Dirty Water DyeWorks

Last Sunday we had a great time at Farm Fiber Day.  The market was bustling, and it was wonderful to see so many happy, creative fiber people.  If you missed it, we'll be doing it all over again on March 9.  More about that later.

I had a fresh sample on display.

This sample used Lillian held with Shimmer both in Shocking.  The shawl is substantial, and you'll need two skeins of each base.  Go bold or choose something more subdued.  There are plenty of colors to choose from.

There are more new things in the works for New England Farm and Fiber Festival on February 2.  Follow the link for event details.  Note that this is a ticketed event.

I'm in the mood for bright colors right now - must be the grey days.  This week's color inspiration . . .

Another week, another sample spotlight.

The Traveler Cowl (Ravelry link).

This is a relaxing cowl project that is knit flat with a short seam in the back.  The design is very flexible, and substituting yarn is easy.  The pattern includes four sizes, so there are plenty of options.

This sample is made with Lillian and Shimmer, both in Daiquiri Ice.  If you're out and about this weekend for the Knit North Yarn Crawl, you'll find the sample plus kits at Another Yarn.  It will also be on display at the spring fiber events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

Happy Friday!  This week has been a slog, and it's a relief to be heading into the weekend.

Today I have a finished project to share.  This one has been off the needles for a while, but I kept forgetting to post an update.

The construction is pretty straightforward.  The cowl starts with a provisional cast on, and it's worked as a tube in the round.  When it's finished, the two ends are joined with a 3-needle bind off.  It's a relaxing project.  Perfect for those times when you need something that doesn't require too much attention.

The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in Topaz. Look for kits in a variety of colors at upcoming events.

This week's color inspiration . . .

I always have a small, portable project to keep me company when I'm out and about. A few weeks ago I started a cowl.  I didn't really have a plan, but it was a fun knit.  One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I had a new kit on my hands.

Kits will be available at the fall shows including this weekend at Vermont Sheep & Wool.  Stop by our booth at any of the events and take a look at the sample.  When things quiet down, I'll also list it on the website.

I've been working on several bigger projects this summer, but they aren't very handy when I'm out and about. That's why I always have at least one portable project on the needles.

I work a few rows here and there when I'm on the go. They all add up.  Before I know it, I have another finished project.

This week's color inspiration . . .

As promised, a project off the needles and blocked.

Masgot (Ravelry link).

More fun with garter stitch and stripes, but this time there are a few contrasting short row sections.  This shawl is a relaxing project with a little action to keep things interesting.  The yarn is Lillian in Juniper, Cool Waters and Ginger.

This sample (along with several others) will be on display Saturday afternoon at Yarn's End.  Stop by and take a look.

I have a new sample ready for this weekend at New Hampshire Sheep & Wool.

For those who are interested, I used Lillian in Daiquiri Ice, Shocking and IPA.  There are many great color combos, and it's fun to play around with options.

If you want to see this sample (or any of the many others we'll have on hand), stop by our booth this weekend in Building A - Arts & Crafts.

We're rolling out a new sample this weekend.

One more note.  This shawl was made with Lillian in Sea Glass, Sea Green and Raspberry Fizz.

This week's color inspiration . . .

I'm still on a hat kick over here.  I finished one and packed it up for mailing only to realize I forgot to take a picture.  I also finished a sample hat, but I managed to grab a quick shot before the light faded completely.

This is my new favorite hat pattern.  I have another hat in the same pattern on the needles now.  My daughter requested it, and it's almost finished.  After that, I'll probably make one for myself.  After knitting all these hats, I deserve a new one.

I'm wrapping up the week with a quick sample spotlight.

Ranunculus (Ravelry link).

This sweater was on the road with me this fall.  The pattern includes several different options, and it's easy to customize.  Many people have made it.  Check the project pages on Ravelry for inspiration.  It's a fun, quick knit.

The yarn is Lillian held with Shimmer, both in From the Bog.

I'm starting to wrap my head around the fact that the holidays are right around the corner.  I haven't done any decorating, but I need to get going.  This week's color inspiration puts me in the mood for Thanksgiving.

Shades of orange.

I had several new samples on display at Rhinebeck and haven't shared many of them as finished objects. Here's a quick look at one of them.

Fruit Tingles Shawl (Ravelry link).  I paired Lillian Fog with a Mini Multi Bundle (No. 6  to be exact).  The colored sections include a fun stitch pattern.  I had to pay attention on those rows, but they weren't hard.  The rest was relaxing garter stitch.

Cheers to the weekend.  I'm looking forward to planning a new project or two.

I found this week's color inspiration at Rhinebeck.

Time flies in the fall!  I blinked and lost a week.  Yes, it was a busy week including a whirlwind trip to Vermont. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth.  It was fun to see familiar faces and make new friends.

Now I'm in the midst of the chaos that is Rhinebeck prep. I'm pretty sure I'm adding to my lists faster than I'm checking things off.  Eventually the tide will turn, and I'll be able to tick off a bunch of to-do items.

Here's a peek at one of the new Rhinebeck samples.

Wildwood Shawl.  The pattern calls for three colors, and I chose Lillian in Cool Waters, Ginger and Pearl.  Stripes, lace, short rows . . . this design has a variety of entertaining elements.  The shawl is substantial and easy to wear.  Take a look at this pattern if you want to play with a combination of three colors.

The weekend went by all too quickly, but I'm ready to get busy for another week.  Here's a quick project update.

This has been a fun knit.  Even more fun to spread it out and see all the colors lined up!

I did a lot of knitting over the weekend, but in terms of productivity, it was a mixed bag.  On Sunday I ripped out a section I had knit on Saturday.  That section has now been re-knit, but there wasn't any forward progress on the project.

On the other hand, I did start and finish a small project.

Romi Hill (Ravelry link) designed this cowl and is donating a portion of the pattern sales to organizations that promote full reproductive healthcare.

The pattern is written for both DK and fingering weight yarn - preferably a green color.  I used Lillian in Leprechaun for this cowl.  The only modification I made was omitting the tassel.

This is a quick project.  Make one for yourself or as a gift.  Check the pattern page to see how much money has already been raised.

Here's a sample spotlight to start the week.

One section also incorporates bobbles.

Quick update.  There's still time to get in on the Brioche Kit & Class.

Just as I thought.

I'm at a bit of a loss without a simple project on the needles.  It's time to cast on another hat.

For those who are local to Boston, I have a quick event update.  Farm Fiber Day is this Sunday, and the event newsletter went out earlier today.  Check here for all the details including a complete vendor list.  Note that our booth will be in the same location as the January market.

I gave myself a little extra knitting time this weekend and finished a couple things.  It's always such a good feeling to see empty needles.

I've made this sweater at least two other times, but this is the first one without the lace yoke.  Plain stockinette throughout.

Since my usual Monday schedule is a little off with the holiday, I have some "extra time" on my hands.  I'll definitely be casting on something new later today.

I'm back with another sample highlight, and I can't believe I haven't shared this one yet.

This design features short rows, slip stitches and stripes.  The asymmetrical shape makes it easy to wear.

This pattern has many options for color combinations.  Go ahead and experiment!  It's always fun to plot and plan color choices.

In spite of myself, I managed to have a productive day.  I checked off a lot of things on my to-do list.  Unfortunately, not much of it was holiday related.  The good news . . . If you placed an order in the last week or so, it's been shipped.

Here's another sample highlight to take you into the weekend.

I worked on this cowl here, there and everywhere.  It was easy to pick up and put down.  I really miss having this entertaining yet mindless project on the needles.  And I'm thrilled with the way it turned out.

I used a Mini Multi Bundle (No. 7 to be exact) along with Lillian Fog as the main color.  I had to crack open a second skein of Fog, but you could easily make adjustments to get the cowl out of one.

This week's color inspiration . . .

It's that time of year.  Get ready for the annual Casapinka MKAL!

The first clue will drop on August 14.  Six clues over six weeks.

The project requires four skeins of fingering weight yarn.  We've put together a few new bundles in addition to the large selection already available.  Hop over to the website to see all the Lillian Bundle options.  Don't forget you can also select your own four colors of Lillian.  So many choices . . . picking colors is half the fun.