back to school

I was surprised when I started seeing "Back to School" specials on TV and in store windows, but here we are in the middle of August and I'm seeing kids moving into dorms all around the city.  I've always been excited for the first day of school, and I still get a little tingle when September is around the corner.  Now, instead of lining up my pencils and packing up my notebooks, I start sifting through my yarn stash and digging through all my patterns and favorites on Ravelry. 

My vote for the Back to School knit of the season is Exeter.  I named this sweater after Philips Exeter Academy up in New Hampshire.  I was lucky enough to go to summer school there between my sophomore and junior years in high school.  It was a magical time, and an experience I will always cherish.  This sweater has that slightly bookish quality that reminds me of that time, and it's perfect for going to football games, Wednesday night study groups and for late nights editing the Yearbook!

© Jared Flood/Brooklyn Tweed

Now I just have to find two pocket protectors.

light

It is fascinating what knitting has brought into my life.  What started out as a hobby to distract me from an otherwise mundane life, has turned out not only to be a passion, but a gateway to other delights... spinning, fiber, sheep, crocheting, sewing, quilting, weaving (in my dreams), embroidery... and the list goes on.

From knitting has come a real curiosity in photography.  In our world of ravelry, flickr, blogs, instagram, tumblr and other online goodies, photographs are our one true way of showing the world how we see it and in my case, what we've created.  I'm not so good with words, and as they say: a picture is worth a thousand of them.

Light is hands-down the most important aspect of photography.  It's scientific really.  Photography is the recording of light, in its simplest terms.  And once I realized that, I've been tuned into good light, or light that I like.  Morning light vs. afternoon light.  Winter light vs. summer light.  Artificial light vs. natural light.  All have pros and cons.

So this morning, when I walked into my studio and saw my Novak Shawl hanging on my dressform with early morning, summer light shining on it, I had to snap a pic.  The natural light made the yarn glow with the softest, pearl-like quality that I stopped and stared for quite a long time.

Now if only I could walk around with a permanent softbox lighting me.

applique

It was meant to be.  Anna Joyce was teaching a machine applique class at Purl Soho on a Saturday where I was jam-packed with plans.  All of my plans were either canceled or rescheduled, so voila!  It was serendipitous - open spots were available and I signed up just in the knick of time.  I was so happy to be doing something different from knitting (we all need a break), and really jazzed to meet Anna and learn her technique.

There were only two of us there taking the class, so it really felt like I was getting some personal attention.  Anna prepared two patterns for class, both of which were modern, classic and easy.  I chose two Liberty fabrics, and two Shot Cottons for my chevron pattern.  The background fabric is a linen/cotton blend which gives the case a little more oompf.  We went with the chevron pattern and I was so elated with my completed pillowcase! 

I think my pillow looks quite comfy and right at home on my bed.

plied

The BFL plied...

Not exactly laceweight, a little overplied, and it's unintentionally thick 'n thin.  But overall, I'm happy with it considering you could knit with it and the colorway is quite beautiful.

bellocq

I'm furthering my relaxation with some beautifully crafted Bellocq tea from Purl Soho.

I am completely infatuated with their No. 52 blend, Etoile de L'inde.  While I prefer green tea over others, it was the beautiful dried rose petals that really swept me off my feet. 

Since tea is wool's perfect companion, I'm slowly getting back into the design game with every sip.  Let the swatching begin!