Measuring Time

The pandemic time warp is back in full force.  Some days I wake up and think long and hard to figure out what day of the week it is.

I'm measuring pandemic time by the repetition of certain household chores.  I went on an uncharacteristic cleaning spree in the spring.  Now the pandemic has gone on so long it's time to repeat some of those keep-yourself-busy tasks.

I see nooks and crannies where dust has settled and cobwebs have formed.  That means I need to make another round with the swiffer.  I've tidied a couple closets for the second time.  I've cleaned under the couch again.  Yesterday I was assessing the dirt and dust situation behind the fridge.

We usually decorate the house just in time for the winter solstice.  This year my household is desperate for cheer, and the kids are plotting the logistics of a tree, lights and general merriment.  The halls will probably be decked by the end of the week.  

Decorating late in December was always my mother's ritual - and mine too.  She's probably shaking her head and watching in amazement while her grandchildren mess with the tradition.  I threw up my hands several months ago.  The year 2020 was not destined for traditions or rituals or family gatherings that we've come to love and cherish.  All we can do is make the best of the situation and carry on.  Look for cheer wherever you can find it.

While all of this has been running in the background, I've been quietly knitting.  It has a certain calming effect.

The body of my Calliope is finished, and I've moved on to the sleeves.  Forward progress always brings me cheer.

Clearing the Table

It's the Monday after a long holiday weekend.  I'm getting my bearings and assessing the damage.  Orders to ship, yarn to dye, emails to reply to . . . and knitting.

It was a productive knitting weekend, but this was the lineup on my table this morning.  One sweater waiting for a bind off, one sweater waiting for buttons and a new project waiting for attention.  Too many projects waiting.  

I know I got a lot of knitting done over the holiday, but I bounced back and forth between projects and didn't finish anything.  I need to clear the table, so I'm not going to look at another project until these are taken care of.

At That Point

It happens.  I'm cruising along on a project when everything comes to a screeching halt until I make a decision.  Sleeve length, body length, buttonhole placement . . . just a few of the decisions that can interrupt work flow.

I'm at that point.

This is the body of my Calliope, and I'm at the suggested length.  I know I want to make it a little longer than the pattern specifies, so I'm going to knit a few more rounds.  Then I'm going to measure it against the length of a sweater I like.  Once I've made my decision, I'll be back to effortless knitting.

A quick reminder that tomorrow I'll be live via Zoom, 11:00 - 1:00.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83336745616

Fiber Stash Dyeworks and Three Bags Full will also be there.  Stop by and check it out.

If you celebrated yesterday, I hope you had a good holiday.  Enjoy the long weekend. 

This week's color inspiration . . .

A red and orange combo.

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.

A Fiber Gathering

Happy Monday!  It's gray, wet and dark here.  It looks like early evening, but it's only 9:00 am.  It would be a great day to curl up with my knitting, but there's work that needs attention.  Plus there's that holiday later in the week.

Here's something to brighten things up.

There's another virtual fiber gathering this weekend.  Normally Saturday would be Small Business Saturday, but we decided to make a weekend out of it.  This is a good opportunity to support some of the small fiber businesses.

On Saturday I'll be live via Zoom with Fiber Stash Dyeworks and Three Bags Full.

Hours:  11:00 - 1:00

Meeting ID:  833 3674 5616

I'm offering free shipping all weekend.  There are giveaways and promotions from other vendors.  Hop over to the Facebook group for more information.

The Thanksgiving holiday is extra challenging this year, and I know many are stressed over plans and preparations.  Be kind to yourself.  We've made some adjustments to our plans this year, but I'm still cooking.  With that, I'm off to brave the rain and make my final run to the grocery store.

Pattern Hunting

Ravelry is a great resource, and I use it on an almost daily basis.  This morning when I needed a new hat pattern, I automatically popped over to Ravelry and started looking.  I filtered my search with the characteristics I was looking for  - DK weight yarn, knitting, adult, mosaic colorwork.

One pattern caught my eye right away.  It was near the top of the page, and I didn't bother to look any further.

The funny thing is, I had already put it in my favorites a while ago.  It's good to know I still like it, but it was a reminder that I've already done a lot of the homework and have lists of patterns just waiting.  Next time I'm pattern hunting, I'll take a look at the ones I've already tagged. 

I found this week's color inspiration in a parking lot.

Bright orange peeking through the fence.

Amsterdam Avenue Cowl

The other day I made a quick update to the website. 

Amsterdam Avenue Cowl.

Bundles in several color combinations are now available on the website.

This cowl is a relaxing project with simple stripes and DK weight yarn.  It would make a nice gift or add one to your own cowl collection.

I have a few samples and kits that were exclusive to fiber events.  I'll be posting more in the coming weeks so say tuned.