Coming Up Roses

Vogue Knitting Live was everything you'd expect: Glamourous surroundings, fantastic marketplace, A-list teachers, and of course, enthusiastic and talented students. Everyone was so jazzed to be there, and you just can't help but get swept up in that kind of atmosphere. 

And now I'm back home, enjoying some overdue R & R, plus a little something I call "work":

Abstract Fiber Temptation; 70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon

Can you believe this is my to-do list for today? It's for a project about roses. With cashmere. Somebody pinch me! So soft I can hardly even feel it. And the colors! It's a piece that will be worn up next to the face, so, beautiful + luxurious = perfect!

It's raining today, and just chilly enough for a sweater (finally!). I'm drinking tea and swatching, and there is one Scotty dog on either side of me.  I'm pretty much blissed out. 

I wish you a moment like this, somewhere in your day today. You deserve it.

A Menu for Mittens

Next weekend at Vogue Knitting Live in Chicago, I'm debuting my newest class: Your Mittens, Your Way.

This is a class that has been requested by my students so often that I just had to create it. We'll select from patterns for three main components: Lower edge treatments, Thumb architecture, and Top shaping. Then I'll show you how to work each one and combine them to create your own personal mitten masterpiece. Students each get a copy of my exclusive Mitten Menu, a workbook that offers instructions for 184 possible combinations!

If you're in or near the Windy City, please join us; I solemnly promise mitten mayhem.

Thinking Pink

I scored 1350 yards of cashmere at Black Sheep Gathering this year. All of it pink.

Pink is not my go-to color, but when it's cashmere, I mean, Hello: Get in my stash! But as I was petting it in the wee hours this morning, a casual glance around the room proved I like pink more than I am aware. All these things were in direct view. All pink.

What would you do, Gentle Readers? Dye it some other hue? Stick with the bubblegum? And while I'm asking, What's a great pattern for 1350 yards of cashmere laceweight?

Sorry for the late lack of posts, by the way - I've been pretty incoherent while adjusting to the night life. I'm starting to feel my new normal, though, so thanks for sticking with me!