December!

Happy Monday!  I hope everyone enjoyed the long holiday weekend.

It's December (how did that happen!), and I've updated events in the right sidebar.  First up is this Saturday, December 7, at Black Sheep Knitting.  I'll be in the shop 1:00 - 5:00.  There will be yarn, kits and samples.  Stop by if you're in the Boston area.

I worked on several new projects over the weekend, and I even helped my daughter with her own project.

She wants to make Musselburgh (Ravelry link).  I took care of the fiddly start.  Now the rest is up to her.  If you haven't made this hat yet, take a look at the pattern.  Yes, it takes a little time to get it up and running, but after that it's easy peasy.  Plus there are so many options . . . colors, stripes, weights of yarn.  Have fun!

Project Testing

I've been busy dyeing yarn and shipping orders.  It's been a productive week, so I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

I cast on this combo the other day and have been working on it here and there.

Sometimes I test a project to see if the yarn, pattern and colors will work.  I need to knit a little more, but I think this project will be a go.  I'll know more by Monday.

We're at that point in the fall where most of the leaves have already fallen, but it's nice to look back just a few weeks when they were at their peak.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Bright yellow and orange.

The Fall Wave

It's been a minute, but I haven't forgotten about the blog. My fall travels are over, and the big fiber festivals are in the books.  I'm slowly settling in to a different routine.  While I miss being on the go, this is a good time to focus on the home front.

Without all the coming and going, I have more time to plot and plan new samples.  And more time for knitting.  I feel my annual fall wave of castonitis coming on.

This is another Musselburgh (Ravelry link).  A family member requested this hat, and I decided to get it up and running.  Once it's all situated, this is an easy project to pick up and put down.

My list of new projects is long, and I've been playing with color options.  What projects have captured your attention recently?

ClapotisFest KAL

Whew!  I'm finally checking in after a busy September.  From Cape Cod to Vermont, it was great to see so many knitters out and about.

If you're looking for a fun KAL, take a peek at ClapotisFest.

Knitty is celebrating the 20th anniversary of this popular design.  The pattern has been updated, and indie dyers have donated prizes.  Get in on the action.  You'll find more chatter in the Knitty Ravelry group.

September Travels

September is a busy month for trunk shows, and I've updated the right sidebar with all the details.  The trunk shows are part of two fiber events in the area.

Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul

Greater Boston Yarn Crawl

I talk with many yarn shop owners, and I know these are challenging times.  We all rely on our local shop when we have a yarn emergency or when we need help with a project.

This is a great opportunity to support your local shop and others in the area.  Get out there and visit some (all) of the shops.  Follow the links above for details.  Have fun!

And now it's back to work.

I have a project that's patiently waiting for color decisions.

Striking a Balance

It's the end of a busy week as I try to strike a balance between family life and work prep.  Mom, can you give me a ride?  Mom, can you help me give my dog a bath?  Mom, can you help me pack and move some furniture?  And don't forget the copies I asked you to print.

Mothers will do almost anything for their kids.  I've made the most of my flexible summer schedule, but I know all of that is about to change when we flip the calendar page.

Today I spent a few hours trying to reconfigure a kit pattern.  I procrastinated as long as possible, but the deadline for this project is approaching.  After ripping out the same colorwork round two or three times, I decided it would be more productive to spend a little time at my desk instead.

Just a heads up that club orders will close after this weekend.  If you've been thinking about joining, now is the time.  You'll find all the details here.

I need to feel like I've accomplished something today, so I'm off to finish a couple armholes with Italian bind off.

The colorwork project will keep until tomorrow.

Last week a few of us managed to squeeze in our annual blueberry picking.  The season was winding down, but there were still plenty of berries.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Berry patch blues.

Weekend Break

It's been one of those weeks.  A couple small household projects morphed into hours and hours of extra work plus an afternoon without water in the kitchen.  I only have a few items left on my summer to-do list, but I'm almost afraid to tackle them.

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I'm taking a break for the weekend.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Peachy.

Neat and Tidy

Fall is fast approaching, and I'm tackling a long list of samples.  Some are already on the needles.  Others are patiently waiting in the wings.

I worked on two or three projects over the weekend and made good progress.

This one isn't actually a sample, but I finished the body of my Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link) and wrapped it all up with an Italian bind off.  If you're not familiar with this bind off, give it a look.  It makes a neat and tidy edge.

brat

Fresh from the dye pots.

I couldn't resist the brat bandwagon.  This fun colorway is available on Lillian, Shimmer and Lucia DK.  Add a pop of color to your next project.

I've really enjoyed the hydrangeas this summer, but they're almost done for the season.  On a recent walk with Hank the puppy, I spotted a small group of them in a protected area.  This week's color inspiration . . .

A lovely shade of blue and purple.

Sometimes It's Easy

The heat continues.  I'm running an abbreviated dye schedule most days, and that leaves a little extra time for sample planning.

The other day I stumbled on this color combination.  Sometimes it takes a while to sort out the colors and the pattern.

Since I already have a pattern in mind, this one is easy.

Simple Stockinette

My weekend was dedicated to deadline knitting.  I'm happy to report I finished the project, and now I'm eager to work on something else.

I'm going to spend the rest of the day tackling this project.  The body of this sweater is almost finished - just a little more stockinette followed by ribbing.  I haven't tuned in the Olympics yet, but maybe I'll check out the games.  This seems like the ideal project for Olympics knitting.

Back to Stripes

For a couple weeks, I've been focused on a secret, deadline project.  The end is in sight, so today I took a little time to start something new.

The project I'm finishing is one color.  It's been fun, but it feels good to get back to stripes.  And I'll be able to slide right into this after I bind off the deadline project.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Big, billowy clouds.

Club Signups

I've updated the website, and Yarn Knot club signups are now open.

Our quarterly club features an exclusive colorway and a choice of several yarn bases.

Check the website for details.  Space is limited.

Time to Wind

These are crazy, chaotic times, and the last 24 hours have been very eventful and stressful.  Since my coping strategy includes a lot of knitting, I took a few moments this morning to line up a couple several new projects.

I've made some color choices, and now it's time to wind yarn.

Yellow Cheer

I have several new projects in various stages of planning and production.  Today I added to the mix.

This yarn has been waiting on the work table for a while, and now it's ready to go.

The hydrangeas have been stunning this year, and they are this week's color inspiration.

Shades of purple.

Hunting for Needles

I was excited to start a new project today.  The yarn was wound and ready.  All I needed was the needles.

I had been debating colors for a couple days and had finally settled on something.  I have more than one set of most needles sizes, so grabbing the needles should have been the easy part.

Nothing was going to come easy today.  After hunting for an incredibly long time (no, I wasn't about to give up), I finally found the size I was looking for.

Now that my needles are sorted, I can get started.  Cheers to easier days ahead!

Hot Spots

Since I'm not traveling this summer, it's tempting to spend my days knitting.  Instead I'm making the most of my time at home.  Every week I tackle a couple hot spots around the house - a closet here, a bookshelf there.  After the work is done, I can pick up my needles.   

So far I've managed to be pretty productive in spite of the oppressive heat we're experiencing.

Up and Running

I'm back in the swing of things after a lazy holiday break. Because of the heat, I'm working with an abbreviated dye schedule.  When it's too hot to dye, I work on samples.

I picked up this cowl today.  I frogged several rounds a while ago, and now the project is up and running again.

Happy Monday!

Knit On

A dumpster fire continues to rage in this country and abroad.  Like many of you, I'm trying to make a difference in my small corner of the world.

And I'm coping as best I can with a lot of knitting.  Yes, that means I need to start some new projects.

Be hopeful and keep knitting . . .

Unattended

I'm trying to come up with a work schedule for the week, but the Thursday holiday is throwing a wrench in the mix. While I ponder details for the week ahead, here's a reminder to never leave your yarn unattended when there's a puppy around.

I know Shimmer is one of Hank's favorite yarns, and I thought this skein was out of reach when I left the room for a minute.  I was wrong.  Instead of knitting, I spent my time sorting out this mess.

Back to work . . .

Chaos and Challenges

I've had a chaotic week.  From FedEx problems to internet issues to knitting messes . . . every day presented a new set of challenges.

All the fires are out.  For now.

Thank goodness the weekend is here.  I'm ready for a little peace and quiet so I can catch up on my knitting.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Summer cheer.

Deadlines and Heat

It's been a while since my last post.  I didn't plan it that way, but pressing deadlines and then extreme heat got in the way of my normal routine.  I'm back on track . . . for the moment at least.

Since I last checked in, I made stops in Maine and on the Cape.  It was fun and inspiring to connect with so many knitters.  I finished a couple samples, and they're on tour visiting shops.  Time was tight, and I didn't get any photos before they left.  The photoshoot will have to wait until I get them back.

I have several new sample ideas percolating, but I'm starting with something small.  See above reference to extreme heat.

Holzinger Cowl (Ravelry link) kept me entertained this week.  Simple ribbing with easy cables for a bit of interest.

I love murals, and I'm always on the lookout.  This one caught my attention earlier this spring, and it reminds me of the farmers' market.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Growing season.

In and Out

This has been a busy production week.  Yarn coming in, yarn shipping out.  I haven't had much computer time, but I jumped on this afternoon to put out a quick reminder.

Maine Fiber Frolic is on the calendar for next weekend, June 1 and 2.  This delightful show has animals, workshops, a fleece barn, a used equipment sale, great food (plus ice cream!) and more.  Bring the whole family. There's something for everyone.

I'll be there with an awesome group of vendors.  With any luck, I'll have a new sample or two.  Be sure to visit the website for all the details.  I look forward to seeing our Maine fiber friends.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Classic pink and white.

Close to Home

I think I've finally recovered from the weekend in New Hampshire.  The weather was perfect, and the turnout was great.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.

The events keep coming, and this Sunday I'll be close to home.

This festive street fair is held in Inman Square.  Food, music, maker vendors . . . bring the whole family.  There's something for everyone.  If you're in the area, come out and support small local businesses.  

The hours are 12:00 - 4:00.  Follow this link for more information.

NH Road Trip

It's been a busy couple weeks pulling everything together for New Hampshire Sheep & Wool.  The work schedule is tight, but I'll be ready to hit the road on Friday.

We moved to an indoor space last year, and we'll be in the same spot this year.  Look for us in Building A, Arts and Crafts.  It's the long white building.

It should be a fun weekend.  Stop by and say hi.

A Blur

This week has been a bit of a blur, and I seem to have lost a couple days along the way.  In between dyeing and booking events (the 2024 calendar is almost full!), I've been knitting a few rows here and there.   

This photo was actually taken earlier in the week, and I've made quite a bit of progress since then.  Time is tight, and I can't justify more photos right now.

I'm a bit obsessed with this project.  If I didn't have so much production work, this would have my full attention.  I have big knitting plans for the weekend.  Stay tuned for an update.

This week's color inspiration . . .

A charming street scene.

Inspired

I've bounced back from my trip to Connecticut.  Since the show was only on Saturday, I was there for a little over 24 hours.  That's not a lot of time for setting up, running and tearing down the booth.  The good news is I had Sunday to recover.

I often get great project ideas at fiber events.  It's inspiring to see handknits in person, and I jot down pattern names on my phone.  Saturday I was so inspired that I even pulled yarn from the booth to start a shawl that one of the knitters was wearing.

Since yesterday was my lazy day, I wound the yarn and cast on.  There's nothing like the thrill of a new project.

Scrambling

True to form, this week has been a bit of a scramble. There's been a flurry of activity getting ready for spring events, and I'm just trying to make sure nothing falls between the cracks.

My Stripeometry Shawl (Ravelry link) is coming along nicely.  The other day I took a few minutes to weave in some ends.  I'd like to have this shawl ready for Connecticut this weekend, but I'm not sure I can pull it off. You never know.  Everything is packed, and the truck is almost loaded.

If you're heading to Connecticut Sheep, Wool & Fiber on Saturday, stop by the booth and say hi.  You'll find us in Barn 3.  Remember, Saturday is also LYS Day.  Get out there and support your local yarn shop!

Dustland Shawl

Today I'm highlighting a finished project.

Dustland Shawl (Ravelry link).

This design features knit and purl combinations.  The whole thing is finished with an I-cord bind off.

This is a soothing, relaxing project, and the crescent shape is easy to wear.  This shawl was a gift and has gone off to a new home, but I'm seriously considering making another one.

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn.  I tested a new base for this project, and the colorway is Mountain Mist.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Fresh pink and green.

In the Pipeline

I'm a bit out of sorts this week after the holiday on Monday.  This morning I got back on track by making lists.  Now I feel organized, and my days make sense again.

Part of my list-making involved looking at colors for inventory purposes.  Before I knew it, I was pulling several options for a new project.

I settled on this combo for the moment, but I reserve the right to change my mind.  The other choices are still on the table . . . just in case.

On the Calendar

Monday is a holiday, and it definitely feels like everyone is ready for a long weekend.  I'm right there with                 them - especially if it includes a little extra knitting time.

Before I settle in, here's a quick reminder that Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber is right around the corner.

We'll be at the North Haven Fairgrounds on April 27, 9:00 - 4:00.  The booth assignments have just been posted, and we'll be in Barn 3.  For more information including a complete list of vendors, hop over to the website.

This week's color inspiration is the perfect pick-me-up on another grey, rainy day.

Delicate yellow.

Hooked

I love a project with stripes.  Add interesting construction and I'm hooked.

This is Stripeometry Shawl (Ravelry link).

I might be a bit obsessed with the clever sections of stripes going this way and that.  I can't wait to finish this section so I can see what's coming next.  More stripes!

Weekly Routine

I'm back to my weekly routine after taking a few days off to catch up on life and make a quick trip to Maine.  On Saturday we had a fun fiber event at the Union Bluff Hotel.  Many places in the area were still without power after the storm last week, and we felt very fortunate to be up and running.

Thanks to everyone who came out!  It was a busy day.

I have some new projects in the works, and this color combo is at the top of my list.

Thinking of spring . . .

The Long Bind Off

Sometimes getting a finished project off the needles can be time consuming.

The long bind off is underway.  Yesterday I started this     I-cord bind off with just shy of 500 stitches.  I had to pace myself.  I took a break at the halfway point because I couldn't devote the whole day to this project.

I plan to finish today, but I might be a bit distracted. There's a new project on my radar, and I need to pick colors.

It's been a grey, dismal week here, and I craved something cheerful for this week's color inspiration.

Brights.

Fiber Frolic Workshops

No progress photos today.  I'm still working on my Dustland Shawl (Ravelry link), and the rows are still getting longer and longer.  I am making forward progress, but I don't think a photo would do it justice.

For today, I would like to point out that workshops have been posted for Maine Fiber Frolic in June.

Spinning, knitting, rug hooking, needle felting, Tunisian crochet, weaving and more.  There's something for everyone.  Space is limited so sign up now.