What's Tara been up to?

We love our team and could be considered a wee bit nosey sometimes…let’s see what Tara, who now writes our newsletters, is up to! Although you hear from her twice a month technically, we haven’t really heard about what she is doing. 

Interview

Tara, how are you doing? (this is a loaded question, so let’s keep it short).
Oh boy this is a loaded question and I will keep it short! Life has thrown a few curveballs our way and we have caught them head on.  All is good but I do have to say “Thank god for knitting!” It’s what’s kept me sane these days. 

What’s on your needles these days? Anything crochet?
I used to be a monogamous knitter. I’ve been swayed and influenced by those around me (nudge nudge) and now I have a crazy amount of WIPS on so many needles! I need to get back to my core value of one project at a time, but really there are so many beautiful things to make! Just call me a magpie knitter.  

Right now I’m working on Retro Rings using Leo & Roxy “Leo” sock as main colour and I’m so excited to use Juniper Moon’s Christmas minis from last year for the stripes.  Super duper excited for this Christmas in July (well started in July) make! 

I also am thinking about back to school (wishful?) and am knitting my daughter a striped simple sweater in Cascade 220 superwash. It knits up fast and this wool is so good for those who are fabric sensitive.  

As part of my knitting with friends (PSA I would strongly suggest if you don’t have a fabulous group of knitters in your life, find some to create a group!), I’ve started the Kuutar Tee on my smaller needles.  

And I’m part of a KAL making the Yoga Winter Sweater but had to pause as I need more Holst Lucia! By the way, if you haven’t tried this as an alternative to mohair or suri, I highly recommend.  

Last month I embraced crochet – I haven’t crocheted in years and basically had to reteach (is that a word?) myself.  As a team player, I decided to make a granny square bag using 40+ granny squares and 7 colours.  The bag is done but I have over 200 ends to weave in now. I think I may leave the inside looking like a shag carpet.  

As summer is half over, what are your plans for the rest of the season? Are you still making for summer or are you starting to plan for fall?
It’s crazy how fast the weeks are going! I still have a few tees in mind that I want to make such as another Tolsta tee, a skylights tee, and a skyline tee.  The yarn is caked, I just need to finish a few of those WIPs I mentioned.  

Fall is my favourite time of the year so of course I’m planning! I have a number of makes in the queue.  And it’s a long list.  Like I mentioned, there are so many beautiful things to make.  I think first up as a palette cleanser, I’m going to make another lento. 

What’s your favourite summer pattern? And any fall patterns you have your eye on?
I think it’s safe to say that my favourite summer pattern(s) are the Tolsta tee and ranunculus.  I also like making the simple sweater in short sleeves for a summer tee. 

Oh gosh, there are so many fall patterns I have in my favourites and library! I took advantage of a lot of pattern sales earlier this year so I’m prepared for the season.  Here are a few that are on my list to do: 

• I’ll be joining the KAL for Framed which starts this month
• Mabel Cardigan where I’m trying out possum yarn (yes you read that right)
• Tresse pullover (another one of Isabell)
• Test knit for Tif Neilan

Thinking of summer and pausing on our formal class schedule, is there anything you want to learn new,skills you want to elevate, etc?
How to effectively and efficiently weave in 200+ ends lol

To give more ideas to those who are organizing their yarn at home, what is your favourite stash busting project?
My absolute favourite is using PacificKnit Co’s doodle decks. These are the perfect stash buster and so FUN to make as you can either plan ahead or decide as you go. 

(disclaimer: I haven’t started the granny square chicken so that may be a contester)