I don't have one on the needles, so this project has to happen.  Plus I might have wound yarn for a second hat.  Is there such a thing as too many hats?

If you're local, check out this festive event.

I'll be at the Inman Holiday Market on December 12.  I don't know my exact location yet, but I'll post when I have details.  Follow the link for more information and a list of all the vendors.  This is a good opportunity to shop local and support small businesses.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bright orange remnants.

Around and Around

I'm surrounded by several knitting projects, but I took a slight detour and cast on something new.

Prairie Mittens (Ravelry link).

I've made these mitts before, but I forgot just how much fun they are.  There are so many things I should be doing, but it's hard to put this down when the rounds are so quick.  Just a couple more rounds . . . 

Catching Up

After a long weekend filled with family, friends and a lot of running around, today has turned into a day for catching up.  Thanks to everyone who placed an order or came to the trunk show on Saturday.  Orders will be shipping over the next couple days.

In the midst of holiday prep and pie baking last week, I managed to finish a project.

Summer Soundtrack Cowl.  This cozy project uses two skeins of DK weight yarn - pictured here in Lucia DK, Moon Shadow and Acorn.  Slip stitches create the colorwork and texture.  The pattern repeat is easy to memorize.  Overall a relaxing knit.  This cowl would make a nice gift.  Or treat yourself.

With that, I'm off.  Since the theme for today is catching up, I should probably catch up with a couple knitting projects too.

Wednesday Update

Apparently I'm running a pie bakery today, but I wanted to check in with a couple quick updates.

Lillian Sport has been added to the website.

This yarn knits up into a squishy, cozy fabric.  I've knit a couple things with it already and have another project on the needles.  It's fast becoming a favorite.

Small Business Saturday is this weekend, and we're offering free shipping.  No code needed.  We're making a long weekend of it.  This offer is good Friday through Monday.

Speaking of Saturday . . . I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio on Saturday,      1:00 - 3:00.  I'll have new kits, a couple new bases and plenty of samples.  Looking for holiday gifts?  Stop by for ideas and inspiration.

My timer is about to go off, so I'm headed back to the pie bakery.  If you're celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday tomorrow, enjoy the time with family and friends.  Cheers!

Blips of Color

It turns out a quick weekend road trip can be pretty productive, especially if I don't have to do all the driving.  The two skeins on my work table last week have quickly turned into this.

Summer Soundtrack Cowl.  It's not really a summer cowl - just a lighter version of the original worsted weight design.

This is another good project to play with different color combos.  I'm using Lucia DK in Acorn and Moon Shadow.  This cowl is flying off the needles.  I think I'm addicted to the little blips of color.

Digging Deep

I'm still sorting through a few odds and ends after the fall shows.  It's a big job, but it's good to get an accurate tally of the inventory.  Plus I'm digging deep into everything, and there are usually a couple surprises.

This random color combination caught my eye.  These skeins sat on the work table for most of the day, and I didn't put them away with their mates.  Who am I kidding.  They're destined for a new project.

I made my last trip to the farmers' market the other day and found one more color inspiration.

Late fall yellows.

Seize the Moment

Chilly weather has settled in, and I'm feeling inspired.

I didn't want to waste the spark of inspiration and creativity, so I seized the moment and wound more yarn.  Looks like I'll have a new project up and running by the end of the day.

A Good Start

My week is off to a good start.  It's midday on Monday, and I've already checked off all the priority items on today's to-do list.  That doesn't mean I can goof off the rest of the day, but it does mean I can take a little extra knitting time.

I got this project up and running over the weekend.  There's nothing like a fresh project on the needles to encourage optimism, creativity and enthusiasm.  I hope your week is off to a good start too.

Still Searching

My quick little cowl from earlier in the week is off the needles, so now I'm searching for a project again.

I pulled a few colors to jumpstart the process and plan to sort this all out over the weekend.  With any luck, I'll have something on my needles by Monday.  What are your weekend knitting plans?

This week's color inspiration . . .

Shades of orange.

Make It Quick

I'm slowly settling in to a normal routine again.  While I ponder a couple bigger projects, I cast on a little something to take the edge off.

Short Stack Neckwarmer featuring the bulky base we brought in for hat kits.

This might be a good gift knitting project, so I decided to give it a whirl.  This base knits like a dream, and big needles definitely put this project in the quick category.   This cowl will be off the needles in no time.

A Slow Monday

I'm taking it easy today after a busy weekend and don't have any ambitious goals.  I slept in a bit.  I dealt with a handful of priority emails.  I unloaded a quarter of the things in my truck.  The rest can wait until tomorrow along with the dirty laundry.

A big thank you to everyone who visited the booth over the weekend.  It was a great opportunity to make new connections and chat with customers and vendor friends.  Those conversations are extra special after the isolation of the pandemic.

That's it for the fall fiber festival season here in New England.  I'll be out and about for a couple smaller events this month and next.  Stay tuned for details.

Coming This Weekend . . .

Since I'm traveling this week, it's going to be a short week for blogging.  Just a reminder that Fiber Festival of New England is happening this weekend.

We have a big booth and will be stocking a few things that we didn't have room for at Rhinebeck.  Stop by and see us in 432 / 33 East.

Can't make it this weekend?  Follow along on Instagram to see spotlights on samples, kits and more.  We're also offering free shipping all weekend.  No code needed.

Looking Up

Last week ended in a chaotic hot mess, but I'm happy to report that (so far) this week is off to a good start.  The washing machine is working again after what appears to have been a random electronic issue.  There's no reason to explain why it was behaving the way it was, and at this point I don't really care.  It's working, and I can chip away at the piles of dirty laundry.

The good news doesn't stop there.  I finished and blocked one sample and another one is almost off the needles.

This is Tilted Cowl (Ravelry link).  I'm not sure if I've already shared this project here.  I'm using a Half Pint Trio.  This color combo isn't listed yet, but it will be in the next week or so.  Three colors, stripes, texture and eyelets.  Just enough variety to keep things interesting.

With any luck, this sample will make its debut this weekend at Fiber Festival of New England.  You'll find us in Booth 432 / 33 East.

Friday Thoughts

Three cheers for the weekend!  This has certainly been a chaotic week, and it feels like quite an accomplishment to make it to Friday in one piece.

On top of everything else, our washing machine is on the fritz, and I can't get anyone to look at it until early next week.  I plan to ignore the dirty laundry over the weekend, but it piles up quickly when you've been without a washing machine for a few days.

Thank goodness for knitting.

Carrasco Cowl (Ravelry link).  This project has been my traveling companion when I'm out and about.  A simple eight round repeat helps take the edge off.

I spent most of today running errands and was delighted to stumble on these marigolds.  They are perfect for our Day of the Dead celebration and are this week's color inspiration.

Orange cheer.

Just the Beginning

It usually happens this time of year.  As part of my post-Rhinebeck recovery, I always feel inspired to cast on an array of new projects.

This weekend I was dealing with a long list of tech issues . . . backups and updates and upgrades.  It all boiled down to a lot of waiting time, and that led to a couple new project ideas.

One is already started, and the other will be up and running as soon as I sort out the needle situation.  With several more new projects waiting in the wings, my cast on party has just begun.

Contemplating Sweaters

It wasn't really sweater weather last weekend, but I came home from Rhinebeck inspired to cast on a new sweater.  I know which yarn I want to use, but I'm still missing a couple key ingredients.  While I contemplate patterns and colors, I cast on a little something to keep me occupied.

A new cowl on the go.  It's all ribbing right now, but it will shift to a slip stitch pattern for the body of the cowl.  Nothing too taxing as I'm still sorting out post-Rhinebeck details.

This week's color inspiration . . .

A bin of colorful jalapeños.

Back to Normal

I'm still picking up the pieces from Rhinebeck, but life is definitely returning to normal.  The truck is empty, the inventory is sorted and orders are shipping on a regular schedule again.  If I owe you an email, give me another day or two.  I'm slowly working my way through the inbox.

After the frantic pace of Rhinebeck prep, I have a fresh to-do list.  Tomorrow I'll start another round of dyeing plus I'm contemplating a couple new projects.

 It's time to make some color choices.

Still Magical

Between the Boston Marathon and travel to Rhinebeck, last week was a little crazy.  Not much time for blogging, I'm afraid.

Today it's the Monday after Rhinebeck, and I'm back at it.  I'm upright and caffeinated although I'm still a little foggy after the whirlwind weekend.

We had a great turnout given the circumstances, and everyone seemed to enjoy the fiber festivities.  It was really heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, and it was equally delightful to make new connections.

I'm grateful to everyone who stopped by the booth and the organizers who worked long and hard to make the weekend happen.  As always, I came home full of ideas and inspiration.  I'll see how it all shakes out in the coming weeks and months.

The weather was far from normal for October, and the leaves didn't have the usual stunning colors.

No one seemed to mind.  It was just nice to be back together, enjoying the magic of Rhinebeck.

Lillian Sport

 I seem to have developed a case of FFF - fiber festival fatigue.

The pandemic has already warped my sense of time, but now it's even worse.  Yesterday I was convinced it was Friday, and today when I woke up, I was certain it was Thursday.  I'm thoroughly confused.

Here are a couple shots of our new base, Lillian Sport.  This yarn will make its debut next week at Rhinebeck.  It'll be listed on the website after Rhinebeck.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Mustard yellow with purple flecks.

Long Days

Over the weekend it was great fun to see so many knitters out and about for the Crawl.  Thanks to everyone who made a point to stop by and chat.

I wrapped up three days of trunk shows and jumped back into prep for Rhinebeck.

Right now the work days are long, but the lists are getting shorter.  I've even started loading booth fixtures into the truck.  If you're headed to Rhinebeck next week, look for us in Building C, Booth 43.  I've updated the fall events in the right sidebar.  And now, I better get back to labelling yarn.

My Best Guess

Tomorrow I start three days of trunk shows, and today I've been pulling inventory.  A little of this, a little of that . . . it's hard to know what to bring.  I'm trying to include plenty of color options.

Even though I'll be out and about, the dyeing process is still running in the background.  Here's a peek behind the scenes.

This Shimmer is almost dry, and then I'll replace it with more wet yarn.  The production line keeps moving even when I'm not here.

At My Desk . . .

Show prep continues and today I decided to tackle kit packaging.  It's been on my list for a while.  I'd even done some research a few weeks ago but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.  

Fast forward to late September.  It turns out that many packaging styles and options are out of stock with no backorder available.  More fallout from the pandemic, I'm sure.  When I saw that same notice on several websites, I realized I needed to make my decisions today.  I nudged a couple things off today's to-do list and got busy.  

It took most of the morning, but I finally found packaging that will be perfect.  And it was in stock.  After all that computer time, I've earned a little knitting break.  How's your Monday going?

On the Calendar . . .

It's finally Friday, and I'm wrapping up the week with a little calendar update.  Next week is the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl, and I'll be visiting a couple shops.

Thursday @ A Garden For Knitters

Friday and Saturday @ Another Yarn

If you're in the Boston area, see the website for a list of participating yarn stores.  This is a good opportunity to support the local shops.

Also next weekend . . . Virtual Vermont Sheep and Wool.

Be sure to check the website for all the action.  I'll have a live Zoom session on Sunday, 11:00 - 1:00.  Follow the link for all the details.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bold and bright.