I am in something of a planning sweet spot. Something about a) finishing a big project and b) the approaching holidays has combined to create a space for planning and knitting that is making me both ambitious and realistic and so, so happy. I’m not saying I don’t get stressed about gift knitting (talk to me in the second week of December), but right now, when everything seems doable and fun and it feels like there’s lots of time? Right now, it is fun.
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Artifact, destined to be this hat.
One of the things I like best about this time is planning pattern and yarn pairings. I like to think about what colour(s) someone will like best, what pattern will suit their style and their needs, and what will be an engaging knit. All of this necessitates spending some time looking at patterns on Ravelry and also buying yarn (oh darn) and, of course, this inevitably leads to me finding patterns and yarns that get added to my post-holiday, for-me knitting, which is fun to plan and think about too.
Brooklyn Tweed Loft in Almanac and Foothills, which I plan to use for this hat (for me) in January.
Last weekend, my friend Wendy and I went to New York for the New Yorker Festival. We went two years ago and loved it, so it was really fun to go back. The festival lineup was great and we had a tough time narrowing down our choices (as much as we’d like to see everything that’s a bit expensive and also, when in New York, it’s fun to have time to do other things too). In the end, we went to the New Yorker MOTH night, a panel on immersion journalism hosted by David Remnick, saw Susan Orlean interview Christophe Waltz, and watched Philomena (staring Judy Dench and Steve Coogan) followed by an on-stage interview with director Stephen Frears. It was great.
Anzula Squishy in Rootbeer – I am have a bit of a shawl moment right now, and I think this would gorgeous as the Sagano Shawl by Laura Chau. Thoughts?
Would a trip to New York be complete without a visit to Purl Soho? Probably not. So we went twice: once to look, and once to buy. I’d planned ahead a little and picked up some yarn for L’s annual hat as well as a couple of treats for myself, which is, I think, a perfect balance.
A practical purchase. Last year, I got quite a gash on my finger from all the knitting with sharp little needles. This year, I’m prepared.
How was your weekend? Are you already planning or do you prefer to wing it?
Pans & Needles 
I’ve always wanted to visit Purl Soho! According to Google Maps, it’s less than a 90 minute drive from my house, but more than likely I’d take the train which adds another half hour. I wonder how Hubby would feel about a trip to the city…. 😛
The Loft yarn looks like it’s begging to be pet and the colors you chose are very pretty!
I totally feel you on the planning bliss, I get the same way this time of year. I LOVE that Altair pattern, and will likely try to knit one for myself someday, too.
I didn’t even know that something like that little clover finger protector even existed! I think I might need one.
And I think planning is half the fun. Although there are no surprise gifts in my family. Everyone is so picky, it is better if the yarn and pattern are approved beforehand. (Unless it is small, then I’ll chance it.)
I’m stilly trying to get used to knitting with it, but I think it’s going to be a life saver (finger saver?) this year. It’s made for sewing I think, but it’s the best knitting thimble I’ve seen. Mine is a medium, so I’m guessing it comes in at least three sizes, too!
Planning is almost as much fun as the knitting for me….ooh! I love Anzula Squishy. I used it for my Earlybird socks and it is sooooooo soft and gorgeous. I love the color you chose. Great upcoming patterns!
I love the planning stage, too. All those possibilities, and looking for the right yarn, and thinking about different colors and who could be potential recipients… so much fun! Though in recent years, around the holiday seasons I do too much dreaming and end up deciding to buy other gifts instead of knitting.
I love the Brooklyn Shelter and Loft yarns you got! It’s funny this dude is from Brooklyn, but I’ve never seen his yarn in a Brooklyn yarn shop, but anyway, I digress! This is very beautiful and sadly, though I live in NY have not yet made my way to Purl Soho not New York Festival. I like mostly planning my projects and matching yarns to projects…for me it’s less stressful and I cn move seamlessly from project to project. I spent the weekend knitting sleeves for my Tilted Duster. In terms of planning the weekend…or any day, I usually do. How did a knitting needle puncture you?
Sigh. My fingers refuse to become callused, which is nice aesthetically, but a (literal) pain when it comes to knitting. Basically, any time I’m knitting a lot with small, sharp needles (which is most of the time) the constant pressure cuts into my left forefinger. I can change my rhythm to prevent this if I’m paying attention, but when I’m rushing to get things done I forget. It always heals up just fine after a week or so, but this year I’m going to try and prevent it all together!
I need one of those knitting thimbles!!! I use plasters, but they are always so unsatisfactory. Love your planning, it’s half the fun, as others have said. And such scrummy yarns too.
The yarns look so delicious! Shelter and Loft look so rustic somehow, would love to try them one day. I´m glad you had fun in NY, I live there and have never been to purl soho…….you make me feel like I´m missing out on something great! I´ll have to get myself over there soon:)
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