I took a wonderful Breed Specific Knitting workshop from Longway Homestead yesterday. It was a gift from Bob for Christmas. I learned about breeds and wool and crimp and staple length and microns. Conclusion: I want to raise Shetland sheep.
Knitting
Iāve updated my YOP list. I also rearranged the order to try to reflect a chronology. I will probably continue to do that as I make my way through the list. Thereās not much else to say other than look at my beautiful Moondrake Advent Litmus Cowl! Itās knitting up fast. Knitting stripes is fun!
I bundled yarn by colors and am making my way through the rainbow, with stripes of the big skein in between hues. I numbered the bundles so I wouldnāt forget the order. š¤
Fiber Art
Itās a long weekend so Iām going to frame āHay for Days,ā start āBlue Moon,ā and dye some fiber.
I received my first Noodle Club subscription yarn from Ramen Needles. Itās super fun. It also glows under a black light. Now Iām looking for a black light. Iām not sure what to do with it, so I will stash it away and percolate on it. Itās single ply merino and silk. Might make a nice Pembroke Scarf (Ravelry link).
Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.
I received my first breed specific yarn of the month from Longway Homestead. It’s soft, but not soft enough for neck wear. I’m thinking mittens or hat. I’m going to wait until I take the Breed Specific Knitting workshop before I decide, though. I think it will have nice drape. Can you smell the lanolin? Mmm… schmeepy. I’ve always wanted to try Finnsheep wool.
Speaking of grown in Canada, after yesterday, Bob was ready to make a run for the border.
Finally, if youāre a Clara Parkes fan, you might enjoy The Daily Respite.
Below is an updated half-year list that I will continue to edit as I complete and add new items. Scroll all the way to the bottom for my resolution. Donāt feel like you need to look at my list unless you want to.
Fiber Art
I have a solo show in September 2021, and I need to make a body of work for this show. My goal is 12 pieces. 2/12 finished.
Iām dyeing my own wool for this work. Above is sky blue and a mix of spruce and kelly green Iām calling Black Forest. Next up is a deep, rich brown. These are two different fibers: merino and shetland. They take the dye a little differently.
I canceled my lessons because I wasnāt doing them. My new goal will be to practice fingering and scales when I feel like it.
Tapestry Weaving
Not into it right now. Back burner.
My One Resolution for 2021
I donāt normally make resolutions, but this year Iām going to listen to more music, intentionally. I normally listen to music all day while Iām working, but itās the local public radio station. I like the music they play, but itās passive listening. And I listen to Celtic fiddle music when I run.
For New Yearās Eve, Bob and I watched the first movie we bonded over. Thereās a song in it by Gogol Bordello, and itās kind of an ear worm, but I love it. So yesterday, I listened to a Gogol Bordello Essentials playlist while I vacuumed the house and had a really good time singing along.
My friend Sharon recommended I watch that movie, so she kind of started the whole thing. Sheās blogging again, so check it out if you feel like it. I hope she will turn her comments on.
Today is our Blogville Knitters Virtual Knit at 1PM Eastern. If you are new and would like to join us by Skype, please DM your Skype ID to me on Instagram or Ravelry.
I’m not sure what I’ll make. It’s toothy, which I like, but that means a cowl is out. Maybe gloves or mittens? Or a hat?
I’m going to miss my special deliveries. I’m all set for December, as I’ve ordered a yarn advent calendar. But whatever will I do next year? At least next year won’t be 2020 anymore. That will be special enough.
Cedar House Yarns Fingering Merino and Nylon in Magnolia
I signed up for a Fairlight Fibers Yarn Club right before we moved. Because I need more yarn, obviously. But look at my very first skein! It’s Magnolia pink! Perfect. I thought a yarn club would challenge me to knit out of my comfort zone. And I really like Fairlight Fibers’ yarn.
It’s very soft. I think I’m going to knit a Willow Cowl with it. When I first saw that cowl on Ravelry, I didn’t think it would be very flattering on me. But Caz from the Wee Sew N Sew Podcast knit one and it looked smashing on her, so I’ve added it to my favorites. Another project for the list!
I finished my blue beanie from the Onion merino and nettle yarn. One can never have too many plain beanies. One can never knit too many plain beanies. Especially blue ones in scrummy yarn.
I’ve been quietly working on Deschain. I’ve finished the front according to the pattern, but I think I’m going to add another pattern repeat. Even with blocking this may be too cropped for me. What do you think?
If I do another pattern repeat, I may have to forego the sleeves, unless I buy more yarn. I think this tee with no sleeves would be fine, though. Or shorter sleeves.
The lace pattern is Shale. It’s a very easy lace pattern that I’m enjoying knitting. Maybe I will make a Shale shawl in the future.
This linen yarn from Quince and Co is a dream. I have enjoyed all their yarns so far. I’m glad I have this to knit because suddenly it’s summer. How did that happen? Cold, cold, cold, cold, WHOMP, hot!
With all the things going on in the world, I thought it was a good time to redeem my Fairlight Fibers gift card that Bob got for me for Christmas.
My main goal was to get the J&S yarn for the original Peerie Flooers hat colorway (center). I also splurged on some yak (left), tussah silk, and nettle blends (right) because I was curious. She has some great free patterns on her website too!
But right now I’m stitching on my Shetland Tweed Throw because no thinking is required.
