Winter Blues

 I've got the winter blues, but in a good way.  My recent knitting has tended toward the blue end of the spectrum.  Here's some of what I've been up to.

      On the needles is a new shawl, knit with Dancing Colors Yarn in the color Bluet. The shawl is a one skein project that will have it's premier January 19 at Knit Knack, during the 3 day trunk show. and workshop event.

And going up in the Ravelry shop this week is the Dakota Shawl Redux, one of my most popular slip stitch designs, updated and revised, also in Bluet with a black companion yarn to set it off.

 

I've got shawls on the brain and that's a good thing since the Shawl Study Workshop starts up for 2012 on Thursday.  It's a full house (studio) for January but there are openings in the upcoming months.  The workshop has an ongoing, join when you like, work on what you want, format.  You can come every month (two classes a month) or just the months that suit your schedule.  We've been covering some beautiful shawls and great techniques.  Join us if you can.

Well back to my knitting.  I have an old love tune stuck in my head... "Blue, blue , my world is blue"....

True, it's blue, but very warm and cozy.

 

Just Dyeing

It was a good week last week in the dye studio.  I've been experimenting with some new techniques for dyeing roving and I like the results.  I'm in what I call the "Run for the Markets", my annual dyeing marathon that occurs this time every year as I stock up for some big yarn and fiber events that will happen in January and February.   Experimenting is my treat after another session of dyeing my regular favorite Dancing Colors.  I keep notes like crazy just so I can understand what's happening with the colors and fibers.   Endlessly fascinating.

   January will start off right with Knit Knack in Arvada hosting the Dancing Colors Trunk Show, January 19-21.  I'll have lots of hand-dyed yarn there and we'll be trying on garments and planning projects all three days.  On Sunday, January 22nd, we'll top off this event with a one-day workshop on the Cusco Jacket from Knitted Jackets. 

     Cusco Jacket

       Then February takes off with the annual Rocky Mountain Sew Expo.  This is not just for sewing fans!  I have a booth at this event each year with yarns, books, spinning fiber, Japanese textiles, and usually some surprises as well.  This show is one of my favorites, the fellows that organize it really put on a good show, and it is filled with inspiration for all kinds of fiber-y craft.  It's a beautiful spot of color for the early days of February.
    On February 11, I'm pleased to announce, we've arranged for Wild Yarns to hold a one-day trunk show of my OM hand-dyed organic merino micro dye lots.  Come take a look at these one of a kind colors in this yummy yarn.  We'll have great project ideas too, including an upcoming class (in March) at the shop on Carol's Clever Little shawl.

     The end of February I'm off to Stitches West with 400 pounds of goodies and new designs.
     Whew.  So it's back to the dye pots.  Looks like another good week is in the works.