Project Testing

I've been busy dyeing yarn and shipping orders.  It's been a productive week, so I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

I cast on this combo the other day and have been working on it here and there.

Sometimes I test a project to see if the yarn, pattern and colors will work.  I need to knit a little more, but I think this project will be a go.  I'll know more by Monday.

We're at that point in the fall where most of the leaves have already fallen, but it's nice to look back just a few weeks when they were at their peak.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Bright yellow and orange.

The Fall Wave

It's been a minute, but I haven't forgotten about the blog. My fall travels are over, and the big fiber festivals are in the books.  I'm slowly settling in to a different routine.  While I miss being on the go, this is a good time to focus on the home front.

Without all the coming and going, I have more time to plot and plan new samples.  And more time for knitting.  I feel my annual fall wave of castonitis coming on.

This is another Musselburgh (Ravelry link).  A family member requested this hat, and I decided to get it up and running.  Once it's all situated, this is an easy project to pick up and put down.

My list of new projects is long, and I've been playing with color options.  What projects have captured your attention recently?

ClapotisFest KAL

Whew!  I'm finally checking in after a busy September.  From Cape Cod to Vermont, it was great to see so many knitters out and about.

If you're looking for a fun KAL, take a peek at ClapotisFest.

Knitty is celebrating the 20th anniversary of this popular design.  The pattern has been updated, and indie dyers have donated prizes.  Get in on the action.  You'll find more chatter in the Knitty Ravelry group.

September Travels

September is a busy month for trunk shows, and I've updated the right sidebar with all the details.  The trunk shows are part of two fiber events in the area.

Cape and South Shore Yarn Haul

Greater Boston Yarn Crawl

I talk with many yarn shop owners, and I know these are challenging times.  We all rely on our local shop when we have a yarn emergency or when we need help with a project.

This is a great opportunity to support your local shop and others in the area.  Get out there and visit some (all) of the shops.  Follow the links above for details.  Have fun!

And now it's back to work.

I have a project that's patiently waiting for color decisions.

Striking a Balance

It's the end of a busy week as I try to strike a balance between family life and work prep.  Mom, can you give me a ride?  Mom, can you help me give my dog a bath?  Mom, can you help me pack and move some furniture?  And don't forget the copies I asked you to print.

Mothers will do almost anything for their kids.  I've made the most of my flexible summer schedule, but I know all of that is about to change when we flip the calendar page.

Today I spent a few hours trying to reconfigure a kit pattern.  I procrastinated as long as possible, but the deadline for this project is approaching.  After ripping out the same colorwork round two or three times, I decided it would be more productive to spend a little time at my desk instead.

Just a heads up that club orders will close after this weekend.  If you've been thinking about joining, now is the time.  You'll find all the details here.

I need to feel like I've accomplished something today, so I'm off to finish a couple armholes with Italian bind off.

The colorwork project will keep until tomorrow.

Last week a few of us managed to squeeze in our annual blueberry picking.  The season was winding down, but there were still plenty of berries.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Berry patch blues.

Weekend Break

It's been one of those weeks.  A couple small household projects morphed into hours and hours of extra work plus an afternoon without water in the kitchen.  I only have a few items left on my summer to-do list, but I'm almost afraid to tackle them.

Thank goodness it's Friday.  I'm taking a break for the weekend.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Peachy.

Neat and Tidy

Fall is fast approaching, and I'm tackling a long list of samples.  Some are already on the needles.  Others are patiently waiting in the wings.

I worked on two or three projects over the weekend and made good progress.

This one isn't actually a sample, but I finished the body of my Weekend Slipover V-neck (Ravelry link) and wrapped it all up with an Italian bind off.  If you're not familiar with this bind off, give it a look.  It makes a neat and tidy edge.