The kicker is, we’re going backpack only. And not even a big backpack; one that fits under the seat. When my kid booked our flights, he noted that it was an extra few hundred dollars for a carry-on, never mind actual checked luggage (which we never have anyway). So we’re doing it LIGHT.

As a result of this, I wasn’t really planning on bringing knitting. WHAT???? Yes, I won’t have much room and I should use it for clothes, shouldn’t I. But when I told my son, he almost looked panicked and said “You have to”. I thought it was hilarious that this dude (he’s 31) is telling me to being knitting on vacation to Asia. To be fair, he’s bringing his laptop so he can work while we’re away. But a laptop that squeezes nicely into a slim pocket is different than balls of yarn and needles.

When I really think about it though, what would I do on the travel days? The long train rides would probably kill me if I didn’t have knitting. So let’s see what I can squeeze into my pack.

I also did some research into potential yarn shops, thinking I would just pick up some sock yarn over there. They don’t seem to have wool wool there. Lots of acrylic and t-shirt yarn for crochet – seems to be very popular out there. So worse case, I pick up some crochet while I’m there.

The luggage restriction only applies to the flights there. The rest of my flights include a carry-on. So if I pick up a few things along the way…

Stay tuned for a potential update from the “road”.

First, let me show you the PHM jacket on its intended recipient.

I was so happy to finally wrap this up and hand it over. I’m relieved it fits and he seemed to be tickled by it. Exhale.

My friend Michelle keeps giving me the gears because I didn’t charge him for the hours I spent working it. Honestly, in the beginning, I wanted to make it. That’s why I offered. I obviously didn’t know what a pain it would be. But now it’s over and I never have to make another if that is my choice. And that is my choice (right now).

MOVING ON…

I traveled to PEI for the seventh time a few weeks ago. I love PEI so much – the feel of the place is just so… GOOD. I don’t know that I can find the right words to describe how it is for me when I go there.

Enchanting
Amusing
Full of wonder
It feels spacious
I feel content
I feel ease

I could honestly go on. But I wrote a whole article on my Substack if you’re interested: “My Island Love Affair”.

Cause I know you’re here for the knitting, let’s get on with it. Right?

I feel like all I’ve been talking about is that jacket… actually, I have. But I’ve had a few other projects on the go, albeit small ones.

I tested two mitten patterns for my friend Mary with yarn I had in my stash. How perfect!

The first are my favourite! I’m trying to convince her to give them a fancy name. Don’t you think they deserve a fancy name? I knit them out of some 80/20 fingering held with some silk/mohair I dyed ages ago. I love these so much I’ve taken out more yarn from my stash to make another neutral pair.

The second pair are the Double Wing Mitts. I knit them out of Lett-Lopi I’ve had in my stash forever. They worked up crazy-fast.

When she releases the patterns, I’ve asked if she would give me a discount code I can provide to the viewers of my podcast.

WHILE I WAS IN PEI, I headed to Fleece and Harmony. I used to go to Belfast MiniMills but they closed their store and only make mill equipment now – which Fleece and Harmony are using. But I wanted my PEI yarn to make my PEI Jennifer Steingass sweater like I have the last three times I visited.

This year’s sweater is the Goldwing:

Isn’t it stunning? I love her patterns. This will be my fourth Jen Steingass.

These are my colours:

I love them together. But guys, I’m doubting that pink next to my face. I’m going with it anyway because I only have enough to do the top part of the sweater. My fingers are crossed that I can pull off this colour. And it’s a really fun knit.

Here’s how she’s going:

While I was at Fleece and Harmony, I also got enough yarn (and a bit extra) to make the Spring Tide by Tania Barley. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this cardigan since the first time I saw it on Instagram.

Here’s the colour I’m going with for the cardi:

This green is so beautiful I can hardly wait to start this piece. I know it will be a labour of love but I’m still very much looking forward to it. (As a rule, I try not to have more than one large project on my needles at one time.)

Just because I needed to work with these colours, I got a few bonus skeins that are not yet slated for a specific project..

While still in PEI, I drove out to Green Gable Alpacas. What a treat that was! I was given a farm tour, got to meet all the alpacas, including that few-days-old cria (I’m pretty sure they called her Grace), and got to have a wonderful chat with the owner – who happens to be from Ontario.

Obviously, I got yarn. I haven’t decided what this will be yet, but I’ll take suggestions.

That’s it for the yarn I purchased in PEI.

But I spun a lot while I was there – batts made by my wonderful friend Michelle from Au Fil des Jours.

I eventually moved on to Nova Scotia. I started a new pair of socks with yarn I got from a variety store in Antigonish, NS. This store had a wall of Briggs & Little! So fun.

And because I had run out of fibre to spin, I headed over to Ma’s Wool Co and got more. Unfortunately, I never got around to spinning in Cape Breton – I was too busy looking for lighthouses.

Then I stopped in Sydney, NS. Mostly it was to check out Tracy’s Rolling Yarn Shop – a shop that started as a yarn truck but is now also an amazing brick and mortar. I immediately clicked with the owner, Tracy. We sat and had a long chat. I left with a vase I fell in love with that she had hooks in, a hug and talks of bringing her and her yarn truck to Cornwall. Stay tuned for that.

Obviously, I bought some yarn there too! On top of the many, many fibre braids from Fleece Artist/Hand Maiden.

Honestly, I’m not sure what’s going on with me and pink right now. We appear to be having a moment.

All in, I feel great about my trip. I had the most wonderful time and feel like I made a few friends along the way.

I DO feel guilty about how much I spent on yarn and fibre. I’m sure I’ll get over it, eventually.

Tell me what you’re working on! I also need ideas for what to make with all this new yarn so share your ideas.

Chat soon!

M

I wanted to leave a note here to let you know that I’ve started writing over on Substack. I’m still Mimimustknit and I still write about knitting there. But I’ve also started writing about other things.

I decided to start writing there because I love the idea that my “essays” get delivered to your email inbox. How cool is that?!

I find it difficult to keep track of all the people I want to hear from when I have to deliberately go looking for new posts. I LOVE getting the blogs, essays or newsletters delivered right to my email.

If you feel the same, here’s how you can find me. Subscribing to my posts is free. I know there are a lot of paid communities there but mine is free.

I’ll be back soon with an update on my Project Hail Mary jacket.

It’s now 2026 and there’s a 100% chance I’m not the same person I was at 34.

In the last few years, I’ve found it hard to show up here. Writing just didn’t feel easy like it did back then. I was using this blog as a kind of journal in those days, which was fun.

This week, during the quiet moments at work, I went through and read some of my old posts. My voice was loud and clear for those first few years. I was having a great time posting what I was up to – not just what I was knitting on.

So, what happened? Why did I stop sharing my life? Am I just boring now? Is what I’m up to just not interesting? (No, that’s not it. Haha. I might be more interesting now because I give less shits.)

There are so many things I’m passionate about that are not knitting. When I started this blog, I was just getting into spinning. A few years ago, I started making some of my own personal care products. I could write you a whole post on the things I (don’t) use to help our little planet. I discovered lino carving, dabbled in embroidery and recently discovered leather work. OMG! SO. MANY. THINGS!!!

I really hate that I have to work. Legit, I resent that I can’t stay home and be creative all day every day! Alas, I have to pay for my lovely house and support my yarn/travel/book addictions.

Last year, I stopped buying yarn. I have a very BIG stash. I have yarn that’s been around since I discovered yarn shows in 2006. (And this is only part of it. I also have fibre stash under the spare room bed. Hihi)

And what did I do? I started buying books instead. I even had two more shelves built for my wall of books. And still I have piles of books on the ground that have no permanent home yet.

I have learned something about myself: When I discover a new way to express my creativity, I have to be very careful to not go crazy buying all the things. It’s easy for me to get obsessed with something and want to buy all the supplies to do that thing. Then I discover something new a month later and I want to buy all the tools for that craft. So you can imagine what my office/library/yarn room looks like.

So, I’m making myself a promise to show up here and just share what’s on my mind, what I’m working on, what I’m loving and other cool shit. I’m also making myself a promise to show up on my YouTube channel whether my hair is washed or not, whether it’s gloomy outside or not. No more excuses.

My creativity is THE most important thing for me. If I can inspire just a few people to try something new (like knitting an Icelandic sweater) or to get back to something they loved once, then it’ll be worth it.

What are you working on? What are you loving? What are you reading?