Summer in Winter

Hi Knitters!

Summer Tweed by Rowan is a favorite yarn of mine. I am currently knitting a simple stockinette, slightly set-in sleeves, oversized turtleneck sweater, for me, in this beautiful silk, cotton tweed. The color is a pale blush with flecks of blues and pinks. No matter how many sweaters in how many styles I have knitted over the years I always come back to the most simple silhouettes because these are the sweaters I tend to wear over and over. I whipped out the back over the last couple of days of very sporadic knitting. It is fun, mindless and fast on a size 8 needle. I am using my Addi Turbos because my Options are on other projects. I have a lot of projects going on right now and I'm having so much fun. It should be illegal.

This trio of snowmen are on my mantel right now. These are some of my favorite pieces of art in my house. I picked them up at a holiday art fair quite a few years ago. They were a bit pricey, but I had to have them. The artist's name is Gregg Trollop and his snowmen are exquisitely carved creations. They have such movement and personality. He told me about how he searched and searched for the perfect little twigs to create the arms for each character. They look like they are dancing. Of course I love the hats, too. I went back to the same art fair the next year to buy some more and he wasn't there. I am certainly glad I got these little treasures when I did. Every year they are a treat to set out. J'adore!

This morning we woke to a dusting of snow. It is just a tiny covering, but later today we are supposed to get another 3-6 inches. We are keeping our fingers crossed. The kids have off for MLK day on Monday, so the sledding hill may be calling our name! Yippee! Every year all of my kids and I make paper snowflakes to hang on our windows. I love these lacey creations. Beautiful.

Last week was a productive work week for me. I had a meeting about an interesting business venture which will hopefully work out. I can't discuss too much yet, but it looks exciting!

I got an excellent book direction idea from my publisher, who I just love by the way. She is smart, savvy, and fun all at the same time. My brain is racing with ideas for book #3. It is time to get cracking on that while my second book is in the editing phase. I have sketches, lists and ideas spread everywhere. Yesterday I picked up a brand-new sketch book to devote strictly to this new book concept. This is where I will start listing, consolidating ideas and sketching out the book. It will start taking shape. When I get a new sketch book I literally feel the excitement of the possibilites that wait for me on those blank pages.

I have stoked the fires with a few weeks of non-work related knitting and I am ready to get back to work again. I think it is funny how when I get a break in work-related knitting I immediately race to my needles for more knitting.

Passion is passion.

best, susie