Off The Needles

Stephanie wrote:

Finished projects of all shapes and sizes give such a feeling of accomplishment.  It's so easy and exciting to start new projects. Some of us start them with reckless abandon, without regard for the practical consideration of actual knitting time.  We delude ourselves into casting on for one more project.  After all, the 2 sweaters, 3 hats, 4 scarves and 2 pair of socks are "almost done".  A finished object is cause for celebration.  

This sweater was "almost done" in time for our trip to Connecticut - all except for a few ends.  It did make the trip with us, but the day was warm and I didn't take it out of the truck.

This is Twist & Shout from Knitty.  It's knit up in Dye Dreams Celestial, color Peacock.  You'll have to view that colorway in Luster Sox as we don't have the Celestial one on the website yet.

This was a fun pattern to knit.  It required some mental concentration, but it didn't give me a headache or make me cross-eyed. The pattern has bracelet length sleeves.  I lengthened the sleeves and now they are a bit too long.  I thought I had the measurements worked out, but I probably should have left them at the specified length.  What was I thinking?  I know my arms are on the short side.

This pattern calls for reinforcing the neckline with a crochet chain.  There are good instructions for this technique here so I won't bother to repeat the process.  Let me just say this is a very handy technique to have up your sleeve so pull out your crochet hook and give it a try.

I love working with this yarn - so soft and cozy.  The color variation moves nicely throughout the sweater.  And this pattern is an easy fit so I'm sure it will get lots of wear.

This sweater is still in need of a button, and I may have one that will work.  Last fall at Stitches East I bought a button from Bonnie Maresh.  Alas, I can't seem to find a website for her.  Keep your eyes open for her work at various shops and events - she has some fun buttons.  At Stitches East she was donating part of her proceeds to ovarian cancer research, a cause near and dear to my heart.

News from the shop . . . our spring sock club installment is shipping as we speak.  It's not too late to order.  We have a beautiful pattern designed by Sivia Harding.  Delicious yarn in an enchanting colorway and more.  Don't miss out.

Spring in Connecticut

Stephanie wrote:

Last weekend Mona and I were at Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival.  This one day event is less than a 2 hour drive for us, so it makes for an easy outing.  Well, no event is truly easy.  We had one long, exhausting day, and I think it took both of us the better part of last week to recover.

The weather was dry and clear - a bit on the warm side but there was a nice breeze.  My picture taking was sporadic, i.e. I didn't get any shots of our booth.  

It was a good day to be an outside vendor.  

This event has grown in size - more and more vendors every year.  In fact this year there was a waiting list for vendors.

And it wouldn't be a sheep and wool festival without animals.  

These alpacas were so cute - they got lots of attention.

The day was full of many fun activities - sheep dog trial, sheep shearing, ox cart ride.  Plenty to see and do.

The best part of these events is the people who visit our booth.  Last year at Connecticut we met the women from Serenity Scarves (ravelry link), and it was nice to see them again.  As always we met many new people - people with fun, creative ideas and energy.

Daffodils on the lawn - a definite sign of spring.  Time to prepare for our next event, Maine Fiber Frolic.

Shifting Seasons

Stephanie wrote:

The transition from winter to spring is not an easy one for me.  While I thoroughly enjoy the  fall - winter slice of the season pie, I could do with just a sliver of the spring - summer portion. 

As spring approaches I hold out for one more snowfall, linger over last laps on the ice skating rink, savor being wrapped in wool against the final blast of cold from the north.

I am slowly making a mental shift to accommodate the new season.  We have had many damp, soggy, gray days - weather that makes it a challenge to dry newly dyed yarn.  One day this past week the weather was warm and dry. Perfect timing to help out with a backlog of wet wool.

I put the rack outside, and the yarn was dry in no time.  Shown here is Twinkle Toes in a variety of colors.

The dye pots have been going nonstop to keep up with orders and to prepare for Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival. Our first festival of the season - another sign that spring is really here.  

And this time of year does bring out some very cute things in the candy aisle. 

Baby Baa shown on a bed of Luster Sox Pine.  Almost too cute to eat.

So I pack away the coats, boots, winter woolens and prepare to enjoy what this slice of the pie has to offer.