Madrona Tree

At last, I've done some knitting I can show you!  

And even better than that, I can give it to you, too!  Click here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/madrona-tree for your FREE download. 

The lovely and talented Suzanne, whose brainchild is the Madrona Winter Retreat, asked me if I would please design a hat to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the retreat.  And who could say no to that?  In fact, once I got going, I couldn't stop until I had two hats.  Sometimes one version just isn't enough.

There's going to be a knitalong, too!  Organized by Madrona's own Daniel H, you can join in here:
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/madrona-fiber-arts-fans--attendees/2703535/1-25#2

I can't wait to see everyone's unique interpretation!

Life Offline

Didja miss me?  I had to go sub-level there for a bit while I buttoned up the final patterns for my new book.  Which, by the way, now has a real live title!  Unless it changes!  Again!  It's called "Fun Fantastical Hats to Knit", which I think pretty much sums it up.  Fun? But of course!  Fantastical?  Um, have we MET?  You're gonna love this one - My inner March Hare got complete creative freedom.  I don't know the official publication date, but I'll keep you posted.  Spring, 2014, we think.

What else?  Well, I'm working on a special project for the Madrona Winter Retreat, which will be available for FREE to you, my Gentle Readers, regardless of whether or not you can make it to the retreat this year.  And there's going to be a knitalong!  I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.  Tune in later this week for the big debut.

Bummer: I'm getting a needle poked in my eye again later today. 
Less-Bummer: Good chance this will be the last time. Yay!  Needle-poking is not enjoyable.  But neither is blindness, so, you know.

I'm so excited for autumn to finally be here.  It's been a long summer.  I don't know about you, but I start to twitch if it's too hot to wear a sweater.  Probably my Pacific Northwest upbringing:  I have to keep the moss on my back damp.

What's everybody knitting?  Chime in and let us know!

Get Behind the Wheel

Happy September, Gentle Readers!  At last it's time to send the Smallies (and Husband) back to school, and start checking the trees for signs of turning leaves.  Another sign of Fall here in the Pacific Northwest is the annual Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, in Canby Oregon.  I've always attended as a participant before, but this year I'm honored to also be a Teacher! 

I'll be presenting my "Knitting Behind the Wheel" workshop on Friday, September 27th from 9-4:30.  Students will receive my exclusive class kit, which includes a pattern, your very own personal color wheel, and all the yarn you need to make one of these:

Won't you please come and join in the fun?  Workshop registration closes Friday, so don't delay.  I'll see you behind the Wheel!