Reduxi: Book Launch and TTC Knitalong

My book launch for Tangle went very well, and it's a nice relief that it's 'out there', although when it's in stores and available on line, that will feel like it's totally out there. There are some photos on instagram, although I wish I knew beforehand that you can't right click on instagram photos (at least, I can't right click on my phone, and the photos didn't originate on my camera phone, since I'm in most of them).  If you'd like to see them, search #tanglebooklaunch. But a friend came out and has just blogged about it, so check out Loulou's blog for some shots!

We couldn't find a sitter for Lila that night, so she came too! She was super well behaved, although stayed up waaaay past her bedtime. I thought for sure she would fall asleep, but she knew a good party when she saw one.

I participated in the TTC Knitalong again this year (In the last 4 years, I've only missed last year's, due to having a tiny newborn at the time), and had a blast. I'd love to say I remember to take lots of photos, but I don't- I get dazzled by all the yarn, and the chatting, and the interesting knitters, and the knitting, and did I mention the yarn? But here is my haul:

The fabric basket was a wonderful little gift I won in the draw for the knitterly goodies at the end of the TTC Knitalong, which was donated by Ewe Knit.

The yarn specs:
I got a skein of Americo Abrazos in a deep  fuchsia, and a skein of Llama lace in a lovely grey. Both of those are going to become shawls or scarves. The deep rust is Cascade 220, and going to be a fox hat for Lila this winter.  The white and lighter fuchsia is Cascade Ultra Pima cotton, and going to become an Aquae Tank, and the butter yellow Berroco Weekend is going to be some Wrap Me Up Puppies. Now, if only I could cast on for everything all at once!

FO: Lelah

Pattern: Lelah Needles: 3 mm for lace, 2.5 for bust (stockinette) Yarn: Romni Wools Angora Silk Mods: None, other than the standard measuring and calculating that go with this pattern. Notes: I couldn't have picked a more perfect project for this yarn. the silk/mohair blend gives the yarn strength, softness, and good drape. And the mohair gives the white yarn a faint halo effect. So pretty! I will say this, though- wet silk is gross. and it really lengthened dramatically once wet blocked- I'd say by about 3-4 extra inches. which is fine for this type of project, but potentially not so fine for others. I love the little green velvet ribbon; it is exactly what I wanted. I was fortunate enough to pick up the notions for this during the TTC knitalong, which meant that I didn't have to wait too long before I could finish this one up. I think I really love it!

Yarn Crawl, Toronto style- TTC Knitalong!!

When the weekend is approaching, people usually ask if you have any plans for the weekend. It's office small talk. And I had so much fun telling people that I was going on a Yarn Crawl. No one looked that surprised that I was doing something that involved yarn, but I did have to explain the concept of a yarn crawl to a few people. I was part of the East Team A (full of fabulous people, indeed!), which made stops at: The Naked Sheep The Purple Purl Lettuce Knit (where the above photo was taken) Americo and Romni I knew that in the face of 5 stores worth of delicious, delicious yarn, I'd need a game plan. So, my rules and goals were:

• no green yarn (I alread have so much green stash you'd think I'd killed Kermit the frog and all his little green friends and spun them into skeins)
• pick up yarn for the uber popular whisper cardigan
• get some yarn for the Tea Rose Halter
• get a set of 6 mm circulars

And I'm pleased to report, that it all worked out: That is 887 yards of grey pima cotton, 10 skeins Paton's DK cotton in blue, and one skein each of Tanis Fiber Arts laceweight in Chestnut and Stormy. I also got the 6mm circs I needed, A cute and kitchy needle case from recycled materials,and there was a bag of awesome swag from The Purple Purl which included a buttery soft skein of Earth Collection Mainland. And how awesome is the TTC Knitalong tote?! Let's have a close up of the beautiful handpainted laceweight for a second: ah, gorgeousness. One of those will be a whisper cardigan. I should confess that I didn't buy the Paton's DK cotton. I was lucky enough to win it for sporting the "Fiercest Knit" on my team- I was wearing my Honeymoon Swallowtail shawl. I'm not entirely sure I deserved it, there were so many great knits in the group, but I'm very pleased to have won- espeically since I was looking for dk cotton and didn't find what I had in mind. But when you go and win ten skeins of exactly what you need- I guess the knitting gods were sending a sign! This is Team East A with all our yarn piled on the tables at the Rivoli: Thanks to everyone who put the event together, and to the stores that hosted us. A good day, indeed!!