Autumn is Scheduled?

Mine Falls Park, Nashua, New Hampshire October 6, 2018

After an unseasonably hot summer here in New Hampshire, autumn is trying to take hold.  There have been a few lovely days and the trees are starting to turn, albeit about 10-14 days later than normal.  Here in the southern part of the state we still have not had our first frost which is very unusual. Everyone is anticipating the brilliance that is the usual display in New England.

Fortunately, our home is air-conditioned so knitting in the heat hasn't been an issue.  The sewing room, however, does not cool off as well so my sewing has been a bit more limited than I would have liked until now.  Hopefully, I will get the stitching mojo back and work through some of the makes that I have planned.

The big news since the last post was the release of my first shawl pattern,
Basket of Strawberries .  This pattern was really my therapy project while recovering from a serious ankle injury.

It is a two-color lace and garter stitch shawl, knit from the neck down beginning with a garter tab. A stitch count grid is included with the pattern to make the process smooth and easy for even a beginning lace knitter.  The simple lace pattern mimics strawberry seeds and stems. Nothing is better on a warm day than eating a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. It is a perfect shawl for chilly summer evenings on the porch, by the beach, or for those dining areas that are overly chilly.

My usual sock knitting has been in full swing.

Drippity Drops by Kay Jones in Bakery Bears yarn, two pairs of vanilla socks one in Dark Side of the Moon from Muststash yarns and one in Champagne and Confetti by Gynx Yarns, and the Clark Socks by Jacklyn Salem in Murky Depths socks.

I have 8 pairs towards the Box of Socks in the Voolenvine KAL.  I might make it to 12!

I also joined the bandwagon and knit the Zweig and Tegna (like most of the knitting community).

Both of these projects brought me joy.  First, because I love both patterns.  Secondly because I was able to use stash yarn for both!

The Zweig is knit in Miss Babs from 2015 SSK along with some Madelinetosh.  The Tegna was knit in a discontinued Rowan yarn that I have had since before Ravelry! Woo hoo!

My canine best friend has been going through some health issues.  That, along with my own surgery recovery has kept me home.  Not a problem.  I am a homebody (who just happens to love travel).  I did make it to York Beach a couple of times for performances, a get-away in Rockport Massachusetts, and my fifth time at a Knit Girls retreat.

New blog post coming soon!

The weather here in New Hampshire has been unseasonably hot.  With scorching temperatures it doesn't feel like fall is on its way.

Knitting and Sewing have been happening and a new blog post will be posted next week!

Accidents Happen!

Only three days after my last blog post, my life took a dramatic turn, literally.  I fell and incurred a major injury to my ankle which required surgery, a hospital stay, and now many weeks non-weight bearing.  My husband has been a great help as well as lovely friends who have kept me sane!  Thank you Sarah, Carrie, Carol, and Mandy.  You're the best!

Recovery has been slow, but am on the mend!

The first week or so, my making was limited to simple knitting and trying to stay coherent.  After a couple weeks, though, I was able to make more sense of my knitting and cranked out two hats (one which instantly went on my husband's head) and a spring/summer sweater.

Declan's Hat by Samantha Kirby in Enchanted Knoll , Dark n' Stormy Night

Luoto by Tina Hahtaniemi in The Fibre Co. Arnanmore, Glenveagh Castle

So Faded by Andrea Mowry in Junkyarn Smooth Sock: Diana, Dolly,  Kathryn,  and Fleur

My sewing had to take a back seat until I could get up the stairs to my sewing room.  With the help of a friend I was able to set up the room so that I could reach my sewing machine, serger, and ironing board.  I finished a cardigan that had been in progress and my first Ogden Cami.

Blackwood Cardigan, pattern by Helen's Closet

Ogden Cami, pattern by True Bias

In December I knit a sample for a cardigan by Norah Gaughan.  This was a project I was not able to share until now.   It was published in Wool Studio Volume 4 release in May.  It never gets old seeing something you've knit in a publication!  Thank you Norah - you are always a delight and inspiration.

The Ana Vest in Worsted Cotton by Blue Sky  Fibers in  Poppy

 Finally, an update on my Make 9 for 2018.  

Arielle Skirt, complete

So Faded, complete

Boxy sweater, frogged

Ginger Jeans, made the Style Arc pull on jeans as a warmup

Archer Shirt & Robe Bluet dress pattern ready to go

Toaster, Anorak jacket on the back burner for Fall

Colorwork sweater, contemplating pattern choice for cast on

Spring? In New Hampshire

Spring is off to a slow start in New Hampshire.  This past week was the first week in a month that we didn't have a major snow storm.  We did, however, has snow on Friday, April 6th!  What?!  It is typical in New England, but I think it shocks us every year just the same.

My making has been off to a good start.  I have finished three knitted garments.

Joe's cardigan, Slade by Michelle Wang in Ella Rae worsted purchased from my LYS, Twill.

This project was a long haul and I am still not satisfied with the final result.  Once the weather warms, I plan to take out the sleeves and redo the seams.  There is too much fabric in the sleeve for the armscye.

Carbeth by Kate Davies in Peace Fleece from my stash (purchased in 2017 at Mother of Purl in Freeport, Maine.

This was a really quick knit and will be great with my new Arielle skirt.

I am  not sure I would use Peace Fleece again.  It is definitely a price-effective yarn, but the fiber was full of hay that had to be picked out as it was knitted.  It did soften up quite a bit when washed so that isn't an issue.  The verdict is still out on the yarn - and I have 4 skeins left!  Would love to destash.

Weekender by Andrea Mowry in a Targhee Worsted by Blue Moon Fiber Arts (also from stash) purchased in 2016 at Rhinebeck.






Also off the needles are 3 pairs of socks, one pair of colorwork mittens, and one pair of fingerless mitts.  All were made from stash!  Woo hoo!

With the wintery weather, knitting has taken priority over sewing, but I have finished another Coco Dress and an Arielle skirt both by Tilly 7 Buttons and the Blakely jeans by Style Arc.

More sewing in the works once the weather warms up.  Right now, must wear all the wool!

2018 Make Nine

It is 2018!

I am happy to say that I met my goal in 2017 to not purchase any clothing (other than undergarments and shoes).  Everything I added to my wardrobe was handmade.  Although it seemed like an impossible task, it really wasn't as bad as I thought.  It made me stop and think about what I added to my wardrobe and slow down the process.  Everything was either sewn or knitted and that makes me really happy.  If you want to see most of my makes, check out my Instagram feed where I am most active.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Lark Tee and the Delphine Skirt

Chuck Sweater and the Clemence Skir

Moneta Dress 

Blackwood Cardigan 

Lots of socks were knit, several other sweaters, hats mitts, and two enormous shawls.  I knit multiple Lark Tees in various versions, a Scout Tee, two Moneta dresses, two Blackwood cardigans, several skirts and the Megan Dress from Tilly and the Buttons Love at First Stitch.

What is planned for 2018?  Continue the handmade wardrobe initiative.  Below are my "Make Nine" but there will be other makes as well.  One goal is to knit and sew from stash.  That doesn't mean there won't be new fabric and yarn purchases- goodness NO! It does mean I want to be thoughtful about those purchases and how they will fit into my making.

Top Row: Arielle skirt by Tilly & Buttons, Archer Shirt by Grainline Studios, Robe Bleuet Dress by Deer & Doe

Second Row: Toaster by Sew House Seven, Kelly Anorak by Closetcase, Ginger Jeans by Closetcase

Third Row: Boxy by Joji Locatelli, Fern & Feather by Jennifer Steingass (or another color work sweater), So Faded by Andrea Mowry

I am not completely married to these projects, but more the idea of them.  The top three are definite as I have the pattern and fabric.  The Toaster has been in my sewing queue for awhile.  I have never made a coat so I think the Anorak would be a good start.  Jeans are my go-to in the winter months and I just finished a pull-on pair by Style Arc so the Ginger Jeans may be next.  The Boxy has been on the needles for awhile (very boring knit).  I have yarn for the So Faded so it needs to be cast on, maybe this Spring.  I want to do a color work sweater, just not sure which one yet.

That's an exhausting list, but I am excited for all my makes this year.