A Start to August and to KALs

Summer knitting and crochet can be tricky. I have some friends who cast off their projections for sewing or simply doing other things in the summer months. Handling wool in triple digit heat is understandably unpleasant. However, those of us in air conditioning can find the wool comforting. I read an article that summer is considered to be "women's winter" due to the air conditioning inside spaces. That phrase was new to me this year.

The summer months rarely slow down my crafting. There are often long road trips or waiting that provides me with time to keep making. During these months I'm often inspired to work with cotton, bamboo, linen, and various warm weather blends. The lovely array of summer clothing and accessories are also lots of fun. Projects that don't require sleeves are much quicker too.

As I'm typing this up, I'm thinking about the wool shawl that I'm currently testing. I started it on a bamboo blend  as well, but am focusing on the wool version to make sure I meet the necessary deadline. Pi shawls do tend take more time as you go, since they keep growing :).

Here is a picture of the wool version before I had completed the Chinese Lace section. The pattern is by Fiery Phoenix (Babs Rudlin). It's quite airy and light with the Knitpicks Shadow Lace yarn. I'm using two different colors and changing as indicated in the pattern.

The design is very pretty.

The fun challenge that I'm hoping I can do alongside this challenging test knit is the Sweater Sister's Mini Sweater Challenge. It starts on Monday 8/6. Four mini sweaters will be knit over four weeks to practice different sweater construction. I love these challenges that help you to better understand construction without having to spend months on a single project. This is not the first mini sweater challenge, but my first opportunity to participate. I'll share them is I'm able to get them done :).

There are a bunch of MKALs and CALs that are starting this month as well. I'm sticking with this test, the #minisweaterchallenge, and catching up on my #VVCAL squares as time permits.

Stay cool, we're back to 90 degree temperatures here in Portland starting tomorrow. I appreciated the break...I've grown so accustomed to the moderate temperatures.

Happy crafting and have a great week.