Coming back to the blog...

I've taken a lengthy break from the blog. With moving, an unplanned kitchen renovation, busy summer things...secret test knitting. The list of excuses and delays are available. I had planned to post the weekend after the 4th of July, which is Independence Day here in the US. With everything going on, I didn't feel so celebratory.

Although there hasn't been a ton of spare time, I've done quite a bit of soul searching to figure out how I feel about lots of matters (both inside and outside the world of crafting). After completing Foundations training, which is required for foster care or special needs adoption in Oregon, I felt pretty exhausted. There is so much to unpack.

Getting back into blogging, I decided to start with a fun post about test knitting. I'm in the midst of two "secret" test knits so I can't share what I'm working on in much detail. I can say that I'm working on a cropped sweater with puffed sleeves and a tunic, both featuring color work.

Testing has been a great outlet for me to make fun and beautiful things while helping designers and the knitting community in general. Below are the items I've completed so far for 2019. I've included link for the ones I can share currently. I'll update and share more as different publications go into print (some will be next year too). I'll share some photos too :).

• Silver Linings by Jennifer Tipton

• Scarf featuring large intarsia circles
• Cocoon shrug with lace ribbing
• Cocoon sweater with distinct mosaic pattern
• Confetti by Jennifer Tipton (Free and just released!!!!)
• EveryBody Shawl for Yarnpeople Issue 3
• Lifepath Shawl for Yarnpeople Issue 3 - This was a super fun lace, texture, and cable sample

• Queeng Hat for Yarnpeople Issue 3
• Hirahira Shawl by Christy Furlan
• Painted Plains by Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits
• Tūmanako Pullover by Francoise Danoy - I loved the fun quick cables. I still want to make one for me
• Armorica by Irina Anikeeva - Second sweater that I completed in 2019!

Yarnpond has been the main place that I've gone to for finding patterns to test. I like the tracking and chat room set up. I've tested via e-mail, Ravelry, and Facebook too. They all have their pros and cons.

I need to get better at photography and modeling. With each project, I'm working to improve.

I'm working on the Gnome MKAL and am planning to give myself a little time to get caught up this weekend :). The clue that went out today is thankfully very short so I can catch up from Thursday's clue...

We're only a few weeks away from Stephen West's next MKAL. I succumbed and purchased a kit or two. Such gorgeous yarn from Undercover Otter... It's fun getting yarn from other countries. This year I treated myself to yarn from Ireland and the Netherlands in additional to my domestic yarn purchases. So many lovelies.

Next week, I'll post about my bottomless yarn appetite and my recent acquisitions. Be ready for color and project ideas!!!

Happy crafting.