It's a Heatwave!!!

I hope you're all staying cool. It's funny what a relief a high of only 90 brings. The sunshine is wonderful, but I'm not a fan of anything above 85 degrees. I think that's why the Pacific Northwest was a great choice. From the extreme temperatures of the Midwest to the mostly moderate weather in Portland...I feel lucky even when the annual heatwave arrives.

The deeper question is...can anyone craft in this heat? I've been vigorously wrapping up a shawl for a test knit which easily covers my lap. In the evenings when the air conditioner can't keep up I'm sweating a bit with the wool. Here is the test gracing my lap as I try to get the icord bind off completed. The colors came together well (although it's hard to tell in this picture thanks to the flash).

In this heat I still find myself drawn to gorgeous sweater patterns. After I finish the mystery knits this month, I plan to dive into a sweater (or two because I like to have a couple of options).

What do you think of this nifty pullover? I've fallen in love with the funky vibe of Sunset Highway and I could probably pull together enough sock yarn in my stash to make it.

I plan to get started on Divide once I wrap up the test knit and mystery knits. Here is another fun sweater (A Good Vintage Cardigan) with a great vintage look that I've been debating to start for some time. Also, I think more cardigans would be helpful for easier layering than only pullovers.

These two sweaters both use fingering weight (aka sock yarn), which I love and have a decent stash of now. I have officially vowed not to buy anymore yarn and I mean it!!!  There is enough in my stash to figure out any number of various projects and fun. I was able to pull together the yarn for 3 ongoing knit projects quickly. Here are the ones I'll be working on in August:

1) Don't Panic (A mystery knit with a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy theme)
2) Everyone Knows Pies are Round (A mystery knit with pie recipes in each clue)
3) Woman Must Make her Own Arrows (not really a mystery, but a yarn recipe with periodic clues)

I'm sure my list seems a little long, but it's fun and I'll likely fall behind on one or two. The first two clues have been released on the first two patterns, but there is still time to join. The third pattern released the first step so there is plenty of time.

Stay cool in this abnormal Portland heat and happy crafting!

P.S. Since I've given up buying yarn...if you'd like to get me a skein of sock yarn (like: Hawthorne), you'd make my day ;). 

One update...the test shawl is done!!!! I've  included the picture with my younger son's foot. I don't get much time to snap pictures of things before he's in the middle of it :). His little stuff shark is in the the far corner from his foot if you're curious as to the other object in the picture.