tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54980828829760752842024-03-05T15:47:46.167-05:00Toil and Trouble Yarn and KnitwearI am a yarn dyer and knitwear designer based out of Salem, MA.Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-24622184988058712092020-02-03T22:55:00.000-05:002020-02-03T22:55:01.971-05:00Next Steps!I haven't blogged here for quite a while, and yet it feels right to have a final statement before closing this down. I am officially saying good-bye to blogging. You will still be able to find <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/ana-campos">my patterns on Ravelry</a>, and <a href="https://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/blogs/tutorials">my tutorials</a> and yarn will be at www.toil-and-trouble.com, and I'll be on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/toiltrouble/">@toiltrouble</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/circlestitches/">@circlestitches</a>. Thank you to everyone who followed along all these years!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-11070373595744735312017-10-01T22:09:00.000-04:002018-03-13T22:09:51.662-04:00Snapshots from SquamIt was so lovely to be back at Squam Lake. As always, it was a wonderful weekend of creativity and community. <p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/38987944420/in/dateposted-public/" title="Squam3"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4795/38987944420_76f0ac7582_b.jpg" width="650" alt="Squam3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/25926329487/in/dateposted-public/" title="Squam4"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/25926329487_9a926f9ae1_b.jpg" width="650" alt="Squam4"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/25926328867/in/dateposted-public/" title="Squam5"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/25926328867_ff9f6a886f_b.jpg" width="650" alt="Squam5"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/25926332057/in/dateposted-public/" title="Squam1"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/25926332057_64107cec8e_b.jpg" width="650" alt="Squam1"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/38987944770/in/dateposted-public/" title="Squam2"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4771/38987944770_80f6b1e8bc_b.jpg" width="650" alt="Squam2"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-29201400848065798532017-01-01T23:13:00.001-05:002017-01-02T00:33:38.684-05:00Welcoming 2017 with a DreamHere's to a happy and healthy 2017 (and one with blogging)! At the end of September I posted a sneak peek of new socks I was designing, and I'm happy to finally publish it. Here are the Dreamweaver socks, inspired by my The Sandman colorway. They happen to coordinate quite well with the book I am currently reading. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/32002836666/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dreamweaver1"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/335/32002836666_9a00151396_o.jpg" width="640" alt="Dreamweaver1"></a>
</center><p>
Part of my goal for 2017 is to make more of an impact with causes I support. One of my favorite charities has long been <a href="https://love146.org/" target="new">Love146</a>. They combat childhood sex trafficking, through prevention, rescue, and rehab. Many people are unaware of how prevalent this problem is, even with the U.S.. This is why I have a special offer through January 10th: you can choose to either gift yourself or make a difference to this charity. When you <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dreamweaver-socks" target="new">purchase this pattern on Ravelry</a>, you can choose to use the posted coupon code for $4 off the full price - or you can choose to pay full price and I will donate the $4 difference to Love146. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/31924271721/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dreamweaver3"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/532/31924271721_f2bdc3b121_b.jpg" width="640" alt="Dreamweaver3"></a><p>
</center>
Thank you for helping me make a difference!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-44133761925965164842016-10-19T20:18:00.000-04:002016-10-19T20:18:06.808-04:00Knit Tip: Binding Off in the Middle of a Row<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29789624872/in/dateposted-public/" title="1"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8035/29789624872_8ab982ecae_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="1"></a><p></center>
Knitting garments often involves binding off in the middle of a row to create necklines and armholes. If you're like me, you're bothered by that little gap right before the first bound off stitch. Today, I'm sharing how to get rid of that gap!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29277168133/in/dateposted-public/" title="3"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8486/29277168133_894164776b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="3"></a>
</center>
<p>
In this swatch, I cast on 24 stitches and used markers to make three sections of 8 stitches. To bind off the center stitches, one would generally knit to the marker, slip the marker, and bind off the next 8 stitches.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29277168603/in/dateposted-public/" title="4"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8167/29277168603_11ff0e9f1b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="4"></a>
</center>
<p>
To eliminate the gap, knit to one stitch before the marker instead, then do this: KFB into the next stitch. You would now have 9 stitches before the marker instead of 8. Use the 9th stitch (the new stitch just made by the KFB) to start the bind off. This means you will need to bind off one extra stitch.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29277168513/in/dateposted-public/" title="5"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8500/29277168513_64be2e49fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="5"></a></center>
<p>
Basically, you create an extra stitch in the row and immediately bind it off, so it doesn't affect your stitch count - but it creates a clean start to your bind off. The gap is gone, and your neckline will look cleaner. Ta da!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29789624802/in/dateposted-public/" title="6"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8006/29789624802_709793a320_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="6"></a><p></center>
The difference becomes much more visible after you've knit a few rows on both sides. Next time, I'll show you guys how to bind of rounded necklines with a sloped bind off, to avoid those stepped edges...<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29807291564/in/dateposted-public/" title="7"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8621/29807291564_a0d70fd1c8_o.jpg" width="640" height="966" alt="7"></a>
</center>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-21614737099293428852016-09-24T17:16:00.000-04:002016-09-24T17:16:23.770-04:00Equinox Knitting<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29819767221/in/dateposted-public/" title="Socks1"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8004/29819767221_aaf714a902_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Socks1"></a>
</center><p>
This is my favorite time of year. My birthday often coincides with the equinox, and I've always felt the shifting of the season in my bones. Growing up on the southern hemisphere, we would be transitioning into spring right now. But since moving north, I've fallen in love with the fall. It's the perfect weather for knitting on our deck, and I plan to enjoy it as much as possible before the cold settles in. Socktober is right around the corner, so I'm working on a new pattern to celebrate. I'll definitely be wearing these to Rhinebeck. Will you be there?<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29903114125/in/dateposted-public/" title="Socks2"><img src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8292/29903114125_5cdb1a65cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Socks2"></a>
</center><p>
Yarn is Toil & Trouble Classic in <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/the-sandman-hand-dyed-yarn-fingering" target="new">The Sandman</a>.
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-30186420964978987882016-09-06T22:35:00.000-04:002016-09-06T22:35:22.381-04:00A New SeasonWith blogging, there is always a question of how much to share, because after all, blogging is a way in which we give friends and strangers a glimpse into our lives. When things are difficult, I struggle with what to say, how much to say, and how far to go off topic - but the truth is the last few months been difficult and I've been at a loss for words for a long time. August was an especially bitter month, with loss, heartache, and a lot of re-evaluating and re-prioritizing. Months and dates are arbitrary, but with the arrival of September I am hoping things will shift and quiet down. We can already feel the chill creeping into the air, the leaves starting to change, and summer is undeniably coming to an end. I am hopeful that it will also mean a new season with more joy. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29477427426/in/dateposted-public/" title="Yarn-drying"><img src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8848/29477427426_295eed3735_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Yarn-drying"></a>
</center><p>
I always have Elizabeth Zimmerman's words at the tip of my tongue - "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Stitch by stitch, skein by skein, I know things will eventually be mended. Until then, I'll just keep dyeing and stitching. I'm looking forward to the changing leaves, and wearing hand-knit socks and sweaters. The photo below was taken at the Salem Willows. It definitely doesn't hurt to live in such a beautiful place.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/28889463073/in/dateposted-public/" title="Salem-Willows"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8238/28889463073_90b63ae4cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Salem-Willows"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-44975183192420156762016-08-15T21:16:00.001-04:002016-08-15T21:16:31.662-04:00A Quick Portland Trip<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/28726480280/in/dateposted-public/" title="Portuguese2a"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8394/28726480280_762a353ced_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Portuguese2a"></a><p>
</center>
With fall right around the corner, this is always a super busy time in the dye studio. The dye pots are always running, getting ready to send several shops fresh batches of Toil & Trouble yarn.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/28726584030/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bumblebirch1"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8506/28726584030_b5ea915344_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Bumblebirch1"></a>
</center><p>
I did manage to sneak away for a couple of days, making my first visit to the West Coast. I taught Portuguese Knitting at <a href="https://www.knit-purl.com/blogs/blog/my-design-inspiration" target="_blank">Knit Purl</a>, a shop I'd long admired. Of course I brought home a skein of souvenir yarn. Bumblebirch is hand-dyed in Portland, and I'm sure no one is surprised I picked purple.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/29012564255/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bumblebirch2"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7499/29012564255_54458c3b1a_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Bumblebirch2"></a>
</center><p>
I didn't have much time for sight seeing, but I did make it to the Japanese Garden on my last day. Don't let the photos fool you - it was completely packed! I went expecting a quiet couple of hours of relaxation before boarding my flight home, but even on a Monday afternoon there was a huge crowd. It was still beautiful though!<p>
<center>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/28936279471/in/dateposted-public/" title="JapaneseGarden1"><img src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8506/28936279471_478c1c672e_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="JapaneseGarden1"></a><p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/28392508374/in/dateposted-public/" title="JapaneseGarden5"><img src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8174/28392508374_b47b3926f0_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="JapaneseGarden5"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-37049588874387221082016-06-28T14:09:00.001-04:002016-06-28T14:09:47.450-04:00Come See Me at the Common Cod!July is fast approaching and I am hosting three events at the <a href="http://www.commoncod.com/events/" target="new">Common Cod Fiber Guild</a> in Boston! <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27684173960/in/dateposted-public/" title="Swatches"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7654/27684173960_89678ddfdf_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Swatches"></a>
</center>
<p>
On Friday, July 8th, I am presenting a lecture on <b><a href="http://www.commoncod.com/events/" target="new">Overcoming the Fear of Hand Dyed Yarns and Variegation</a></b>. I'll be talking about how to use Color Theory to better pair hand dyed colorways with appropriate projects, as well as pooling, how to avoid it, and how to work with planned pooling. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27886239611/in/dateposted-public/" title="Portuguese2a"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7340/27886239611_69a61237ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Portuguese2a"></a>
</center><p>
On Saturday, July 9th, I am teaching two classes: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ana-campos-lecture-and-classes-friday-july-8-and-saturday-july-9th-tickets-25270446586" target="new">Portuguese Knitting, and Darn! Knitwear Repair</a>. Portuguese Knitting has always been a popular class, and my repairs class premiered at this year's <a href="http://www.fiber-retreat.com" target="new">Lakeside Fiber Retreat</a>. The response at the retreat was great, so I am looking forward to teaching it again!
<p>
Will I see some of you there?<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27349829883/in/dateposted-public/" title="Repairs"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7383/27349829883_cf904e0672_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Repairs"></a>
</center>
Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-55865840636581081902016-06-16T10:55:00.001-04:002016-06-16T10:55:09.084-04:00Finally, The Carrigain ShawlJust about a month ago, I hosted the second annual <a href="http://www.fiber-retreat.com" target="new">Lakeside Fiber Retreat</a>. The retreat happens at Purity Lake, which is at the base of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. This year, I designed the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/carrigain-shawl" target="new">Carrigain Shawl</a> for the retreat, named after Mount Carrigain. This was also the debut of my newest yarn, <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/collections/sport-weight" target="new">Sonnet Sport</a>. It's like my fingering weight Sonnet, but in a squishy sport weight.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27096959504/in/dateposted-public/" title="Carrigain"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7419/27096959504_3525416839_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Carrigain"></a>
</center><p>
The inspiration of this shawl was layers - layers of mountains, of trees, and falling snow. I've been seeing people pick out some really beautiful color combinations, what would yours be?Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-49474176653432437042016-05-23T09:00:00.000-04:002016-05-23T09:00:02.499-04:00Knit Tip: Joining in the Round (without having a gap)I've had lots of conversations with knitters about how to join in the round and how to avoid that pesky gap at the beginning of the round. Here is my preferred method of joining.
<p>
<center>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26876051130/in/dateposted-public/" title="intheround1"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7673/26876051130_7f372a41a7_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="intheround1"></a>
</center>
<p>
Place your stitches on circular needles or double-pointed needles. If using double-pointed needles, distribute them evenly (shown here on 3, but you can use 4 if you prefer). Note: Before you join, make sure your yarn is in the back of the work if you are starting with a knit stitch. If you are starting with a purl, place your yarn in the front. You will not be able to move the yarn after joining.
<p>
<center>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27150189015/in/dateposted-public/" title="intheround2"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/27150189015_bc6a712128_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="intheround2"></a>
</center>
<p>
Place the first stitch from the right needle onto the left needle (Stitch A).
<p>
<center>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26876050930/in/dateposted-public/" title="intheround3"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/26876050930_be1b1ae244_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="intheround3"></a>
</center>
<p>
Pull the first stitch from the left needle (Stitch B) over Stitch A onto the right needle. Your knitting will now be joined in the round. Stitch A will the the first stitch of the round. Stitch B will the last stitch of the round. Knit normally into the first stitch.Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-51677946335732548732016-05-17T15:49:00.000-04:002016-05-17T15:49:38.911-04:00On the Needles: Socks and SweatersThe second annual <a href="http://www.fiber-retreat.com" target="new">Lakeside Fiber Retreat</a> is behind us! I can't believe how quickly time is flying this year. We had a great time and are already making preparations for 2017. Phew!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26474177353/in/dateposted-public/" title="MidnightSun1"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/26474177353_3503ff258b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="MidnightSun1"></a>
</center><p>
Apart from all the organizing, coordinating, and teaching, I am glad that the retreat does actually involve some knitting time for me. I finished these socks for myself on the first night of the retreat. Midnight Sun was the January yarn club colorway, which I'll be making available to everyone in the next couple of weeks.
<p>
<center><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/27077913695/in/dateposted-public/" title="Eudora1"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/27077913695_1720011eca_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Eudora1"></a>
</center><p>
Immediately after casting off my socks (and before weaving in any yarn ends), I cast on a Folded sweater. I had knit one <a href="http://www.toil-and-trouble.com/2013/05/sweater-situation.html">a few years ago</a>, but it sort of met an unfortunate end and I do love the pattern. I'm using Toil & Trouble Sonnet, and the colorway is Eudora (the grandmother from the Addams' Family, if you were wondering).
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26474178333/in/dateposted-public/" title="Eudora2"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/26474178333_9dc6229c18_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Eudora2"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-10886310117003067342016-05-04T11:37:00.001-04:002016-05-04T11:37:21.255-04:00Pattern: HerlighetI recently had the pleasure of collaborating with a very talented young designer. Known as the Sock Monkey, Josiah Bain is 17 years old and has an elegant and classic design aesthetic.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26210135893/in/dateposted-public/" title="Herlighet Knitting Pattern 1"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7643/26210135893_55bc894a6e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Herlighet Knitting Pattern 1"></a>
</center><p>
A few months ago, he sent me a proposal for a shawl design using Toil & Trouble Allegory. The result is <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/knitting-kit-herlighet-shawl" target="_blank">Herlighet</a>, a beautiful one-skein shawl. Josiah dedicated this design to his great-grandmother, Gloria. You can read all about his inspiration <a href="https://jmbain.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/herlighet/" target="_blank">on his blog</a>.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26209245714/in/dateposted-public/" title="Herlighet Knitting Pattern 2"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/26209245714_0db6aa55eb_b.jpg" width="640" alt="Herlighet Knitting Pattern 2"></a><p>
</center>
The shawl is cozy and elegant, using a garter-based stitch pattern. You can find it as a <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/knitting-kit-herlighet-shawl" target="_blank">yarn + pattern kit on my website</a>!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05908404122489289129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-78530141505566563492016-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:002016-04-28T08:00:15.564-04:00Salem Collaboration: Osceola Mountain Socks<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26615682256/in/dateposted-public/" title="osceola1"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1579/26615682256_6b0875bacb_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="osceola1"></a>
</center><p>
<a href="http://www.newenglandknitting.com/" target="new">New England Knitting</a> and I paired up for another fun project: The Osceola Mountain Socks. I asked Meghan to design something in honor of our annual Lakeside Fiber Retreat, which takes place by the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Osceola is one of the White Mountains, and also one of the cabins where we gather at the retreat.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26036155284/in/dateposted-public/" title="Osceola-Finished"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1457/26036155284_16e60f542c_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Osceola-Finished"></a>
</center><p>
Meghan came up with these cozy, mock cable socks designed in <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/knitting-kit-osceola-mountain-socks">Toil & Trouble Imprint</a>. She knit her pair in Isa, where I did mine in Persephone. <a href="http://www.ohshedabbles.com" target="new">Carrie</a> jumped in too and knit a pair in Ent. Want to make your own pair? <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/knitting-kit-osceola-mountain-socks">Find the yarn and pattern available as a kit online</a>!
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26039913453/in/dateposted-public/" title="Osceola-Ent"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/26039913453_47d0e5387c_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Osceola-Ent"></a></center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-44463835304713529432016-04-25T14:02:00.002-04:002016-04-25T14:02:50.520-04:00New Season, New PaletteSpring is almost-sort-of-mostly here, and I've got lighter colors on the mind. As someone who loves saturated jewel tones, a spring palette is always a bit of a challenge. I am always looking for ways to bring in softer colors without falling into pastel.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26038210623/in/dateposted-public/" title="pansy2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1561/26038210623_77a54df766_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="pansy2"></a>
</center><p>
Pansy was last month's colorway, inspired by the blue and purple flowers with a hint of green for the leaves. Yarn club colors are always exclusive for three months, but you'll be able to find this color in the shop starting in July.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26038210283/in/dateposted-public/" title="TheSandman2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1444/26038210283_1eaaebc0f6_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="TheSandman2"></a>
<p></center>
For more immediate gratification, <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/the-sandman-hand-dyed-yarn-fingering" target="_blank">The Sandman</a> debuted this month. Warm, sandy tones with dusting of moss and chocolate.Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-83824137912785864022016-04-10T18:24:00.004-04:002016-04-10T18:24:59.461-04:00A Spring RecapLast time I blogged, we were in the midst of some snow - and I wish I could say it's all gone two months later but we just had another snow storm with predictions of another one. Winter is determined to hang on as long as possible!<br />
<br />
<centeR>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/26330420086/in/dateposted-public/" title="Wrap1"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1591/26330420086_44ea27c2a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Wrap1"></a>
</center>
<p>
This has been a busy season so far, with lots of dyeing, teaching, and events. I published the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northern-trail-wrap" target="new">Northern Trail Wrap pattern</a> for the Knit North Yarn Crawl last month, and dyed up a bunch of yarn for a 4-day trunk show. I also taught at <a href="http://www.commoncod.com/fibercamp2016/" target="new">Common Cod's Fiber Camp</a> for the first time. Yesterday I hosted a trunk show and taught a couple of classes at <a href="http://www.stitchhousedorchester.com/" target="new">Stitch House Dorchester</a>. It was my first time there, and I loved the cozy shop and friendly community. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/25753847993/in/dateposted-public/" title="Osceola1"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1510/25753847993_e348d53b80_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Osceola1"></a>
</center>
<p>
Last night I cast on this pair of socks in <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/collections/fingering-weight/products/persephone-hand-dyed-yarn-fingering" target="new">Toil & Trouble Imprint</a>. <a href="http://www.newenglandknitting.com/" target="new">New England Knitting</a> and I are working on another collaboration in preparation for this year's <a href="http://www.fiber-retreat.com" target="new">Lakeside Fiber Retreat</a> which is only a few weeks away!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/25751748714/in/dateposted-public/" title="Osceola2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1466/25751748714_f1058a5242_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Osceola2"></a>
</center><p>
I've got a sock heel to turn, but I've also been working on some new colorways I can't wait to share soon!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-88084332508693983362016-02-08T11:37:00.000-05:002016-02-08T11:37:19.872-05:00On a Snowy MorningThere's a snow storm outside. Everything is closed, no one is on the roads, and the cats are snuggled into blankets to fit the cold. It's a perfect quiet moment, so here I am on the blog. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/24780053492/in/dateposted-public/" title="Icy Shores"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1461/24780053492_7625183d4d_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Icy Shores"></a>
</center><p>
It's hard to believe that my first chance to catch up is February. January was a blur, with multiple deadlines and 14 hour work days. I dyed and shipped a trunk show to the <a href="http://www.thealteredstitch.com/the-fibre-collective/" target="new">The Fibre Collective</a>, to be displayed at Stitches West in a couple of weeks. I also dyed piles and piles of yarn for the <a href="http://woolandhoney.com/product/sleeping-bear-yarn-club/" target="new">Sleeping Bear Yarn Club</a>. They asked me to dye a special colorway for them inspired by an icy Michigan sunset. There have also been pattern deadlines and submissions which I can't share just yet. And in stolen moments here and there, I've snuck in some knitting. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/24804489931/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ana Maritana"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1531/24804489931_831269a86e_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Ana Maritana"></a>
</center><p>
My friend Meghan of <a href="http://www.newenglandknitting.com/" target="new">New England Knitting</a> recently designed <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maritana" target="new">Maritana</a>. It will be the official knit shawl for this year's <a href="http://www.knitnorthyarncrawl.com/" target="new">Knit North Yarn Crawl</a>, so I carved out some time to test knit it for her. I love the play of proportions and texture! Now it just needs a good blocking. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/24269715694/in/dateposted-public/" title="Maritana2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1696/24269715694_804ecd2cf4_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Maritana2"></a>
</center><p>
Now I'm off to take advantage of the snow day and spend a little time with my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tinder" target="new">Tinder cardigan</a>, for the <a href="http://www.circleofstitches.com/sweater-stravaganza" target="new">Circle of Stitches Sweater Challenge</a>. I am using Malabrigo Rios, and the sweater is worked in pieces. To disguise differences between skeins and try to get consistency in all the separate pieces, I have been knitting the back and two front pieces simultaneously and alternating 4 skeins throughout. Excessive? Probably. But it pleases my obsessive-compulsive tendencies. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/24602600740/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tinder1"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1649/24602600740_c8c2bfde77_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Tinder1"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/24530479369/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tinder2"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1600/24530479369_66a378410a_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Tinder2"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-60111258988302942872015-12-23T10:06:00.000-05:002015-12-23T10:06:02.523-05:00Yuletide GreetingsThe knitting needles and dye pots are still going non-stop on this end. I found the perfect holiday cards, and I'm trying to do my part to spread good wool to the people in my life. Now back to knitting, I have a few more things to make by Friday! Happy solstice everyone!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23927362485/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cards"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1465/23927362485_d6f6b9c192_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Cards"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23844886971/in/dateposted-public/" title="Knits"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1603/23844886971_c2c179dc71_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Knits"></a>
</center><p>
Hat: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/conversationalist" target="new">The Conversationalist</a><br>
Socks: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wintersmith-socks" target="new">Wintersmith Socks</a>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-44500885438221847872015-12-14T22:15:00.000-05:002015-12-14T22:15:26.602-05:00Rhinebeck, Long OverdueBack in October, I traveled to Rhinebeck to spend a wonderful couple of days with a group of lovely friends. I of course took my camera with me, but immediately after the trip, my SD card corrupted itself. Two months later, I managed to rescue these photos.<p>
Rhinebeck is so much more than yarn and fiber - well, it is a lot of yarn and fiber, but for me, it's an opportunity to escape the frantic daily pace and reconnect with people I really care about but rarely get to see. We get to stay together, knit, reconnect, and generally be merry. I came home with only a handful of goodies, but lots of happy memories.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23390432169/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck1"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5704/23390432169_3d3da51680_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck1"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23131562953/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck2"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5702/23131562953_dd800355ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck2"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23732252496/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck3"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5634/23732252496_d5331ca55d_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck3"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23732251996/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck4"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/597/23732251996_9c3b5e2a28_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck4"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23675976881/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck8"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/777/23675976881_54d24e2060_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck8"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23130221074/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck7"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/599/23130221074_48b6abf8dd_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck7"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23675977111/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck6"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/589/23675977111_2565e842cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck6"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23390432319/in/dateposted-public/" title="Rhinebeck10"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/661/23390432319_67f941b5ee_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Rhinebeck10"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-65865694123432541792015-12-07T14:35:00.000-05:002015-12-14T22:15:42.234-05:00Pattern: Teeny Tiny Mitts Ornament<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22964493813/in/dateposted-public/" title="2"><img alt="2" height="424" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/744/22964493813_a25263550d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</center>
<br />
I had to whip up a little gift for a handmade swap and came up with this adorable little ornament.<br />
<br />
Gather up your sock yarn scraps!<br />
<br />
Materials:
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>US1 or US2 double-pointed needles (gauge is not important)</li>
<li>Scraps of sock weight yarn (shown here: <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/collections/fingering-weight" target="_blank">Toil & Trouble Classic</a> in Persephone)</li>
<li>Darning needle</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Abbreviations:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>K: Knit</li>
<li>P: Purl</li>
<li>PM: Place marker</li>
<li>SM: Slip marker</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Leaving a long tail (we will use it at the end), cast on 18 stitches, distributing 6 stitches onto three needles, and join in the round.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rounds 1-5: *K1, P1, repeat from * to end</div>
<div>
Round 6: K all</div>
<div>
Round 7: K8, PM, M1R, K2, M1L, PM, K to end (increased 2 stitches)</div>
<div>
Round 8: K all</div>
<div>
Round 9: K to M, SM, M1R, K to M, M1L, SM, K to end (increased 2 stitches)</div>
<div>
Round 10: K all</div>
<div>
Round 11: K to M. Remove marker and slip next 6 stitches onto scrap yarn. Cast on 2 stitches to close the thumb, K to end.</div>
<div>
Round 12-21: K all</div>
<div>
Round 22: SSK, K5, K2tog, SSK, K5, K2tog (decreased 4 stitches)<br />
Round 23: SSK, K3, K2tog, SSK, K3, K2tog (decreased 4 stitches)<br />
Round 24: SSK, K1, K2tog, SSK, K1, K2tog (decreased 4 stitches)</div>
<div>
Cut your working yarn leaving a tail. Using a darning needle, weave the yarn through the live stitches and pull tight. Pull the yarn to the inside of the mitten and secure. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
Thumb:</div>
<div>
Place live stitches onto needles. </div>
<div>
Round 1: Pick up and knit 2 stitches at the base of the thumb, then knit to the end of the round.</div>
<div>
Round 2-4: K all</div>
<div>
Round 5: *K2tog, repeat from * to end</div>
<div>
Cut your working yarn leaving a tail. Using a darning needle, weave the yarn through the live stitches and pull tight. Pull the yarn to the inside of the mitten and secure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Weave in all ends except for the cast on tail. Fold the tail in half and secure it, so you can use it to hang your ornament.Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23591546295/in/dateposted-public/" title="1"><img alt="1" height="424" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5713/23591546295_9304324a5d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</center>
<br />
<br />Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-84768204765156545482015-11-25T11:23:00.000-05:002015-11-25T11:33:02.368-05:00Down to the Last Inch<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22675820153/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sophisticate1"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5829/22675820153_b45a5ec4ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Sophisticate1"></a>
</center><p>
Phew, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sophisticate---free" target="new">Baby Sophisticate</a> all done! I used Cascade 128 from stash and the yardage ended up much tighter than expected. Also, I just validated all my yarn scrap hoarding impulses. I finished the sweater with 3 inches left of the white, and had to go fishing in my bin of random scraps to find enough odds and ends for the sleeves. This is definitely a one of a kind sweater! As much as playing yarn chicken can be stressful, working with constraints can really push us to come up with something completely unexpected. <p>
Now to sew on the buttons and package it up!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22675820583/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sophisticate3"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/616/22675820583_74f174ba32_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Sophisticate3"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22935049979/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sophisticate2"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/776/22935049979_409f0a8300_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Sophisticate2"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-23799970527230761672015-11-23T15:25:00.001-05:002015-11-23T15:25:36.380-05:00Stash Diving<center><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/693/22627179583_9819b1c52f_z.jpg" width="640" height="424"></center><p>
There's a very proud dad and a new 16 day old baby around here, so I did a little stash diving and need to quickly knit up a baby sweater with some creative striping. Time to whip up a little <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-sophisticate---free" target="new">Baby Sophisticate</a>! After that, maybe I'll have some time to play with these new beads. The bead store here in Salem is closing for good this week after a very sudden announcement, so I had to pay them a last visit. It's always sad to lose another small, creative business. I have no idea what I am going to do with acid green fish beads, but they just couldn't be left behind.<p>
<center>
<img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/720/23254283085_a9fbdd6225_z.jpg" width="640" height="424">
</center><p>
The last batches of limited edition Halloween yarn are going out this week, phew! Thank you everyone for the truly amazing response!Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-86965233520316482612015-11-16T11:08:00.001-05:002015-11-16T11:08:58.335-05:00The Dying of the LightBy mid-November, it feels like the daylight shrinks exponentially and the night starts to take over. All of a sudden, there's a permanent chill in the air, and the darkness seems seep into every nook and cranny. <p>
<center>
<a =href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23026862926/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nature2"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/597/23026862926_15d3d8fa50_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Nature2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22660668669/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nature1"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5649/22660668669_c44bc7294d_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Nature1"></a>
<p>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/23052014722/in/dateposted-public/" title="Selvedge"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5835/23052014722_e9dd5a3d9b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Selvedge"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-4745649209275594542015-11-09T21:25:00.000-05:002015-11-09T21:25:28.310-05:00Stolen MomentsI've come to realize I am pretty terrible at taking care of myself. I am great at working hard and meeting deadlines - but I tend to pack my schedule so full I forget to factor in time for meals. I love my work, so I frequently forget that I should actually give myself time to do things that are not work-related. I am constantly working on a knitting project and have dye pots running almost all my waking hours. Last week, a couple of friends invited me to go out to lunch with them today. My stomach flipped a bit as I thought about my endless to-do lists, but I decided a break would probably be good. I packed the car with orders ready to go to the post office, so I could at least do that on the way back. After lunch, I dutifully went to the post office, driving past the bookstore. Few things tug on my heartstrings like bookstores, so I couldn't resist the temptation. After the post office, I ran back to the bookstore and allowed myself an hour.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22518178519/in/dateposted-public/" title="1"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/22518178519_407da4a927_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="1"></a><p>
</center>
As I browsed the shelves, I remembered how infrequently I do this, and how much I love it. I love going to bookstores with no shopping list, so I can wander the stacks and pick out things that catch my eye. I then find a quiet corner, sit with my pile of books, and spend some time with each book as I decide which ones I'll be bringing home. It's also one of the few places where I get to read (outside of my own home) where people don't take it as an invitation for a conversation. Not that I don't enjoy talking to people, but this introvert really loves her reading time. <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22492012218/in/dateposted-public/" title="3"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/22492012218_bc2fd13e3b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="3"></a>
</center>
<p>
By the time I left the bookstore with a bag of new goodies for my overflowing shelves, I caught myself smiling. My phone buzzed, with a list of "14 Two-Sentence Horror Stories Guaranteed to Terrify Introverts." Number 5 said, "She bought a strange book from an old bookstore. When she opened it up to read it strangers came up to her thinking it was a conversation starter." I chuckled to myself and hugged my books. Now back to those dye pots, the yarn isn't going to dye itself! As for those socks, finishing and publishing that pattern is definitely on the to-do list.
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22491974557/in/dateposted-public/" title="2"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5782/22491974557_1eae2e4c2b_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="2"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-82849507026947220332015-10-30T18:31:00.000-04:002015-10-30T18:31:21.477-04:00Halloween ColorsI'm back from Rhinebeck and recovered from a nasty cold, just in time to share this year's limited edition Halloween colors! I did have Rhinebeck photos, but currently trying to rescue them from a corrupted SD card (grrrr). Hopefully I'll be able to share them soon!
<p>
This year, I have three colorways for Halloween, <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/limited-edition-halloween-colors-seance-rusty-coffin-nail-and-wednesday-addams-thigh-highs" target="new">available on my website through November 15th</a>! I wanted to approach the Halloween colors in a non-traditional way, to get away from the expected combinations. The results are: Seance, Rusty Coffin Nail, and Wednesday Addam's Thigh Highs! (EDITED: Due to the overwhelming response, I may be taking these down sooner that November 15th, so make sure to grab yours!)
<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22430211530/in/dateposted-public/" title="Halloween"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5663/22430211530_2758402c91_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Halloween"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22592114976/in/dateposted-public/" title="Seance"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5718/22592114976_810ae86c60_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Seance"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/22592115576/in/dateposted-public/" title="RustyNail"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/753/22592115576_b3d0669a84_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="RustyNail"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21995351074/in/dateposted-public/" title="Wednesday"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/575/21995351074_688f6bae54_z.jpg" width="640" height="640" alt="Wednesday"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5498082882976075284.post-15011262732112631512015-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-07T08:00:03.708-04:00A New Kit & Catching UpThe last three weeks have been a complete whirlwind. I teamed up with Meghan, the lovely fellow Salem knitter behind New England Knitting, to bring you the Micalet Hat Kit. Read about the inspiration behind this design <a href="http://www.newenglandknitting.com/2015/09/micalet-beanie-is-now-available.html" target="new">on her blog</a>, and <a href="http://shop.toil-and-trouble.com/products/knitting-kit-stonework-hat" target="new">grab a kit on my website</a>!<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21351732764/in/dateposted-public/" title="Micalet"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5751/21351732764_fc7f088e1f_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Micalet"></a>
</center><p>
I had two trunk shows, one at <a href="http://www.mindseyeyarns.com/" target="new">Mind's Eye Yarns</a>, and one down on Cape Cod at <a href="http://www.sageyarn.com/" target="new">Sage Yarn</a>, where I also taught Portuguese Knitting. Now I am getting a little bit of a breather before the next big, and currently secret, project. I did also celebrate my birthday in the midst of the chaos of constant dyeing. After admiring <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ohalbatross" target="new">Oh, Albatross</a>' beautiful handsewn creatures for months, I treated myself to a gorgeous little fox.<p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21786062140/in/dateposted-public/" title="fox1"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5654/21786062140_dff6c8ecfd_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="fox1"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21983966041/in/dateposted-public/" title="fox2"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5658/21983966041_7fbc092a6a_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="fox2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21787264859/in/dateposted-public/" title="fox3"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5712/21787264859_53cdef944a_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="fox3"></a><p>
</center>
I also received some lovely gifts from the enablers in my life: great books on spinning from Nate, and handspun silk from Boston Knitter. I am still looking for the perfect shawl pattern so I can show off this pretty yarn! <p>
<center>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21947978856/in/dateposted-public/" title="Books"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/711/21947978856_ff64eabbcd_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="Books"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/toiltroublemade/21786316728/in/dateposted-public/" title="handspun"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5778/21786316728_a0fa7ee5f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="handspun"></a>
</center>Anahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10479058119441179561noreply@blogger.com0