A Simple Affair

Last Sunday we had a great time at Farm Fiber Day.  The market was bustling, and it was wonderful to see so many happy, creative fiber people.  If you missed it, we'll be doing it all over again on March 9.  More about that later.

I had a fresh sample on display.

A Simple Affair (Ravelry link).  This design features garter stitch with a few simple eyelet sections.  If you need a relaxing, effortless project, check it out.

This sample used Lillian held with Shimmer both in Shocking.  The shawl is substantial, and you'll need two skeins of each base.  Go bold or choose something more subdued.  There are plenty of colors to choose from.

There are more new things in the works for New England Farm and Fiber Festival on February 2.  Follow the link for event details.  Note that this is a ticketed event.

I'm in the mood for bright colors right now - must be the grey days.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Cheerful yellow.

The Traveler Cowl

Another week, another sample spotlight.

The Traveler Cowl (Ravelry link).

This is a relaxing cowl project that is knit flat with a short seam in the back.  The design is very flexible, and substituting yarn is easy.  The pattern includes four sizes, so there are plenty of options.

This sample is made with Lillian and Shimmer, both in Daiquiri Ice.  If you're out and about this weekend for the Knit North Yarn Crawl, you'll find the sample plus kits at Another Yarn.  It will also be on display at the spring fiber events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Fresh green for a pop of color.

Yellow Brick Cowl

Happy Friday!  This week has been a slog, and it's a relief to be heading into the weekend.

Today I have a finished project to share.  This one has been off the needles for a while, but I kept forgetting to post an update.

Yellow Brick Cowl (Ravelry link).

The construction is pretty straightforward.  The cowl starts with a provisional cast on, and it's worked as a tube in the round.  When it's finished, the two ends are joined with a 3-needle bind off.  It's a relaxing project.  Perfect for those times when you need something that doesn't require too much attention.

The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Topaz. Look for kits in a variety of colors at upcoming events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Latte foam.

A New Kit

I always have a small, portable project to keep me company when I'm out and about. A few weeks ago I started a cowl.  I didn't really have a plan, but it was a fun knit.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had a new kit on my hands.

DRK Everyday Cowl (Ravelry link).  This version is made with Lillian and Shimmer.  Both are in the Raspberry Fizz colorway.

Kits will be available at the fall shows including this weekend at Vermont Sheep & Wool.  Stop by our booth at any of the events and take a look at the sample.  When things quiet down, I'll also list it on the website.

Finishing

It's been a week of finishing projects - both on and off the needles.

I blocked my Felix Pullover (Ravelry link) this week. What an enjoyable project!  The yarn is Marybelle DK held with Shimmer, both in Sunflower.

I'll post pictures at a later date.  If you need a quick sweater this fall, take a look at this pattern.

It's September, and there's a hint of fall in the air.  Enjoy the long weekend!

I spy an airplane.  Can you find it?  This week's color inspiration . . .

Blue grey with subtle hints of pink.

They All Add Up

I've been working on several bigger projects this summer, but they aren't very handy when I'm out and about. That's why I always have at least one portable project on the needles.

DRK Everyday Cowl (Ravelry link).  This is my current traveling companion and my second time knitting this cowl.  I made one earlier in the summer.  It was a fun knit, so I decided to make a mohair version.  Pictured here in Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Raspberry Fizz.

I work a few rows here and there when I'm on the go. They all add up.  Before I know it, I have another finished project.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bold reds with dainty white.

Weekend Slipover

As promised, here's a shot of my recently finished Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link).

This is a great design, and I'm thrilled with the finished sweater.  The pattern is well written and includes a few tidy details.  All the edges are finished with Italian bind off. The yarn is Marybelle DK held with Shimmer, both in Dark Chocolate.  

I'm smitten and am already planning another one.  This time I might omit the v-neck and opt for Weekend Slipover (Ravelry link).  But first, I have to pick the color.

The last couple days I've been procrastinating on show prep, but it's time to get in gear and pack inventory. Maybe I'll pull a couple color options while I work.

Productive Days

The big spring shows are right around the corner, and my days are busy with dyeing.

Plus I have a few new colors I'd like to add to the mix. With any luck I'll be able to take them on the road too.

Italian bind off update.

Since I last posted about this project, I bound off both armholes and the neck edge on my Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link).  In case you're wondering, I used Marybelle DK held with Shimmer, both in Dark Chocolate.

The sweater has had a bath and is blocking as I type this. Finished.  It's been a productive week.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Bold and bright.

Classic Ribbed Hat

I'm still on a hat kick over here.  I finished one and packed it up for mailing only to realize I forgot to take a picture.  I also finished a sample hat, but I managed to grab a quick shot before the light faded completely.

This is Classic Ribbed Hat (Ravelry link).  I held Lillian with Shimmer, both in Byzantium.  

This is my new favorite hat pattern.  I have another hat in the same pattern on the needles now.  My daughter requested it, and it's almost finished.  After that, I'll probably make one for myself.  After knitting all these hats, I deserve a new one.

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.

Ranunculus

I'm wrapping up the week with a quick sample spotlight.

Ranunculus (Ravelry link).

This sweater was on the road with me this fall.  The pattern includes several different options, and it's easy to customize.  Many people have made it.  Check the project pages on Ravelry for inspiration.  It's a fun, quick knit.

The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in From the Bog.

I'm starting to wrap my head around the fact that the holidays are right around the corner.  I haven't done any decorating, but I need to get going.  This week's color inspiration puts me in the mood for Thanksgiving.

Shades of orange.

Parkview Hat

Just as I thought.

I finished my Parkview Hat (Ravelry link) over the weekend.  Not a fan of pom poms?  You can easily wear this hat without one.  The pattern calls for fingering weight combined with mohair.  I used Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Cool Waters.

I'm at a bit of a loss without a simple project on the needles.  It's time to cast on another hat.

For those who are local to Boston, I have a quick event update.  Farm Fiber Day is this Sunday, and the event newsletter went out earlier today.  Check here for all the details including a complete vendor list.  Note that our booth will be in the same location as the January market.

Love Note . . . Again

I gave myself a little extra knitting time this weekend and finished a couple things.  It's always such a good feeling to see empty needles.

This was a quick finish.  I didn't have much left on this Love Note (Ravelry link), but I did run out of yarn with just four rounds left at the bottom of the second sleeve.  I didn't want to break into a new skein for four rounds and a bind off, but I found a leftover bit kicking around.  All good.

I've made this sweater at least two other times, but this is the first one without the lace yoke.  Plain stockinette throughout.

Other mods . . . I made the body a little longer than the pattern suggests, and I added short rows to the back neck.  The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Persimmon.

Since my usual Monday schedule is a little off with the holiday, I have some "extra time" on my hands.  I'll definitely be casting on something new later today.

Harpers Ferry

I'm back with another sample highlight, and I can't believe I haven't shared this one yet.

Harpers Ferry.

This design features short rows, slip stitches and stripes.  The asymmetrical shape makes it easy to wear.

Harpers Ferry combines mohair with fingering weight.  For the sample we used Lillian and Shimmer, both in March Sky.  The individual colors don't require a lot of yardage, so we used a Mini Multi Bundle.  No. 6, to be exact.

This pattern has many options for color combinations.  Go ahead and experiment!  It's always fun to plot and plan color choices.

Calliope

The list of sweaters in my queue keeps growing, so it's good that I finished one already under construction.

Calliope.

I made a couple minor adjustments to the pattern.  I shortened the ribbing on the sleeve cuffs and made the body a little longer.

The yarn is Lillian and Shimmer held together.  The colorway is Sea.

This was a relaxing project to knit . . . not too many details, just enough to keep it interesting.  The finished sweater is cozy and comfortable.

It's always rewarding to finish a bigger project, and now there are empty needles for a new sweater.

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.

A Way Forward

I'm still mired in the events of the last few days, and that's where I should be.  This morning my brother sent a text and asked how I'm doing.  I'm not sure if he was referring to the pandemic or the response to racism that's been spreading across the country and the world.  The two events will forever be linked in history.

That text message got me thinking.  To be honest, most days I don't know how I'm doing.  What I do know is that I'm trying to figure out a way forward.  I hope you are too.

Off the needles.

My second Love Note.

The first one was a booth sample.  This one is mine.  You might see me wear this sweater if I'm ever on the road again at a fiber event.

I started this sweater because I needed a new project, and I couldn't decide on anything else.  It had been on my list for a while, and the timing was right.  It was the early days of our stay at home order, and I was struggling with anything resembling a routine.  This relaxing project with a little bit of lace kept me engaged.  It's been "almost finished" for quite a while now, so it feels good that it's officially done.

The yarn is Lillian and Shimmer, both in Pond Scum.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Shifting shades from green to yellow.

Finishing

Hug Shot Update.  This has been a difficult, challenging week, and it's only Wednesday.  Bronwyn, the designer, recognized this and has generously extended the free pattern code offer to June 14.  Details on the website.

I have plans for several new projects, but I've turned my attention to finishing instead.

I admit most of the work was already done, but finishing makes me feel productive.

Linnea Hat.

The mohair fun continues.  This is a strand of Lillian held with a strand of Shimmer - both in the Pearl colorway.  The double brim features a beaded pattern, and it's all finished with a swirling decrease.

May your knitting provide some comfort in these difficult times.
Carry on.

On the Island

An update from sleeve island.

I landed on the island with the intention of making it a short stay.  After all we're in the midst of a pandemic, and my regular routine has been turned upside down.  With plenty of free time on my hands, I planned to quickly take care of business and leave the island in record time.

That probably would have worked, but I stopped along the way to play a little game.

Love Note.  I'm holding one strand of Lillian with one strand of Shimmer, colorway Pond Scum.  This is my first sleeve . . . almost long enough but not quite where I want it.  I stopped and put the stitches on hold so I could work the second sleeve.  Note that this sleeve is still attached to the balls of yarn.

Here's the second sleeve worked to the same point as the first sleeve.

This is where the game begins.

The mohair skeins have more yardage, so I have plenty of that to finish the sleeves.  It's the Lillian that I'm playing with.  I'd like to finish both sleeves with this ball of yarn.

Both sleeves still need a couple more rounds followed by a little bit of ribbing.  And then there's the bind off.  The question is whether or not I'll settle for sleeves that are a smidge shorter than I had originally planned just so I can get both of them out of this ball.

I was knitting away last night.  I've been weighing the yarn as I go but haven't put this ball on the scale since then.  That information might be very helpful or add to my indecision.

So this morning I wound another skein.

Just in case.

If you're looking for daily purpose during this pandemic, have you taken a look at your coffee grinder?

Over the weekend, I disassembled our coffee grinder in a completely unplanned moment of frenzied cleaning activity.  I don't know what came over me, but in a matter of minutes I had the thing in pieces. After cleaning it thoroughly inside and out, I put everything back together.  Now it runs like a top and practically gleams.  

Keep your eyes open.  Just when you think you've exhausted your list of daily purpose activities, you're bound to find something else that needs attention.