Tuesday Things with a Northern Perspective
Grey skies, wild winds, and chilly weather – fall is absolutely here in Northern Michigan!
However, the beer is good.
And, so are the burgers!
The diet… not so much!
The Important Things
Packing for a trip can be a challenge. There are so many things to take into consideration – weather, activities, etc. However, if you are a knitter then you have an added layer of things to think about.
Knitting projects.
For me, this is perhaps the most crucial item to take (outside of my Bialetti because good coffee is crucial!!)
Enter Woolelujah!
Fill this sucker and I should not want for things to knit right? Trust me – I (over)filled it!
Hope your weekend was grand, mine sure was!
A Gathering of Easy
When one of my absolute favorite designers collaborates with some friends and they put together a collection of “Drop-Dead Easy Knits” I was excited to see what the collection would include. I pre-ordered the book and it was delivered on Tuesday – at which point, I dropped everything and started to page through.
Paging through turned into reading and before I knew it an hour had passed and I had a list of items to add to my Ravelry queue.
I had foolishly assumed the book would contain a collection of accessories, and while it has some really lovely accessory knitting pieces, there is so much more. Sweaters, baby items, and even a MDK Log Cabin blanket!
The thing I love the most about the book though is how the patterns are written.
How many times have you begun knitting a pattern and wished that some parts were highlighted boldly with the read ahead instructions? For me this has happened numerous times and it generally means frogging back several rows to correct the thing I have either omitted or kept doing but should have stopped.
In Drop-Dead Easy Knits the patterns have a special call out for “Concentration Zones” cluing you in to what is coming ahead. Likewise, they clearly mark areas where you can click on “Cruise Control” and knit on without worry (and it even tells you how long you can knit without worry!!)
Another bonus for knitters everywhere is the reference section where they give “alternate yarn suggestions by pattern”! Yes, really. And, the list is not compiled of one alternative – there are multiples for every project!
I was especially happy to see that it is number one on the Amazon Best Sellers in Knitting list this morning so if you buy only one knitting book this year, this would be an excellent choice. Seriously! Your knitting library will thank you!
Now for some Friday Links:
- Luelea
- Eureka!
- Thea has been busy
- So has Wooly Wormhead
- tweedy fog is fab!
- Free is good
- More free is even better
- And even more free is spectacular!
- Need to Feel hugged ?
- Wilhelm Tell is so cute!
- Sparia
- Sagitta
- A Flurry for your feet – perhaps the best kind!
- Dandelion in a Breeze
That is all I have for today! Have a fantastic week and see you back here on Monday!!
First Day of Fall – Currents
Enjoying: Hot coffee after a summer of sipping it iced! For me it is the perfect transition to fall and one that is very welcome!
Making: The last of the local peaches into jam. I have perfected the recipe of the course of the season. It is so good, especially in homemade Greek yogurt! Also, a big batch of pesto with the last of the basil from the garden.
Eating: So. Many. Tomatoes!
In My Ears: A Fatal Grace – my second Inspector Gamache novel. I have about 4 chapters to go and it is really so good!
Watching: Crimes of Passion while I ride the bike in the morning. I am almost done with the series, so up next Luther will be my companion!
Packing: For a trip to Michigan – Konmari items, gifts, yarn for a couple of pairs of socks and this sweater, and clothes for two seasons – it could be warm, or it could be very cold! Also, my Bialetti, because coffee is ultimately necessary for household happiness.
Loading: My Kindle with a few good vacation reads (and I am taking one actual library book – The Year of Living Danishly)
Planning: The perfect balance of time with family and alone with Steve. However, I am lucky that one small being tips the scale in my direction giving me a double vote on what to do!
Excited: To try our first Airbnb experience as well as a taste of autumn in Northern Michigan and some nice long walks in Leelanau County.
Anticipating: A Happy Hour or two at North Peak, lunch at J&S Hamburg, and ice cream with Genevieve!
Knitting Slogs
slog /släɡ/ verb 1. work hard over a period of time. synonyms: grind, slave, plod, toil
For me, Sleeve Island is the slog of sweater knitting. The slowest part of the entire process (although maybe not for this sweater – it all has been slow going!!)
However, in working the K1P1 shawl collar on my modified pullover I may have discovered the other slog of knitting. These rows are LONG!
Conversation from last night:
Steve: When will that be done?
Me: I think I need 15 more rows…
Steve: How long will that take?
There’s a confidence booster for you! Haha! Just so it is written down somewhere, my goal is to have this DONE before we leave on vacation.
Perhaps, Inspector Gamache can help!
Teaming up with Ginny and the Yarn Along today where you can find plenty of production on the knitting and reading front!
What is your knitting slog?
Goodreads
Kat’s bookshelf: read
Seven chapters of sheer bliss. Beautiful writing and an incredible tale. Who would you toast on the last day of your life?
LOVED! Every single word. The thread that tied this story together is wonderful! I could not stop listening – it was that good!
A beautiful memoir. The writing is wonderful – the story shared is so poignant. I highly recommend.
