The Plus Side of Zero...

Good Morning Everyone!

Not only is it above zero, the sun is shining! Man oh man, winter has put quite a grip on us, which for me, is pure motivation. Motivation to get outside for some fresh air, the reward, KNITTING!! I love nothing more than coming back inside and getting all cozied up surrounded by my knitting. Last week, we received our fate by Punxsutawney Phil, six more weeks of winter. Guess what I did? I ordered more yarn, not just any yarn, how about an Angora and Merino blend called Beatrix to battle against the cold. The best part, it's BULKY, it will knit up in absolutely no time at all. Need help with some inspiration? I have lots of ideas, of course, but check out this lovely pullover https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clouddancing-sweater You could also make Isabell Kraemer's Il Favorito Grande (I've made 3, so far). This yarn is featherweight, warm and incredibly soft, the perfect line of defense against this bitter cold winter. It's a sad truth when single digits above zero feels warm, lol...a bigger bonus when the sun has the bandwidth to cut through the cold and produce some heat. I also have a big box of Malabrigo Rios arriving, nothing like a pop of color to brighten up the shop. Winter is far from over, although, I am already working on a new Spring sweater...

I actually started the new Spring sweater several weeks ago, the Brookline by Berroco. It did get pushed to the back burner for a bit, I had a couple of other projects that were requiring my immediate attention. My Harvest Flower pullover is complete, I love how cheery this sweater is. The big red flowers remind me of poppies, and makes me feel happy just wearing it. Drum roll please....I FINISHED MY BARLEY FIELD SLIPOVER!!! I realize this was done in record time, I did become a bit addicted to it. Once I got through the first 4 row repeat, I set my cruise control and just didn't stop. It was much easier than my Field Sweater, by a long shot, but the texture that was created certainly does rival it. I was hopeful that my color selection would allow the pattern to show, phew, it does! My gorgeous new vest is blocked and drying, I will be wearing it tomorrow for Stitch and Bitch!!

I haven't decided which new sweater to cast on, in the meantime, I started the cutest little Cloche in Cotton & Merino Chic. My friend Linda came in last week to grab some RED YARN and was wearing her Nola Cloche, I had to have it, LOL...It is an adorable hat that looks absolutely amazing knit up with this beautiful blend of cotton, merino and SPARKLE! I think the only thing that would look better is a sweater. I can't wait for you to see my new hat so you can see just how lovely it knits up. I love an interesting construction and this one has it all! Provisional cast on, an interesting twist, picking up stitches and a lovely decreased crown. Here's the pattern https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nola-cloche Of course, if that doesn't float your boat, there's still time to jump on board with February's Hat of the Month Club, both are SUPER CUTE! https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heart-hat-30 for crochet and https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cold-hearts-hat for knitting, both use worsted weight yarn.

And just in time for Valentine's Day, I will be having a drawing for a project, it's super easy to enter. My readers will get the advantage, it's only fair, lol...You can enter into the drawing Thursday, Friday or Saturday. My video, that I haven't posted yet, says Saturday only, but there are always exceptions to the rules! I can't believe that we are almost half way through February, tick tick tock, March is on the doorstep! It won't be long before I'm back on my porch hanging out on my glider, but for now, the countdown is on, T-38 days until the first day of Spring. Any guesses when the first Spring day will be??

We will be meeting tomorrow evening, Wednesday 6-7:30 for Stitch and Bitch, I hope you can join in the fun, the door will be unlocked at 5:45. Make it a great day and I'll see you soon!

Katy