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.