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 . . .