This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for a few reasons (one of which has been moving house this spring/summer), and largely very busy. I’ve had less time for crafts in general, but I have managed to pick up some knitting now and then. I finished two pattern samples earlier in the year (more on which at a later date), but I’ve managed to finish a few other things for myself as well. After a big (overdue) blocking party, I finally have some photos to share.
I finished up my Laurentian mittens (previously shared here) in April. These are a variation on a pattern I designed for the book Knits from the LYS: A collection by Espace Tricot. I quite like how these turned out and I’m looking forward to wearing them this year. I used Hogna Garn (semi-local Norwegian wool) together with four shades of Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift from stash (Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Foxglove, and Conifer).
I also finally decided how I wanted to finish the fringe on my tartan Selbu Spinneri shawl (also previously shared here). This is a knitted shawl with yarns woven in vertically when the knitting is finished. I finished the weaving part of this project last November, but I couldn’t decide how I wanted to finish off the fringe, so that took me until April this year. I finally got it blocked now in September. I fell in love with these colors (which are dyed in the wool before the yarn is spun) and I absolutely love how they work together in the tartan. This is another one I’m looking forward to wearing (and if I can find a little extra time, I’m considering writing it up as a pattern).
We went to Washington state last Christmas break and I started a pair of socks on that trip. Six months later, I finally finished them. I noticed after working the second toe that I’d done a different decrease rate and the toes don’t match, but they fit well enough regardless. These are a modified By the Seine River by Dona Knits, and I used Lille Rille‘s Acorn Harvest colorway.
And lastly, a WIP: a Totoro cardigan for the kiddo. I’m using charts from Tammy Wallace’s Totoro Sweater Notes & Charts and the base pattern for the sweater is Tin Can Knits’ Compass, with some obvious modifications (cardigan rather than pullover). This one’s going to be cute and I’m enjoying working on it! But I’m also looking forward to casting on a new garment for myself. I’ve made a fair bit of progress since this photo was taken (currently working on the button band), so I should be knitting something new before too long.
I hope to settle in with some proper crafting time this autumn (as I apply for new jobs, since my temporary contracts are now finished). My spinning wheel hasn’t been touched in well over a year, and I’d like to remedy that, and my knitting queue is plenty long as well! But I also want to take it easy when I can, and give myself time to go for walks, read, and simply give my thoughts some space. I hope you’re able to find pockets of time to do the same.
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