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This week we observed the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. Not that the day is actually any longer - it's the hours of daylight that we celebrate. I marked the occasion by trying to stay cool. We're in the midst of a heat wave here where any beverage on ice is a valued commodity and even the grocery store is selling air conditioners.
The temps have been well into the 90s, but that hasn't stopped me. I've been knitting away, always within striking distance of a fan. Lucky for me I've had something small and portable to work on. An afghan or sweater would have been more challenging.
Rhinebeck Mittens.
With their golden color these mittens are like a bit of sunshine.
The yarn is Dirty Water DyeWorks Edna, colorway Dijon.
The ribbed cuff flows into the cables.
The twists and turns create a pattern with texture and depth.
The design has a ribbed palm and thumb that stretches enough to accommodate most hand sizes. These mittens are truly one size fits most.
I hated to see this project come to an end. What's even worse is that I have to pack the mittens away. The only consolation is that I'm replenishing my supply of handwear long before I need it. I'll pull these out when the weather shifts and the daylight hours become shorter. And I'll be reminded of the summer sun.
For those who are interested, the Rhinebeck KAL theme continues with Rhinebeck Socks. Follow the link for a preview picture. The first clue will be released tomorrow.
This week I dyed yarn for a couple of special requests - colorways that were similar yet different. Together they are my color inspiration for the week.
Shades of the sun.
I'm still enamored of the Rhinebeck Mitten KAL (Ravelry link).
One mitten finished.
Waiting for a thumb.
The blue strand of yarn will be removed to make way for the thumb.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this KAL with pattern clues released at regular intervals. This project has given me a sense of order in the midst of chaos. Up until now I had a comfortable rhythm with this project. When a clue was released, I would work it immediately and then pick up another project while I waited for the next clue. It was like homework, except I was caught up.
The most recent clue was released just the other day. I got on it and finished the top of the mitten in no time. All that's left is the thumb, but I'm waiting on the clue. Instead of turning to another project while I wait, I decided to keep the momentum of this one going.
The second mitten is well on its way. I'm about to add a strand of waste yarn for the left hand thumb. With any luck these two mittens will be finished at about the same time, and I will have avoided second mitten syndrome.
In other news . . . the website has been updated to include a couple of new kits - Brooklet Scarf Kit and wee Austin Hoodie Kit. You'll have to scroll down to the bottom of the page to view the wee Austin.
And Lillian has been updated with some new colors - Desert Rose, Gooseberry and Wheat. These colors debuted this spring, and I finally posted them to the website. Take a peek at this Catkin (Ravelry link) to see Desert Rose and Gooseberry in action.
That's enough news for one day. I have a mitten that needs my attention.
I'm gearing up for one last road trip this weekend before I shift gears for the summer. This week there's a bit of magic going on in New Hampshire at the Squam Art Workshops - a retreat to foster creativity in a relaxed, peaceful setting.
I would love to be on retreat, but instead I'll be working as a vendor at the Art Fair on Saturday evening. The retreat sessions are all booked, but the Art Fair is open to the public. If you're in the area, consider a trip to Holderness for an evening full of inspiration and creativity. See the link for more details.
Knitting time has been in short supply, but I've been working diligently on my Rhinebeck Mittens (Ravelry link).
Every few days a new clue is released. I fell a bit behind last weekend when I was on the road, but I'm working on the current clue now. It's kind of like homework - fun homework.
The flip side.
The 1x1 ribbing is stretchy and guarantees that this mitten will fit almost any hand. The project knits up quickly and is very portable. Follow the link to join in the fun.
Last week I commented on my lack of knitting projects in progress. Over the weekend I set out to remedy that situation. You know that feeling when a project sneaks up on you? You look at a project, consider it, agree that it could be fun and entertaining and then move on to something else. Later the project crosses your radar again, and you're smitten with it.
That was my experience over the weekend. I chat with Elisabeth Marino and knew about her Rhinebeck Mitten KAL (Ravelry link). I checked out the KAL when it first started but hadn't given it much thought. I don't know what possessed me, but over the weekend I decided to visit the KAL again.
Mittens with cables - right up my alley. Over the course of an afternoon I cast on and worked the first two clues. Now I have to wait for the next clue to be released, but that's OK. I still need to start a sock.
We're reaping the benefits of a holiday weekend here so I decided to do a little baking. I'm trying to make a seasonal shift in what we eat, but I'm slow to make the transition. So far all I've been able to muster is salad and rhubarb.
By itself rhubarb doesn't have much color, but add strawberries and you get a pretty pink. I was surprised to find any cobbler left this morning. I guess the kids were thinking of my breakfast.
