So, lately my email box has been inundated with "Christmas in July" offers and ads from craft sources.  I am not really a "Christmas in July" knitter.  I am more a "Late May in July" knitter — the astute among you will have noticed that I could not even get my "Christmas in July" post going until August…

But if I were looking to get a head start on my Christmas knitting, I couldn't ask for more inspiration than Andrea Rangel's fabulous and fresh Alter Knit Stitch Dictionary!  It has 200 charted motifs for stranded knitting that will get you out of your Fair Isle funk (if you happen to be there) — they are stunning!  Eye-popping geometries and a swarm of witty figured patterns that are sharp and sophisticated in design.  Spiders, bunnies, cactus, bicycles, elephants, sheep, owls.  Oh, and robots, zombies, pooping pigs, raccoon beside a garbage can, and "Cake or Death" — I could make a themed hat (or mitts or sweater…) for everyone on my list (and a few who are not!).

However, I am nor even ready to transition to Fall knitting yet!  

(And if I were, there is already someone squeaking for a garland of autumnal leaves!)

But, hold on there, Squirrel!  I am gripping the needles of my Summer knitting with both hands and will not be diverted.  Especially as I hold out some hope of finishing a couple of pieces before we get to the Beach this month. (Or maybe finishing them while we are there — which still counts).   I am only letting go to sip some Cold Brew coffee….or maybe to crochet a seahorse…or two…

To be appliquéd onto this fabric:

For a skirt.  A BEACH skirt!  I know, right?!

So, Squirrel, just hold on to your, um, acorns…Fall will be here soon enough.  Meantime, I have to get some sand between my toes and unfurl a beach shawl to the ocean breeze!