Carrots.
Remember the old cartoon trick of the dangling carrot, strung up from a fishing pole? Well, I've gotten myself some carrots. It's maybe the simplest way of tricking yourself to power through the tough times.... but really, whatever works. I guess this is the first time I've ever seen a cashmere carrot, though... and hopefully not the last!
![Link](//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif)
![Cashmere Merino from School Products](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sklDZt6ttyNKHV5zaa4UySvAag58UQEj-eceacSRMJUbjzyqh8RablNJy1Vm_xWOWt439snjwaYZhehjblLeQf8gyzdqAUJf4KShkRr9xz1bG08uPoOQMJwSbs6sJJgPY=s0-d)
It's been nose to the grindstone around here, finishing up my MFA (May is almost here!) and doing some hefty knitting work (soon, soon to show) and I kinda hit the wall a short while ago. After a few days in the dregs, strategizing the next couple of months, I got on the subway and went to one of my favorite NYC hideaways - School Products.
The oldest yarn shop in Manhattan, I like to drop by whenever I need a pick-me-up (Consumer Alert!) because you just never know what you're gonna get. (And you always find something) The folks at SP keep a steady stock of discount luxury fiber cones (primarily cashmere) Italy and sell them to us budget shoppers. As usual, I went in distraught and came out feeling refreshed.
![Cashmere Merino from School Products](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tuya1iMwiQH7LXLTl1M5k5OkjOphntRyFXS42FLOG-yPb9JSFzvDuYTwfPFLAIJfhmG-N5A44FwDGB2a9A8T5Zv6b6UQO2Fv6crrKt3xl4sBz4DGhvSk1rlm_kfFNLNA=s0-d)
Yes - refreshed by a sweaters-worth of Merino Cashmere (70 | 30) in the loveliest, smokiest shade of brown (I wouldn't have been surprised if it smelled like a campfire). And this, my friends, is my make-it-to-summer reward - a dreamy merino/cashmere sweater project for when life slows down. Until then, it's mounted like a monument on the shelf, in plain view, to keep me motivated. So far, it's working (I did cheat and swatch... although that only sweetens the desire. I love a good swatching session.)
![Shetland Sampler](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tWA-T2rWJSk_XFo4z615JcJkF3WuQ4kjtfhcaqIRg_uVOfz2NhkXJ6epozvfoMHzK1jbZ5k9l_m0HziTj00Aum9unkuARZaG9mAseLr2xG7NnXmiE3uhu-SruYYdQfMQ=s0-d)
The other sweet treat (don't they kinda look edible?) is one that I can enjoy throughout the coming weeks - I've been trying to implement small but regular batches of spinning time into my week (Some meditate, I spin). This little shetland fiber sampler from Jamieson & Smith is the perfect thing - small amounts in harmonious, all-natural shades.
If I can keep it consistent, I'd love to do some colorwork with the finished yarns - it could make for a real knitting gem.
![Shetland Sampler](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uW8eKUVTFZvSXM_TZQLTjUcgUoCS4PEGPGZEaW90YXz_FsknIZqzV0YM381BFrbKCFsV17qJsGt7hRb8ed78uO1HSaTr__VcV720hsYBnwNTfKvgMnKkm1cu_bxpz9YrA=s0-d)
Shetland is my favorite fiber to spin (I know, I'm a broken record) and keeping things simple is my preferred philosophy on most things in life, so here's to some good spinning!
Carrots. It works.