Parkview Hat

Just as I thought.

I finished my Parkview Hat (Ravelry link) over the weekend.  Not a fan of pom poms?  You can easily wear this hat without one.  The pattern calls for fingering weight combined with mohair.  I used Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Cool Waters.

I'm at a bit of a loss without a simple project on the needles.  It's time to cast on another hat.

For those who are local to Boston, I have a quick event update.  Farm Fiber Day is this Sunday, and the event newsletter went out earlier today.  Check here for all the details including a complete vendor list.  Note that our booth will be in the same location as the January market.

Comfort Knitting

I've been glued to the news the last couple days . . . watching the tragic events unfold in Ukraine.  My emotions fluctuate from sadness to disbelief to anger.  The stories on the ground are heartbreaking.

It definitely helps if I keep my needles busy, and luckily I had recently cast on a relaxing project.

This is Parkview Hat (Ravelry link).  It's been perfect comfort knitting.  I'll probably finish this hat over the weekend, and I already have plans to cast on another one.

It's been a snowy day here complete with plenty of shoveling.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

Cheerful yellow on a grey day.

Knitting on the Go

Yesterday I was on my way out the door and paused for a moment to do a quick mental inventory of my works in progress.  Not one project was suitable for on-the-go knitting.  Reluctantly I left without my needles.  I had a sinking feeling that if I had to wait anywhere for a considerable amount of time, I would probably lose it.

To remedy the situation, I cast on a hat last night.

Ribbing is the perfect companion when I'm out and about.  It's easy to pick up and put down, and if I'm interrupted, I can always figure out where I left off.

Quick Virtual SPA update.  We're offering free shipping Thursday through Sunday.  No code needed.  See the NETA Ravelry group for more event information and a complete list of participating vendors.

Love Note . . . Again

I gave myself a little extra knitting time this weekend and finished a couple things.  It's always such a good feeling to see empty needles.

This was a quick finish.  I didn't have much left on this Love Note (Ravelry link), but I did run out of yarn with just four rounds left at the bottom of the second sleeve.  I didn't want to break into a new skein for four rounds and a bind off, but I found a leftover bit kicking around.  All good.

I've made this sweater at least two other times, but this is the first one without the lace yoke.  Plain stockinette throughout.

Other mods . . . I made the body a little longer than the pattern suggests, and I added short rows to the back neck.  The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Persimmon.

Since my usual Monday schedule is a little off with the holiday, I have some "extra time" on my hands.  I'll definitely be casting on something new later today.

Billow

I'm wrapping up the week with another sample spotlight.

Billow (Ravelry link).

This crescent-shaped shawl features garter stitch with short rows and a little lace.  It's relaxing to knit and easy to wear.

Have fun picking three colors.  The sample is made with Lucia DK in March Sky, Juniper and Dark Chocolate.

I'm considering different purple options and was looking at flowers for ideas.  This week's color inspiration isn't what I was looking for, but I've tucked it away for future reference.

Pretty periwinkle.

Coffee Break

It's been a busy few days with a lot of dyeing.  After the dyeing, there's plenty of twisting and labeling.

It's only mid-February and I'm not looking for a season change, but this particular batch has hints of spring.

When I need a little break, I grab a cup of coffee and knit a few rounds.

Today is was my MishMash (Ravelry link).

Entertaining colorwork.  It's hard to stop with just a couple rounds, but my break is over and I'm off to twist more skeins.

In Deep

The weekend flew by complete with shoveling some fresh, fluffy snow.  Deadlines keep me honest, and over the weekend I spent way too much time at my desk.  

There are a couple events coming up in the next few weeks, and I updated the list.  See the right sidebar.  Virtual SPA is happening at the end of the month.  This event doesn't have a website, but I'll be posting more detailed information here as we get closer to the dates.

Late Friday night, I was inspired to test a pattern and yarn combination.  During the weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to test a second combination simultaneously.

I'm in deep, and there's no going back.

Colorful Sparks

Despite my best efforts, I don't have any finished objects to share.  I'm this close to binding off a couple projects, but the show and tell will have to wait for another day.

It's been a busy week of dyeing, and that means yarn is starting to pile up.

I shipped several big boxes of yarn this week, but there's more waiting in the wings.  Random colors piled together can often spark new combinations.

Enjoy the weekend.  Between the Olympics and the Super Bowl, there's plenty of viewing knitting time.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Pinks, ready to pop.

Morning Routine

I've switched up my mornings during the Olympics.  I get up early and start the dye pots.  Then I settle in with my knitting and a little curling.

I enjoy curling, so I've altered my normal routine to accommodate the curling schedule.  It's just for a few days.  Plus it's kind of nice to start the day with some knitting time.

I'm not working on a special project for the Olympic games, but this sweater has turned into a game of its own.

There are just a few more rounds to go, and I know I have enough mohair.  The other yarn . . . I'm not so sure.  I'm anxious to see who wins this game of yarn chicken.

Uncooperative Monday

I hope your week is off to a good start.  My Monday isn't cooperating.  I had plans to hit the ground running, but instead I'm cleaning up a few loose ends from last week and it's taking forever.  That's the way it goes sometimes.

Instead of working at my desk, I'd rather be working on this.

This is my Joyful shawl.  I've finally settled into the stripe section, and now I just want to keep going with the stripes.  Maybe after I take care of a few more loose ends . . .

The Temptation

Another storm has moved into New England, and I'm giving in to temptation.  I scurried this morning to get the most essential work done.

If you need me this afternoon, I'll be curled up with coffee and knitting.  I hope everyone is warm, safe and cozy.  Enjoy your weekend and keep knitting!

This week's color inspiration . . .

Lovely patina.

Cheeky Hat

Since I've been on a bit of a hat kick the last week, I thought I'd shine the sample spotlight on this hat.

Cheeky Hat.

It's always good to have a hat on the needles.  This classic ribbed hat is perfect for social knitting, Zoom calls or the odd moment when you have just enough time to work a few stitches.  It's easy to pick up and put down.  Don't worry - you won't lose your place.

The yarn is Lillian Sport, Sunflower.

Can you ever have too many hats? 

ETA:  If you've been on the fence about the Thrummed Mittens Kit and Class, it's not too late to get in on the fun. 

You'll find all the information here.