Plenty Of Projects

I'm coming off a fiber filled weekend.  Last week I told myself I was going to devote one weekend day just to knitting.  I did that and more. On Friday I went to the Common Cod Fiber Guild meeting.  The guest speakers were Debbie Brisson (aka Stitchy McYarnpants) and Caro Sheridan (aka Splityarn).  They told the story of how their book, Knitting It Old School, came to be.  They discussed their passion for vintage knitwear and how they wrote and re-wrote the book proposal. Then they talked about the writing, the designs, the samples and the photography sessions in LA.  


As one of the door prizes they gave away a signed copy of their book. Since I had already scored a Bob Hope parking spot for the evening, you can imagine my surprise when I won a copy of the book.

Thank you!  I appreciate vintage knitwear and will enjoy this book of updated vintage patterns.  Debbie and Caro were very entertaining and witty.  If you get a chance to hear them talk, you won't be disappointed.


This weekend included one day to focus on knitting without cooking, cleaning, laundry and driving.  One day may seem like a lot, but when I began to survey all the projects and all the potential projects there suddenly wasn't much time.  My strategy was to spend a bit of time on a couple of projects rather than work exclusively on one.  I started off by finishing my Maine Morning Mitts.  Sorry I don't have a photo - there wasn't a model available.


From there I moved on to Man Mitts.  I had a request for fingerless mitts with this specific yarn, a Shetland wool from Scotland.

I had an issue with gauge and had to knit the cuff twice.  Once I started the thumb gusset I decided to turn my attention to another project.


I've been stuck on Stephen West designs, and that theme continued this weekend.  This yarn has been teasing me for the last month or so.  

Gray has become one of my favorite colors, and I love the variation in this colorway.  This is Dirty Water DyeWorks Lillian, colorway Pumice. I had it earmarked for Pogona so I cast on.  I didn't do much work on it other than to knit through the set up rows.  Pogona is my designated companion for all the meetings and waiting time this week.


Finally, I contemplated this pattern, one that has been on my list for a while. Rather than fight it, I decided to go with the flow and cast on one more project.

More Stephen West - this time Little Colonnade.  This yarn is the mohair/cormo blend from Buckwheat Bridge Angoras.  I love the little orange flecks and can't wait to watch this one unfold.  Now that my needles are stocked with new projects, I should be busy for a while.


I leave you with this pattern to ponder - Knitted Kaleidocycles.  If you want to see them in action, go here.  I'm fascinated with the math and the construction involved.  Hours and hours of entertainment, both in making and in using them.

For The Weekend

Fall is a beautiful time in New England, and it's extra special for fiber enthusiasts.  There is a fiber event somewhere in the region almost every weekend.  We are definitely spoiled.


I would be remiss if I didn't mention the New Hampshire Wool Arts Tour, a Columbus Day weekend tradition.  Just as the name says it is a tour, a tour of various farms and studios.  This year there are six stops on the tour with several booths at each stop.  There are animals, demonstrations, goods for sale, yarn and fiber aplenty.  It's a beautiful time to be driving the back roads of New Hampshire.  The Tour is an inspiring celebration of the fiber arts community in New Hampshire.


Since I'm talking about events, if you happen to be in the area of WEBS on Saturday, they are having a trunk show for Knitting It Old School.  This book is the collaboration of Stitchy McYarnpants and Caro Sheridan and features vintage inspired patterns.  Sounds like fun.


In the spirit of the season I'm feeling compelled to make some crochet acorns and felted pumpkin bowls.  Go ahead and click on the link. There's a step-by-step tutorial.  Aren't they adorable?


My color inspiration for the week comes fresh from the orchard.

Apple red.


Enjoy the long holiday weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors to the north!