alpine frost for summer

I wear cowls (and wool socks) year round. For our recent trip, a cowl that would be wearable in summer heat was essential, so I turned to a design from the Winter 2008 issue of Interweave Crochet. Here is my interpretation of the Alpine Frost Scarf by Amy O’Neill Houck.


It was a welcome addition for our three day side trip to the Ukraine where cooler and overcast weather prevailed during our visit.

Crocheted in the delightful yet sadly discontinued Valley Yarns 8/2 Cotlin, it was a pleasure to work with. Originally I hoped to make a wide and long stole in the design, unfortunately my time was limited. Instead I crocheted enough length to turn it into a loose cowl. I now find it a perfect length and a delightful addition to my summer wardrobe.

cotlin-scarf-progress

However, I wish it had brought some alpine frost with it off the airplane, Budapest (our primary destination) was hot and humid during our brief stay. That didn’t stop me from wearing it!

at Keleti pályaudvar station for a brief break from the sun.

at Keleti pályaudvar station for a brief break from the sun.


There’s a project page at Ravelry though I didn’t write anything while I was working on the project.

quick tool organization upgrade

I love my needle organization, however, it doesn’t work well when I’m out and about. A few years ago, Tom Bihn released knitting tool pouches.

spinning samples and swatches

I’ve been busy working up handspun samples for Happy Fuzzy Yarn to display in the booth at the summer trade show of The National Needle Arts next week.

2015-05-21-HFY-Spinning

I’m also knitting and crocheting (and hopefully weaving) swatches of each sample.

Fibres and colourways shown are:
100% Bombyx silk in Death & Taxes (center); clockwise from top: 100% Falkland in Crete, 100% BFL in Hemoglobin, 75% BFL/25% Silk in Kelp, 100% Merino in Hearth, 50% Merino/50% Yak in Azores, 100% Polwarth in Sunset, and 50% Merino/50% Tencel in Cobalt.

happy yarn

Today over at little acorn creations, I posted a quick interview Riin of Happy Fuzzy Yarn. We talk about her yarn business, knitting designs, and bunnies. Discover your answer to the question, does yarn make you happy?