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Name: Katie

Date: October 18

Current Location: Greenfield, MA

Hey folks!

Ok, so I’m not actually a Master Weaver, but I’ve completed my weaving immersion and have had SUCH a great time! I’ve learned so much and been able to try out all kinds of different patterns and techniques! It was also just wonderful to take a few months to dedicate myself to a craft, squirreled away from daily life in a lovely old farmhouse in the woods. It was incredibly peaceful, and I am so grateful I was able to participate!

Check out all the cool things I made!

Finished Projects

Green/Purple Granny Square and Pink/Brown Granny Square

My obsession with Granny Squares continues…

Current Projects:

The Aztecana Blanket from BebaBlanket

Cruising right along, although it may end up with a different recipient than originally intended…

Another Granny Square – Gray/Purple

Would you believe me if I told you I didn’t actually like Granny Squares all that much?

Up Next:

I’m hoping in a car and taking off for a New England road trip before I head back south to DC. Stay tuned for some fall foliage pics!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Katie

Date: September 10

Current Location: Greenfield, MA

Hey folks!

I’m up in Massachusetts at the Vävstuga Swedish Weaving School for an 8-week immersion program. I’m having a blast and learning so much – it’s a bit of a firehose of information. I’m also continuing to work while I’m here, which is quite the balancing act. It’s a lot, but I’m very happy that this program worked out for me!

We started Day 1 by taking apart and rebuilding a loom from the ground up, and it’s been basically a nonstop fiber party since! We’ve made towels, matching bands, and yardage, are planning blankets for our next personal project, and have wound on no fewer than 8 warps for group projects. There’s such a variety of weaving techniques and styles that we get to work on – I’m super excited about trying drawloom weaving, smålandsvav, and an overshot Christmas Star pattern, but other projects include damask, deflected double weave, and upholstery.

It’s also so nice that I get to spend time in the woods of Western Massachusetts during the fall – the weather is cool, sunny, and lovely nearly every day!

Finished Projects

Towels

Broken twill variations across four towels, with a variety of striping patterns. Hemmed and ready to go!

Band

The matching band which will be attached to the corners of the towels for easy hanging

Yardage

~4 meters of fabric that I’m debating how I will use. I’m thinking a skirt, but that will require me to learn how to sew. *facepalm* I always need more fibercraft hobbies, right?

I’m very pleased with how the color gradation came out, and I owe a debt of thanks to my fellow student, Susan, who suggested both of the colors I ended up using in my weft.

Current Projects:

Green/Purple Granny Square

My obsession with Granny Squares continues…

The Aztecana Blanket from BebaBlanket

A gorgeous pattern I’m frantically working up so it will be finished in time to gift to its intended recipients. I’m using Hobbii Universe yarn in the colorway Interstellar for the design, with their Classic Acrylic in a light peachy-apricot for the main color.

Up Next:

I’ll be here in Massachusetts for another month and a half, then I’ll be renting a car and taking a leisurely road trip through New England before I head back south to DC.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Katie

Date: July 12

Current Location: New York City, NY

Hey all!

We’ve been stuck under a heat dome for a few weeks here in the mid-Atlantic, and it’s been miserable to go outside at all. I’ve been sitting in front of my fan and busying myself with work, reading, and fibercrafts.

I took a break and headed up to NYC for a long weekend with an old friend 🙂 We got far more drinking done than crafting, but it was still a solid trip, and I was so happy to see her. We visited a beautiful club on Long Island Sound, and it was beautiful to look out over the water, even in the heat. I’m planning to visit her again when I go on a New England Road Trip later this fall.

Next month, I’ll be heading out to Vävstuga Weaving School for their Swedish Weaving Immersion. I received a full scholarship to participate, and I’m so excited! I can’t wait to share photos of all of the incredible fabric I’m going to make.

Finished Projects

Snowflakes

I’ve sent out my first batch and have plenty more crochet thread. Let me know if you want any!

Current Projects:

Giant Blue-Tone Granny Square

I enjoyed the rainbow one so much, I immediately started another one in a different colorway! Perpetual granny squares may be my new go-to travel project. They’re light, easily transported, don’t require a pattern, and if they unravel a bit, it’s easy to fix. What’s not to like?

The Aztecana Blanket from BebaBlanket

A gorgeous pattern I’m frantically working up so it will be finished in time to gift to its intended recipients. I’m using Hobbii Universe yarn in the colorway Interstellar for the design, with their Classic Acrylic in a light peachy-apricot for the main color.

Temperature Blanket

We’re into June now, and I’m really enjoying watching the color changes. I was worried I wouldn’t have enough yarn, but I think I’ll only need second skeins of a few of the colors. I hear a lot about folks ending up with enormous blankets larger than they’d intended, but mine is turning out much smaller than I thought it would be. It’s still lovely and squishy, though.

Up Next:

Most of August I’ll be hanging out in the DC area, but I’ll send you photos of Massachusetts when I get there!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Katie

Date: June 10

Current Location: Portsmouth, NH

Hey all!

I ventured up to New Hampshire for a week to visit family and get out of the hot summer sun down in DC. I love me some average highs in the 70s and cool nights in the 50s, haha!

Between wandering my old stomping grounds downtown, at the library, and at the beach, I also spent a few days up in the mountains, lounging in the cooler altitudes. 10/10, highly recommend 😉

Finished Projects

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

I finally finished! I love how it turned out, however I definitely messed up the gauge on this one, as it is WAY too small for me to wear. Will make some adjustments on the needle size and gauge and maybe try this one again – see if someone larger than a toddler can wear the next one!

Giant Rainbow Granny Square

I was looking for something easy to bring on my trip north, and I plowed through this one over two plane trips and a couple days of downtime.

Snowflakes

It’s that time of year! I have my first orders for Christmas décor coming in, so I’ve started ticking away at snowflakes to get them done and in the mail on time. Let me know if you want any!

Current Projects:

Giant Blue-Tone Granny Square

I enjoyed the rainbow one so much, I immediately started another one in a different colorway!

Up Next:

Heading to NYC to visit friends next month!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: April 20

Current Location: Kensington, Maryland, USA

Hey all!

It’s been longer than I’d anticipated since I updated. I’ve been making steady(-ish) progress on my various WIPs. I’m decompressing from my longest travels EVER (8 weeks is A LOT, let me tell you!), and I have so much work to catch up on! We’re also going into the busy season for grant writing, as there are tons of deadlines in April and May that I need to hit for my clients.

I’m house-sitting for a friend, which… kind of counts as travel? It feels like traveling, in a way. They also have several kitties who are just stinkin’ ADORABLE! Kitty pics for tax!

They are the cutest little helpers for my fibercrafts!

Finished Projects

Flax Light Sweater from Tin Can Knits

Look what I finished just in time for 80s weather to sweep into the Mid-Atlantic? 😭 😭 😭

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Nearly done. I have just another 2 rows left, which I’ve already done and ripped out twice when I’ve made silly mistakes, but we’re nearly there!

Temperature Blanket from ME!! (kind of. It’s less of a pattern and more just doing a full stitch C2C, LOL)

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this blanket as much as I am! I’m disappointed when I catch up to where I am in tracking the daily temperature, and I wait another week or two to sit down and hook right through another dozen rows or so.

The next time I do a blanket for the current year, I’ll wait until the year is halfway done before I actually start on the blanket, so I have plenty to work on and don’t have to wait impatiently for more time to pass to keep working on it!

Casablanca Afghan from Annie’s Knit Club

Isn’t this pretty! I’ve just about completed the first kit and am anxiously awaiting the second one. I’m so excited, you guys! It’s so pretty and intricate and textured!

Up Next:

Headed up to NH for some family time, and then to NYC in July.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Feb 20

Current Location: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Hey all!

I’m down in South America for the first time, and I’ve just wrapped up my very first Carnival! No matter how much I thought I was ready for it… I wasn’t!

The big parade is actually ~30 parades over 5 different nights. The samba schools of Rio compete the first weekend to see who will have the honor of performing in the Champion’s Parade the second weekend. Picture an hour of the most over-the-top Carnival shit you can imagine – 600-1000 dancers, 15-20 costumes in every color, feathers, fans, glitter, confetti cannons, fireworks, a 100-person timpani section, 5 or 6 floats with 40-ft animatronics, water features, and light shows.

That is just ONE SCHOOL. It’s overwhelming, and it’s hard to believe that there will be 7 more performing that night!

I had a ton of fun partying at the parades, lounging on the beautiful beaches, swimming in a tropical lagoon, exploring the nearby forest, and dining on some of the most delicious food I have ever had!

On top of all of that, Rio is simply a gorgeous city. There are beaches, mountains, forest, and big city, all within minutes of each other.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a complete trip without a stop at the local yarn shop! I picked up some Mardi Gras colors for my Brazil yarn. I think I’m going to start a granny square afghan using the yarns I pick up on my travels. I have enough to get started with squares from Mexico and Brazil. What do you guys think?

Current Projects:

Summer Halo Tee from Drops

The body is done! …now I just need to pick up stitches for the sleeves, which I’ve been putting off because I don’t like that part, lol

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Making good progress on this one as I’m procrastinating the sleeves on my t-shirt. It’s also a lot of plain knitting, so I can work on it while I have a show going in the background.

Finished Projects

Up Next:

Headed to Colombia for a week, then a brief stop in Panama City before I return Stateside.

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Jan 25

Current Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Hey all!

Greetings from Central America! I’ve been in Mexico City for a few weeks, and I’m having a blast! I’ve gotten to practice a ton of Spanish, and my needles are clicking away on the Summer Halo Tee from Drops!

I’ve seen so much of this incredible city and had so much fun! Take a look at some of the highlights below:

I’ve also wandered in and out of some of the local yarn shops – I’ve gotta say, I love the bright and wild colors that are a staple in every shop here.

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

The eagle-eyed among you may notice that this is smaller than it was. That’s because I royally screwed up and even my lifeline couldn’t save me. I pulled it out entirely and re-started. Le sigh.

Summer Halo Tee from Drops

Cast this on while I was on the plane and watching Fast X. Love the color, but I think my swatch was off – this seems like it’s going to be a little big. It’s only my second attempt at a sized clothing item, so I’m not too worried if it’s large. I’m nearly at the sleeves, and then it’s just going to be non-stop stockinette stitch all the way down.

Finished Projects

*backs away slowly*

Up Next:

I’m here for another week before I head to Colombia and then Rio. I’ll send photos!

See you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Dec 26

Current Location: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland

Hey all!

I thought this was going to get posted sooner, but life got in the way. Sorry about that! As an apology, have ALL of the photos of everything I’ve made and been working on since November.

Since I don’t have enough to do, I decided to add Bobbin Lace to my repertoire of handicrafts. I went to an open house at The Textile Museum at George Washington University a few months ago, and they had loads of resources for spinning, lace making, weaving, knitting, and crocheting. I was in heaven! But I’ve been working on the basics of bobbin lace, which I’ve been interested in since I saw a Youtube video about Spanish women on the coast of Galicia who’ve done it for generations. Bobbin lace has been woven across Europe for centuries, predominantly in Italy, France, and Belgium. I love the art because it’s functionally weaving on a smaller scale, and it doesn’t require a massive loom. I’ve made a bunch of small sample pieces, and I’m looking forward to building on my skills to make larger items.

Vavstuga was incredible, as always. I’m planning to apply for their two-month weaving intensive next year and dedicate myself to 8 weeks of developing into a proper weaver.

While in Massachusetts, I made a long-overdue pilgrimage to Webs, the largest yarn store in America, which was just a wonderful as I’d always imagined! I came back with an incredible haul of yarn, notions, and A LOOM!!! I finally pushed the button and bought myself an inkle loom! I’ve just started working on it the last few days, and I’m very pleased at how my first band is coming out.

New Hampshire was fun, and I got to see my brother’s new house. I also finally got to deliver my Tree of Life afghan to its intended recipients!

I also had a work trip up in New York City, and took a brief pause to duck into Knitty City again and grab some yarn for yet another project! …I have a problem. Please send help 😭

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Haven’t even looked at this one for weeks as I’ve been desperately knitting my fingers off to get holidays gifts completed in time.

Birka Band (link: http://ladyelewys.carpevinumpdx.com/2020/08/27/tablet-weaving-for-the-absolute-beginner-birka-6/)

A free pattern courtesy of Elewys of Finchingfeld, and my first ever band on my inkle loom!

Finished Projects

Dish Towels, Tablecloths, Napkins

I had an absolute blast in Massachusetts at Vavstuga working on a whole pile of stuff. I ended up with two tablecloths, four matching napkins each, and 3 dishtowels (plus buttons!)

Ear Warmers and Hats

It’s that time of year, and I’m (still!) frantically trying to finish everyone’s gifts. There are definitely some that are going in the mail late 😬. Not everyone has gotten their gifts yet, but I’ll share the ones that have already been delivered.

Up Next:

I’m leaving for a two-month sojourn across Central and South America in January and February. I’m already plotting the yarn stores I’m going to visit and what projects I’ll be taking with me!

Happy Holidays, and see you all next time! ❤

Name: Kaitlyn

Date: Nov 12

Current Location: World Culture Festival and Kensington, MD

Hey all!

So this post is later than I’d planned, as my life was insanely busy in October. After I returned from my sister’s wedding, I had approximately 3 hours to nap (after 16-straight hours of travel and a good 30 hours awake) before we kicked things off with the World Culture Festival, which my belly dance school was performing in. It was so much fun, but also very stressful and time consuming. I enjoyed it, but I don’t know if I would do it again. It was also on the National Mall and there were fancy, important dignitaries there, which meant we had to go through Secret Service/National Park security, which meant I couldn’t bring any knitting or crochet with me to work on during the hours of waiting. 😭  The injustice of it all!

The next night, we also performed at Art All Night – a citywide celebration of art in different neighborhoods. There were dancers, singers, musicians, and all kinds of visual art exhibitions across the city. We performed our fall caravan piece rather than the WCF number, and it was in a high school gym rather than the national mall, but still a lot of fun! The audience was very appreciative, and seemed to enjoy our mini belly dance classes in between numbers.

I spent two weeks in October cat-sitting for friends, and I think I successfully turned the two kittens into yarn fanatics. They were very intrigued by watching crafting Youtube videos with me, and supervising my knitting in the evenings.

Also, check out this signed copy of ‘No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting’! The author lived locally to me for a good chunk of her life and signed the library’s copy ages ago.

Current Projects:

Whippoorwill Shawl from Carina Spencer

Took seven tries to get through the first twenty rows, but by jove, I’ve DONE IT! This one has been on my to-do list for a year or two, and I’m very excited to finally be getting on with it! I’ve had the yarn ready for ages, and it’s so soft and wonderful to work with! There will be some contracting color on the edges, and I have a beautiful leafy green that will look lovely with the grey I’m using for the main body.

Finished Projects

Ear Warmers

It’s that time of year, and I’m frantically trying to get presents done for folks. Two testers of two different ear warmers here, both from TL Yarn Crafts

Up Next:

I’m heading north to Massachusetts to spend a week at Vävstuga weaving school, then heading further north to spend Thanksgiving with family.

See you all next time! ❤