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Since my booth shipped earlier this week, I've had the urge to start a new project. Actually several new projects. I have a very long list to choose from, and so many of them are tempting. I was proud of myself for showing restraint and casting on only one new project.
This is Anne Hanson's Curling, and it's not a completely new project for me. I had started Curling months ago with a different yarn. Sometimes the pattern and yarn aren't always a good fit. The result was OK, but I wasn't smitten with it. That would explain why it's languishing somewhere in a basket of UFOs.
I decided to have a second go at Curling with a different yarn.
I'm thrilled with the results. This one won't land in the UFO basket.
I don't usually bake much in the summer, but I stumbled across this recipe and decided to give it a try.
Skillet coffee cake. This recipe was a huge hit. The coffee cake is loaded with butter, sour cream and sugar complete with a streusel topping. Next time I think I'm going to add chunks of apple.
The summer parade of colors continues. I have my neighbor to thank for this week's color inspiration.
Just a hint of color.
The last few weeks I've been consumed with preparations for Sock Summit. I admit it, and my family and friends will vouch for it. It reminds me of being in school - working on a huge paper with a deadline looming, abandoning everything but the essentials like eating and sleeping, finally pulling an all-nighter to get it done. The last few days have been nonstop work. I didn't pull an all-nighter, but I came close.
I met my deadline.
Shipped. My lovely booth is packed and is making its way west to Portland. And I can breathe a sigh of relief.
I still have plenty of odds and ends to take care of. I'm sure I'll be working up to the minute I get on the plane to Portland.
But right now I can take a minute or two for myself, my knitting and the newspaper.
Welcome to Monday morning. I did many things this past weekend but taking pictures was not one of them. So while I have knitting progress to share, I don't have pictures. Since that report will have to wait for another post, it seems that this morning is a good time for another installment of -
THIS AND THAT
~ This past Friday I heard Susan Gibbs from Juniper Moon Farm speak at the Common Cod Fiber Guild meeting. Susan raises sheep and runs a yarn and fiber CSA. Susan has also been working to launch Juniper Moon Farm commercial yarn. At the meeting Susan shared some of her experiences in starting this new venture - choosing yarn blends and colors, providing pattern support, running a photo shoot for the new patterns. It was an informative and entertaining meeting. You can read more about the new yarn here.
~ Everything is coming together over at Sock Summit. One of the highlights this year will be the Fleece-to-Foot challenge. Teams made up of five people will be provided with fleece that they will card, spin, ply and knit into a pair of socks. Right now voting is underway to determine the sock pattern that will be used. Hop over to take a look at all the clever designs that have been submitted. Be sure to cast your ballot by Thursday, July 14.
~ Finally, there are plenty of celebrities who knit. Tom Hanks played a practical joke on Julia Roberts, an avid knitter. They captured the moment on camera, and you can see it all here.
These days the most common question I hear from well-meaning family and friends is, "Are you done dyeing for Sock Summit yet?" Or a variation. "How much dyeing do you still have to do for Sock Summit?"
When I started this push to get ready for Sock Summit, I had a plan all laid out. There have been a couple of detours along the way, but for the most part I'm on course. Or I think I am. I'm afraid that if I stop to think about it, I'll be paralyzed by all that still needs to be done.
It's better to keep working and not think about it too much.
The dye pots have been going.
And going.
Re-stocking colorways. Adding new colorways.
When the pots are finished, the water is clear.
After the yarn is dry, the skeins are twisted.
Dipped Infinity Scarf Kits in the making.
There's no need to panic. As long as I keep working, it will all get done on time. Somehow it always does.
My color inspiration for the week was captured on a windy day with gusts blowing in off the ocean.
Soft pink with a bit of subtle yellow.
Sometimes when life is busy, it helps to take a break from the bustle of activity. It doesn't take much.
A ball of yarn.
Add some knitting needles. A cup of coffee doesn't hurt either.
Give it a little time.
Now this project is well on its way.
Ready and waiting for the next break.
We've had a long holiday weekend, and Tuesday feels like Monday. But it's not. I'm afraid I'll be out of sync the whole week.
My long holiday weekend included a lot of work.
Winding, winding and more winding.
The weekend also included some play.
Color play.
Mixing and matching colors is like eating potato chips.
Once you start, it's hard to stop.
I pulled out some colors I hadn't used in a while.
Colors I had forgotten about.
Before I knew it, I had so many ideas.
So many possibilities.
I ran out of time to try them all, but I did start a list so that I can pick up where I left off.
I have a feeling I'll be doing this again very soon.
I have a lot of work right now - dyeing yarn, shipping to Sock Summit, sample knitting. In the midst of all this chaos yesterday seemed like a good day to take a field trip. Sometimes a change of scenery helps clear my mind.
JP Knit and Stitch has been on my list of places to visit . The JP stands for Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood of Boston and the neighborhood I lived in for many years. In fact I lived just a few short blocks from the store.
This past winter I anxiously drove by the store when it was under construction, waiting for a chance to check it out. In the spring I would swing by but always on a day the store was closed. Yesterday it all came together that I was in the neighborhood on a day the store was open.
For those who sew.
There are supplies and inspiration.
There is plenty of fabric to choose from. It makes me wish I had time to pull out my scissors and sewing machine.
For those who knit.
There is yarn.
And more yarn. A cozy corner equipped to entertain little ones.
JP Knit and Stitch has good lighting and a comfy area to sit and hang out.
They offer a variety of classes and have a welcoming space. This store is a great resource and an asset to the community.
Best of all is this piece of work outside on the corner.
Yarn bombing complete with tassels and pom-poms.
The other day this bundle found its way to my home. My sweet smelling color inspiration for the week.
Delicate wisps of lavender.
