When It Doesn't Feel Like Monday

Happy Labor Day! For those of you not in the United States, today is a federal holiday that celebrates organized labor. We are all home today, as schools and most offices are closed. But a long weekend also means that it doesn't really feel like Monday, and that's not really a bad thing.

I don't have too much planned for the day, which is just as well because it's supposed to rain pretty much all day long. Rainbow just left with my father to go downtown for our city's Labor Day parade (one of the biggest in the country), and I'm going to put on a raincoat on go for my walk in a bit. But the big thing I needed to get done today is already crossed off my list: This morning, I published two patterns, my first since early this year.

The Echinacea Hat on the left is actually a re-released. It was published in Knitscene last spring, but the rights have since reverted to me and I've updated it to include an additional size and an optional tubular cast-on. The Echinacea Cowl on the right is brand new and coordinates with the hat. It has an optional tubular cast-on and bind-off and also is slightly wider at the bottom than at the top so that it sits nicely atop the shoulders. You can find both patterns in my Ravelry and Payhip shops, if you're interested.

My main focus for today, other than tackling a pile of laundry, is trying to finish up this pair of socks for my sister-in-law for her birthday tomorrow.

I have about half an inch of leg left to knit before I start the heel, so I think it's doable, particularly as I plan to spend the afternoon reading and knitting. If I can manage it, I'll block them tonight and drop them off tomorrow.

I have to end with a little bit of thankfulness for internet friends. On Saturday, I was surprised to receive a package inside which was this adorable mug rug that Katie quilted for me:

We are just getting into prime hot tea season, and I have a little teapot with a coordinating mug that will rest so perfectly on this little mat. But more than the utility of this little piece, I'm touched by how thoughtful it is. The internet can be a big, scary place sometimes, but it's also been an amazing way to make some wonderful friends!