Waiting in the Wings

I made a quick recovery, and this week has been productive in spite of the fact that it feels like I lost a day.  A late season heat wave complete with humidity slowed down the process of drying yarn, and now I'm scrambling to get everything labeled.

I'm itching to start a new project but am holding off until all the work is finished.  Some days it's hard being the boss.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment.  I appreciate all the button suggestions.  The winner of the August giveaway is twotone aka Amy. Be sure to check your Ravelry messages for all the details.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

A yellow spark.

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

For all practical purposes, it's the last week of summer, and that means everyone is in vacation mode.  I, on the other hand, am in catch-up mode and have plans for a very productive week.  I have a theory that if everyone else is occupied, maybe I can work without interruption.

Since it's the last day of the month, it's high time for the August giveaway.  Leave a comment.  What activities do you have lined up for this last blast of summer?  What's in the works for your fall knitting?  Is there a pattern you're absolutely smitten with?  See below for an additional comment suggestion.  

Please include your Ravelry ID with your comment.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks 
yarn - winner's choice.  The contest will run through the holiday weekend and will close on Monday, September 7, 2015.

I'm starting my work week with a tough decision.

It's come down to these three buttons.  I had decided on one button, but I couldn't leave well enough alone.  I had to dig a little deeper in the button box, and now I've confused the situation.  Three choices, three different looks, all of them acceptable.  I'll probably do an informal poll of family and friends.  Feel free to weigh in if you have an opinion.

Loose Ends

On Friday night I finished knitting a sock.  It was late and my eyes were tired, so I decided to save the Kitchener stitch for morning.

Fast forward to Monday morning, and my sock is still on the needles. It would have taken me all of 5 minutes to close that toe.  Oh, summer.  The season of impromptu gatherings with family and friends. Since I didn't get this sock off the needles over the weekend, it's near the top of today's to-do list.

But first things first . . . wrapping up the July giveaway.  Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.  The common thread is knitting in front of the TV and having a designated knit night with friends.  Many of you are also knitting just a few rows here and there.  It all adds up.
I must confess I'm in the same camp as Lee when she says, "I have been known to even pull it out at a red light to help calm me!"

Congratulations to Laura.  She's the July winner.  As an aside Laura is traveling to Akron this month and is looking for yarn store suggestions. Give a holler if you have any recommendations.  

My Revolving Door

I've been getting a lot of yarn deliveries, but it's going out as fast as it's coming in.

I took a break from dyeing and shipping and updated the list of shops that carry my yarn.  Follow the link and see if your LYS made the list.

It's time for the monthly giveaway.  Consider this and leave a comment.  One of my customers, Kathy, has a request.  It seems that everyone has busy lives and schedules, and she would like to know how people find time for daily knitting.  What's your routine?  Have you found a way to increase your knitting time?  Do you have a secret for managing your knitting time?

Since I just updated the list of shops, I'll add this to the mix.  Many people are traveling this time of year.  Do your travel plans include stopping at a yarn shop?  If so, which one(s) will you visit?  Please include your Ravelry ID with the comment.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Friday, July 31, 2015.

For this week's color inspiration I found some leaves but not just any old leaves.  These green leaves with a cream border are intriguing.  It almost looks like the green was applied with a paintbrush.

Like snowflakes, each one is unique and different.

Shipping Out . . .

My Strathcona is off the needles and blocked. I couldn't be happier.

Later this morning I'll pop it in the mail, and my part in this larger project - 5 scarves total - will be finished.

This pattern wasn't hard, and I love the finished product, but the second half was a challenge.  I have one issue with mindless projects. They aren't a good distraction.  Instead of being absorbed in the project at hand, all I can think about is other knitting I would rather be doing.  It took all my resolve to keep knitting this scarf and not pick up any of the entertaining projects I already have in progress.   

This design features bias garter on the ends and a lace mesh pattern in the middle.  It's a great design, and I would definitely wear this scarf if I didn't have to ship it off for a good cause.

The yarn is Julia, colorway Cinderella.  This blend is 50% Superwash Merino, 50% Tencel.  I hadn't knit with it in a while and had forgotten the nice drape and shimmer.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment for the bonus giveaway.  So many of you are busy with KALs.  I've always said that mistakes are one of the best teachers.  Rebecca's comment reinforced that notion, ". . . my second go at the same pattern - learned a lot from my mistakes ."  Mistakes will always happen, and you're never too old to learn.

Congratulations to Tia and Bethany.  I'll be back with another giveaway round later in the month.

This week's color inspiration wouldn't be nearly as striking without the contrast.

White on green on white.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!  Safe travels if you're on the road.

The Bonus Round

Time marches on.  Another year has come and gone, and my birthday has rolled around again.  

It's time for the monthly giveaway, and this year I'm going to celebrate my birthday on the blog the way I did last year.  June is the bonus month, and I'll be picking 2 winners.  Leave a comment and include your Ravelry ID.  What's on your needles now?  How do you celebrate your birthday?  What's growing in the garden?  Or any other comment you want to add to the mix.  The winners, chosen at random, will each receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn.  The contest closes on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

Once again I've deluded myself into thinking there are more knitting hours in the day than there really are.  I signed up for Corrina Ferguson's Mystery KAL.  One clue each week for six weeks . . . I should be able to squeeze that in, I told myself.  

Well, we're two clues into it, and I'm woefully behind.   By the way it's not too late.  The KAL has been quite entertaining so far if you feel like jumping on board.

I'm trying to let go of the feeling that I'm back in school with a final paper hanging over my head.  Today I'm catching up on my homework.

Deadline Pileup

Deadlines are good.  They keep me on the straight and narrow, and they ensure that I get things done.  Some days I wonder if I would ever finish anything if I didn't have deadlines.  However, deadlines can be tricky when they all fall due at the same time.  I try to avoid those situations, but sometimes it can't be helped.

That's what this week has turned out to be - a mass of deadlines colliding at the same time.  Unfortunately I didn't see this collision coming until I was in too deep.  

Yesterday morning I took a deep breath.  After a bit of creative schedule rearranging, I think I'm going to make it.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.  I appreciate the book and podcast recommendations.  Now I have visions of an afternoon designated for knitting and listening.  The May winner is Pamela. Pamela, I can't find contact information for you, but it sounds like you're going to be at Fiber Frolic.  Be sure to stop by my booth.

I'm off to tackle another deadline but stay tuned.  I'll be running another giveaway at the end of June.

Random Again

Last week I was random on Wednesday, and this week it's more of the same. 

~ If you enjoy a mystery KAL, see what Corrina Ferguson is cooking up.

She's using Lillian for her project, and I'm offering a discount on yarn orders.  The fun starts on June 11.  You'll find more details on the PicnicKnits Mystery KAL page.

~ May is almost gone, and that means it's time for the monthly giveaway.  Leave a comment and tell us what you're working on. What colors are you knitting with?  Do you have any book or podcast recommendations?  I'm always looking for suggestions.

The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Monday, June 1, 2015.

~ Speaking of giveaways, the winner of the newsletter gradient bundle giveaway is Cindy S. If you want to receive the newsletter, sign up here.

~ Finally, a little quiz to test your knowledge of knitting around the world.  Just when you thought you knew it all . . . 

Connecticut Recap

I'm off and running this Monday morning after a lovely Saturday in Connecticut.  I have several pressing deadlines in the next few days (why are they always clustered together?), so this post will be brief.

Saturday got off to a chilly start.  I should have noticed the frost alert warning on my phone, but I was too busy with booth details to pay attention.  

The bright sunshine was enough to make me forget about the temperature.

Sheryl from Spin-a-Bit had some lovely batts.  I was tempted.  If you want to see for yourself, she'll be at Maryland Sheep and Wool this coming weekend.

People often ask if I have my own sheep.  No, but I think I could manage this kind.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth.  It was a pleasure to chat about yarn, projects and colorways.

We're getting ready to wrap up another month, and that means it's time for the April giveaway.  Leave a comment and include your Ravelry ID. What are you knitting these days?  Is there an interesting pattern that's captured your attention?  Are there any spring fiber events on your calendar?

The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

Spectral

Decent lighting and a live model . . . everything came together for a few photos of Spectral.

Long.

Short.

This was an entertaining project.  The color changes kept it interesting, and the 4-round repeat wasn't too taxing.  

Spectral was a good on-the-go project.

I read the Ravelry notes for this cowl, and several people commented that the edges rolled.

Someone suggested a garter stitch edge, and I opted for that.  The edges still roll a bit, but it doesn't bother me.  

The yarn is one of the new gradient bundles - Lucia in Grays.  I've had so many requests for the bundles that I'm making it a priority to list them on the website.  Coming soon . . . 

My daughter commented on this cowl when I was knitting it.  She loves anything in the gray to black family.  I'm lucky she didn't walk off with it after the photo shoot.  

Thanks for all the comments for the giveaway.  It sounds like everyone is ready for spring weather.  I admire people who knit for warmer weather and actually finish things.  I can relate to the comment from twotone, "I do have a spring top that I've been working on for a few years now . . . maybe this will be the year that I finally finish it?!"

Congratulations to poohtum, the winner of the March giveaway.  Be sure to check in with the blog.  There will be another giveaway round at the end of April.

This, That and the Other Thing

This is one of those days where I have a little bit of everything going on - dyeing yarn, shipping orders, answering email, pulling inventory for the weekend show.  With any luck I'll also finish a new sample and maybe settle on my next new project.  Just enough variety to make the day interesting.

I glanced at the calendar first thing this morning, and it's a good thing I did.  In addition to a reminder that today is my sister and my niece's birthday (mother and daughter sharing the same birthday), I realized that April is right around the corner.

There's just enough time for the March giveaway.  Leave a comment and include your Ravelry ID.  What signs of spring are visible in your neck of the woods?  Are you knitting for spring and/or summer? What's your favorite color as we transition to warmer weather?  What knitting project has captured your attention?

The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

I talk with a lot of knitters.  One of the most frequent comments I hear concerns the Kitchener stitch.  Many knitters despise this useful technique and will go to great lengths to avoid it.  

If you're looking for a new way to achieve the look of the Kitchener stitch, check out this video from Lucy Neatby.



The Sock Toe Chimney.  It has a catchy name, and it's really quite clever.

Sick Day

It was bound to happen.  Over the weekend the current cold-from-hell circulating in my household finally caught up with me.  This particular strain includes a killer cough complete with violent coughing fits intent on bursting a vessel.  In fact last week I took my son to the doctor because his cough was disturbingly bad.  The doctor assured us it wasn't pneumonia but warned us to come back if it got worse.

I was taking all kinds of precautions to keep this awful bug at bay - tea, mega doses of Vitamin C, more tea and keeping a safe distance from anyone with the slightest sniffle.  I even considered locking myself in a room, but in the end that just wasn't a practical option. Despite my valiant efforts, on Friday I could feel the cold creeping in and by Sunday I was down.  This limited my schedule in many ways, but it didn't keep me from picking up my knitting.

Even though I felt miserable, forward progress on Fiar kept me in good spirits.  Today I've definitely turned the corner.  I'm back at it and making up for lost time.

We're heading into the last week of February, and it's time for the monthly giveaway.  Leave a comment and include your Ravelry ID. If this winter has been particularly challenging in your neck of the woods, how have you been coping?  Have snow days given you extra knitting time?  What's on your needles?  Is anyone looking ahead to spring knitting?

The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of Dirty Water DyeWorks yarn - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Monday, March 2, 2015.

Of Snow and Mittens

Oh, the snow . . . 

Over three feet of white has brought everything from cancelled classes to impossible parking to commuter woes.  Shoveling has become my top priority, and I plan my day around it.  Even when I think I've finished, I always find more to do.  I'm motivated by my 80+-year-old neighbor who has raised the bar when it comes to snow removal.  He's out there every day moving snow around.  

The snow has interrupted my work flow, and it made a joke of yesterday's to-do list.  I rolled it over into today's list to create a mountain of work as big as these snow piles.  I need to make a grocery store run and was going to wait another day until I realized we are almost out of coffee.  I've just bumped this chore to the top of the list.

In spite of the hassle, the snow is wonderful.  This is my favorite weather.  Yesterday when my daughter was grumbling about the snow, I reminded her that there's nothing like the quiet and calm after a snowstorm.  New fallen snow makes the world slow down, and sometimes we need that.  It's magic.

All this snow has taken its toll in other ways.

This is my favorite pair of mittens - Rhinebeck 2012 Mitten.

The other day when I came in from a shoveling session, I realized the ribbed palms are wearing thin.  This has been my go-to pair for a couple years now, so I really shouldn't be too surprised.  

I decided that before the palms wear through, I should start construction on another pair.  I thought of making the same mittens since I like them so much, but it would be fun to try something new.

The research has begun.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment for the January giveaway.  It seems that hats are the most popular item to knit right now.  I loved the comment from Laura whose son competes in chess tournaments. "He has declared a hat I knit for him as his 'lucky hat' and insists on wearing it for every tournament."  The winner this time around is ckmary.  Keep your eyes open.  I'll be doing the same thing later this month.

The Power of Suggestion

When I was in Rhode Island for Knitting Weekend, one of my customers showed me a hat she had made with my yarn.  It looked warm and soft and squishy and . . . I was tempted to put it on my head.  It was a cold day in the mill, and my head was the only thing not covered in wool.

That same weekend I saw another version of the same hat walking around the mill.  My daughter and I both commented on it, and I tucked the idea away for future reference.

The other day when I came in from one of my shoveling shifts, I remembered that hat.  It seemed like the perfect project when I wanted to knit but was too tired and sore to focus on anything very complicated.

Rikke Hat.  Glorious garter stitch.  While I worked on the hat, I browsed through my copy of Cast On, Bind Off.  It's fascinating . . . so many options.

It's hard to believe January is almost gone, but here we are.  It's time for the monthly giveaway.  Leave a comment.  What are you knitting these days?  What colors are you attracted to in winter?  Is there a seasonal difference?  Any tips on great patterns?  Please include your Ravelry ID.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Monday, February 2, 2015.

If you're in the Northeast, our weather forecast includes excellent knitting conditions.  Stay warm and safe!

Down to Business

After two weeks chopped up by holidays and vacations, I'm ready to get back to work.  It's Monday morning, and I'm going to hit the ground running.  There's been the sound of coughing and sniffling resonating throughout the house, and so far I've managed to avoid the bug.  This morning I woke up with a scratchy throat, but I'm not going to dwell on it.  I've prescribed plenty of tea, and I hope that's the end of it.

Here's a quick peek at some of my weekend knitting.

On Friday I got my Luna Viridis sorted out with the correct stitch count.  After knitting the stockinette triangle, I joined it to work in the round.  I've been working the lunar crescent pattern around and around, increasing along the way.  Right now this project looks like a hood, and I'm very curious to see how it fits.  All the more motivation to finish.

Thanks to everyone who entered the December giveaway.  The winner is klynnknits.  I've decided to keep the monthly giveaway going in 2015, so stay tuned.  Now I'm off to drink tea and get busy.

On the Other Side

Whew!  We made it to the other side of the Christmas holiday.  We exchanged presents, shared good food and drink.  Best of all we had family time without distraction - no work, no running around, no schedule, no appointments.  There was even time for trivia games and puzzles.  I'm sure we would benefit from more days like this.

I have plenty of work lined up, but with the weekend right around the corner, I can ease into a regular routine.  This is part of my transition.

I have a little bit of holiday knitting to finish up - the perfect excuse to camp out on the couch.  This cabley scarf is really pretty quick.  The only drawback is the black color my daughter requested.  I've designated it for daytime knitting.

To wrap up the year on a positive note, I'm excited to announce that WEBS is now carrying my yarn.  This project has been brewing for a while, so I'm happy to finally share the news.  WEBS has custom colors of Bertha and Mavis in stock. Hop over and check it out.

December is drawing to a close, and it's time for the monthly giveaway.  To enter, leave a comment.  Now that the holidays are over, what are you knitting for yourself?  Any knitting goals for the new year?  Please include your Ravelry ID for easy contact.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Friday, January 2, 2015.

This time of year I light candles to chase away the shadows, and they are this week's color inspiration.

The soft glow of the season.

Migrating Colorways

This time of year tends to be quiet.  The fall shows are over, and I have time to regroup.  This year is a little different.  I'm in the midst of all kinds of dyeing activity.  Boxes of yarn in, boxes of yarn out.

Some of the favorite Lillian colorways are moving over to other bases.

Wheat, March Sky.

Moon Shadow, Desert Rose, Drizzle.  

These are just a few of the colorways that are on the move.  I'll give more updates as this project unfolds.

The November giveaway winner is Alice.  I can't find contact information for you, Alice.  Drop me a note, and we'll work out the details.

I captured this week's color inspiration in late summer when the tomatoes were at their peak.  They just don't taste the same any other time of year.

Favorites from the farmers' market.

Holiday Kickoff

We're on the brink of a long holiday weekend here in the States, so today I'm going to get the party started with the November giveaway. Leave a comment and enter to win.  If you celebrate Thanksgiving, how do you mark the occasion?  I know a lot of people travel for the holiday, and I'm envious of any passenger with a long car ride.  Do you have any knitting projects planned?  Dare I mention holiday knitting? Anyone with pattern suggestions as we get down to the wire?  What do you have on the needles?

Please include your Ravelry ID for easy contact.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks - winner's choice.  The contest closes on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.

And now I'm headed to the kitchen.  Today is pie baking day.

Running Short . . . Again

I've been bouncing back and forth between a couple knitting projects. They're both on the same deadline, and I'm anxious for them to be off the needles.  In some twisted way I've convinced myself they'll be finished quicker this way - a few rows of one, a few rounds of the other.  In reality this back and forth provides a little variety and keeps me from getting bored - nothing else.

Yesterday I came to grips with the fact that I'll probably run out of yarn on one of the projects.  I saw this coming a few days ago, but I knit on.  I told myself I was knitting on the outside of the ball, and the yardage was probably more substantial than it seemed.  That rationale lasted only a short while.

This running out of yarn business has become a bad habit - one I need to break myself of.  I have knitter friends who routinely run short on yarn, and it's come to be expected of them.  Up until now I've managed to avoid this curse.  I'll have to start padding my yardage at the beginning of a project.  Maybe that will get me back on track.

With one week left in October (how did that happen?!?), my electronic alert system worked like a charm, and I am back on track with the monthly giveaway.  Leave a comment with an update on your knitting projects.  Are you considering holiday knitting?  If you've been to any of the fall fiber festivals, what did you find most inspiring?  

Please include your Ravelry ID for easy contact.  The winner, chosen at random, will receive a skein of yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks - winner's choice. The contest closes on Friday, October 31, 2014.

My color inspiration this week is one more glimpse of Rhinebeck.

Until next year . . . 

Puppy Therapy

When people ask if I'm ready for Rhinebeck, I don't know if I should laugh or cry.  I've checked off a lot of items on my original to-do list, and while I'm still dyeing yarn, I'm reasonably confident I will finish, and it will be dry before I hit the road next week.  It's a common occurrence for indie dyers to travel with wet yarn, so I always consider it a bonus when I'm not drying yarn in the hotel.

The problem is I keep adding odds and ends to my list.  Lightbulbs.  A couple of the bulbs for my booth display are burned out, and I'm out of replacements.  This is going to require a trip to the hardware store. Clean tablecloths.  I've made a mental note to wash said tablecloths and make sure I pack them immediately, so they don't get left behind. Enhanced checkout system.  This is still in the works, but the other day I invested a couple hours of precious dyeing time to set the wheels in motion.  The whole shebang still needs a test run, but I'm holding my breath and crossing my fingers.  I'm the eternal optimist.

My family has been encouraging me to get more sleep.  While I don't see that happening any time soon, the other day I did adjust my routine.  It was a gorgeous fall afternoon.  Lately I've let too many of them slip away, so I took a little break and went outside with our newest family member.

Meet Benji.

He belongs to my daughter, Luz, and while she doesn't live at home any more, her puppy has been spending a fair amount of time here.  It seems we're in the puppy sitting business - not that anyone is complaining.

He's cute as a button.

He even comes equipped with a beard.  

Every day Benji confirms that puppies are a lot of work.  Thank goodness there are a lot of us to share the responsibility.  And he's a good excuse to take a break from work.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.  As always, I enjoyed reading the comments, although when 1Geek2CraftAll made mention of Rhinebeck Sweaters (3!), I immediately felt like a slacker.

The winner, chosen at random, is Pat's here.  How appropriate since she can't make Rhinebeck this year.  I'll miss you, Pat, and will think of you when I eat my cider donut.

There's nothing like the impact of colorful trees this time of year, but sometimes I enjoy a single leaf just as much.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

A splash of yellow.