I Am Yarn's Bitch

I'm not a fast knitter.  I think if I were better at Continental method I might be able to lay on some serious speed.  And these days, I really need it.

In the last few weeks I've been very fortunate to have received yarn sponsorships for a number of projects, leaving me with a knitwear designer's version of a ton of homework!  Believe me, it's a good problem to have.  With the craziness of my life, the holidays coming, and a job, knitting is a creative outlet, peaceful, and a point of pride.  Yet, let's face it.  It's also pressure and deadlines.  Yarn has made me her bitch.

Mountain Colors Crazyfoot in Juniper

I hate that to protect publishing and ownership agreements I can't show you finished projects, but I can at least show you the yarn!  In order (I think) -

Mountain Colors:  I've made one of two mittens I designed for them.  The yarn is Crazyfoot, and I particularly love the green.  "Juniper" is the colorway.  I'm seriously thinking this could be a Knitty submission.

Holiday Yarns:  A pair of "Man" mittens for the upcoming season.  The pattern is largely written, but is likely to change as I knit it up.  Ideas always hit me mid-project.  This DK weight yarn has lovely shproing to it.  It's got a nice loft, a high twist, and I love the Cafe Au Lait colorway.  It looks like a variety of kinds of mocha desserts to me!

DirtyWater Dyeworks: Socks or mittens in a semi-baroque pattern.  This pattern is fighting me a bit, but I will prevail in the end. These two colors together feel very French Provincial to me.  The yarn is Julia, 50/50 merino and tencel, and seductively soft for its strength.

A Christmas Stocking for a "shall remain nameless" company.  The group of colors feels very Normann Rockwell, doesn't it?  I'd like to do something that looks vintage without being campy.  Editing well will be key.


An outstanding design for Buffalo Gold, colors yet to be determined.  I love this pattern. I know I'm not supposed to pick favorites, but sometimes it can't be helped.  I can't wait to see the color choices they make!

Plus, because I'm silly, I grabbed some yarn at a festival so I can knit up my next free mitten pattern.  It's from Into the Whirled. 

An embarrassment of riches.  Or a guillotine over my head, depending on whether there's a deadline looming.  I think I need to go have some chocolate.  To bring balance to the universe.  You know.