Good morning! The weekend just flew by, didn’t it? It was sunny and pleasantly warm here. We were lucky to have a weekend without a ton of humidity but plenty of sunshine -not too bad for late July! I can feel myself sliding into a little reading rut right now because almost nothing is holding my attention. I blame it on a book hangover from The House of Doors! I’m sure things will settle back into place soon but in the meantime: I am knitting!
The knitting bug bit me hard this weekend. I managed about 3″ on the body of my Junction sweater, which is probably the most knitting I’ve done over the weekend in years. This pattern is so easy to memorize and I have a good rhythm in place for alternating skeins every row, so I’m hoping that will encourage me to take this out during the quiet moments of the day. A stitch or two at a time adds up quickly and I might have this finished by apple season?
I am already dreaming about my next project. Remember this sweet ball of handspun that Sarah sent me? I’ve kept it on the shelf next to my desk since last August, trying to find the perfect project for it. I think it’s going to become Andrea Mowry’s* newest pattern: a Tessellated Vest (Ravelry link). Possibly with ontheround in Latte or Harrisville Daylights in Caffeine as the main color? Neither of those seem like the right weight of yarn but I’d like something in that color family – white/natural with some brown/tannish flecks. I am open to suggestions! And then I’ll just need a pop of something fuzzy. I’m already all 😍 over it!
I am kicking myself for not making any warm weather knits again this year. I start every year with the best intentions but then fall so far behind! I have been enjoying videos by YoungFolk Knits lately and it seems like she makes so many tops that are perfect for summer and I am so jealous! And she’s got me considering sewing garments again, which I KNOW is a bad idea for me. But the Hinterland dress? And the Orchards dress? Why can’t I sew??! Isn’t that something I should be able to do??! And this is where the spiral always begins, friends! I can feel myself falling into a rabbit hole and I’m trying not to fall too deep.
So I’ll stop myself right here before I start spinning any faster! I hope to be back on Wednesday with a reading update. Until then – take good care!
*PS. Andrea Mowry’s birthday sale is coming up soon so make sure you’re signed up for her newsletter!
The Cozy Burrow 
Had to look at that “Hinterland” dress. 😉 Pretty! That sweater is absolutely lovely. I really enjoyed seeing the progress you made.
As for reading… when you have finished a book you really, really like, it is often hard to get into another one. But, with me, anyway, it doesn’t take long before I find another.
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Ha! Yes – the Hinterland dress is VERY pretty 🙂 One of the benefits of a book hangover is that it gives me an opportunity to spend more time reflecting on what I loved about the book. So while it’s a small bummer for my TBR progress, it’s a very good thing overall!
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The sweater is looking amazing! (Have you tried it on recently? I hope it fits perfectly now!) I’d really like to be able to sew clothing for myself, but I’d really need to take the time to learn to do it properly, and right now other things are more important to me for my free time. But someday!
I can’t wait to see what you decide to do with the handspun. And if you did need some more yarn in coordinating colors, I just might have a skein or two in my stash. 😉
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YES! I’ve tried it on and I think it’s fitting beautifully. I’m hoping to get a picture on Thursday night — wish me luck. I am selfie-challenged. Thank you for offering up more handspun for the tessellated vest — I will let you know!!
And I hear you about not having the time to learn to sew correctly. Even a simple skirt is such an effort for me. I get overwhelmed when thinking about tracing out a pattern, cutting it out, and then cutting out the fabric. And I only have small amounts of time for things like this, so then I have to think about where I can lay all of this out and know that it won’t be disturbed? And then I freeze up and can’t make any decisions because I can’t get past those first steps!!
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Your sweater is looking so good Katie! I used to make a lot of clothes, but I have not really sewn anything in years…maybe I should??
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Thanks, Vera! And I don’t know about whether you SHOULD make your own clothes… but maybe if you miss it then it could be a fun thing to do again? But if you don’t miss it — there are plenty of other things you really enjoy doing!!
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The Hinterland dress is so perfect with sweaters – and as soon as I can stand long enough to cut fabric, I will be making one for my closet. Buddy sew?
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Eep! I don’t know if I’m ready for a buddy sew??! How about this: let me know when you’re ready to get started and I’ll decide then. Because actually sewing is a very scary thought for me, hahaha!
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I can do a bit of patch up sewing – like sewing a button on, putting a hem in pant legs, that sort of thing. But that’s the extent of it. LOL And I can’t knit even a stitch! I can crochet, though, which from what I can tell has some similarities with knitting, yes?
Reading ruts are the pits. I often go with something short, or re-read a favorite, or pick something from my favorite genre. Usually one of those works. But sometimes it doesn’t and I just have to take a break. Binge watch some shows, watch some movies for a bit, work on a project. 🙂
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YES – knitting and crocheting are definitely in the same family!! I love your advice on getting out of a reading rut – thank you! I turned to Maisie Dobbs this time; I don’t think I’m quite out of my rut but it was nice to continue her story for a little while!
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I have a couple of Maisie Dobbs but haven’t read them yet. I have one in print and I think one in audiobook. How do you like them? How would you compare them – like Christie, like Louise Penny, like the Veronica Speedwell books?
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I really love Maisie Dobbs! I’m completely unfamiliar with Veronica Speedwell so I can’t compare the two, but I’d say that leans more towards Louise Penny than Christie. The Maisie Dobbs books keeps the same cast of characters throughout the series and Maisie is such a wonderful, thoughtful person.
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I need to give this series a try then! I haven’t started them because I want to read them in order. So I’ll have to make a note to get a copy of the first book soon. 🙂
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Your sweater is coming right along!! (and book hangover is such a good thing!)
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Thanks, Kat!
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Best wishes with your sewing. For me – project bags (for me so it doesn’t matter that I can’t seem to figure out how to the lining seams on the correct side) are the extend of my “sewing”. Just saw Andrea’s podcast with her wearing the Tessellated Vest. That yarn will be great for it.
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Thank you!! I love sewing project bags and how endless the possibilities are. I just can’t see to find the right time to get down to my sewing machine!
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I bought the Hinterland dress pattern awhile ago, but I haven’t made it. I just need unlimited time 🙂 I’m in a reading slump as well, I think it’s likely because it’s summer and there are a lot of other things to do and I’m less inclined to sit down with a book. I also want to make some knitted t-shirts, but maybe that’s a winter project.
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Unlimited time would be such a gift! Enjoy the end of summer – you’re right, there’s so many things pulling on us right now, so it’s nice to focus elsewhere for a bit. I love the strategy of knitting up summery things during the winter – they’re more likely to be ready to wear that way!
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As Karen suggested above, a reread is perfect for busting a reading slump! Hope it passes quickly.
Good luck with your knitting projects! As a non-textile crafty person, I am always in awe!
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Thanks, Laila! Maisie Dobbs has been a wonderful way to spend my reading rut. Not too taxing but utterly enjoyable.
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Wow, what great progress on your Junction and I’m all for cheering you on for some dress sewing! those patterns are great, and you could layer with a cardigan to wear in the spring and well into the fall, too. DO IT!!!
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Both of those dresses look PERFECT for layering with cardigans, cropped sweaters, and vests. They are a knitter’s delight! But I am an awful sewist. Just awful. And that is frustrating to me! I know the only way I’ll get better is with effort, but I’m not sure I have the effort available right now. But I am trying to decide!
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What nice progress on that sweater. I do love it when a project finds a good rhythm. I know what you mean about the sewing rabbit hole. I did order a skirt pattern but have yet to trace off my size let alone look for fabric.
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Thanks, Jane! And it’s good to know that I’m not the only one who orders these patterns and then struggles to find the time to follow through with them!
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Your sweater is going to be beautiful when you’re finished Katie and love your ideas for future knits too. I’ve wanted to make a Hinderland for a very long time. I can sew, but I’m not good e to tackle that quite yet.
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Thanks so much, Tina! The Hinterland is really intimidating to me but goodness — isn’t it cute and perfect for knitters? It’s been nice to see you back around the blogging world!
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You’re so welcome Katie and thank you as well ☺️
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Three inches of sweater is great progress! It’s looking fantastic. And the handspun has gorgeous colours, looking forward to seeing what you make of it.
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Thanks so much! I have been hoarding that handspun and am thrilled to find a pattern that looks perfect for it 😀
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