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. 

Long and Longer

It's been a busy week with a lot of dyeing, and I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend and some focused knitting time.

I've been working diligently on my Dustland Shawl (Ravelry link).  All that forward progress means now the rows are really long.  And getting longer.

This is a pretty relaxing project with different combinations of knits and purls.  OK, it wasn't so relaxing the other day when I had dropped a stitch and couldn't figure out why the pattern wasn't working out.  Other than that, it's been smooth sailing.

I'm determined to remain monogamous until this shawl is off the needles.  Wish me luck.

This week's color inspiration . . .

A pink and coral combo.

April Calendar

It's officially spring!  I updated the right sidebar with April events.

Coming right up is Fiber Marketplace.

This event is held at the picturesque Union Bluff Hotel in York Beach, Maine.  There will be a great group of vendors on hand.  This is an easy day trip for many.  Stop by if you're in the area.

Finding My Work Rhythm

It's Monday, and I'm trying to get back on track after the weekend.  I spent part of Saturday at a newish yarn store in the area.

South End Yarn Co is a sweet, cozy shop located in Newburyport.  I had a lovely time chatting with the knitters who stopped by.  It's always inspiring to see what others are working on.  Thanks to everyone who came out.

It's another busy week, and I have a long list of items to tackle.  First, more coffee.

The Traveler Cowl

Another week, another sample spotlight.

The Traveler Cowl (Ravelry link).

This is a relaxing cowl project that is knit flat with a short seam in the back.  The design is very flexible, and substituting yarn is easy.  The pattern includes four sizes, so there are plenty of options.

This sample is made with Lillian and Shimmer, both in Daiquiri Ice.  If you're out and about this weekend for the Knit North Yarn Crawl, you'll find the sample plus kits at Another Yarn.  It will also be on display at the spring fiber events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Fresh green for a pop of color.

Missed Game Plan

I finished a couple projects over the last couple days.  I must have been distracted.  I didn't follow my own game plan and failed to line up anything new to cast on.

I already have one or two things in the works, and I'll focus on them for the next day or so.  But I have to admit, it's not as thrilling as starting something new.

Magic Hour

I have a sample spotlight to wrap up the week.

Magic Hour (Ravelry link) was blocked and buttoned for my weekend in Freeport last month.

This was such a soothing, relaxing project.  It knit up in no time.  The shawl is easy to wear, and the buttons provide several clever styling options.

This sample was made with Lucia DK in Cool Waters, Celestial and Moon Shadow.  We used three colors instead of four.  Have fun and experiment with different color options!

This week's color inspiration . . .

Daffodil bright!

Bonus Knitting

It was a busy weekend, so I started the week with a little bonus knitting time.

I had wound this yarn last week, so it was easy to get this project up and running.

I've also been plotting more new projects, and today I'm pulling color options.  Maybe I'll cast on while I'm at it.

Next Week . . .

It's been another busy week of show prep, but in the background I'm also lining up new projects.  I'm anxious to get this one on the needles.

I'll have time to catch my breath and cast on next week.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Citrus cheer.

This Sunday!

I'm still recovering from my Freeport trip, and the week is slipping by.  I would love to just curl up on the couch with my needles and coffee.  Instead I'm trying to get a long list of dyeing under control.

Today I'm checking in with a quick reminder about Farm Fiber Day.

On Sunday I'll be at Russell's Garden Center with an awesome group of vendors.  If you made it to the January market, you'll find our booth in the same location this time around.  We'll have a booth full of hand-dyed yarn, knitting kits and yarn bundles.  Be sure to take a look at the samples for ideas and inspiration.

Gudrun Johnston and Mary Jane Mucklestone will be on hand with their new book, Grand Shetland Adventure Knits. This event is a highlight of the winter season.  If you're in the Boston area, I encourage you to check it out. Click on this link for details including a complete list of vendors.

Just in Case

I'm settling into my normal routine after being out of town for a few days.  We had fun in Freeport, but it's good to be home.

I went to Maine with a couple projects in tow, but of course I didn't have much time for any of them.  I knew I probably wouldn't get much knitting done, but I like to be prepared . . . just in case.

Since I didn't have time for knitting when I was on the road, I took a little time this morning.

This one was a wee bit fiddly at the beginning, but the     I-cord edge was worth it.  Now I'm good to go.

Stitches on the Go

We're heading into another long weekend, and I'm looking forward to it.  No, I don't have any adventures planned.  I'll be working over the weekend.  As a bonus, my regularly scheduled plans on Monday are cancelled, so I'll have a little extra time for show prep.

If you're heading to SPA (Ravelry link) next weekend, be sure to stop by and say hi.  This event is always a fun winter getaway.

When I've been out and about this week, this has been my companion project,.

Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link).  My second one. What can I say.  There are so many enticing projects in my queue, but every once in a while, I come across a pattern that's worth making a second (or third) time.

Usually I travel with smaller projects, but I really wanted to make some headway on this sweater.  I didn't have a portable project on the needles, and I was working the body in plain stockinette so it didn't require too much thought.  I'm happy to report that I'm almost ready to start the bottom ribbing.  All those stitches on the go made a difference.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Weathered neutrals.

Buttons, Bind Off and Blocking

My current shawl project is almost finished, so I decided to take a little break and look at button options.

By almost finished I mean I still have to bind off and block the shawl.  I'm close.  Very close.  Close enough that I felt compelled to pull out the button box.

The pattern calls for five buttons.  Only one of these choices has five buttons, but it's still fun to play around. And I do have another idea that might work.  I'll dig around in the button box again and see what I can come up with.

This is Magic Hour (Ravelry link), and I must say it's been a pretty quick knit.  I haven't been strictly monogamous, but the rhythm of this project was relaxing and soothing.  I'll be sure to post more photos . . . after the bind off and blocking.

Weekend Winding

I had a productive weekend with plenty of knitting time. As I'm finishing projects, I always look ahead to what's next on the needles.  I have a few patterns waiting in the wings and that led to winding yarn.

There's nothing like the thrill of starting new projects.

Yellow Brick Cowl

Happy Friday!  This week has been a slog, and it's a relief to be heading into the weekend.

Today I have a finished project to share.  This one has been off the needles for a while, but I kept forgetting to post an update.

Yellow Brick Cowl (Ravelry link).

The construction is pretty straightforward.  The cowl starts with a provisional cast on, and it's worked as a tube in the round.  When it's finished, the two ends are joined with a 3-needle bind off.  It's a relaxing project.  Perfect for those times when you need something that doesn't require too much attention.

The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Topaz. Look for kits in a variety of colors at upcoming events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Latte foam.

Desk Duty

I've had extra time for desk duty this week.  See the right sidebar with upcoming events.

SPA, Knit & Spin (Ravelry link) is coming up later this month.  This weekend event (February 23 - 25) is held in Freeport, Maine.  It's a very casual event that includes a market.

Fiber lovers from across New England will gather, and there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and connect. Follow the link for all the details.

Kit & Class Update

I had a relaxing weekend (sort of).  I spent time knitting a couple projects, planning new samples and updating the website.

In spite of puppy shenanigans over the last few days, this morning I woke up feeling recharged and ready for a new week.  I have a long day ahead of me so hopefully the feeling lasts.

Once again we've teamed up with Hélène of Kieran Knits to offer a couple Zoom knitting classes.

Thrummed Mittens on February 29.

Short Rows on March 7.

Follow the links.  All the details are on the website.  Be sure to drop us a note if you have any questions.

The Blues

I'm happy to report I've made some color decisions since my last post.

The blues won.

I didn't waste any time.  I got this project up and running right away.  I had to dye a third color to go with these two, and the skeins are drying as I type.  I'll post updates as the project progresses.

We've had a string of grey days this week, so I was thrilled to spot some color when I was out and about this morning.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Yellow cheer.

In My Dreams

I've been planning a new project.  I had even settled (or so I thought) on the colors and was ready to cast on today.  I must have been dreaming about this project last night.  This morning when I woke up I was still a little foggy, but I had other colors swirling around in my head.

I couldn't ignore the other color options so I pulled them.

Now I have a smorgasbord to choose from.  I guess I won't be casting on today.

Breathing Room

After a couple back-to-back fiber events, I have a little breathing room.  And that means more time for knitting.

Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link).  This project has been hanging out on a table near my desk.  A row here, a row there.

This is my second time through this pattern, so I know what to expect.  All those stitches here and there add up, and now I'm ready to pick up shoulder stitches and shift to the front.  I'm chugging right along and making forward progress. 

Back on Track

It's been a few days since my last post.  I was caught up in a flurry of show prep and that meant I had very little time at my desk.  This week I'm taking a deep breath and picking up the pieces.

We had an awesome time at Farm Fiber Day on Sunday. It was so busy I didn't have time to take pictures.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.  If you missed it, we're doing it all again on March 3.

I've been finishing small projects here and there.

I'm in the home stretch with Yellow Brick Cowl (Ravelry link).  With any luck, I'll have it available for the trunk show this weekend at Another Yarn.  If you're in the Boston area, stop by.

Always Ready

I've made quite a bit of knitting progress this week but don't have pictures to share.  Maybe next week.

While I've been knitting, I've also been contemplating new projects.  Heaven forbid I should finish something and not have a new project ready to cast on right away.

One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had wound these minis.  Something to look forward to as we head into the weekend.

This week's color inspiration is courtesy of my daughter and her travels.

A colorful mural.

January Update

I had plans to get some dyeing done today, but shipping and random errands took longer than expected.  That gave me a chance to catch up on a few things at my desk instead.

I updated the right sidebar with events for January.

Farm Fiber Day is right around the corner.  I know many people are looking forward to this bustling winter fiber market.  There will be a great group of vendors on hand. Be sure to follow the link for more information.

The following weekend I will be at Another Yarn in Burlington, MA with a selection of yarn and samples.  If you're in the area, stop by during shop hours.

If you're dealing with crazy winter weather, I hope you're warm and cozy.  And now I'm off to knit a few rows.

The Second Time Around

Every once in a while I come across a pattern I like so much I have to make it again.

The other day I wound yarn for a new project.

Over the weekend I cast on.  I'll see how quickly this Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link) comes together. Usually a project goes a little faster the second time around.

Extra Effort

The project I posted the other day has graduated to bigger needles.

Musselburgh (Ravelry link).

This hat has been in my queue for quite a while - I even had yarn picked out.  Then the other day I was compelled to cast on only with different colors.  I've learned there's no sense fighting inspiration when it hits.  Just roll with it.

As advertised, this project is a little fiddly to get up and running, but it's well worth the extra effort.  Now it's smooth sailing and effortless knitting.

I have one more holiday shot for this week's color inspiration.

Shades of the season.

New Year, New Projects

It's another short, confusing work week.  I'm trying to roll with it and have adjusted my expectations for productivity.

I've started a couple new projects, and there are more waiting in the wings.  I'm off to wind yarn and do a little browsing on Ravelry.  How's your new year going so far?