2014: The Year of Learning

2013 was The Year of Progress – and a progressive year it was.

• I moved
• Twice
• I started a new job that I absolutely love
• I knit quite a few things (not all the things even got Raveled)
• I published a few of designs
• I pushed my body
• I taught adults and kids
• I lost a friend
• And I gained more

I’ve deemed 2014 The Year of Learning because I sincerely believe that I learn something new everyday.  This year, I want to document this fact.  I’ve got a pretty notebook and colorful pens to keep track of everything I learn throughout the year and I’m excited about it!

What are you going to miss most about 2013?  What are you most looking forward to in 2014?

As Of Late

I’ve been pretty busy and trying to squeeze in some productivity here and there and just wanted to take a quick moment to make sure ya’ll had seen what I’ve been up to lately!

• How to Determine Yardage from an Unlabeled Skein
• All of my ebook patterns are now available as single pattern downloads on Etsy (and will be on Craftsy soon too)
• I’m destashing some awesome yarns to lighten my load for another move (details coming soon, very exciting, not far)
• I started a personal knitting project that will get it’s own post soon!

What have you been up to lately?  Preparing for the new year and relishing in the memories of 2013?

The Book Is Here!

Doomsday Knits has finally arrived!  The digital version, at least, and man oh man is it awesome!

My pattern, Quaintrelle, is in there along with 30 others that are perfect for the apocalypse, before and after. 

What will your first project from the book be?

Pints & Purls Edition 24: Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale

This is the twenty-fourth in a series of installments that will highlight one of my favorite brews and which knits to go with it!  None of the breweries or yarn companies are compensating me – these are just my opinions on my personal experiences!

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Brew: Bridal Veil Rye Pale Ale

Brewer: Telluride Brewing Co.

Malts: German Rye

Hops: Cascade, Magnum, Chinook, CTZ, Citra

Flavors: Very earthy and, almost creamy.  This beer has a complex flavor profile with a tiny bit of spice at the end.  Plenty of hops but easy enough to drink so that non-IPA fans would also enjoy it.

Knit Pairings: This beer would really highlight that cold-weather knitting you’ve been up to this time of year.  Because it’s brewed in Telluride, CO at an altitude of 8750′ it’ll be a great match for hardy winter wear that’ll last a lifetime but is still pleasurable and simple to knit.

Notes:  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday and are enjoying plenty of knitting time as well!

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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!

Family Time

This past weekend was a special one – my younger brother graduated from college and the family got together to celebrate!  (Those of you who have been reading the blog for a while might recognize the sweater my Dad is wearing)

I don’t get to see my grandfolks often since we live on opposite sides of the country and the older we get, the more fun we all seem to have together (and we all like beer and giving each other a hard time, what can I say).

I also got to spend some time with some knitting friends and we started the day with mimosas and talk of knitting and life, then hit up a yarn store and got some brews.

So, although I probably won’t see them for the Big Holiday next week, it was very nice to see some of my family and the travel time was good knitting time too.

WIP Wednesday: More Seekrits

Well, not seekrits, just one really.

This particular item is working up quite quickly and I’m totally in love with the way the stitch pattern is coming out in the yarn that would otherwise be difficult to work with.  I wish I could tell you more about it right now, but sadly you’ll have to wait for a little while!

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

Pints & Purls Edition 23: Hop Ottin’ IPA

This is the twenty-third in a series of installments that will highlight one of my favorite brews and which knits to go with it!  None of the breweries or yarn companies are compensating me – these are just my opinions on my personal experiences!

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Brew: Hop Ottin’ IPA

Brewer: Anderson Valley

Malts: Pale two-row, Munich, Crystal

Hops: Columbus, Cascade

Flavors: Pine-y and assertive, plenty of hoppy bitter and a crisp climax and finish.

Knit Pairings: Statement knitting.  Pick a statement color or a bold design, or both!  This isn’t a wall-flower beer and your knitting shouldn’t blend into the background either.

Notes:

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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!