How's the temperature up there?

 See How Hot It's Getting?

Here's the year in my part of New Jersey, so far. I chose obvious colors to align with the temps. So far, I haven't had to use Knit Picks Wool of the Andes "Red," which is slated for temps over 98 F. 

I have been stressing mightily over the news reports of climate crises here and abroad. Even my beloved Vermont made the national news with reports of flooding. 

On a happier note, my friend Patty loved her Mara shawl. I asked to take a snap of herself wearing it at her Jersey Shore condo. 

I plan to continue summer crafting with my purchase of a mini loom and embroidery kit. 

Not much else to report for now. I plan to knit charity squares on vacation instead of focussing on a big project. I suppose I will have to bring my temperature blanket or risk falling far behind. 

Stranded

 The quick ombre hat is my first real attempt at stranded knitting. I did a little reading in my book about color knitting and purchased a yarn guide to wear on my finger (after the hat was completed). 

I learned that I shouldn't be so cavalier about following the pattern. After taking the time to do the ribbed band, I already screwed up my second project, the fake isle hat. I need to have the pattern on a stand in front of me and PAY ATTENTION. From far away, the hat doesn't look too bad. It's certainly wearable. If you look closely at the crown, you can see the little arrows line up instead of alternating. Damn! 

The temperature blanket is easily knit and quite colorful thanks to climate change. There are already two orange stripes, indicating temps over 89 degrees. 

The latest rabbit is a little better than the first two. Again, I need to be a little more methodical with the construction and not do it sitting in a lawn chair out back while listening to podcasts or audiobooks. 

I am determined to follow my advice: you must do something a hundred times before you're any good at it.