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.