Work Before "Work"

Good Morning Everyone!

20 degrees feels like a heatwave! We were up and out at 5:30 making our way to our little piece of Camelot, taking full advantage of the complete solitude of the woods. I couldn't help but notice that the light has already started to change, it's no longer pitch dark, there's a softness that is starting to reappear in the early morning light. Oh wait, that was my headlamp...I am ever the optimist and absolutely rejoice in the hint of the days getting a tad bit longer. The owls were hooting and Bernie had a blast following the very fresh fox tracks. We actually encountered 3 of them the other morning, everyone was very surprised. Luckily for them, I had Bernie leashed, my right arm on the other hand, is still feeling the effects. One of them happened upon us coming about 15 feet in proximity before quickly pivoting. Bernie was losing his mind and unfortunately I was unable to capture the moment, but the memory brings me much joy. What a wonderful way to start the day, you just never know what you're going to see. With any luck, just wildlife...

We are less than one week into the New Year and I already have made significant progress on two new sweaters!! One colorwork and one cabled, both beautiful and entirely different in construction and fiber. I've been in love with Harvest Flower after seeing it posted on the Yarn Seller's Facebook page. Then, my rep Whitney, knit one sending my FOMO straight through the roof, I ordered the yarn immediately. I decided to use Nature Spun by Brown Sheep Co, based in Nebraska, I have always loved their yarns and knew how beautiful this sweater would be, I love to be right!! This sweater has not been without challenge, I am extremely experienced doing colorwork. That said, trying to carry/float Pomegranate red behind Aran white presents an obstacle. I could see the floats on the RS of the work, blocking was not going to take care of this. I love learning something new, even on the fly, enter Jacquard Ladder Back. Nope, still wasn't working, it was better, but not good enough. I called Whitney explaining my two failures, almost asking permission to leave a LOOOONG float, which is like tying a knot to me. She sent a picture of her floats (incredibly perfect) and that's all I needed. Attempt #3 and we're on a roll. She also suggested using the longest cable I could stand to help stretch the sweater a tad while doing the long floats, it worked!!

My second sweater of the new year is called Brookline and uses Berroco's Remix Wool DK, brand new for Spring/Summer 2026. This sweater is knit in two pieces and features a stunning cable panel that starts at the sleeve, works sideways across the top and down the other sleeve. The increases are a bit of a pain to navigate, but the end result is just stunning. I am about halfway through the back and after the increases are complete, it's a very easy sweater to knit. You won't be able to see this sweater online until February 4th when the Berroco website switches over, but you can see a picture in the shop along with the color cards.

Drum Roll!! With the help of many of you, the next KAL project has been decided. There are two options, as requested, a pullover and a button vest. The pullover is the Barley Field Slipover

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barley-field-slipover and the button vest is Leticia

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/leticia-6 it gets better. Leticia is a Berroco design that uses Vento, a recently discontinued yarn, one that we've lamented. Guess what? I was able to secure (12) bags of it!!! I have (3) of them in the shop now and am awaiting the arrival of the others. The colors available are Gale, Bluster and Zephyr, that's it. Once they are gone, they are gone. Do not judge this garment by the photo, that vest does not fit the model at all. I have knit the vest, I love the vest and I will have the vest in the shop for you to see. The Barley Field Slipover calls for bulky weight yarn. I have La Pampa, an organic merino which I used to knit my red Christmas Sweater or you can use Worsted and mohair, lots of options there. I also ordered (4) colors of Moonshine Bulky because I wanted to lol...The next KAL is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th 9-11:00.

Carrie and I decided it would be fun to start a hat of the month club, we were right! There has been great response, but a bit of confusion, so let me make it clear as mud. There are two options, a knit version and a crochet version. You do not have to do every single month, but why wouldn't you? I will post the project, you come in and purchase your yarn and I will email the pattern. I have also ordered beautiful pom poms for your hats from Life's Little Things, they are handmade in Colorado, I've had them before. I will let you know when they arrive.

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

Katy