New Fall Line: Bigger, Better, Nerdier

If you've been wondering what I've been up to instead of following my usual blog schedule, the answer is, working on new designs! As summer comes to an end (sadness), it's time to get my Fall designs going.

For this upcoming season, I wanted to challenge myself a bit. I always worked a lot with color and texture, but I wanted to explore this in new ways. Admittedly a little influenced by all the ombre designs out there, I designed this new colorwork pattern.

I've also been approaching my bookish influences in a new way. I am still working with stories and mythology in my new yarn colorways, but I am feeling inspired by school-nerd stereotypes lately. This new set is named the Transitive Property series, after your favorite (heh) Math class memories.

And if Math memories don't make you feel warm and fuzzy enough, how about some Physics? These are my new Doppler Effect mitts. If you're a Big Bang Theory fan, you may remember Sheldon's Doppler Effect Hallowe'en costume. I couldn't resist coming up with my own knitted take! And if you're curious, I do have some other new designs in the ol' shop!

So do you have any favorite nerdy school memories?

New England Pirate Faire

In one of my very first blog posts, I talked about how there is always something interesting happening in Salem. Every time I get a little worn out by my long work commute, I remember how much I love this town. A couple of weekends ago, the Salem Pioneer Village hosted the New England Pirate Faire. A friend of mine played Calico Jack Rackam in their historically accurate play, so we went to check it out.

They also had a sword swallower, which turned out to be a little creepy to watch.

In a little over a month, it will be time for the Haunted Happenings already! Have you ever visited Salem in October?

The intersection between knitting and pigs

pig knitting pattern by mamma4earth

I don't remember if I've mentioned this before on the blog, but I moved around a lot growing up. Every 2-4 years, my family had to uproot and move to a new place because of my parents' work. Of course this means I got to travel a lot and experience many different cultures, but it also meant I was constantly losing friends. So I count my blessings to have one friend who has been my best friend for 18 years now. We talk almost every day, but only get together in person every 4-5 years. It just so happens I am picking her up at the airport in two days, and I am so excited!!

Where am I going with this? Well, she loves pigs. Since I first met her, she has been in love with the little pudgy creatures. In one of my bizarre daydreaming sessions, I found myself thinking, "She loves pigs, I love knitting... are there any pig knitting patterns?" And I was delighted to find that yes, there are indeed. The one pictured above is my favorite. I found lots of patterns that were a little too cutesy and quite honestly, sloppy. This one is just perfect!

knitted fetal pig dissection pattern

This one is admittedly a little morbid. I confess I cried in high school when they made me dissect a fetal pig. Seriously. They threatened to give me an F because they didn't think I could "really see all the parts through the tears." However, I fully endorse the knitted alternative. What do you think? Fun or gross?

I was very amused to find this intersection of our interests. Have you found any fun intersections like this?

Friday Finds #3

brand new colorway: Nematanthus

Thank goodness for Fridays! I am looking forward to getting some napping done in between the items on my monstrous to-do list this weekend.

I've mentioned this before, but in case you forgot, we're having a Craft Party here in Salem! Everyone is welcome, so please join us!

This month's episode of Makers in Business features Peter Zimmerman and is totally fabulous.

If the skein above is a little too scary for you, I also added a less intimidating colorway to my shop this week: Madame Semele

A fantastic knitting needle gauge shaped like Doctor Who's TARDIS.

An absolutely gorgeous Chalcedony Ring.

Summer of Unfinished Projects

Every once in a while, it feels like you step into a time vortex, and then you get spit out the other side, several days later, with no clue of where all that time went. This is how the last two weeks have felt to me. The blog break was completely unintentional, but sometimes there just aren't enough hours and days in a week to cross off every item on a to-do list.

When life gets this busy, I find myself day-dreaming of all the crafty projects I would rather be doing. For instance, the skirt above - I made that months ago at a sewing class, but didn't have enough time to hem it. I still haven't hemmed it, and now it's starting to haunt me. I have "craft shame." I should probably get that done so I can enjoy the skirt before the warm weather disappears again. Now that I've mentioned it on here, I hope you guys keep me accountable.

Back in June, I visited Grey's Fabrics and bought this lovely Schoolhouse Tunic pattern. Back then, the month of July looked like it would be quiet, with plenty of time for leisurely sewing. I even bought two fabrics so I could make two tunics. No, I haven't started either of them... but maybe I'll manage to get them done before the end of the year. Which one do you think I should make first?

How about you, do you have any crafty ambitions you've failed to meet this summer? :)