Peace, Hope and Bright Spots

It's been a short, confusing week.  I tried to cut back on work and make this a holiday week, but I haven't had nearly enough time for knitting.

I had aspirations of uninterrupted hours all to myself, but somehow that vision never materialized.  There's still a chance.  The long weekend is here, and I have plans to make up for lost knitting time.

The world is crazy, chaotic and hectic right now.  As we look ahead to a new year, may we all find peace, hope and bright spots.

I did manage to finally decorate the tree, and we've all been enjoying it.  This week's color inspiration . . .

More red and green.

Holiday Cheer

It's been a busy week, and that's without any holiday prep.  The yarn is all dyed, dried, twisted, labeled and shipped.  If you're waiting on an order, you should have received an email with tracking information.

I've been making daily runs to the post office, but you might need a dose of patience when waiting for your delivery.  The USPS people are working long hours right now, and believe me, some of them are crabby.  I've seen it firsthand.

If you're doing last-minute shopping for knitting friends or want to add something to your own holiday list, gift certificates are still available.

They come in any amount and are sent electronically. You can place your order here.

I'm off to get our own festivities in order.  If you're celebrating over the next few days, enjoy your time with family and friends.

Pomegranates are this week's color inspiration.

Shiny orbs.

Slow and Steady

I'm slowly making progress on holiday preparations.  I don't have high expectations from day to day, so anything I can cross off the list is a win.

Today I managed to set up the tree.  It's quite a bit taller than I am which begs the question why did I buy such a big tree.  I really could have used an extra pair of hands, but that would have been too easy.  Let's just say it took a bit of creativity to get it in the stand.  The tree is upright and relatively straight.  Decorating will have to wait for another day.

If you're headed to the Inman Holiday Market on Sunday, you'll find us in the tent in the East Cambridge Savings Bank parking lot.

This is a great way to support small, local businesses. You'll find more information here.  I'm looking forward to this festive event to wrap up the year.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Little bits of red and green.

The Season of Lists

This time of year can be very chaotic, and survival requires a certain level of organization.  I'm still trying to pull it together over here.

Earlier today I stopped at the grocery store for a couple things.  While I was there, I had the bright idea to grab items for my holiday cooking.  I didn't have a list, so of course I came out with a very haphazard collection of groceries.

I clearly need to invest some time in a complete breakdown of menus and necessary provisions, but I'll save my list making for the morning.

Tonight I have other priorities.  I'm going to finish this cowl.

Hat Season

It's that time of year.  Hat season.  I always have a couple different hats on the go.  Hat projects are small and portable, plus they're usually a quick knit.

I have several new hats I want to cast on, but this one is getting my attention right now.

Woolly Waffle Hat (Ravelry link).  

It takes two colors of DK weight yarn.  So many color options!  Picking and choosing is always half the fun.

Delightful Dot Cowl

This project has been off the needles for a while, and it even made an appearance at a couple fall shows.

Delightful Dot Cowl (Ravelry link).  This cowl is made by knitting a tube with fuzzy dots.  The twist is added at the very end.

Kits are now finally available on the website.

These kits make a great gift.  Give one to your knitting buddy or treat yourself to a colorful project.

This week's color inspiration features a sheep in a jumper.

Festive red.

Sprinting

I'm checking in with a mid-week post, and I have to keep it short.  This time of year always feels like a race to the finish line.  I had a decent plan in place, but things have piled up.  Somehow I still have a lot of loose ends to tie up before the holidays.

In the midst of all the chaos, I've managed to knit a few rounds here and there.

This is a quick cowl I'm working on.  I've made some adjustments, and now I'm concerned about running out of yarn.  I'm anxious to know how it will all work out, so I keep knitting . . . faster, faster.

One More . . .

My final in-person event of 2023 is coming up.

If you're in the Boston area, you don't want to miss this festive market.  There will be a great group of vendors on hand.  Tackle some of your holiday shopping or treat yourself to something special.

I'll be set up in one of the Inman Square storefronts, and I'll post an update on Instagram when I have the exact location.  Don't miss this opportunity to support small, local businesses.

It's Coming

I feel a strong case of startitis coming on.  So far this week I've queued a few hat, mitten and cowl patterns plus sorted yarn options for said patterns.  But that wasn't enough.  I also dyed yarn for a new sweater.

I'm in the midst of a busy stretch of dyeing and have to show some restraint.  But once I wrap up the dyeing, I'll be free to knit with reckless abandon.  Until then, I lined up this project.

There's nothing like a new hat to take the edge off.

We're slowly slipping into winter, and the last of the leaves have been collected and hauled off.  I'm savoring one more leaf shot for this week's color inspiration.

 Nature's colorful carpet.

Deadline Projects

I'm often juggling several projects at the same time, but there's nothing like a deadline or two to put my priorities in order.  One priority project is off the needles.

It's blocking right now, so there's not much else to show. Now I can move on to the next deadline.

A big thank you to everyone who placed an order over the weekend and took advantage of free shipping.  We're still processing orders and hope to be caught up in the next few days.

Holiday Shopping

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend.  After a mad dash leading up to dinner yesterday, I can finally put my feet up and take some time to relax.  And yes, that includes knitting.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and we're kicking off the holiday shopping season with free shipping.

This offer is good Saturday, November 25 through Monday, November 27.  No code needed.  Grab supplies for holiday knitting or treat yourself to a special project.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Fading fall colors.

A Fiber Plan

After a busy fiber festival season, I had a couple days off this past weekend.  Apparently I still hadn't had enough fiber-related activities.  Instead of taking it easy, I decided to check out the open house at a local wool warehouse.

Thank goodness I went with a plan.  A warehouse full of fiber can be a very dangerous place.  I managed to stick to the plan . . . for the most part.

Stay tuned.  I have a couple new things coming after the first of the year.

Waiting for Yarn

The good news.  I have a new project that's calling my name.  The bad news.  I have to dye the yarn first.

Dyeing yarn isn't a problem, but finding extra time this week has been challenging.  I plan to dye it in the next few days, and in the meantime, I can work on this.

A soothing, relaxing project.  Just what I need.

The fall foliage is quickly disappearing, but I have these hardy flowers for this week's color inspiration.

Cheerful marigolds.

That's a Wrap

Well, I didn't intend to be away from the blog for quite this long.  The last couple weeks were a little frantic with show prep.  It's been a whirlwind fall with all sorts of fiber fun, and now I can settle down for a little break.

Since I don't have any significant work travel until February, I spent a couple days taking everything out of my truck.  It was a big job, and I'm glad it's over.

Here's a quick look at the booth from Fiber Festival of New England.

This show was a great way to wrap up the fall fiber festival season.  We had a record turnout, and it was fun to touch base with so many of you.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.  

Now that I have some unscheduled time on my hands, I have all sorts of ideas for new projects.  More on that later.  Stay tuned.

Looking for Bright Spots

The world is a dumpster fire, and tragedy hit very close to home this week.  I'm looking for bright spots, but the feeling of grief and sadness is overwhelming at times.

Last night the rhythmic flow of my knitting provided some solace.  May we all find hope and peace. 

It's a bit of a blur, but just last weekend knitters from all over gathered for Rhinebeck.  The trees were a bit bare in spots, but they still provided this week's color inspiration.

 Fall orange and yellow.

Rhinebeck Hangover

I'm still suffering from a slight Rhinebeck hangover, but I'm making a concerted effort to get back in the work groove.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth over the weekend.  I don't have wonderful pictures to share, but it was a fantastic, magical weekend.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it here, but Boston Fiber Festival had to be rescheduled, and the rain date is this Sunday, October 29.

The fiber vendors will be outside Boston Fiber Company on Thayer St.  SoWa Open Market will be running at the same time, so you can take advantage of both events.

Right now the forecast is favorable, and there's a fun mix of vendors.  Stop by if you're in the area.

Stone Point

Time got away from me this week, but I'm back today with a new sample.

Stone Point (Ravelry link).

This is a great transition piece when you need a little something to keep the chill at bay.  The construction is straightforward, and it's a pretty relaxing knit.  The yarn is Lucia DK in Fog.

If you're headed to Rhinebeck next weekend, stop by and take a look at this sample.  You'll find us in Building C, Booth 42.

I have my daughter to thank for this week's color inspiration.

A refreshing mix of green and blue.

Fuzzy Dots

I'm in the midst of long work days right now, but I still find time to knit a few rounds here and there.

Delightful Dot Cowl (Ravelry link).

Around and around . . . this little dot pattern is quite mesmerizing.  It keeps me entertained without too much thinking.

It's Thanksgiving for our neighbors north of the border, and it's a holiday weekend here in the States.  Cheers to the long weekend!

This week's color inspiration . . .

 Shades of the season.

Help Wanted

I'm gearing up for Rhinebeck and looking for help in the booth.

I need assistance on Saturday, October 21.  Tasks include restocking and general help.  Flexible hours with pay.  If you're interested, send an email.

Back from Vermont

I'm settling in after a busy weekend in Vermont.

The weather was sunny and dry - a welcome relief after all the rain we've had lately.

Here's a quick peek at the booth.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.  It was great to see so many people out and about.

I didn't have much time for knitting, but I did lead a demo on German short rows.  This week I'm back at it with more show prep.  Since I'm behind schedule on my deadline knitting, I'll have to squeeze in some knitting time between dye pots.

A New Kit

I always have a small, portable project to keep me company when I'm out and about. A few weeks ago I started a cowl.  I didn't really have a plan, but it was a fun knit.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had a new kit on my hands.

DRK Everyday Cowl (Ravelry link).  This version is made with Lillian and Shimmer.  Both are in the Raspberry Fizz colorway.

Kits will be available at the fall shows including this weekend at Vermont Sheep & Wool.  Stop by our booth at any of the events and take a look at the sample.  When things quiet down, I'll also list it on the website.

Vermont Road Trip

My weekend event was postponed due to weather, so I spent the time prepping for this coming weekend.

* September 30 & October 1 *

I'm looking forward to the road trip, and this time of year in Vermont is extra special.

There will be a great group of vendors on hand.  Our booth will be stocked with hand-dyed yarn, knitting kits and yarn bundles.  As always, we'll have a colorful display of samples for ideas and inspiration.  Look for our booth in the Vendor Pavilion.

The weekend is full of activities including classes, demos, sheep herding and more.  Check the website for additional information including a list of participating vendors.

If you're at the festival, be sure to stop by and say hi.

Friday Update

Time is flying by, and my to-do list is always longer than the day.  Never enough hours.  Here's a quick project update as we head into the weekend.

Yes, I'm still going around and around on Blueberry Vodka Lemonade (Ravelry link).  And yes, it's getting bigger.  Trust me.  In case you're wondering, the yarn is Marybelle in Heliotrope.

As we shift into fall, I have one last summer shot for this week's color inspiration.

White wisps on clear blue.

Pondering and Polling

I've just finished a couple small, portable projects and need something new on the needles.  Actually I probably need a couple on-the-go projects, but I'm focused on one at the moment.

I pondered colors for a couple days and even ran an informal poll.  The poll was all over the place and didn't offer any conclusive guidance, so I made the decision on my own.

In the end I settled on this combo.  It'll be on the needles soon.

All Wet

I'm back after a wild, wet week.  The humid weather makes it challenging to dry yarn, and it was a race to get everything ready for a couple days on the road.

It was fun seeing so many knitters out and about, and we had some great conversations.  Now I can turn my attention to the next event.

This Sunday I'll be at Boston Fiber Festival.  I'll be outside Boston Fiber Company on Thayer St.  There's a fun lineup of vendors plus activities in the shop.  Stop by and check out their new space.  It's also SoWa Sunday Open Market, so you can hit two events at the same time.

Stop by if you're in the area.  I have my fingers crossed for dry weather.

Around and Around

It's been a crazy week, and I haven't had much focused knitting time - just bits and pieces here and there.  A few days ago (before the heat advisory) I did make time to sit on the porch and knit a few rounds.

Blueberry Vodka Lemonade (Ravelry link).  This project is actually quite a bit bigger now.  I'm increasing and had to swap for a longer cable.

The weather forecast isn't favorable.  While I don't anticipate knitting on the porch any time soon, I'll keep going around and around . . . soon I can separate for the sleeves.

This week's color inspiration looks refreshing and cool.

Grey and white.

Dancing around the Heat

My timing is a little off this week.  We're in the midst of a nasty stretch of hazy, hot and humid weather, and I'm deep into a long list of dyeing.

I've been dancing around the heat all summer to avoid dyeing when the weather is miserable.  Now that September is here, I don't have that luxury any more. Every day is a dye day.

While the pots simmer, I take time to ponder other projects.

I've been playing around with these skeins off and on. There's no right or wrong choice.  It's time to make a decision.

Finishing

It's been a week of finishing projects - both on and off the needles.

I blocked my Felix Pullover (Ravelry link) this week. What an enjoyable project!  The yarn is Marybelle DK held with Shimmer, both in Sunflower.

I'll post pictures at a later date.  If you need a quick sweater this fall, take a look at this pattern.

It's September, and there's a hint of fall in the air.  Enjoy the long weekend!

I spy an airplane.  Can you find it?  This week's color inspiration . . .

Blue grey with subtle hints of pink.

Calendar Update

It's a grey, rainy day, and I've been tethered to my desk.   A pile mountain of paperwork still needs my attention, but I did manage a calendar update.

Coming right up is the Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul, September 14 - 17.

I'll be visiting two of the shops - Salt Yarn Studio on September 15 and Plymouth Harbor Knits on September 16.  I'll have hand-dyed yarn and knitting kits plus plenty of samples for ideas and inspiration.

This is a good opportunity to support local shops.  I look forward to seeing some of you out and about.

It's shaping up to be a busy fall.  See the right sidebar for a complete list of fiber events.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates and highlights.

Last Call

My Monday schedule just took a turn for the worse, and I'm shifting gears.  I don't have time to share project pics today, but I did want to share this announcement.

Signups for Yarn Knot are open until this Friday, September 1. 

Our quarterly yarn club features exclusive colorways, a choice of yarn bases, pattern suggestions and more.  The first installment ships in September.  See the website for more information and to place your order.

It's going to be one of those days.  I'm off!

Island Stopover

The other day I made a stopover on sleeve island.  There are several deadline projects in the mix, so I plan to make this a quick trip.

This is Felix Pullover (Ravelry link).  It's the first sleeve, and I've made quite a bit of progress since this picture was taken.  I should be off the island by the end of the weekend.

Thanks to the farmers' market for this week's color inspiration.

Glorious tomatoes.

Rounds Ripped

The last couple days my knitting progress has been measured in rounds ripped rather than rounds knit.  I've been focused on getting a new project up and running. My stitch count was off, and the only way to fix it was to go back.  So I did.  It's not the end of the world.  I do plenty of ripping.

This was the first rip, and I thought the problem was fixed. I happily re-knit this yarn only to discover my stitch count in a different section was off.  I uttered some choice words and ripped back a second time.

This morning I re-knit it again making sure to count after every 3-round sequence.  

This time all my numbers were in order.  Thank goodness.  I don't usually let a project vex me to the point of putting it in timeout, but I was concerned that's where this one was headed.

Yes, there is a color discrepancy in these two shots. Lighting can be challenging.  The second picture is more accurate.

I'm finally ready to move on to the next section.  I don't have time to do any more ripping, so I'll be counting often.

They All Add Up

I've been working on several bigger projects this summer, but they aren't very handy when I'm out and about. That's why I always have at least one portable project on the needles.

DRK Everyday Cowl (Ravelry link).  This is my current traveling companion and my second time knitting this cowl.  I made one earlier in the summer.  It was a fun knit, so I decided to make a mohair version.  Pictured here in Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Raspberry Fizz.

I work a few rows here and there when I'm on the go. They all add up.  Before I know it, I have another finished project.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bold reds with dainty white.

Stalled

I was working on this project last night when everything came to a complete stop.

This is Felix Pullover (Ravelry link).  I want to make the sweater a little longer than the pattern suggests, but I'm not sure how much to add.  It was getting late, and I couldn't make a decision.  I set it aside.  

I'm motivated to finish this project.  This morning the sweater is spread out for an accurate measurement.  I really want to keep working on this project, so I'll have a decision by the end of the day.