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!

Stone Point

Time got away from me this week, but I'm back today with a new sample.

Stone Point (Ravelry link).

This is a great transition piece when you need a little something to keep the chill at bay.  The construction is straightforward, and it's a pretty relaxing knit.  The yarn is Lucia DK in Fog.

If you're headed to Rhinebeck next weekend, stop by and take a look at this sample.  You'll find us in Building C, Booth 42.

I have my daughter to thank for this week's color inspiration.

A refreshing mix of green and blue.

Out and About

I'm on the go a lot these days, and this project is my companion.

DRK Everyday Cowl (Ravelry link).  I'm using Lucia DK in Cool Waters.

I have a couple sweater projects I'm really enjoying, but they're not portable any more.  I always have a project with me when I'm out and about, and this cowl is the perfect size.  A few rows here and there . . . they all add up.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bright sails on a grey, hazy day.

Late Winter Colors

It's late winter, and my color choices are shifting a bit. Greens and yellows are very appealing right now plus lighter, brighter shades of pink and teal.  And normally I'm not a pink person.

I was playing with yarn choices over the weekend, and now I have a colorful collection scattered all over my office.  I need to make some decisions.

In the meantime, I got this project on the needles.

I enjoyed knitting the Algebra sample (Ravelry link) so much I decided to make one for myself.  In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I'm using a green . . .  Lucia DK in Leprechaun.  

Algebra

I finished a cowl last week . . . just in time for Farm Fiber Day.

Algebra (Ravelry link).  I thoroughly enjoyed the rhythm of this design.  The combination of knits and purls create a textured diamond pattern.  It had me whispering again and again, Just one more round.

The pattern offers three different sizes.  This one is Tall, and it took two skeins.  The yarn is Lucia DK, Sunflower. Take a look at this pattern if you need an entertaining, portable project. 

Finishing

I'm on a roll over here.

I finished another project the other day.

Gulf of Maine - Light (Ravelry link).  I've made this project a couple times, and it's always fun choosing colors.  This one is made with Lucia DK in Biscuit, Dark Chocolate and Sea Breeze. 

This design includes two sizes.  Need a relaxing, soothing project?  Take a look at this cowl.

This week's color inspiration . . .

The palest pink.

Sample Repeat

Every once in a while I knit a pattern twice.  Either I find the design extremely enjoyable or I want to play with color combinations or I want a different size.

And sometimes the original is on loan to a shop and I need another one for a sample. That's what happened in this case.

This is my second Summer Soundtrack Cowl (Ravelry link).  I worked with different colors and enjoyed it just as much this time around.  Slip stitches make for easy, relaxing colorwork.  There are many fun color combos. For this cowl, I used Lucia DK in Moon Shadow and Jadeite.

We'll have this sample at Farm Fiber Day on Sunday. Stop by Booth 14 (across the aisle from our location last year). We'll have hand-dyed yarn, knitting kits and yarn bundles plus plenty of samples on display.

Sophie Shawl

 I have a new sample ready to go.

Sophie Shawl (Ravelry link).

For the yarn, I held Lucia DK with Shimmer - both in Dusk.  This was such a fun, relaxing project.  It didn't require too much brain power and had just enough going on to hold my interest.

If you're going to the Inman Holiday Market on Sunday, stop by our booth in the East Cambridge Savings Bank. I'll have the sample on display.

And if you're looking for information about Farm Fiber Days, the newsletter was released yesterday.  Follow the link for more details.

This is a busy month for birthdays in our house, and this sparkly cake provided my weekly color inspiration.

 Crazy candlelight.

Billow

I'm wrapping up the week with another sample spotlight.

Billow (Ravelry link).

This crescent-shaped shawl features garter stitch with short rows and a little lace.  It's relaxing to knit and easy to wear.

Have fun picking three colors.  The sample is made with Lucia DK in March Sky, Juniper and Dark Chocolate.

I'm considering different purple options and was looking at flowers for ideas.  This week's color inspiration isn't what I was looking for, but I've tucked it away for future reference.

Pretty periwinkle.

Catching Up

After a long weekend filled with family, friends and a lot of running around, today has turned into a day for catching up.  Thanks to everyone who placed an order or came to the trunk show on Saturday.  Orders will be shipping over the next couple days.

In the midst of holiday prep and pie baking last week, I managed to finish a project.

Summer Soundtrack Cowl.  This cozy project uses two skeins of DK weight yarn - pictured here in Lucia DK, Moon Shadow and Acorn.  Slip stitches create the colorwork and texture.  The pattern repeat is easy to memorize.  Overall a relaxing knit.  This cowl would make a nice gift.  Or treat yourself.

With that, I'm off.  Since the theme for today is catching up, I should probably catch up with a couple knitting projects too.

Blips of Color

It turns out a quick weekend road trip can be pretty productive, especially if I don't have to do all the driving.  The two skeins on my work table last week have quickly turned into this.

Summer Soundtrack Cowl.  It's not really a summer cowl - just a lighter version of the original worsted weight design.

This is another good project to play with different color combos.  I'm using Lucia DK in Acorn and Moon Shadow.  This cowl is flying off the needles.  I think I'm addicted to the little blips of color.

Summer Soundtrack

How about a couple fresh pattern ideas to start the week.

Summer Soundtrack by Elizabeth Smith.

This design features a fun slip stitch pattern that's relaxing and rhythmic.

This top is great on its own or as a layering piece when the seasons shift.

If you're looking for a smaller project, check out the Summer Soundtrack Cowl.

Elizabeth's patterns are clearly written with plenty of helpful tips and support along the way.  Both samples are pictured in Lucia DK, colorways Juniper and Seafoam.

For Baby

I haven't had much for show and tell.  I have several projects in various states of production, but I haven't finished anything recently.  Earlier today I realized I hadn't shared a little something I finished a few weeks ago.

Beyond Puerperium (Ravelry link).

A baby sweater is usually a quick knit and the perfect project for a shot of instant gratification.

This pattern offers a range of sizes in three different weights of yarn.  It's very versatile and easy to tweak.

The sweater buttons down the left side.  You'll notice buttonholes but no buttons.  This sweater was a joint project, and the buttons were added on the receiving end.

The yarn is Lucia DK in March Sky . . . because every baby needs a gray sweater.

Bits and Pieces

I've been chained to my desk most of the week trying to get my inbox under control.  I catch up on email for a brief moment only to discover a new batch that needs attention.  It's a viscous cycle.

Here's a quick update.  In between emails, I added a few colors to the Lucia DK lineup and listed them on the website.

Seafoam, Topaz and Juniper are now available.  I hadn't thought of these three colors as a project combo, but now the wheels are turning.  I'll have to let that idea marinate.

In the works . . . Virtual SPA.  The in-person gathering in Freeport has been cancelled this year, but plans are underway for a virtual event.  The dates are February 26 - 28, and I'll be participating.  Stay tuned for details.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bright, red berries.

Before the Pie . . .

It's pie baking day, but I'm taking a little break from kitchen duty to catch up with a few things at my desk.  I've updated the website with a couple items.

Fuzzy Hat Kits.  Upgrade your favorite hat pattern and add mohair.

The kit includes 1 skein of Lucia DK, 1 skein of Shimmer and 1 faux fur pom pom with ties.  I gave it a test run with the Star Top Beanie.  Kobuk would also work.  Use one of these patterns or substitute a different one that calls for similar yarn.  Fuzzy Hat Kits come in a variety of colors.

Snuggle Bundles for The Snuggle is Real have also been listed.  This cozy cowl features two layers.  The outer layer uses slip stitches for the colorwork.  The contrasting lining is made with an angora blend for extra warmth and softness.  Available in several colors.

Just a reminder there is free shipping this weekend.  It starts on Friday and runs through Monday.

I also want to give a shoutout to Vermont Sheep and Wool.

They've put together an afternoon of fun on Black Friday.  Stay home instead of going to the mall.  All the details are on their Facebook page.  Check it out.

I'm off to throw a few pies in the oven.  If you're celebrating tomorrow, keep it simple and stay safe.

Just a Nudge

We've had a very slight hint of fall the last couple weeks.  Nothing too dramatic . . . a nice cool start in the morning, pleasant sleeping weather, shorter days.  It isn't like we've turned the corner to full on fall, but things are definitely moving in that direction.

Apparently that's what I needed to nudge me in the direction of finishing projects.  I'm closing in on the bottom edge of my sweater.  I'm still not certain what the final length will be, but I probably should figure that out before I go much further.  It would help if I did some measuring.  I'm getting mighty close, and I'd hate to overshoot my desired length.

I've also been motivated to put the finishing touches on a couple projects.

This hat has been off the needles and kicking around for a while.  The other day I finally wove in the ends and gave it a little blocking.

This is Slipped Rib.  The pattern uses mohair and a DK weight.  So often mohair is held with another yarn, but not this time.  Like the name implies, the design uses slip stitches.  It's a cozy hat, and you can easily adjust the amount of slouch.

I used Shimmer in Cool Waters and Lucia DK in a new colorway that doesn't have a name yet.  You could have a lot of fun mixing and matching different color combinations.  Tuck this idea away if you need a quick gift down the line.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Brilliant pops of color.

Skift Hat

In case you were wondering . . .

I finished my Skift Hat with yarn to spare.  Ten grams to be exact.

This pattern comes in two sizes, and I made the large.  The yarn is Lucia DK in Cool Waters.  The color is hard to capture, but this shot is pretty accurate.  Classic ribbing makes for an easy fit.  The cable pattern adds a nice detail.  These days a hat is my go-to project.  Time to cast on another one.

Things to Come

I've been testing a new set of mini skeins.

The test is finished.

Stripes amuse me to no end, so I blew through this project.  Changing colors added to the fun.

The pattern is Undertone.  The yarn is Lucia DK Fog paired with a Syrah Gradient Bundle.  Kits in a variety of colors are in the works.

This week's color inspiration is another one from the greenhouse.

An orange splash to brighten the day.

Garter and Stripes

There's a certain satisfaction that comes with meeting a deadline, and I finished this one with time to spare.

Gulf of Maine - Light.

This was a special request gift, and I knew it would be a hit.  Garter stitch and stripes are a couple of my favorites, so this was a hit for me too. The yarn is Lucia DK in March Sky, Pumice and From the Bog.

With that I'm off to pull together some patterns and yarn.  I've earned it. Two finished items in a matter of days means I can cast on at least a couple new projects . . . maybe more.

Boston Streets

Today the hat parade continues here on the blog.

Boston Streets.

This pattern is a basic ribbed hat, but it has a couple interesting design elements.  The brim is extra thick and includes a section with cables and texture.

The yarn is Lucia DK in the Acorn colorway.  Ribbing creates a very elastic, cozy fabric, and this hat will easily fit heads of all sizes.  The folded brim adds a layer.  If you're looking for a hat with extra warmth, this might be the one for you.