Call Me Crazy

Heat wave or not, I've become obsessed with mohair stripes.  It's so hot I can't bribe the dog to walk around the block, but I've convinced myself that knitting with mohair is a suitable activity.

This is mo troppo.  Yes, mohair can be sticky mess in hot weather, but let's be honest, it can be a sticky mess in any weather.  I'm half way through the stripe section, and it weighs next to nothing.  So light and airy.  Call me crazy, but as long as I can slide the stitches along the needle, I'll keep knitting.

A Change of Heart

This was one of those weekends where I had a lot of knitting time.  Sorting colors for new samples, casting on a few projects, knitting without interruption (except for the dog).

This is my second attempt with this project.

Much to my surprise, I decided to switch colors.  Not a problem.  There were plenty of other colors to choose from, and I hadn't knit that much before I had a change of heart.  All I lost was a little time.

There are record high temps in so many places right now.  Keep cool if you're in one of the hot zones and drink plenty of water.  Knit a few rows if your stitches aren't sticky.  Remember fall is coming.

The Third Time

Since I don't have many projects on the go right now, I thought it would be a good idea to cast on a new project.  The project called for a fiddly cast on featuring mohair and quite a few stitches.  How hard could it be?  I decided to give it a go.

This is what I had after my second attempt.  I wasn't ready to throw in the towel, but I did start to consider Plan B.

The third time was a charm.  Through a combination of persistence, determination and more than a few choice words, I completed the cast on and the delicate folded hem.  I know it doesn't look like much, but this represents hours of work and my biggest accomplishment for the week.

The color inspiration for this week . . . 

 Celebrating neutrals.

Three Down

I have a couple new projects on deck, so today I started winding yarn.  Both projects take three colors, but I haven't settled on all the colors just yet.

Color selection is a process.  I know I'm committed to these three, and I wound them up to make it official.  Three down, three to go.

The Second Time Around

I was awake and hard at it extra early this morning.  I blame it on the summer daylight.  Since I was so productive this morning, I took a short break in the afternoon.

It was hot, but there was a breeze so I did a little porch knitting.  This is Livie.  Yes, it's my second one.  Yes, the color combination is totally different from the first one.  That's half the fun.

Knitting time is precious, and there are only a handful of patterns I can justify repeating.  This was such an entertaining and overall relaxing project that I just couldn't resist making it a second time.

Summer Giveaway

I'm celebrating the weekend and the solstice with another giveaway.

One of our summer club installments will go to a new home.  Most of the action is taking place on Instagram.  Hop over and leave a comment.  Mention your current favorite project and you'll be entered to win.  While you're there, browse the comments for ideas and inspiration.

If Instagram isn't your thing, leave a comment below and I'll add it to the mix.  The winner will be chosen at random.  Comments will be open through Sunday, June 20.  Happy weekend!

Lilli Pilli Shawl

Let me tempt you with another project idea.

Lilli Pilli Shawl . . . sibling to the Lilli Pilli Wrap.

The wrap had been on my list for quite a while.  When the shawl version was released last month, I took a long hard look.  I decided I preferred the asymmetrical shape, and before I knew it, I was making plans.

I love stripes, and this time I went with a subtle contrast.  

The stripes provide a nice background for the dynamic lace sections.  The yarn is Lillian in Murky, Fog and Current.  

Current is new, and all three colorways are available on the website.

Summer Soundtrack

How about a couple fresh pattern ideas to start the week.

Summer Soundtrack by Elizabeth Smith.

This design features a fun slip stitch pattern that's relaxing and rhythmic.

This top is great on its own or as a layering piece when the seasons shift.

If you're looking for a smaller project, check out the Summer Soundtrack Cowl.

Elizabeth's patterns are clearly written with plenty of helpful tips and support along the way.  Both samples are pictured in Lucia DK, colorways Juniper and Seafoam.

Piling Up

Sometimes I gauge my productivity by how many piles I have.  I've been dyeing non-stop the last couple weeks, and the yarn is starting to pile up.

That's a good thing.  I'm dealing with a couple trunk shows this month, but after that I'm looking ahead to fall.

Here's a quick reminder of the June trunk shows.  If you're on the Cape tomorrow and looking for something to do, I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio for World Wide Knit in Public Day.  We'll be outside on the lawn.  The hours are 1:00 - 3:00.  Fingers crossed the weather cooperates.

If you're in Boston, I have a trunk show running at Bead + Fiber until June 20.  There's a wide range of colors available plus a few samples for ideas and inspiration.  If you stop by on Sunday, you can also take in the SoWa Market.

I've really been enjoying flowers lately, and once again they provide this week's color inspiration.

Shifting shades of pink and purple.

Wednesday Check-In

This has turned out to be an abbreviated week, and I'm trying to cram 5 work days into 4.  I'm making it work.  The dye pots are busy even though we're in a heat wave.

And I have this to look forward to.

A new project ready for needles.  How's your week going?

This and That

My current shawl project is growing by leaps and bounds.  It's gotten so big that it's taken up residence on the stool next to my desk.

This is Lilli Pilli Shawl.  It's a fun combination of stripes and lace with just enough activity to hold my interest.  There are endless color options.  I'm using Lillian in Murky, Fog and Current.  Current is a new colorway, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to give it a whirl.

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

Pride Bundle.  These colorful mini skeins will brighten any project.

This week's color inspiration comes from my daughter's expedition out West.

Grand Canyon view.

On the Road

After the long weekend, this week is getting away from me.  I'm checking in with a quick summer schedule update.

This Sunday I'll be at Bead + Fiber.  The fun starts at 11:00.  Stop by if you're out and about in the South End.  If you can't make it on Sunday, there will be a trunk show in the shop until June 20.

The following weekend I'll be at Salt Yarn Studio on June 12 for World Wide Knit in Public Day.  If the weather cooperates, we'll be outside on the lawn.  The hours are 1:00 - 3:00.

As of right now, that's it for the summer in-person events.  Things are brewing for the fall, and I'll post an update on those events later in the summer.