Pints & Purls Edition 2: Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale

This is the second in a series of installments that will highlight one of my favorite brews and which knits to go with it!

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Brew: Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale

Brewer: Las Lagunitas Brewing Company

Malts:

Hops: Every hop that starts with the letter “C”

Flavors:  Hoppy, floral, citrusy, a light wheat beer.

Knit Pairings:  This beer has a quick finish, no lingering malt or hops so I recommend drinking it with knitting projects that have quick details.  Something that you don’t want to put down because it’s moving along so moothly, but you need a pleasant little beverage to enhance the experience.  Possibly even a nice summer-y fiber like hemp or cotton because this beer is perfect for warm weather.

Notes: Another one of my absolute faves, this beer is easy to drink and even has a cute pinup on the label!

Let me know what you think!  Suggestions for future beers, more/different information to include, this is a work in progress so I won’t be offended by constructive advice!

Cute New Addition to the Studio

Not too long ago I was volunteering with the Luvin’ Labs rescue group with one of their fundraising events and stumbled upon this adorable little bowl in the wealth of donated items to be sold to benefit the local canine rescues. 

I knew that it absolutely had to come home with me, so I waited two more days and hoped that no one else saw the bowl first when the sale opened it’s gates. 

I love the colors that are used and the little sheep figures.  The bottom of the bowl says “Exclusively designed handmade and painted in Italy” which just adds to the unique charm. 

Have you found any awesome gems in unexpected places lately?

Frogging Friday

No FO today, just another frogging discussion.  Different project though, so at least there’s that.

This is a design using Blue Sky Alpacas Silky Alpaca that I’ve been playing with for a few months and I just wasn’t loving it and wasn’t loving it and wasn’t loving it but I was trying so hard to squeeze one drop of love from my heart.  It just wasn’t happening.

So, there it is, in a neat, pretty little ball, waiting for it’s next attempt at a fulfilling life.

What did you finish up this week?  Anything pretty?

Pints & Purls – Happy Camper IPA

This is the first in a series of installments that will highlight one of my favorite brews and which knits to go with it!

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Brew:  Happy Camper IPA

Brewer:  Santa Fe Brewing Company

Malts:  2-row pale, Munich, Crystal

Hops:  Cascade, Simcoe, Bravo, Amarillo, Summit

Flavors:  “Smooth Flowers” is how I would describe this beer, the malt is fresh but not overpowering, this brew still has a strong hoppy flavor, traditional of IPAs

Knit Pairings:  This beer is great for those knits you want to savor, taking a break periodically to look at your handy work and enjoy the complex, floral flavors of a great beverage.

Notes:  This is probably my favorite IPA and judging by the awards it’s won, I’m not the only person who thinks its delicious!

This is the first in what I hope to be a regular series – maybe once a week, maybe once a month, we’ll see (I don’t want to make any promises right now).  Let me know what you think!  Suggestions for future beers, more/different information to include, this is a work in progress so I won’t be offended by constructive advice!

WIP Wednesday

I’m still working on, and making good progress with, that project from Monday.  I think my ultimate decision was just to stop trying to over-design, basically.  Just keep it simple!

I’m also working on another seekrit design with some gorgeous yarn and I Love Love Love how it’s working up!

But just yesterday, I received this in the mail…

Looks like I’ll be busy for a little while and will have to get back to those other projects in a bit!

Linking up with Tami again!  What are you working on this week?

Frogging Project Vlog

Happy Monday everyone!

I made this little Vlog for you to share a recent project I’ve been working on, my troubles with it, how I solved them, and a lazy knit-hack for life. (Sorry about the quality, I need to figure out a different mic or something to use)

Mentioned in the video:

My Twitter and Instagram (come say hi so I can follow you too!)

The Yarn (not actually mentioned, but this is it)

KAL Giveaway Winner!

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for participating and congratulate everyone who’s managed to finish their shawl, whether or not it was during the KAL period! (Hint: clicking any of the photos will take you to the Ravelry pages of the makers)

twiglee’s Sweet Summer Rays Shawl

Special mention to NMStacey who got a late start and knit her hands off to get as close to finishing the shawl as she could before time was up!

AdrialysHC’s Sweet Summer Rays

The shawls in the KAL were all knit in awesome colors, some from Candy Skein and others not, but I really like how the textural differences really pop with different yarn choices

moritz52’s Sweet Summer Rays

And now, the part I know everyone is interested in, the giveaway!  According to the group thread, we had 10 participants who finished and posted pictures in the group before time was up, and the winner, chosen by Random.org, is:

kolorswkrayons

I love this version of the shawl, I love the colors she chose and that, even though she had to bind off with a separate color, it all looks so deliberate and funky!

I think it’s so awesome how international the internet, knitting and Ravelry are, I know to be on the lookout when I visit Australia and keep my eyes open for a Sweet Summer Rays shawl!

Omlair’s Sweet Summer Rays Shawl

Have you made this shawl yet?  Or used any of Candy Skein’s yarns? (They’re fabulous, you totally should).

Another Class In The Books!

The past 2 weekends I’ve spent Saturday afternoons doing something I totally love to do – teaching knitting students a new technique!

I taught stranded color work using my Fresh Chroma Slouch pattern at Yarn & Coffee in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Seeing the hat worked up in so many different color choices – raiders, classic, modern – they all look great and give the hat totally different a feel.

One of the hardest things to learn when taking on stranded knitting is learning how to float the yarn at the correct gauge.  A little blocking really does wonders for a stranded work, but if your floats are too tight, no amount of blocking can work out the puckering that is likely to occur.

My next class will be based around my Sweet Summer Rays shawl and will give beginners a good shawl experience!  It will take place on June 1st and 8th, from 1-4pm.  If you’re in the area, call Yarn & Coffee to sign up!

Sweet Summer Rays KAL

Today’s the last day of the KAL!  If you’re participating, and heck, even if you’re not, check out all of the gorgeousness that’s happening over in our Ravelry thread.

I love seeing so many colorful versions of this sweet simple shawl!

Don’t forget to upload your finished shawl pictures to the thread to be eligible for the giveaway by the end of the day, the winner will be announced on Friday!

Slow the F*ck Down

Sometimes I get a little high-strung.

Sometimes I get a little stressed.

Sometimes I get a little depressed.

Sometimes I just need a little reminder.

My peace cranes hang in my window and they’re colorful and happy and sometimes they make the rest of my office look pretty too.

Just your friendly reminder, slow the fuck down every once in while.