Friday, August 30, 2019

More Mini Solutions

It's that time of year where I have a variety of projects running in the background.  When I'm juggling several projects, it's encouraging when one actually comes off the needles.


Mini Solutions Two Scarf.

I worked on this when I needed something mindless.  It was easy to pick up and put down and was done in no time.


Little contrasting details add a splash of color.


The yarn is Mini Multi Bundle No. 2 - available at fall shows and events.

A quick reminder to Boston-area knitters that there's a Dirty Water DyeWorks trunk show happening at Bead + Fiber.  I'll be in the shop tomorrow, but you can catch the trunk show through next Tuesday.

This week's color inspiration comes from a recent pick-your-own outing.


Subtle shades of blue.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Going Neutral

It happened last weekend.  A friend and I were playing with various color combinations . . . so many options, so much potential.  I wasn't in a hurry to make a decision, so I let things marinate.


Fast forward a few days.  I kept coming back to this mix, so I'm going with it.  Neutrals.  They go with everything.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Last Call

It seems that everyone is on vacation this week . . . the last chance for summertime fun before settling in to fall routines.  I'm not taking the week off, but I did cut myself some slack this morning.


This project has been sitting on my work table for a while, waiting patiently to be cast on.  I got everything situated, worked several rounds, debated my gauge a couple times and decided to carry on.

This is an addictive slip stitch pattern.  I muttered just one more round a couple times this morning.  There will be time for more knitting 
later . . . after my work break.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Close to Home

After wrestling with technical difficulties this morning, all I have to show for my time and effort is an updated list of events.  See the right sidebar.

Quick highlights.  I'm staying close to home for the next couple weeks. This weekend I'll be at JP Knit & Stitch.  I'll be in the shop all day Saturday and 12:00 - 6:00 on Sunday.

Then next week I have a trunk show running at Bead + Fiber,
August 29 - September 3.  I'll be in the shop on Saturday, August 31.

I hope to see some of you out and about around town.  Knitting pictures will have to wait until next week.  I'm off to pack yarn and finish a sample.

This week's color inspiration . . .


At the edge of the fog.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

A Good Excuse

I'm turning lemons into lemonade.  My finger is still out of commission, so now it takes me twice as long to do most household tasks. Fortunately I can knit without any problem.  In the interest of using my time efficiently, I've been spending more time with my needles and less time on mundane domestic chores.  Does anyone really want to spend more time cleaning the bathroom?

I fell into a rhythm with this little project, and now I can't stop.


Mini Solutions Two Scarf.  I'm working with a bundle of minis, but you could use bits and bobs.  This is also a good on-the-go 
project . . . perfect for late summer travels.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Knitting and Spoons

I'm still adjusting to life without the use of my index finger.  I didn't realize it would be so challenging to brush my teeth or tie my shoelaces with one less digit.  And typing?  I might as well be using the hunt and peck method.

On the flip side, I'm delighted that knitting hasn't been a problem.  The throbbing pain can be a nuisance, but mechanically it's easier to knit than to use a spoon.


I finished one project and immediately cast on another one.  Thank goodness for small accomplishments.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Minus One Finger

I'm back at it after spending a lovely day down the Cape yesterday.


If you're near Dennis, be sure to stop in at Salt Yarn Studio.  They have a nice selection of yarn and a friendly, helpful staff all in a gorgeous space.

For today I'm re-learning some of my basic daily activities.


I had a little mishap yesterday and spent the night with a throbbing finger.  It's pretty ugly under that bandage, but the constant throbbing has subsided.  For the moment my finger is useless.

I'm normally a speedy typist, but it's mighty hard to navigate the keyboard without an index finger.  I'm working on an adjustment.

The real challenge will be knitting.  I haven't even attempted that yet. Oh, and did I mention I do most things left handed?  I'm off to tackle more adjustments.

To brighten things up, here's this week's color inspiration.


Hot pink.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

No Need to Panic

There's just enough time for a quick check-in today.  I'm a little more rushed than usual.  Yesterday I dropped my truck at the shop for a simple sensor issue, and today the mechanic called and said there's also a bearing problem.  

That definitely sounds a little more serious, but my first response was, "Can it wait until I get back from the Cape?  I'm leaving tomorrow."  The answer I got was a resounding no.  Apparently I shouldn't be driving the truck around town let alone out on the highway.

He assured me the truck will be ready by the end of the day, so I'm not panicking.  It just means I have to shift the rest of my day to get everything done.

Speaking of the Cape . . . 


I'm not going to the beach.  Tomorrow afternoon I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio with a trunk show.  The hours are 2:00 - 6:00 or a little later.  If you happen to be in the area, stop by and say hi.

Monday, August 12, 2019

A Lost Week

I had a busy Saturday at Yarns in the Farms.  Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by.  

When I woke up yesterday, I decided to take the day off - or at least most of it.  After dealing with a couple emergency emails, I settled in on the couch with this.



Perfect Blend MKAL.  The first couple weeks I'd kept up with this project, but after that I fell behind.  Yesterday was a chance to catch 
up - or at least make a dent in the clues.  I made my way to Clue 4 and was happily knitting away, all the while thinking I wasn't that far behind because Clue 5 was going to be released today.

Later in the day I checked my email and saw the announcement that today's clue had been released early.  When I opened the email, I discovered that Clue 6 had been released.  Somehow I lost a week and was further behind than I thought.  Funny how that happens.

It doesn't matter.  I have the clues, and I'm enjoying the project.  And now I'm anxious to see how it all turns out.

Friday, August 9, 2019

Packing Up

Today I'm organizing and packing for tomorrow's trunk show.


I don't have any knitting to show, but here's a basket of yarn headed out the door.  There seems to be a purple theme going on with this collection.  If you're out and about on the North Shore tomorrow, stop by Yarns in the Farms.  Trunk show hours are 12:00 - 4:00.  I'll have yarn in an array of colors plus bundles and samples.

There's nothing like a bouquet of flowers to bring cheer.  This week's color inspiration . . . 


A little bit of everything.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Empty Needles

I'm juggling several knitting projects right now.  Pick one up, put it down, pick up a different one.  Around and around it goes.  It's like a merry-go-round.  It's nice to have the variety, but I really want some empty needles, and it's not going to happen if I keep flitting around my circle of projects.

To remedy the situation, I've worked on one project consistently for the last couple days.  And it's paid off.


I've turned the corner on my Zorzal.  One wedge is finished, and now I'm heading back with another wedge.  The real goal is to cast on something new, but first . . . empty needles.

Monday, August 5, 2019

So Close

Over the weekend I took a day trip to Maine and Attic Heirlooms.


We met so many passionate knitters.  Thanks to everyone who stopped in.


At the end of the day, there was just enough time to spend a few moments by the water.  What a gorgeous spot.

Project update.


I did the extra repeat on my Cheri Chevron Shawl and weighed in.  The numbers don't lie.  I'm so close, but I don't have quite enough yarn for the extra repeat.


For a brief moment I contemplated going ahead anyway and fudging things on the other end.  This is a sample, and I don't like to make too many changes, so I ripped it out.  Now I won't have to play a game of yarn chicken on the other end.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Knitting Magic

I'm on the road tomorrow, and I should be wrapping up a few last minute details.


Instead I'm tempted to knit just a couple more rows.


Zorzal.  I'm working short rows - the equivalent of knitting magic.  The rows are getting longer, but they're still pretty quick.  And I don't want to stop because I want to see the rest of this section unfold.

I made a deal.  After I finish assembling these kits, I can knit a couple rows.  If you happen to be in Maine, I'll be at Attic Heirlooms all day tomorrow.  Stop by and say hi.

Summer is not my favorite season, but every year I try to make the best of it.  This summer has been extra hot, so it's been challenging. This week's color inspiration . . . 


Not a cloud in the sky.