Loose ends

So you might remember me mentioning I was doing some test knits - or if you've followed me on Instagram, I posted a bit about the Ambah O'Brien Lovetta shawl test knit. I haven't posted about the Tin Can Knits one since they want to maintain a little secrecy til the pattern comes out, but I'm excited to share it because I love it AND I made it with my own hand-dyed yarn and really enjoy how the dye job knit up :D So stay tuned for that, it'll be a gooder!

At the same time as all that, some other, There and Back-related news happened: I released a pattern alongside a pile of fantastic local designers in conjunction with the Manitoba Fibre Festival, which happens here every September and I'm SO excited to also share that I'll be a vendor there too!

I'm a little terrified, tbh: I haven't been in the business for a full year, so this is a big step, although it was actually my ultimate business goal for this year so I'm also so pumped to be realizing one of my most monumental aims. BIG times over here! So I'm trying to find more time to dye - you've all heard me go on about how busy I am, so we'll save it - and the other day I threw down some grey for another test knit. It turned out so well, and made me remember how much I love putting bare yarn and beautiful dyes together. I'm definitely going to be doing up more greys and I've got a bunch of different bases to share too. By the time September rolls around, my yarn game will be pretty tight and market-ready!

Other than that big news, I've finally had a bit of time to catch up on some UFOs that have been lingering. My Salal cardi by Andi Satterlund (Untangling Knots) had been sadly haunting my coffee table knitting storage, and I was sad every time I saw its unfinished sleeve - it's such a beautiful little cardi and I knew it would be perfect as a transition piece for the weather PLUS I love Andi's patterns. Her set-in sleeves are wonderful and if you're looking for something other than raglan, they're a great seamless option. So at long last I finished up that little beauty and it's blocking right now! I'll have to go button-hunting tomorrow so I can wear it :D It'll be just perfect for the library, for sure.

I'm also still in pattern development mode, but that's always, these days :P What are your favourite warm weather patterns? Do you plan ahead for the seasons to come, or try and crank out some quick current-season bonus pieces?

Oh, and before I go, I'll leave you with a lovely pupper!