It was a productive and pleasant day. Work was very busy, but it always is when school is delayed due to weather; somehow those two hours get crammed in somehow. During lunch, I made some progress on knit on my ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ sock. Initially, I wasn’t crazy about Knit Picks Palette, but it is growing on me and I think the final result will be a nice, sturdy sock. I adore the pattern. It is easy enough to do and the result is very subtle. If you don’t know the designer (Dani), I recommend you check out her podcast Little Bobbins Knits. Bobbins is her pup and he makes a very cute co-host.
After work, we went to the gym. I stayed on the treadmill, but after reading a blog by AJ of A Petite Slice of Life , I was motivated to add a little running to the mix. I ran two miles. No, not all at once. I alternated walking with 5 minute intervals of running (trotting? lumbering?). My son was running on the treadmill to my left, and each time I switched from walking to running, he would look over and give me a high five.
I love catching up on knitting podcasts while I am doing cardio; really makes the time fly. Today, I watched one of my favorites, The Gentle Knitter. Nicole is from Canada and she has a quiet and soothing demeanor. Her work in a natural history museum speaks to the earth girl in me. Her episodes rarely exceed an hour, and the projects she creates are done in very muted and natural wool. As much as I love all the speckled this and fancy that, I prefer things a bit more earthy in nature. As she was sharing some of her recent FOs and give -away items, I decided to make it a goal this year to make a fair isle sweater for myself. If any of you have a favorite pattern, I would love to hear about it. Raglan style with a two-color yolk would be my preference. She is wearing the Branches and Buds pattern that seems to be everywhere these days, but I would be seeking out something a little less mainstream. I imagine I could take the main construction of the sweater and incorporate a different design on the yolk, but to be honest, I don’t think I have the skills. Isn’t the neckline beautiful? So feminine.
We are expecting snow in the Northeast tomorrow. Snow days = knitting days!
Currently casting on: The All-ways Cowl by Laura Nelkin. I have joined her 2018 First Quarter KAL. This will be my first project incorporating beads into my knitting, as well as my first KAL. The group is extremely helpful and Laura is very active as well, offering her guidance when people like me complicate the uncomplicated. (it’s a gift) I am only in the casting on stage so I have nothing to show. I do recommend you take one of her Craftsy classes, or if you really want a treat, participate in the Knit Stars series. Very cool!! After a few false starts, I am ready to cast on. All the beads have been strung.
That’s it for now. I hope you have a blessed day and if you have the good fortune to hug a doggo, do so at all cost! My hug will be going to this guy!
Sipping: Coffee, coffee and more coffee
Listening: To my boys playing video games!
Today’s Saint: St. Colette Read more about her here.
Love,
Regina
Cosmicknitter 
Have you checked out Elizabeth Zimmermann’s books? She does great sweaters that you design yourself. It’s a great jumping off point. I knit one of her yoke sweaters a few years ago. The sweater came out nice but I didn’t fuss enough to get the perfect fit. Next time I will or so I keep telling myself.
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To be honest, I have not. I have read much of her writing, but never applied the formula to something of my own. I really do lack confidence in myself and ability. A snow day is the perfect opportunity to do a little planning. Great idea!
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You have inspired me to investigate a few podcasts over the next couple of weeks – something I haven’t done much of before. Thanks!
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In some of my posts, I have mentioned a few that I enjoy. I think what is important for me is finding ones that I can relate to. I look forward to hearing about the ones you like. Be well and happy Friday!
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Just before Christmas, I knit a (toddler-sized) Fair Isle sweater using the Strange Brew Sweater Pattern by Tin Can Knits. It’s a basic pattern that you design your own yoke. It was really easy to follow (and I LOVED doing a little designing!).
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I have read about that. I think between EZ and TCN, I should be able to concoct something. Who knows…it may even turn out well! Thank you for the suggestion.
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