So, I was going to get on a blogging schedule and post my WIP's every Wednesdays. Here I am Thursday morning.  Ha!  However, that is my plan.  I hope to get on a better schedule in this space that I still love so much even after all these years.  

I'm sitting here with a big glass of my morning water, about to attempt some more latte art, staring at my beautiful wall of yarn. (More on that later.)
Of course, I'd rather be knitting on this delicious striped sweater that gets more fun with each color.

 That's the thing about stripes.  Each color feels like a new beginning.  Like something was checked off my list and I am able to accomplish something new all in the same moment.  

The winners of the two Hanne Falkenberg kits were finally chosen!  (Giveaway was on Episode 15 of AFTKW podcast.)
Episode 16  of AFTKW podcast is up where I told you all about how I entered the winners and my husband was there to actually do the drawing.  Plus there is a little behind the scenes if you would like to take a look!  
 Congrats to Susan and Carole!  

Wow. I can't believe it's May. Happy May, Friends! April flew by for me... How about you?

I finished one project in April.  And I do adore it.  

 I stink at decorating cut out cookies.  And truly would rather be knitting instead of decorating.  However, I sent these in a few care packages and must say they were received with a smile.  And this recipe is a keeper.  

It truly is one of those knits that give you a bang for your buck.  Soothing garter stitch is a joy to include in my day.  I can work on it and not give it much thought so that my attention can be 95% somewhere else.  
Garter stitch is good for carrying on a conversation or for watching tv or for enjoying a glass of wine.  Practically the perfect knit.  

So many different combinations to knit.  And so many different combinations to wear.  I'm thinking this will be a classic knit that I will wear A LOT!  Sort of like these Frye boots I have had for about 16 years!  (WHAT?!) More on those later.  

I truly can't decide which color combination to choose for my next one.  

 And of course I talked about it on my latest podcast.  Head over if you want to hear about it.  (There is also a little giveaway going on over there.)

Pattern:  Half + Half Triangles Wrap, Size Large 

Yarn:  Purl Soho Linen Quill   3 skeins Heirloom white, 3 skeins Dark Denim 

***Modification:  I applied a Slip 3 edge.  Check out the video here.  

Hi!  I put together a little video demonstrating how I slip the last 3 stitches on my Half+Half Triangles wrap.  This can be used on ANY of your garter stitch projects.  
 The technique creates a much neater finish and I believe a more finished look.

I don't think I have ever made a sweater for anyone other than my kids.  And you probably can guess the reasons.  Kids are easy to knit for because size isn't really a huge issue.  And neither is style.  But, knitting for a friend is a tricky business.  How will it fit?  How about the style?  Will it be worn?  Will the recipient like the color, yarn, feel?  SO many things to consider! 

Back in January, over Christmas break, my Libby decided it was time for her to KNIT! It was just music to my ears.  She had found a sweater through instagram and text the link to me.  It took me to Ravelry where I was thinking oh my goodness my daughter has been perusing RAVELRY!  I then told her I would gladly make her this sweater when she replied "do you think I can knit that?".  Oh my.  I just about dropped my phone.  

A few months ago, I mentioned that I was joining 3 Knit-a-longs. Two have already ended (Slipstravaganza and Knitcollage) but I'm not sure I ever mentioned the 3rd. CadyJax podcast is hosting the Half + Half Triangles Wrap with an intent to take an entire year to knit this beauty.  The culmination happening at Rhinebeck for those folks lucky enough to attend and HOPEFULLY it will actually happen!

It's a Purl Soho free pattern and I'm using the Linen Quill from PurlSoho that the pattern calls for.  It takes 2 or 3 skeins of each color depending on the size of the shawl you choose to make. The pattern is written for 2 sizes.  Small and Large.  I am knitting the large one.  It is simple and straightforward with short rows taking place to reduce the stitches in each color.   
I thought my colors were a bit boring, however, they are what I will wear.  Dark Denim + Heirloom White.  So.... 

 I started knitting this back at the end of October when I started learning Continental knitting.  I have knit English Style my entire knitting journey alway wanted to devote some time to learning Continental.  This seemed like the perfect time with the perfect project.  So, as you can see, the one on the top left is where my journey began.  My tension was off and needed some help.  I actually didn't mind that as it could be my reminder of the task and goal I had set for myself.  However, what i did mind was the sloppy edge.  I disliked that very much.  SO,  I cast on again slipping the last 3 stitches of every row with the yarn held in the front.  This gives the piece a much cleaner look.  (You don't have to slip the last 3, you can slip the last 2 or the last 1 even. )  Eventually I will put together a video showing how to do this as I had so many questions on the podcast when I spoke about this.  

My husband and I decided to try something new this February.  "How about a couple of weeks in the desert?" he asked.  I was up for anything.  

We woke to a spectacular view.  I had no idea how gorgeous the Arizona sunrises and sunsets were!  Lucky peeps who get to experience this daily!
I brought one project with me.  Only one.  (That was a bit challenging for me.)  My Half + Half Triangles Wrap. However, since there is so much mindless knitting in this project, I knew it would be the perfect one.

Oh February. How did you get here so fast?!

I think this is just the perfect Valentine Gift.  I wanted to let you know that I have a code available over on my latest podcast (Number 14!) for this pattern. (And TOAST.) So, if you are interested head on over to watch. I think this pattern would make a great gift to remind someone how much you love them.  It might even be you who needs the reminder!

I then chose photos of some of my finished knits from 2020. We all have plenty of those!  It was fun to change it up for a year.  :)

The knit I love to wear the most is hands down (Ha! Hands down, get it?!) TOAST mitts. Well, don't get me wrong... sweaters are my number one knit. However, the most worn knit I wear is TOAST.I throw them on in the morning when the house is cold and dark and I stumble to the coffee maker.  They are a great addition to my jammies.  

I miss my girl. I miss my boys, too.  I took Libby to the airport last Sunday after winter break.  That was hard.  That stunk.   She was the last child to leave and get back to their lives.  It meant that it was time for me to get back into a routine, too.   It was just one of the best Christmas breaks with my kids.  And not only because Libby started knitting.  (YES!!!!  More on that later!) 

Mousseux.  

Well, Hello Friends!  Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that it's already page 8 of your 2021 365 page book!  

• We were part of "Gail" that hit the Northeast yesterday and today.  We received about 12-14" and it is so beautiful!  

 Hi sweet friends!

Thank you so much for sharing your email for the Chalk Lots newsletter.  Last night, Charlie and I cut up all of the names into thin paper strips and drew one name.  It felt good to do it the old fashioned way instead of the random number generator I have used in the past.   It felt sort of like how Chalk Lots feel.  Real, genuine, comfortable.  Like a warm cocoa on a cool winter day.  Anyhow, I seriously wish I could give you all a set.  I SO would if I could!  But, Emily, you are the winner of the Chalk Lots Giveaway.  And since I have your email, I will be emailing you to let you know!

Again, thanks so much, friends.  It means a lot.  

xx, leslie

My heart is never happier than when I have my three children around me.