I just spent two weeks touring part of the East Coast of Canada on my own. Dudes! I got so much yarn it’s almost embarrassing.
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