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KNITTING UPDATE #48 + #49 | LIFE GETTING IN THE WAY OF THREE BIG WIPS

These last couple of weeks was a mess. I had so many plans, but then we went to the vet with our cat for her usual vaccinations and she turned out to be (very probably) carrying a virus. The next day we went to test our kitty, but he’s fine (for now). We will only know for sure in three months, but the news has been messing with my brain since, and the work flow I created last time I updated has disappeared entirely. I’m not sure why, but every time I feel like I’m getting my shit together, the universe conspires against me and fucks everything up. It has been quite discouraging and I wasn’t in the mood for an update last week. However, I’m trying my best to get back in the swing of things and I’ve got some stuff to show for it too. So let’s talk making now!

Pablo de kat

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KNITTING UPDATE #46 + #47 | ROUTINES AND CREATIVE PLANS

It’s been a little quiet over here, but that usually means life’s treating me well. And this time is no exception. I’ve been finetuning my routine over the last couple of weeks, which you may have noticed if you watched my Instagram stories. Based on the boyfriend’s work schedule, I plan five working days and two off days per week. On the working days, I start with household tasks (just because it makes me feel very accomplished haha), then I knit away on a single project for quite some time (as a treat for finishing the household stuff), and then it’s time for all the other shop-related tasks, usually from behind my laptop (such as writing this blogpost). On the off days, I don’t have to do anything and I’m allowed to knit on whatever I like. Even though it’s hard to take days off — I simply like working on Chain Twenty too much — I’ve noticed I also really need it. To clear my head, be creative, think ideas through, and start work again the next day fully re-energized.

Chain Twenty knitwear

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THE SAN AGÚSTIN FACECLOTH + PATTERN

You’re probably getting sick of me talking your ears off about my San Agústin facecloth design, but for the sake of completeness I’m writing this post anyway. 😉 And for those of you who are new, or somehow missed all of this: I designed and listed my first ever authentic piece of knitwear, both in physical and pattern form! It’s a facecloth. And it’s named after my Canarian “roots” a.k.a. the first place I lived when I just moved here (not even a year ago). So this is all about firsts and I hope y’all like to read a bit more about my first design experience.

San Agústin facecloth Chain Twenty

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KNITTING UPDATE #44 | SHOP THINGS ARE MOVING FORWARD

November already! This will be my first Winter on Gran Canaria and it’s still so sunny and lovely outside that I feel like it’s August. However, the realization that Christmas is next month really makes me feel rushed. Not because of gift knitting deadlines or custom gift orders, but because I set myself some goals for this year when it comes to Chain Twenty, and when I don’t meet them, I’ll have to start looking for a job. And Chain Twenty will be a side thing again. 🙁 BUT, this week I celebrated (three!) physical orders again: I sold both hand dyed yarn and knitwear. So shop things are moving forward pretty fast all of sudden, and I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am with that. In the meantime, I’m starting to prepare for the next shop update of November 20th.

Ozetta Autumn sweater

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KNITTING UPDATE #43 | GETTING THINGS DONE IN SOLITUDE

This week was a good week. Like a total sociopath, I cancelled all social stuff and stayed at home every single day. And it was goooood. I know this is totally incomprehensible to many people out there, but this is the only way for me to recharge my batteries. And if you read ‘Solitude’ — which is not a great, but still an inspiring book by Michael Harris — you’ll know that it probably isn’t at all the most damaging way to do so. So yes, I’ve channeled my inner solitude and worked on Chain Twenty like a crazy woman. Here’s to more of these kind of weeks!

Wool and the Gang 101 spots

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THE MAE SWEATER BY ANDREA MOWRY

It’s been a while since I finished what I can safely call one of the most successful garments I ever knitted. Obviously, I’m talking about my Mae sweater. That one many of you loved when I posted pictures of it on Instagram. It’s a stunning design by Andrea Mowry (@dreareneeknits) — who has loads more of amazing patterns for sale — with some color-block-and-long-sleeve-adjustments by yours truly. Wanna know how I made it (and how it looks on)? Read on.

Mae Andrea Mowry

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KNITTING UPDATE #41 + #42 | TRYING TO KEEP UP

We all have these moments. When we feel like we’re running after ourselves, trying to keep up with life’s pace. At least that’s me right now. My trip to The Netherlands, which I mentioned in my previous update, was quicky followed by a trip of my best friends to me, in Gran Canaria. We’ve had loads of quality time together, which is good, but carving out time to work on Chain Twenty has proven quite difficult. As many of you know, a handmade business takes an incredible amount of time, and combining it with having friends over fulltime is simply not possible. So that’s why I have been a little quiet, but just know it was for fun reasons! All the work I did got done mainly involved my latest shop update, which was / is super exciting! So read on if you’re interested.

We Are Knitters Petite Wool Spotty Grey

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KNITTING UPDATE #39 + #40 | HAND DYEING YARN AND SELLING PROGRESS KEEPERS!

Excuse me while I was being super busy traveling and watching friends get married! I’m typing this intro at the airport in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, because this is the first time since what feels like forever that I’m able to sit down, collect my thoughts, and write an update. One of the perks of planes getting delayed, I suppose. 😉 And in case you are wondering right now: yes, I got my knitting needles through security! So happy, happy day. Now let’s talk about what I accomplished knitting-wise since I last spoke to you (ages ago).

Coffee flatlay

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KNITTING UPDATE #38 | LOTS OF THINGS TO CELEBRATE

Last week has been one for the Happy History Books (not that I keep those, but if I did, last week would be a chapter in it). I did a shop update, published my first pattern, made my first sales, hosted a giveaway, gained a lot of new followers… just yay! Thank you guys all so much for supporting me throughout this journey, I’m so happy with how things are progressing lately! This is gonna be a looong post, so I better get started.

Wool and the Gang knitting needles

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