Storm Knitting

I hope that everyone in the path of the storm is shoveled out and has power.  The snow was powder with plenty of blowing and drifting.

I had finished some deadlines late last week and had planned on solid knitting time over the weekend.  Other than sorting out some technology issues, I had plenty of time for knitting.  After I had shoveled, of course.

I picked up my MishMash (Ravelry link) and settled in.  The rhythm of colorwork can be so soothing and relaxing.  Perfect for a stormy weekend.

Storm Prep

Coastal New England is bracing for a major winter storm this weekend.  A significant nor'easter coupled with blizzard warnings will keep most of us indoors, and the French toast alert level is listed as severe.  Snow emergencies and parking bans are already in place.  Many businesses will be closed tomorrow.

This is serious business.  Knitters across the region are rising to the occasion and are lining up their weekend projects.  I've had several emails concerning samples and kits.  What size needles did you use?  What order are the colors in that cowl?  And, heaven forbid, what do I do if I run out of yarn?

I've cleared the decks for my own weekend knitting.

Two donation hats are finished and out the door.  If you need a quick bulky hat, take a look at Eddie Beanie (Ravelry link).  This design offers a wide range of sizes, and it makes a warm, sturdy hat.

Stay safe and cozy this weekend.  Enjoy your knitting!

This week's color inspiration . . .

Ice patterns.  

Knitting for Charity

I recently had a discussion with a few knitter friends about charity knitting.  What projects were they making, what charity were they donating to etc.  Our conversation was still fresh in my mind when a friend posted about a charity knitting project with a special request for kids' handknits. 

Timing is everything.  I hadn't done any charity knitting yet this winter, so I dropped my other projects and got busy.

This hat is almost finished, and there's another one waiting in the wings.  It's extremely satisfying to finish a quick knit, but it's also rewarding to know it's going to a good cause.

From the Back Burner . . .

Yesterday we had a blast at Farm Fiber Day.  Thanks so much to everyone who came out!

The weather was decent, the market was buzzing and it was fun to chat with people in person.  If you missed this Farm Fiber Day, there's another on March 6.  I'll post a reminder as we get closer to the date.

Today I'm picking up the pieces and trying to get settled again.  The truck is empty, so I've accomplished my big task for the day.  I think I can squeeze in some afternoon knitting time.

This project has been on the back burner for a while.  I think it needs some attention.

Thrummed Mittens

How about a new kit to wrap up the week.

Thrummed Mittens - Kit and Class

We've teamed up with knitting instructor Hélène Driesen to offer this kit with a Zoom class on making thrummed mittens.

Thrums are bits of fiber that are knit into the fabric.  They add a warm, cozy layer to these mittens.  The kit includes yarn, fiber, pattern and a 2-hour class with Hélène.  There are several color options.  See website for details.

These kits will be available on Sunday at Farm Fiber Day.  If you plan on going, stop by and take a look at the sample.  Our booth will be in a different location this time.  Check the map.  You'll find us in Zone B.

This fall I wasn't paying attention and broke three of my favorite mugs.  One at a time, not all at once.  Over the holidays I was delighted to get a new mug to add to my collection.  This week's color inspiration reminds me of winter.

Blue-gray swirls.

Feeling Motivated . . .

It's a busy week with dyeing and show prep.  I don't have a full schedule of shows right now, but I plan to have have a well-stocked display on Sunday at Farm Fiber Day.

I have a couple samples almost ready for bind off, so for my afternoon break, I took a few minutes to plan something new.

No, I won't cast on just yet . . . but I might have to wind the yarn so it's ready to go.  I'm off to do some finishing.  There's nothing like the thrill of a new project to motivate me.

Harpers Ferry

I'm back with another sample highlight, and I can't believe I haven't shared this one yet.

Harpers Ferry.

This design features short rows, slip stitches and stripes.  The asymmetrical shape makes it easy to wear.

Harpers Ferry combines mohair with fingering weight.  For the sample we used Lillian and Shimmer, both in March Sky.  The individual colors don't require a lot of yardage, so we used a Mini Multi Bundle.  No. 6, to be exact.

This pattern has many options for color combinations.  Go ahead and experiment!  It's always fun to plot and plan color choices.

The Balance Tightrope

The year is still very young, but already I see a theme emerging.  My biggest ongoing challenge is balance.  Balance in dealing with the pandemic and work.  Balance between work and my family.  Balance in taking care of my own needs.  The list goes on and on.  I'm sure many of you can relate.

This far into the pandemic, it seems we have to live with COVID, but it's been a tough week walking that balance tightrope.  When things are out of my control, it's time to regroup and come up with a new plan.  

As we wrap up the week, I have a couple knitting updates to share.

When your project isn't going quite right, don't plow ahead.  Stop and take a minute to assess the situation.  If there's a problem, it won't be fixed by knitting a few more rounds.  Go ahead and rip it out.

Last night I came to the realization that this little project wasn't going to work.  This morning I ripped it out.  I didn't invest more knitting time, and now I'm free to start over.

On the other hand, this project is moving right along.

Thank goodness for knitting.  This sweet colorwork cowl has been a fun distraction.  See above reference to walking the balance tightrope.  I hope all of you are finding your own balance.

Continuing my calendar update from the other day, SPA 2022 has been cancelled.  It was scheduled for the last weekend in February, and now there will be a virtual version instead.  Stay tuned for details.

I'm savoring winter weather with this week's color inspiration.

Frosty flakes piling up.

Calendar Update

I have one event on the calendar for this month.  Farm Fiber Day is happening on January 23, 10:30 - 3:30.

This event is held at Russell's Garden Center and includes an awesome group of vendors.  You'll find the complete list here.  Be sure to sign up for the event newsletter while you're at it.  

If you're in the Boston area, check it out.  Can't make it in January?  There will be another Farm Fiber Day in March.  I'll post details when we get closer to the date.

Ice Cream Social

 I'm kicking off the week with another sample highlight.

Ice Cream Social (Ravelry link).

This design combines colorful stripes with a bit of lace.

For the sample we used two skeins of Lillian Fog and Mini Multi Bundle No. 5.  It's always fun to consider other color combinations.

This is an entertaining knit, and the finished shawl is substantial and easy to wear.  Check it out if you're looking for a new project.

Snow Day

We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning, and I'm thrilled.  This is my favorite season, and I'm delighted with all the snow.  

It's been a busy morning.  I did one round with the shovel, dug out my truck and started a pot of soup.  After all that, I've earned a knitting break.

I'll be playing with these two this afternoon.  The snow is still falling, so I know I'll have to do more shoveling.  Knitting and snow . . . my favorite winter combo.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Winter white.

Heart Warmer

Looking for a knit along opportunity to kick off the new year?  Take a look at this KAL collaboration with Salt Yarn Studio.

We'll be working on Heart Warmer.

This design features plenty of variety.  You'll maybe even learn a new stitch or two.

Kits are available only through Salt Yarn Studio.  There are several color choices - multi, gradient or single.  Head over to Salt Yarn to see the options.  Don't delay.  This kit will only be offered for a limited time.  The Zoom KAL sessions will start later this month.  These meetings are a fun way to participate in the knitting community and connect with other knitters.

Being Thorough

Happy New Year!  I had planned to hit the ground running with several new projects on the needles but have stumbled on a few decisions here and there.

Gauge.

I had one swatch and then decided I should be more thorough in my approach, so I knit a second one.  Both swatches merit consideration, but now I have to pick just one.  

Some days it's hard to make decisions - even minor knitting decisions.  This isn't the roaring start I had envisioned for the new year, but it's only the third day.  I'm sure I'll get it sorted in the next day or so.