I don’t think I realized how exhausted I was until I looked up and realized I was starting to feel like myself again after a 2-week break from most things. My last faculty meeting was on May 13 and I don’t go back for faculty meetings until August 13 but I’ve got a lot of prep work and planning to do in the interim. But between Chicago and time at home, I’ve been doing a lot of this…
Cher has been doing well, I feel like I’ve got this doggy diaper situation down (Who knew I’d care bout diapers this much? If you have a female dog who can’t keep a diaper on, I suggest the PeeKeeper.) and I’ve been trying to get lots of naps and rest when I can. I put a lot of pressure on myself to have a good first year as a full time professor and I realized I really needed to decompress a little bit. August will be here before I know it and I’ve got a lot of knitting I want to get done this summer. Plus I’ve got to get myself into a new routine, schedule because I feel a bit off without a solid routine. My change in career paths has been great for me for the most part, but I also have to recognize it comes with lots of changes. Sometimes it’s just a little hard to keep up.
I’m down to half a sleeve and the collar on my Allison cardigan. I love the little pop of color pockets and the color is just so happy, but I’m ready to finish this one so I can get on to some summer knits.
This is going to be a tank top and the color is so bright and vivid, added bonus it only cost a total of $10 for the yarn at Joann’s. More details on that soon. And I’ve got my eye on this tee in a deep red with some Berroco Maya yarn, a lovely cotton tape yarn. Actually, everything in that Kestrel 2019 collection is right up my alley for summer so I’m excited to knit a few summery pieces.
So what are you up to this summer? Knitting or anything else, share!
Yards of Happiness 
It’s always good to feel like yourself after some of life’s stresses. So glad you are getting some rest, Dana. As for my “summer” knitting, I have a Cozy Shlanket by the Knitting Expat that is almost finished and MUST get done before it gets much hotter. I started a Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman for my granddaughter. I’m doing it in a child’s size so it’s really a CSJ. I’m also working on a cable shawl that I’m in love with. I also have a pair of socks on the needles. My daughter asked for a Quincy hat by Jared Flood. There’s a couple of dishcloth patterns I want to try. That’s a start!
I exhausted just reading your list! That’s a lot of projects.
So glad to know you’ve rested and feel it. How do you keep up with all your WIPs while still keeping on task. Love your ideas.
Ravelry keeps me organized. I try to enter in all my yarn, it has all my patterns and I track every project there. It makes things so much easier.
“Just a little hard to keep up” really made me laugh! Your schedule would kill a weaker woman in one day. Thanks for cheering me up, the last few weeks have been a bit rough. Tramadol and knitting don’t work well together. On the other hand, small black dogs LOVE the couch time!
I’m sorry you’re in pain, hopefully you’re on the mend. But I’m happy to provide a laugh.
I want to make a short sleeve top in a cotton linen blend. Not sure about the pattern though I’m leaning toward something in last year’s Pom Pom quarterly.
I looked at the Kestral Co collection. Cute patterns! Have you ever knit with linen/flax? I’ve been working on a scarf in Euro Flax sport weight linen and that stuff is stiff!! A challenge to knit with. It’s a new experience for me
Read this old post because I used that EXACT yarn https://yardsofhappiness.com/2016/08/05/stitching-status-complex-little-things/ I find the worsted weight tape yarns are much easier on the hands.
Thanks for your reply Dana and yes, what keeps me working on it is the guarantee of a beautiful, soft fabric after washing and drying 😉
It was lovely in the end and wore really well for years! But I’ve never knit with it before because of the trauma 😂
I love your posts! I am a teacher and the summer vacation allows me more time to knit. I bought three kits to do. Ine has star shaped glass beads and I have not knit with beads before. I am so excited to have time to knit and relax.
Wow, I’m blown away by your schedule, and by the Kestrel 2019 Collection, too–those are some beautiful, simple tops. I can’t wait to try one.
So important to rest when you can, academia is exhausting! That pink yarn is everything!!
summer just seemed to ‘sneak’ up on us, but I’m eager to see that bright color translated into a DWJ-knit!
May I just say that I am new to your blog but I love seeing all the doggie cuddles. Your FOs are amazing and inspiring to me. Thank you for being you!
Finishing the Baby Kimono with hat and boots in Brown Sheep Prairie Spun DK. Next up is Cedar Point (L’Espace Tricot) in 29 Bridges Lichen and Hot Metal. After that the Calais Shawl as a wedding gift for my niece and then The Traveling Companion Shawl which I hope will be a good opportunity to use the bits and bobs.
Just recently “discovered” you and your sweet dogs! So inspirational and motivating.
I have been knitting since I was 4, per my mother, who was a professional needleworker in Denmark during the 1940s (the shop building was blown up during the Nazi occupation).
As a woman “of size” you are inspiring me to experiment and add more color!
Thank you for everything!