Monday Woes

Monday, you've been out to get me since the moment I woke up, but I'm not giving in.  This morning I maybe lingered over my knitting for a couple extra rounds, but you didn't have to throw my whole day into disarray.

All right.  I admit I probably didn't have to cast on a new project over the weekend, but that's no excuse for throwing my stitch count off when I was trying to knit a ribbing tube with over 140 stitches.  Getting all those stitches sorted took a lot of time . . . time I should have spent on other things like email and photo editing and website updates.

Not a problem, I said.  Actually I said much worse while I was ripping back, but I'm stubborn and now my stitch count is back on track.  No worries.  Tomorrow is another day, and it's not a Monday.

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.

Catch-Up

I'm still sifting and sorting after the event last week.  In all the hubbub I let a few things slide, and now it's time to pick up the pieces.  Email, shipping, dyeing, promotions . . . the list is long.

Add to that The Sharon Show MKAL.

In case you're wondering, I'm using the Pond Scum Bundle.  I haven't looked at the clue from last week, and there's a new one being released in a couple days.  I'd better get busy.

This Close

Fiberworld 2020 is a wrap.  There were several tech challenges along the way which is to be expected.  It was a good opportunity to experiment, and overall it was a success.

This morning I dismantled my virtual booth, and my office is back to normal.  While I was in the midst of setting up and tearing down, I did a little more reorganizing.  I can't seem to get enough of rearranging the moveable parts in my office.  It's like a giant sliding puzzle, and it's been a form of pandemic entertainment.  I hate to call it quits, but I think this time I've truly maximized my space.

I also updated the calendar in the right sidebar.  Note to Boston knitters.  I'll be at Bead + Fiber on Sunday.  This is an outdoor event, and masks are mandatory.

Now for a little knitting time.  I have a couple projects that are this close to being finished.

Behind the Scenes

The last couple days have been an exercise in patience and tech troubleshooting.  There have been several glitches, but the Fiberworld show is chugging along.  I must say it seems more than a little strange that my booth is up and running, but I don't need to be present.  I can come and go as I please.  It's both liberating and disconcerting at the same time.

Here we are in day three, and my set up is finally running smoothly.  Or as smoothly as it's going to get for this event.

I was prepared for a lot of tech kinks, and there have been plenty of them.  It's reassuring to know that the other vendors had the same problems.  Now that everything is sorted, I'm ready to coast into the weekend.

When my daughter went to a fancy bakery and brought home an assortment of goodies, I spotted this week's color inspiration.

Tiny details.

Chasing Shadows

One day soon I'll have new knitting to share, but right now Fiberworld prep continues over here.  Most of my time is devoted to the tech side of things . . . lighting, Zoom accounts, website updates, more lighting.

Due to schedule miscommunication, I won't be live in the booth this afternoon.  Here's the schedule as it stands now:

Thursday, August 20: 4:00 - 6:00, Namibia

Friday, August 21: 3:00 - 5:00, Navelli

Saturday, August 22: 10:00 - 1:00, The Early Blossoms

Sunday, August 23: 1:00 - 3:00, Love Note

My live "booth" is set up and ready to go.  I plan to change the look every day of the event.  What can I say.  I'm easily amused.  It's like rearranging the living room.

And now I'm off to dig up more lights.  It's a gray day here, and I need to chase the shadows away.

Scattered Monday

I'm having a scattered Monday.  Some days it doesn't matter if I get an early start.  It just means my plans unravel by 10:00 instead of noon.

Here's a quick schedule update on the Fiberworld 2020 booth.  I'll be live in the booth for the following time slots.  I'll probably check in at other times, but these slots are guaranteed.

Wednesday, August 19: 1:00 - 3:00, Undertone

Thursday, August 20: 4:00 - 6:00, Namibia

Friday, August 21: 3:00 - 5:00, Navelli

Saturday, August 22: 10:00 - 1:00, The Early Blossoms

Sunday, August 23: 1:00 - 3:00, Love Note

I've listed a sample with each time slot.  I'll be talking generally about these patterns - color selection, construction, helpful tips. Conversation isn't limited to these patterns, and I encourage people to ask questions. Pattern selection, color consultation, techniques . . . I'm flexible with these sessions.

And now I have to get back to work.

I managed a quick photo shoot this morning while the lighting was still good, and now I need to process all the pictures.

Going Virtual

The pandemic is going to be with us for a while and that means large gatherings aren't possible.  In an effort to stay viable, the fiber community is shifting gears to online events.  

Next week I'll be vending at Fiberworld 2020.  This is my first organized virtual fiber event.

I've been working out the logistics of a virtual booth and upping my tech game.  There are more virtual events planned for the fall, and this is a good opportunity to figure out what works and what doesn't.

If you'd like a glimpse of a virtual booth in action, take a look at this.

Fiberworld 2020 runs for five days.  It includes classes and a marketplace.  See event website for details.

I'm still working out a few kinks, but I'll be live in my "booth" every day of the event.  Specific hours will be posted, and I'll give another update next week.

As knitters we love to touch and feel and see up close.  Virtual events can't compare to in-person events, but every day I'm thankful for the technology that's available with just a few clicks.  This pandemic would be even more challenging without it.

This week's color inspiration . . . 

Peachy goodness.

Production Piles

The summer heat rolls on with no end in sight.  Usually the heat isn't so extreme, but this year is different.  It is 2020 after all . . . the year without a trace of normality.

Last week I decided I can't wait any longer for cooler temps, so I've ramped up production.

Piles of wet wool.

Cautiously Optimistic

Before I get to the knitting, a quick update on August events.  I have to say, it seems strange to talk about fiber events.  It's been over five months since I participated in any organized event.  This month there are tentative signs that the fiber community is adapting to the current pandemic environment, and I'm cautiously optimistic.

On Saturday I have an outdoor pop-up at Twist Yarn Shoppe.  The hours are 10:00 - 4:00.  I'll have yarn, kits and bundles plus plenty of samples to look at.  The Sharon Show MKAL is just getting started, and I'll have kits available if you want to get in on the fun.

Next week I'll be participating in Fiberworld 2020.  This is a new event featuring a wide array of classes and an awesome mix of vendors.  I'll be live in my "booth" during select hours and available for questions or general discussion.  Follow the link for details.

Last week I had a lovely time at Salt Yarn Studio.  Thanks to everyone who stopped by.  If you missed the pop-up on the lawn, we're making plans for a repeat in September.  Stay tuned for details. 

It's good to be busy, but this little flurry of activity has cut into my knitting time a bit.

  

The Sharon Show is up and running, but I fell hard for the worksheet coloring.  With four colors, there are many options for color placement. As you can see, I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to coloring, but this was a useful exercise.  I abandoned by original idea after seeing it on paper.  Whew!  Now that my colors are sorted, I can focus on the knitting.

Admin Wednesday

I've been working on various loose ends, and today has turned into an admin day.

First, a little travel news.  If you're on the Cape later this week and are looking for a fiber related activity, I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio on Friday.

I'll be set up on the lawn from 2:00 - 4:00.  It's a very relaxed environment.  Feel free to hang out.  Wear a mask and bring a chair.

Second, the website has been updated with a new Yarn Knot listing.

The format has been expanded to include more choices, several pricing options plus a bonus.  There are fun plans in the works.  I'm excited for the new season. 

And now I'm off to tie up a few more loose ends.

Knitting Adventure

Every once in a while, it's fun to have a little knitting adventure.  As I was heading out the door over the weekend,  I grabbed a project that was waiting in the wings.  I deliberately didn't choose a project that I'd been working on during the week.  I picked something new and fresh that had to be cast on.

Once I was on the go, it was even more exciting when I realized I was going to be working on US 8 needles.  I haven't worked on anything bigger than US 6 in a long time, and I felt this project was going to fly off the needles.

So far it has.  This is Cannon Bandana.  

I'm getting ready to join in the round.  There's one more color to add to the mix along with more striping.  My weekend outing ran longer than anticipated, and I was happy to have more knitting time.  It was a successful knitting adventure.