Pure Joy

After a whirlwind weekend, I'm back at it.  I've already run into numerous glitches this morning, and technology is not my friend, but I'm determined.  Watch out, Monday.

When we left on Friday, I knew it was going to be a mad dash to finish my shawl in time for the wedding on Saturday.  My daughter took the wheel for a bit so I could knit on the road.  Friday night at dinner I was still knitting, but I finished the last row before we contemplated dessert. After dinner amidst a little pre-wedding party, I worked the bind off. 
And before I went to bed, I blocked the shawl.  All in a day's work.

As usual the weather was cool and damp in Downeast Maine.  I was concerned about the drying conditions, so I used the fan for a few hours.

By mid-afternoon on Saturday, the shawl was ready.

Pure Joy.  This design is mostly garter with short row shaping.  Add color combinations and you have a recipe for fun, relaxed knitting.  If I didn't have other pressing projects, I'd cast on another one right away.

The yarn is Lillian Luxe, colorways March Sky and Bee Hive.  There's nothing like a little silk for a special occasion.

And it was a special occasion.

From the setting to the ceremony to the party . . . a lovely, heartwarming celebration.

Towanda

Since I've been lining up new projects with reckless abandon, it's good I finished one that was already under construction.

Towanda. 

This design reminded me of a sampler.  Lace, texture, stripes . . . each section was different.

A little variety keeps a project moving along.

The yarn is Lillian Luxe, colorways Deep Sea and March Sky.

There's nothing like a silk blend for a bit of shimmer and drape.

Today we're in holiday mode with Marathon Monday and Patriots' Day. For occasions such as this I have a hybrid combination of work and play.  Relaxed productivity . . . not a bad way to start the week.

That Didn't Take Long

It seems I just started this hat project, and already it's off the needles.

Origami Top Hat.

This project used up a couple leftovers - Lillian Luxe From the Bog, and Lillian March Sky.  Sorry, Luxe still isn't on the website.

I did make a couple modifications to the pattern.  It's written for worsted weight yarn, but instead I held fingering weight double.  I also made a hemmed brim for extra warmth.  You can make it solid or play around with stripes . . . so many possibilities.

The fun part comes at the end when the stitches are manipulated, folded and then kitchenered to create the origami top.  Not the best picture but you get the general idea.

I'm happy my daughter didn't lay claim to this hat or demand it as payment for modeling because I love the fit and the overall squishy texture.  I'm keeping this one.

Just a quick schedule reminder that tomorrow I'll be at Farm Fiber Day at the Wayland Winter Farmers' Market.

This market boasts a diverse mix of food and fiber vendors.  Check it out if you're in the area.

This week's color inspiration comes from one of the exhibits at Slater Mill.

Contact Point by Jackie deRuyter. 

It's made from fiber . . . purplish blue with hints of pink.