Not-Quite Rhinebeck Sweater

Even though I started in July, I’m not confident I’ll have my Lightweight Pullover done for Rhinebeck. I know, I know. There are plenty of knitters who whip out a sweater in a week, but I’m not one of them. No amount of peer pressure can make me knit faster! Still, I’m pleased with the sweater. The Noro Ayatori’s colors whisper spring, which will make this a welcome garment as the world turns gray. My only complaint: Ayatori is underspun in places. Read: it breaks now and again.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Shannon and Kate a little at Stitches East over the weekend. Dragonfly Fibers’s tag line is “The color of happiness,” and I’m here to say: this is a true thing. I think Kate’s got magic eyes that lets her make such pretty yarn for the rest of us.

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Here’s some random Monday goodies:

Taproot Magazine. I haven’t subscribed yet, but I’ve been enjoying the website. It makes me feel peaceful.

Signature Needles. Picked up a set of dpns for the not-quite-Rhinebeck sweater sleeves. The sharp points rock!

Abbi by Elizabeth Smith. Maybe Kate sent me home with enough Super Traveller in Peach Melba to make my own. Guess she didn’t want me nicking the cozy sample that we were all wearing throughout the weekend.

World Enough and Time by Christian McEwan. She spoke at my university recently. I had to miss it, but I’ve been enjoying her book every morning while I eat breakfast. It, too, makes me feel peaceful, helping me to remember what is important to my creative life.

New post on my hairpin lace blog. I revised an old favorite pattern and made a handy pdf.

A beautiful reminder from Courtney Carver. The year is not over! What will you accomplish in these last 80-ish days of 2012?

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I woke up knowing that I’d dreamed of Rhinebeck. This year, my dear Sara won’t be with me. We’re both experiencing some sadness over this. Six years ago, we held a tag sale to get ourselves spending money for the festival everyone chatted up, and we’ve gone together each year since. It won’t be the same without her, but it is a long commute from the banks of l’Oise to the banks of the Hudson!  Luckily, Rae agreed to keep me company, and I’m looking forward to seeing all my on-line peeps.

Be sure to stop me and say hi, will you? And don’t judge me if the only new knit I have is my red FLS!

Are you going to Rhinebeck?