Around the Corner . . .

I've been busy this week with website updates.  Since I've been chained to my desk, I also added an event to the right sidebar.  October seems a long way away, but it's really just around the corner.

I can't say enough good things about Vermont Sheep & Wool.  I love all the festivals with their unique twists and turns, but Vermont in the fall gives this one a little something extra.

Yes, there's a wonderful mix of vendors, but you'll also find demos, designer alley, a fleece sale, classes and more.  Be sure to check the website for additional information.

Stop by our booth and say hi.  You'll find us in the Vendor Pavilion.

More on Tariffs

I hit a few speed bumps this week, but I finally settled in to my normal work routine.

The tariff situation continues to create a lot of chaos, and I've spent many hours crunching numbers trying to make sense of it all.  In addition to tariffs, there are other costs behind the scenes that have been going up and up.

As a result, there will be price increases hitting the website Monday, September 15.  Until then, you have all weekend to stock up with current prices.  This was a hard decision, but it's unavoidable given the current economic climate.

In the midst of juggling everything this week, I decided a new project was in order.

Nothing like a little Pond Scum to cheer me up.

The plants on my porch have taken a beating.  They're all done for the season except this little orphan flower.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Yellow with orange blips.

Waiting, Knitting and Tariffs

I hit the ground running after the long holiday weekend.  I'm working my way through a long list of dyeing and mixing in some knitting whenever I can.

Dyeing yarn involves a certain amount of waiting.  I don't want that time to go to waste, so I knit a few rounds here and there while I wait.  Even if it's only a few stitches at a time, it all adds up.

Tariffs and the removal of the de minimis exemption are hitting the yarn world hard.  You can read all about it here.  There have already been some yarn business casualties as a result of the unnecessary chaos.  Remember to support small businesses whenever you can.

September Update

Next week we flip the page to September, so I've updated the calendar. 

We're kicking off the fall festival season at Boston Fiber Festival, September 6 and 7.  This weekend event includes classes on Saturday and a market on Sunday.  There might still be room in some of the classes.  The market will be outside in the Thayer Street parking lot.  Follow the link for class details and more information.

I have one more glimpse of summer for this week's color inspiration.

Clear blue and clean white.

Picking up the Pace

Summer is winding down, and I need to pick up the pace on my fall prep.

I have a list, and I'm checking things off, but I'm feeling a sense of urgency to be more productive.  I'm trying to prepare for the frantic fall days.  It's an inspiring, fun time of year, and I'm really looking forward to all the hustle and bustle.

Fall may be knocking on the door, but I'm still trying to enjoy the last bit of summer.  Here is this week's color inspiration.

Beach blues.

Off the Island—Almost

I was on sleeve island this weekend, and I'm happy to report I'm almost ready to hop off.

This is where I was at one point over the weekend, and this morning I just have to finish the cuffs.  No, I don't have an updated picture.  Time is tight today, and the    to-do list is long.

I'll be blocking this later today or tomorrow.  And yes, I'll be casting on one or more new projects.

Pleasantly Surprised

I have a few projects in my current knitting rotation, and I try to give them equal attention.  Knitting around and around on the body of a sweater can be soothing at the end of the day, and I tend to pull this project out in the evening.

In case you're interested, this is Lento (Ravelry link).  I hadn't measured the body and wasn't really paying attention to how long it was.  After knitting a few rounds last night, I gave it a quick measure and was pleasantly surprised.  It was longer than I realized.   

I hadn't decided on my "desired length", so I set the project aside for the evening.  Today I'll figure out just how long I want the sweater, but I'm pretty sure it's almost time for the bottom ribbing.

I've been enjoying the hydrangeas on my daily walks.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Delicate purple.

Usual Routine

I accidentally took a little break from the blog.  I guess I needed some downtime after a hectic spring, but I'm trying to get back to my usual routine.

Hard to believe it's August already, but that means it's time to get serious about fall prep and planning.

Yes, there are new samples in the works.  The pace will pick up next month, and the major fall fiber festivals are right around the corner.  Be sure to check back for schedule updates.

Regrouping

Thank goodness it's the weekend.  This has been an extra stressful week, and I need a couple days to regroup.  I plan to do a lot of knitting.

If you're keeping tabs on the calendar, I've updated the schedule in the right sidebar.  Next week I have a trunk show at Knit Tuck & Purl.  It runs April 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22.

This shop opened last fall, and they're hosting three trunk shows at the same time.  If you haven't visited the shop, this is a good opportunity to check it out.  Stop by if you're in the Boston area.

We've had our share of grey spring days, but it helps to have something colorful to chase the gloom away.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Sunny yellow.

Background Noise

Today is the day.  I'm finally coming up for air.  I've been on the go with fiber events, and it's been great fun.  Thanks to everyone who has stopped by the booth.  It's nice to check in and chat.

When I haven't been dealing with events, most of my time has been occupied with all the noise running in the background.  I've lost track of how much time I've spent on tariffs.  Yes, I thoroughly understand how tariffs work, but the implications for my business are more than a little murky.  Toss in some tech problems on top of that.  Let's just say I haven't had much downtime.

When I manage to grab a break here and there, I'm knitting.  Always knitting.

If you're struggling with all the chaos too, keep your needles close.

A Day Late

I took advantage of the Monday holiday, and it really messed with my schedule this week.  I've been scrambling to make up for lost time and have been at least a day late all week long.  I plan to hit the reset button over the weekend.

In the meantime, I've updated the right sidebar with a couple events.

Next weekend I'll be in Freeport, Maine.  SPA (Ravelry link) is a fun winter event that includes a market, opportunities for skill sharing and socializing plus a fashion show.  There's room for spinning, so bring your wheel if you're a spinner.  Come for a day or make it a weekend getaway.

And now I'm off to cast on something new.

All natural.  There's no filter on this week's color inspiration.

Beautiful black, white and grey.

February Holiday

It's a long holiday weekend in the middle of winter - a good excuse for some bonus knitting time.  For some reason, a Monday holiday makes me feel like I have loads of extra time to spend on knitting.  Of course it rarely works out that way.  Even if I manage enough time for several extra rows, I'll be happy.

Cheers to a long weekend and knitting!

This week's color inspiration . . .

A silvery heart for Valentine's Day.

Wintery Weather

Our wintery weather has inspired me to knit small, cozy projects - cowls, hats, mittens.  I have a few projects under construction now, plus I have my eye on a couple others too.  Finished handknits are very useful, and completed projects always give me a feeling of accomplishment.

I'm making my second Lu La Loop (Ravelry link).  The pattern includes mittens and a hat.  I have the hat on my needles.

The first hat was great fun, and the second one is moving right along.  If you're looking for a fairly quick project, take a look at this pattern.

This yarn combination has all sorts of texture.  Look for kits at upcoming events.

Bright Spots

The days are a blur, but amidst the chaos and confusion I continue to look for bright spots.  Fresh snow, cheerful yarn, hot coffee . . . it doesn't take much.

Last Sunday, New England Farm and Fiber Festival was definitely a bright spot.  It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic fiber people.  Thanks to everyone who came out.

And here's a bright spot of yarn that I wound up yesterday.

Brilliant pink plus a new project for the weekend.

There's more of the same for this week's color inspiration.

Vivid pink with a dash of yellow.

Experiments

I'm delighted that my calendar is full of winter fiber events.  These events give me an excuse to experiment with new samples, kits and yarn.

My latest experiment.  This combo is on the needles, and so far I'm happy with the results.  I have a couple other experiments under construction.  Stay tuned for updates.

A Simple Affair

Last Sunday we had a great time at Farm Fiber Day.  The market was bustling, and it was wonderful to see so many happy, creative fiber people.  If you missed it, we'll be doing it all over again on March 9.  More about that later.

I had a fresh sample on display.

A Simple Affair (Ravelry link).  This design features garter stitch with a few simple eyelet sections.  If you need a relaxing, effortless project, check it out.

This sample used Lillian held with Shimmer both in Shocking.  The shawl is substantial, and you'll need two skeins of each base.  Go bold or choose something more subdued.  There are plenty of colors to choose from.

There are more new things in the works for New England Farm and Fiber Festival on February 2.  Follow the link for event details.  Note that this is a ticketed event.

I'm in the mood for bright colors right now - must be the grey days.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Cheerful yellow.

A Cozy Weekend

There's a lot of show prep happening in the background, and it's great to be busy again.  Things got off to a rough start, but I rallied and had a productive week in spite of everything.

I'm looking forward to a cozy weekend.  And yes, that includes plenty of time for knitting.

This week's color inspiration comes from my son and a recent adventure.

Warm yellow light.

Calendar Update

Just like that it's 2025!  I hope you had a good holiday season if you were celebrating.  I always enjoy the hustle and bustle, but this year transitioning to a normal routine has been a slow process.

We have a busy winter calendar with several events.  Check the right sidebar for the latest update.  

On January 19, we'll be at Farm Fiber Day.  This bustling winter fiber market has become a favorite with many.  Be sure to check it out if you're in the Boston area.  Follow the link for details.

There's been a lot of knitting going on behind the scenes, and that means finished projects.

Colourblock Mittens (Ravelry link).  It's mitten season, and this fun pattern knits up quickly.  We'll have kits in a variety of colors available at the winter events.

I haven't forgotten about the blog, but life has been extra busy.  Things have settled down for the moment, and I plan to check in on a regular basis again.